Estevan Mercury 20240110

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

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Festival of Lights lit up Woodlawn and brought Christmas cheer to thousands Sky-high burnouts.

Santa Claus and his motorcycle put on a show.

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Looking ahead.

Coun. Travis Frank discusses plans for 2024 election.

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Police report.

Find out what the Estevan Police Service has been up to in 2024.

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New franchise record.

Estevan Bears enjoy a great start to this year.

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Fresh Air Fitness had a festive display that people could walk through. Photos by David Willberg

By David Willberg Woodlawn Regional Park’s seventh annual Festival of Light served as a showcase of the ability of local businesses and organizations to create stunning displays using Christmas lights and other decorations and props.

The event ran from Dec. 17-Jan. 1 at the park’s main Souris River campground. Approximately 50 different businesses, service groups and other organizations were involved, which is a similar number of participants as last year.

“The displays were great,” said park business manager Maureen Daoust. “It is kind of challenging for people that return year after year for them to come up with new ideas or to see what they’re going to do. Some businesses just said ‘Reach out

to us in 2024’ because they were either too busy or they were short staffed or they had some family commitments going on that they weren’t able to participate.”

The festival always has a few exhibitors that aren’t able to return for various reasons, but others step forward to take their place. People are grateful to the park for hosting the event each year.

“Without businesses and service organizations and local groups actually coming down and putting up a display, we wouldn’t have an event,” said Daoust.

There was not a competitive element or prizes handed out for the top displays. Daoust said it’s been too difficult to find impartial adjudicators over the years, so the focus has been on creating a fun event that spreads Christmas cheer.

“It seems like every time we go to any kind of group, they either know people or they’re part of a business, and it’s too hard for them to collect the data,” said Daoust.

It’s also difficult for the park to attract attendance. Woodlawn has employed a road counter in the past, but it doesn’t always work if it gets packed with snow. But Daoust estimates the number of people who passed through over the course of 16 days would be in the thousands, and many people went through multiple times.

There was a freewill donation box for people to help cover the costs of the Festival of Lights, and many made a contribution, but Daoust doesn’t know how much was collected. In the first couple of years, there wasn’t a place for donations, and A2 » EXHIBITITORS

Estevan Salvation Army received more than $131,000 in donation for Christmas campaigns

By David Willberg A late surge in donations allowed the Estevan Salvation Army to eclipse its fundraising goal for the 2023 Christmas campaigns.

Community ministries director Ronza Reynard said the community provided $131,500 through the kettle campaign and Christmas letter appeal, which surpassed the combined goal of $125,000.

The kettles generated $31,500, which was higher than the goal of $25,000, while the mail-ins fetched approximately $100,000, which matched their objective.

“We were a little nervous getting up to Christmas because we were still a ways away [from our goal], but in just that last weekend before Christmas and the week after Christmas, some donations came in,” said Reynard.

On Dec. 22, the ministry was about $14,000 shy of the $125,000 mark, but they knew they still had a couple of days remaining for kettles and a few days for

donations to be mailed in.

The Salvation Army had lots of people volunteering with the kettles.

Each year they have a few hiccups with having the right volunteers in the right places, but Reynard said everyone did great. Kettles were stationed at various locations in the community from Dec. 1-23.

“There’s a huge need in our community for the Salvation Army, for the food bank, for our backpack programs, for sending kids to camp … and our senior’s lunches. When we have a successful campaign, it makes it a little easier to plan our year, moving forward, of what we’re going to do, where we need to make changes.”

The food bank will be the Salvation Army’s top priority because it sees the most activity, she said. The Salvation Army received 13,000 pounds of food in the weeks prior to Christmas, ensuring the shelves are full to start 2024.

“The stuff that we have in there will take us through a couple of months, and A2 » FOOD

The kettle at the Southern Plains Co-op was filled with donations during this year’s campaign.

January 1 - 31 Draws - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday at 9PM

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A2 January 10, 2024

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Ludwig looks ahead to 2024 during mayor’s address In keeping with tradition, Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig opened the first meeting of Estevan city council of the year by delivering the mayor’s address.

Ludwig reflected on many of the highlights for the commun it y a n d t he City of Estevan during the past 12 months, including events that took place, accolades for local residents and developments for the community.

He was pleased to see the success of the V it erra Scotties Tournament of Hearts provincial women’s curling championship last Januar y and the SaskTel Tankard provincial men’s event in Februar y. Both e vents were at Affinit y Place and brought many people to the community.

The city reached threeyear collective bargaining agreements with CUP E Local 726, which represents the city’s unionized employees, and the Estevan Police Association, which is

Mayor Roy Ludwig delivered the mayor's address to open the first council meeting of 2024. the union for members of the Estevan Police Service.

The city also contracted Magna Engineering for a study on potential upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.

Ludwig also praised

Gordon More and the S o u t h e a s t Te c h h u b f o r More’s work with robotics and innovation.

The city is hopeful that a new MRI scanner will be approved for St. Joseph’s Hospital in the upcoming

provincial budget, and the city is still working with the province on a new nursing home.

“I’ve been on the … [new nursing home] committee from the beginning,” said Ludwig. “ We’re on

our 18th year. But we’re still optimistic, we’re still positive and we’ll continue to meet with the province and continue, hopefully, to move that project forward.”

The city continues to work on mental health and addictions issues, which remain a problem in the community. Under the guidance of the province, a new Community Safety and Well-being Group has been formed that meets once a month to discuss prevalent issues.

“As we look inward to some of the challenges, which sometimes are very painful, we realize that pain is part of the healing process to turn some of these issues around. We need all hands on deck. We need to collaborate with our federal and provincial partners, especially on the mental health and addictions side,” he said.

The city is also lobbying regarding the location of the first proposed small modular reactor in the province. A decision on a loca-

tion is expected this year; Estevan and Elbow are the perceived choices.

The city has a number of projects planned for this year, he said, including the completion of the new play structure at Churchill P laypark. Infrastructure upgrades will continue and the city will continue to pay down debt.

“Although we have the shelf-ready downtown project, we’re still waiting for further federal funding to complete the project,” he said.

Ludwig noted this will be the final year for the present council. He thanked the councillors and staff for their contributions to the community.

“I have enjoyed my time on council, and I would like to thank the community for their continued support,” said Ludwig, who has announced that he won’t seek re-election in the 2024 civic vote, meaning this would be his final mayor’s address.

Exhibitors showed creativity with displays

Brandt Truck and Tractor Estevan Minor Football used a lot of creativity for their display. « A1 people would ask how they could donate, and some even mailed in their support.

“In a lot of other communities, you’re charged by the person or by the vehicle to enter the displays, and we want to able to give back to the community, so even our big kick-off event of Christmas in the Park, people are welcome to come that afternoon and enjoy everything at no cost,” she said.

The festival was trimmed by

a few days this year, ending on Jan. 1 as opposed to a few days into January, as has been the case in the past. Daoust pointed out it can be tough to find volunteers during the Christmas season, when everybody has family activities and other things to do.

“It’s a long stretch for us to man because we have volunteers who go down every night to make sure the timers [worked], everything lit up and everything looks

Blischak Dental had one of the many brilliant displays this year.

good, and to take the donations from the box,” she said.

Since the park has run the festival longer in the past, some people reached out to find out how long the event would be this year.

“It’s always nicer when we can go a little bit longer, but at the same time, we felt like it was definitely long enough. It ran for two full weeks.”

A lot of exhibitors showed their creativity. Fresh Air Fitness,

for example, decorated the playpark area as a winter wonderland, and people could walk through and even take selfies.

Also new for this year was an FM station that was available for people to listen to while in the park.

It played a few Christmas songs, as well as greetings from the park and an acknowledgement of sponsors. Next year it might grow to include messages from the par-

ticipants, Daoust said.

Wo o d l a w n o n c e a g a i n launched the Festival of Lights by having a kick-off on Dec. 17 that included a variety of free activities, a fireworks display and the lighting of the displays.

Daoust noted some of the exhibitors have already said they will be part of the festival again in 2024, and she expects the festival will continue to be a popular event in the Estevan area.

Food bank expects to be busy in 2024 « A1 that helps offset some of the costs as well if we can keep up with the demand,” said Reynard.

Food hampers that were filled at Sobeys were to be dropped off on Friday, adding to the food stocks. The food bank isn’t lacking in anything right now, she said,

so any purchases it makes in the coming weeks will be fresh items they buy on a weekly basis to round out hampers.

The Salvation Army collected donations during the CP KC Holiday Train’s visit and the Christmas Eve Burn Out Hunger 24013SS0

event, when Santa Claus entertained a crowd aboard a Harley Davidson on an elevated platform. The latter event brought in 1,500 pounds of food and $2,400.

New for this year was Food Champions in November. Businesses collected food and took photos.

Siever, Fonstad and Erdman chartered accountants won the competition.

Businesses, organizations and teams had food drives. “ We ’re a l w ay s b u s y with hampers,” she said.

“The time of year does not matter now.”

There are a lot of people in Estevan who need a little extra help with their food budget and with groceries, Reynard said.

“We always say to people ‘We’re not supplying all of their groceries. This is an emergency food hamper to get you to whatever it is you need to get to, or to help offset the cost of something,’” said Reynard.

“We’re still seeing lots of people … every day, every week. And that number just

keeps going up. It’s surprising how many people in a week will phone us who have never used a food bank, and it’s great that people will make that call, set up an appointment, come in and see our family services worker, and let us help them out.”

Reynard said the Salvation Army knows times are tough for people in the Estevan area, so she is grateful for the support of the community before Christmas and throughout the year.

From left, Cheryl Moen and Harun Alas from Dunlop Hearing and Santa with food and toys collected by Dunlop Hearing for the Salvation Army.

Photo courtesy of Dunlop Hearing

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Family centre a busy place over Christmas break The Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre (EEYFRC) had a number of activities happening over the Christmas break.

Executive director Sydney Wanner said they hosted Estevan’s first Noon Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31.

Approximately 65 young people had the opportunity to experience many of the activities associated with New Year’s Eve, including a countdown, which occurred at noon and featured a balloon drop from the ceiling.

Kids were encouraged to wear fancy clothes.

“Families could come in whenever it worked for them and their [children’s] nap times,” said Wanner.

“There was a bunch of stations and activities. There was a fun little photo booth with props.”

It was a fun activity for parents to do with kids during the day, since most kids that age won’t make it to midnight to ring in the new year.

The family centre also hosted its annual PJ Family Christmas Bash on Dec. 20.

Santa Claus was on hand, and there were kid-friendly activities and stations for those ages zero to five. It’s a bigger event that typically attracts more than 200 people to the centre.

The agency also recently received a donation from the

Agnes Garrioch and her daughter Ivy enjoyed Noon Year’s Eve at the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre. Photos courtesy of Sydney Wanner.

Estevan Strippers’ hockey club. Champion Technologies donated tickets to a Winnipeg Jets hockey game to the Strippers, who sold the tickets through a silent auction during last year’s Molson Spring Bust recreational hockey tournament.

The initiative raised $1,100, and the money was presented to the EEYFRC on Dec. 21.

Wanner noted the money will go towards programming. The agency has started doing more for ages six to 11, and they are in the early stages of creating an outdoor

space that can be used during the summer. It would be in a grassy area next to the centre’s parking lot.

“We’re thinking about having all-natural materials to switch it up in Estevan. I know we have a lot of playparks in the city, but nobody

Participating in a cheque presentation from the Estevan Strippers to the family centre were, back row, Jeff Klausen, Misty Pennington, Keith Cassidy (with Jack), Mavia, and seated, Sydney Wanner and Barrett Pennington. has all-natural. Everything would be made out of wood and it would be built into the hill. Cool things like that,” said Wanner.

Plans are expected to be released to the public in the next few months.

T h e EEY F RC a l s o

hopes to have a bowling event, a movie experience and more for the kids ages six to 11.

The donation is among those the Strippers make each year through the funds raised at the Spring Bust tournament.

Breast cancer screening bus kept busy in Estevan The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s (SCA) mobile mammography bus is currently in Estevan, giving women over the age of 50 the opportunity to be checked for breast cancer.

The bus has been at the Hotel Estevan’s parking lot in east Estevan since Jan. 2 and will remain until Feb. 16. Laurie Pearce, an early detection co-ordinator with the agency’s breast cancer screening program, said all of their appointments for January are booked, but there are still some available for February.

People can book an appointment by calling 1-855-584-8228.

The bus is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and for a brief period on Friday mornings.

The bus technicians are from Saskatoon and travel home for weekends.

Pearce is pleased with the response from people in the Estevan area.

“Women get their invite letters about six weeks prior to our visit, and most women, they’ve been

on the bus before, and they know approximately when it’s coming again,” said Pearce.

The SCA usually has a very good response in terms of filling all appointments in Estevan.

“It helps us determine how long we should be in the community,” said Pearce.

Pearce said a screening mammogram can detect changes in a woman’s breast before she can see or feel them. She compared the test to going to the dentist or an optometrist when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.

“S creening mammograms are for healthy, well women, so if women are experiencing a symptom of [breast cancer], they would need to go to see their doctor or their nurse practitioner to discuss those concerns, but if they’re feeling healthy and well, then they can certainly book with us,” said Pearce.

“It’s self-referral by calling our toll-free number. They don’t need a physician or a nurse practitioner’s referral to book with us. And it’s a quick test. It takes about 20 minutes

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency's mobile mammography bus has been stationed in Estevan since Jan. 2. in total for the whole process, from the time they get on the bus to the time they leave.”

People are appreciative about the efforts of the agency and the people who work in the screening bus.

“Women are very happy to be able to have this test done closer to

home, just like any test they might need, rather than having to travel.”

The bus goes out to over 42 sites in the province, appearing in communities every second year.

It comes to Estevan in evennumbered years. Pearce said this is a program provided by the cancer agency for many years.

The Energy City is one of several stops for the bus in southeast Saskatchewan to start the year. It will also be at the Carnduff Park from Feb. 20 to March 6, and the Carlyle Curling Rink from March 6-28. According to the SCA’s website, the Carlyle location is new for this year.

There is still time to submit your Babies of 2023 photos Did you welcome a baby into the world in 2023? If so, you’re encouraged to submit your baby photo for the Estevan Mercury’s Babies of 2023 special.

One of our favourite promotions of the year, Babies of 2023 will be

published in the Jan. 17 edition of the Mercury and feature dozens of joyous photos of babies and, in many cases, their family members. There is no cost to run a photo.

Every year we ask parents to send to us pictures of their brand-new

bundles of joy. All submissions need to include the baby’s name, date of birth and the parents’ names.

Local businesses and organizations are eager to support the promotion as well by advertising.

People can submit their baby

photos, and businesses can advertise by emailing contests@estevanmercury. ca or kball@estevanmercury.ca. Baby photos can also be dropped off at the Mercury office at 68 Souris Avenue North. The photos and the ads will be uploaded to our provincial news

hub at sasktoday.ca and shared in a photo album.

The deadline to submit a baby photo is Jan. 12, 2024.

People can also put their baby announcements in the paper for free at anytime after their child’s birth.

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Seeking extra public feedback for play structure was a positive move It was a relatively simple request made at the final meeting of Estevan city council in 2023.

Coun. Kirsten Walliser suggested giving the public the chance to vote on two potential options for new play equipment at the Churchill Playpark. The potential choices were under budget and very close in terms of cost. It helped that parks manager Shannon Wanner said she had no problem with receiving votes from the public.

A total of 246 responses were received from Dec. 21 to Jan. 3, with most people siding with the initial top pick. Estevan city council went along with the public's desires.

The number of responses might not seem like an overwhelming amount, but it should still be viewed as a positive number, especially when you consider the timing. The survey went out the day before Christmas vacation started in the schools, and people aren't necessarily thinking about playground equipment in late December and early January.

It should be an indicator to the current and the future members of Estevan city council that this is a reasonable practice in the right situation.

Delaying the project for public feedback wouldn't always work. But the play structure is a project that people in the community care about, particularly those who live in the south-central and southwest areas of the city.

The designs shared some similarities. And while

there is some sense of urgency to get the project completed, Wanner noted last month that the equipment could still be ready for the spring.

Would it be feasible to have a similar process for say, the water treatment plant chemical tenders or the public works vehicle fleet tender?

Of course not. You wouldn't have a strong enough response from the public, unless it was something really controversial.

But you can be sure that those who took the time to respond are glad they were given the opportunity by city council.

We've often urged the community to take the time to provide their thoughts when given the opportunity by council and other levels of government, and we've called the public out when they haven't. The budget deliberations

by Estevan city council are a perfect example of when the community has been unfortunately silent.

Some years council hasn't received any feedback. In other years, council has received a couple of correspondences.

(City council is currently looking for the public's input on this year's fiscal plan. If you have thoughts on a specific capital project, some of the other contents, the proposed two per cent increase in municipal property taxes or the lack of an increase in utility consumption rates, please let a member of city council know).

While the Churchill Playpark project is important, especially for families with young

children in the area, the budget as a whole should still generate more discussion.

We've seen council give other opportunities for people to express thoughts on projects, policies and more. Some have generated lots of debate and discussion. Others have not.

Sometimes it felt like a make-work project for the city because nobody responded.

And we've also seen times in which council made a decision without proper consultation.

Last year's short-lived policy for the walking track at Affinity Place was an example of when council should have sought people's thoughts, rather than making a decision and then being forced to change course when so many people weren't happy.

We need to respond when given the chance by city council, and to do so in a legitimate fashion. It's not good enough to yap about a decision on coffee row or on social media, where so many people refuse to use their real name. Take the time to call or email a member of city council or the city's administration.

If we don't respond, then that opportunity might not always be there. Why take the time to seek the public's opinion if they won't provide it?

So it is a good sign to have nearly 250 responses on a play structure in a park. And hopefully future public feedback surveys of this nature will draw a similar or even better response.

Happy new you?

The candy dish sits on the coffee table in the living room with remnants of thoroughly picked-over holiday treats. The milk chocolate candies have been consumed and there is a section of jujubes that has a high percentage of green candies left while the red ones are pretty much gone. Since I prefer the red ones, I suppose I am partially responsible for the imbalance. Speaking of imbalance, another holiday season has passed and I still haven't mastered the whole cracker-to-dip ratio.

There are things I won't eat any other time of the year, like spinach or crab, that when combined with cream cheese or sour cream become unspeakably delicious. I love the various dips that get set out at this time of year along with the assortment of snack crackers in which to indulge the calorie-loaded concoctions.

But as I approach the buffet spread out before me each year, I get stymied by the mental math needed to ensure the correct number of crackers to eat the spoonful of dip I have placed on my plate.

Inevitably, I run out of crackers before I run out of dip, or I have leftover crackers sitting on my plate looking bare and forlorn because the dips have run out. A trip back to the table just complicates the problem because now there are superfluous crackers or dip to factor into the equation. Perhaps if I wasn't so insistent on having both the dips and the crackers run out simultaneously, I wouldn't now be dealing with the post-holiday promises of shedding pounds, using my treadmill more, blah, blah, blah.

Entering the new year, these thoughts

Shelley Luedtke That's my outlook. are likely on the minds of more than a few.

Many news items focus on helping people live a better new year. Nutritionists and exercise specialists have encouraged people to embark on new lifestyles.

Financial planners have presented advice on how to get out of debt this year. Much of the talk has been on new starts – new beginnings – that are often spoken about as January rolls around.

My sister tells the story of when she lived in B.C. and we put her four-year-old niece on the phone one Jan. 1. The child proudly proclaimed, "Happy New You!" There is some validity to that misspoken statement. As the new year rolls around, the focus of our thoughts changes significantly. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, there is a greater focus on others.

We increase our charitable giving, we're more likely to volunteer (especially with agencies and organizations that run special Christmas programs) and our thoughts often centre on family and friends. Then, in the space of a week, the attitude changes and we are asked to take a more introspective look at ourselves and tackle the "less and more" areas of our own life.

The "happy new you" encourages us to spend less, eat less or complain less; or on

the flip side, to exercise more, sleep more or save more money. There's no doubt these are responsible, healthy things to focus on but I wish the shift between Christmas and the new year could be more gentle, more gradual, between the emphasis on others to the emphasis on self. A better cracker-to-dip ratio, if you will.

The right ratio creates the best results. It can't be all about us, nor can it be all about someone else. Devoting sufficient time and attention to our health and responsibilities will give us the energy and motivation to do what we can for others.

Getting that balance isn't always easy but is most certainly necessary. Too much dip overpowers the cracker; too much cracker won't bring out the best of the dip. We cannot give away what we do not possess, and we can't take care of others unless we ensure we are taking care of ourselves.

As you consider any promises or resolutions you may have made, take a second look at your motivation. If losing weight is about getting into your skinny jeans again, it probably won't be as successful as if your motivation is to live a longer, healthier life for yourself and those you love. Those financial goals are more attainable if they are about providing stability and a foundation for a family rather than simply about collecting more stuff.

We can anticipate the "happy new you" while still embracing the ideals we felt were so worthy just a couple of weeks ago. Getting the right ratio takes some time and practice but when we get it right it makes life so much tastier. That's my outlook.

www.SASKTODAY.ca

January 10, 2024 A5

Santa Claus thrilled with motorcycle skills

Santa Claus performed burnouts for the crowd. Photos by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Santa Claus was elevated high above the city.

A large crowd gathered to watch the show.

Santa checked to make sure is motorcycle was ready.

Santa Claus continued his tradition of riding through Estevan while aboard a Harley Davidson on Christmas Eve, but this year there more attached to his appearance.

After riding through the city to

the delight of many people, he went to the parking lot of the Power Dodge Curling Centre, where he encouraged people to help him burn out hunger.

More than 100 people watched as he and his motorcycle were loaded onto

a platform and lifted high into the air. He then proceeded to perform a burnout.

People took photos and videos of the spectacle. Some cheered him by honking horns. A lot of

people watched from inside their vehicles, while others were outside on the December afternoon.

After the burnout, Santa got off the bike, waved, wished everyone Merry Christmas and thanked

the crowd for showing up.

The Estevan Salvation Army, with support from the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, was accepting donations of food and cash for the food bank.

City council receives reports on pickleball, play structure

By David Willberg The potential for new pickleball courts in Estevan will be decided by the city’s next council.

The current city council received information on the sport during Monday night’s meeting. Leisure services manager Erin Wilson presented two recommendations to council.

The first would be to invest $4,000-$5,000 to paint permanent pickleball lines on the existing tennis courts.

Wilson reported there are concerns from the tennis club regarding the number of lines on the court and how that would impact tennis play and members.

The proposal for new lines would shift the pickleball courts from facing northsouth to east-west.

“This will allow for more courts to be places in the area, but lines could become concerning,” said Wilson.

The other option would be to allocate $175,000 in the 2025 budget for the construction of three pickleball courts between the skateboard park and existing tennis courts.

Wilson reported facilities manager Dan Kroeker has researched the costs and predicted this would cover the costs of asphalt, pickleball surfaces, high chain-link fence and windscreen.

Wilson recommended the construction of the new courts, but council ultimately decided that it should be the next city council that decides the fate of the new courts.

Coun. Shelly Veroba said she has spoken with people from the pickleball and tennis clubs and they did not want to have additional permanent lines on the existing court. In the meantime, the pickleball club can continue to paint temporary lines on the tennis courts.

“We should not make the motion right now of what to put in the 2025 budget, but

we can make the motion to move it to the 2025 budget, and it will be the new council’s decision as to whether they proceed or not,” said Veroba.

Some council members noted how the city has worked with other users groups’ large projects in the past, and suggested the club help with some fundraising. Coun. Travis Frank hinted at selling naming rights to the facility.

“It’s something we would expect of hockey or other sports,” said Frank.

Having a pickleball court would be a “fantastic” addition to the community, Frank said.

Coun. Lindsay Clark recommended council give the club some clear direction on how much money they should raise, and if they raise it all quickly, then the project shouldn’t have to wait for next year.

Coun. Rebecca Foord wanted to know if the city has been in contact with other communities like Weyburn that have shared tennis and

pickleball facilities. Wilson said most of her conversations have shown a challenge with combined tennis and pickleball courts.

“If we are looking at this and looking at separating it, it probably is in our best interest,” Wilson said.

Wilson noted the Estevan Pickleball Club is a relatively new organization that was formed in 2019 and now has 48 members.

She described pickleball as an “up-and-coming sport” that is a “fantastic opportunity” for the community to enjoy physical activity, exercise and socializing.

Also at the meeting, council awarded the tender for the new play equipment structure at the Churchill Playpark to 1-Stop Playgrounds for $298,736.52. The purchase was brought forward at council’s final meeting of 2023 last month, but they tabled the request for a public survey to be conducted by the city.

The survey was online

from Dec. 21-Jan. 3, and residents could vote on two options. A total of 246 surveys were received.

In a report to council, Jacquelyn Massey-Rounds, the city’s marketing and communications manager, said most of the survey participants fell into the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups. Seventy-three per cent said they were Churchill Park patrons while 18 per cent were not users of the park.

Two-thirds of respondents were in favour of the 1-Stop Playground design.

When the matter was brought forward last month, parks manager Shannon Wanner said the 1-Stop Playgrounds design was excellent.

The two different age composite structures are far apart. The swing set, placed in the middle of the two composite structures, is accessible. If parents have a special needs child who like to use the swings, then it is safe for them.

“It has a couple of elements the city does not have,

like a barrel spinner, buddy car and climbing net. It has ample space for parents and caregivers to sit under shade.

The buddy car is wheelchair accessible,” Wanner said at the time.

Coun. Kirsten Walliser, who suggested taking the survey to the public, thanked those who responded to the survey.

“Shannon was spot on with her recommendation,” said Walliser. “I think it’s really built excitement about the pool that’s already available, but also what’s coming this year. I know the kids in the community are going to keep a close eye for what’s available.”

Council also awarded a tender for two 2024 half-tonne pickup trucks to Murray GM Estevan.

The dealership met all the specifications and criteria.

The bid was $64,644.61 per truck, plus tax, and will replace units in the public works fleet.

Firefighters called to home with high CO levels Members of the Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) had a handful of incidents during the final days of 2023, and they have already had their first call for service for this year.

Fire Chief Rick Davies said the most serious issue was a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm on Christmas Day at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Firefighters responded and detected higher CO levels.

“There were numerous occupants that were complaining of being ill,” said Davies.

Fire crews ventilated the home and SaskEnergy was called to investigate the cause. Occupants were taken to hospital, Davies said, and he believes everyone was okay.

In an email to the Mercur y and SaskToday, SaskEnergy said its technicians ruled out natural gas appliances as the source of the CO problem. Due to customer privacy, SaskEnergy

cannot release the results of its investigation.

When SaskEnergy receives a CO call, it says it investigates to locate the source by running and testing all natural gas appliances. If CO is present, and they detect the location of a leak to be sourced from natural gas, the area is ventilated to a zero reading and the appliance is red-tagged and referred to the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan gas inspectors for further investigation. If someone on site appears ill, SaskEnergy recommends they seek medical attention.

In other recent news for the EFRS, firefighters were called to a commercial fire alarm in northeast Estevan early on Dec. 20. Crews responded and determined an emergency wasn’t taking place, but there was a problem with the sprinkler system in the building. Management was tasked with addressing the issue.

On Dec. 26, firefighters were dispatched to a commercial fire alarm in central Estevan. Davies said they responded, determined it was a cooking-related incident, assisted in ventilating the building and ensured the fire alarm system was reset.

Crews were called for an elevator rescue in the central part of the city on Dec. 27.

One occupant was assisted from exiting the elevator without incident.

Firefighters were called to a chimney fire at a residence in north Estevan later that day. The homeowner had extinguished the fire just before firefighters arrived.

“Crews inspected and confirmed that the fire was, in fact, extinguished, so it was turned back over to the homeowner to get repairs completed,” said Davies.

On Dec. 31, firefighters were called to an alarm in northwest Estevan. Nothing was found to be wrong after an investigation, and Davies

said he believes the incident was due to a faulty detector in the building.

The first call of 2024 was an odor of something burn-

ing at a residence in south Estevan that came in on Jan. 4. Crews responded, the scene was investigated and nothing was found. Davies

said the call was likely due to an issue with HVAC units.

The owner was instructed to contact a plumber to investigate the problem.

24012JJ0

A6 January 10, 2024

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Flashback – Jan. 12, 2000 Youngsters taking beginner art classes from Jannit Bazin in January 2000 did some lifelike drawings during their first Saturday morning arts council-sponsored class at the leisure centre. From left are Eden Longbottom, Brady Johnson and Michelle Sinclair.

Sun Country Hearing has expanded to serve you better!

Come find us at our new location at 1320 3rd Street, Estevan

1320 3rd Street, Estevan, SK (306) 636-3277 www.SunCountryHearing.com SCH@SunCountryHearing.com

BUSINESS A7

Melanie Tribiger Hearing Aid Practitioner Clinic Owner

3

1320 3rd Street, Estevan, SK

| Wednesday, January 10, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

(306) 636- 3277

SCH@SunCountryHearing.com

CF Sunrise salutes YouthBiz winners CF Sunrise has announced the winners for the 2023 YouthBiz entrepreneurship competition for students in southeast Saskatchewan.

A total of $4,300 in prize money was presented to young people for their efforts to develop a business idea and build financial literacy skills, while showcasing their creativity by designing a website and other digital materials.

The contest is open to students in Grades 6-12. This year, 286 students from 13 schools in the southeast participated in the contest, which was made possible by the support of several sponsors.

“Once again, we’ve had tremendous response to this long-running youth business contest,” said CF Sunrise general manager Andria Brady.

“These young people have worked very hard to build financial and digital literacy skills, develop their knowledge of the business world and explore entrepreneurship.

“Many have said that this experience has inspired them to start a real business, and that’s great news. We find that the teachers really support the students as participation does align with their curriculum outcomes as well.

“This is the 17th year for YouthBiz and over the years we’ve seen over 3,200 young people in southeast Saskatchewan discover the world of small business. Pretty incredible results.”

The YouthBiz contest encourages students to explore the business world by developing skills needed to be an entrepreneur. They write about a business idea that they’ve imagined or already operated, and evaluate the potential profitability of their venture. In recent years, the digital world has become an important part, with website development being a requirement.

In the Grade 6-8 division, first place went to Fast Feet Studio from Carievale School.

Xis Crafts from St. Michael

School in Weyburn was second, and Picture Perfect Photography at Midale Central School was third. Kevin Butz’s Grade 6 class at Weyburn’s Assiniboia Park Elementary School won the Classroom Award.

For Grades 9-12, first place went to Top Shelf Sticks & Skates from Midale Central School. Two projects from the Carnduff Education Complex, Cactus Cut Vintage and the Book Nook, came in second and third, respectively.

The top business plan award went to Sweets & Treats Co., which is the Junior Achievement class at the Weyburn Comprehensive School.

Achievement awards were also given to students whose entries displayed outstanding qualities worthy of special recognition for websites, audio promotion, social responsibility, brochures, social media, and marketing and a slogan.

CF Sunrise expects YouthBiz to return in the fall of 2024.

CF Sunrise executive director Andria Brady, right, presents a certificate for top project in the Grades 6-8 division to Fast Feet Studio. Photo courtesy of CF Sunrise

Coun. Travis Frank won’t seek re-election A second member of Estevan city council has announced he won’t seek re-election in the civic election in November.

Coun. Travis Frank made the announcement in a news release issued Friday afternoon.

Frank, who was first elected in 2016, has spent eight years on city council. He will remain on council for the rest of the current term.

“I am so grateful to have been elected to serve the community for the past two terms, starting out as the youngest member known to have been elected to Estevan city council,” he said. “Now, as my wife and I shift our focus to growing our respective businesses and our family, I have decided that it is time to let someone new take my seat, with fresh new ideas

to help move Estevan forward.”

Frank said when he first ran in 2016, he had three goals: improve beautification, start work on economic development and continue to reduce the city’s debt.

“Today, the improvements to our city’s beautification are countless. New murals all across town, improved parks and green spaces, the walking paths and the upcoming downtown revitalization project make our community a more welcoming and enjoyable place to live,” he said.

The city has moved from having no economic development staff or plans to having what he called a thriving team and some of the strongest business incentives in the province.

“Ec. dev. is no doubt a long-term project, and with

the challenges Estevan faces, it is definitely an uphill battle, but I truly believe we’re starting to see sunshine through the clouds, and am grateful we have laid the groundwork necessary to see new opportunities come to our corner of the province in the years to come,” he said.

Frank believes there is “no question” the continued strategy of debt repayment has been successful. He noted the city has gone from just under $40 million in debt in 2016 to a little over $12 million today, while still upgrading almost every city-owned facility.

“My hope is that the community can be debt-free by 2030 with our infrastructure in great condition so that as changes to our local economy come, we are prepared and set up for success,”

Orpheum to host tribute to Canadian music legend

An upcoming concert at the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan will pay tribute to a Canadian music legend.

Saskatchewan musician Jack Semple will bring his Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot show to the Orpheum on Feb. 17, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Semple is no stranger to local music fans, having performed in the Energy City on numerous occasions, including some shows at the Orpheum.

“Jack Semple, with his mesmerizing guitar skills and emotive vocals, channels

the essence of the legendary Canadian folk icon Gordon Lightfoot,” the Orpheum said in a Facebook post.

The Orpheum said Semple takes the audience on a musical journey through Lightfoot ’s greatest hits, such as If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

“Each note and every word resonate with a passion and authenticity that made Lightfoot’s music timeless.

Whether you’re a long-time

fan of Gordon Lightfoot or discovering his music for the first time, this tribute concert promises an evening of pure enchantment.”

Lightfoot died last May at the age of 84. The Canadian musician found international success in folk, folk-rock and country music. He was also an acclaimed songwriter whose music was recorded by leading musicians.

Tickets are $45 each and available at Henders Drugs and at the Orpheum Theatre by calling 306-634-3409.

The South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s board gathered in Weyburn on Dec. 20 for its most recent monthly meeting.

During a roundtable discussion at the opening of their business session, SECPSD trustees spoke about Christmas concerts they had attended at some of the schools they represent and how entertaining the shows proved to be.

Chair woman Audrey Trombley mentioned the board’s annual meeting with their regional MLAs and the minister of education. She noted the main topic that was discussed was the continuing budget struggles within the division structure and within the province.

D i re c t o r o f e d u c a tion Keith Keating brought members up to date on ad-

ministrative procedures that are undergoing minor changes, including accreditation of teachers, credits for students doing volunteer work and the new provincial flag protocols that require schools to fly the provincial flag on their grounds.

He noted this may require additional flag poles or other construction moves to meet the fresh requirement at some schools.

Chief financial officer Shelley Toth gave a brief summary of the division’s financial position in the first quarter. She noted that at this early stage, there weren’t many significant twists or changes that weren’t anticipated.

She said that 40 per cent of the funds budgeted for asset additions have been spent, with the only adjusted area being one projected for the purchase

of school buses, where they are showing a figure over-budget.

She said funds have been designated within the current surplus to cover that cost.

The early budget, she said, shows an upward adjustment in revenue of nearly $278,000 while all expenses are projected to be the same as what has been set in the budget, except for one overage of just over $31,000 for external services for a program designer at the Early Years Family Resource Centre in Estevan.

The SECPSD board members will gather for their first meeting of 2024 in the conference room at the division’s head office in Weyburn on Jan. 17, with the public portion of the session beginning at 1 p.m.

The public portion of these sessions is live-streamed.

Cornerstone board gathers for December meeting

Frank said.

As the civic election approaches, Frank said he would encourage anyone who’s ever considered running for city council to reach out to him or any other member to learn more about the role.

“This is our city, and there will always be a need for strong community members to step up and offer their insight and ideas to help navigate challenges, grow and succeed. I am forever grateful to those who have put their trust in me these past eight years and look forward to new ways I can be of service in the future.”

Frank joins Mayor Roy Ludwig as current members of council who have announced they won’t seek re-election in 2024. Ludwig revealed late last year that this would be his final term after 12 years as mayor and 30 years on council.

Travis Frank has announced his plans for the 2024 civic election. Photo courtesy of the City of Estevan

The Estevan Mercury presents

our abies B 3 2 0 “2 ” r a e Y of the ection s

This is your chance to put your baby announcement in the local newspaper for free!

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Baby Name: ____________________ Birth Date: _____________________ Parents: _______________________ Email to contests@estevanmercury.ca or Kball@estevanmercury.ca or drop off at 68 Souris Avenue.

Deadline: January 12, 2024

ENERGY A8

114 Perkins St, Estevan, SK Phone: (306) 634-3641

| Wednesday, January 10, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Sask. government not collecting carbon tax for home heating Both SaskEnergy and SaskPower have removed the federal carbon tax from home heating, effective Jan. 1.

The provincial government says this will result in savings for approximately 98 per cent of Saskatchewan families who were left out of the federal government’s decision to exempt the carbon tax on home heating oil in 2023.

“Our government is ensuring fairness for Saskatchewan families by removing the federal carbon tax on natural gas and electric heat, just as the federal govern-

ment has done for families in Atlantic Canada by removing the carbon tax on heating oil,” Crown Investments Corporation Minister Dustin Duncan said. “By extending carbon tax relief to Saskatchewan families who were left out in the cold by the federal government, our government is protecting Saskatchewan families’ ability to afford to heat their homes this winter.”

According to the provincial government, the removal of the federal carbon tax from SaskEnergy bills will save the average Saskatchewan family approximately $400 in 2024.

Heating accounts for up to 60 per cent of power consumption during the winter months for customers who rely on electric heat, so SaskPower will eliminate the carbon tax on that heating by reducing the federal carbon tax rate rider on their bills by 60 per cent. This will benefit approximately 30,000 SaskPower customers, reducing their power bills by an average of $21 per month through the winter.

Customers will still see a federal carbon tax charge on their January utility bills for natural gas or electric-

ity used for heating that they used in the month of December. The federal carbon tax will be zero billed, appearing as both a charge and a reversal credit, on bills for usage on and after Jan. 1.

For SaskEnergy customers on an equaliz ed payment plan, equalized payment amounts will be adjusted beginning in February.

Customers who believe that they are incorrectly being charged the federal carbon tax can contact SaskEnergy at 1-800-567-8899 and SaskPower at 1-888-757-6937.

Crown Investments Corporation Minister Dustin Duncan

Cornerstone board delves deeper into cybersecurity Delivering information throughout the South East Cornerstone Public School Division in a safe and secure fashion is no mean feat.

Sixty years ago, it was mainly done with pen, paper, dial-up telephones and a lot of verbal messaging, along with white chalk on blackboards.

Those tools bear no resemblance to what is utilized today to deliver information while keeping schools and their cyberworld secure in South East Cornerstone.

Brian Belinsky, manager of information systems for Cornerstone, was in the division’s boardroom in Weyburn on Dec. 20 during a general business session to explain how the various loads of information are transmitted while maintaining a secure system of communication in today’s world.

Belinsky led off his presentation by pointing to some statistics on a screen that showed that ransomware breaches grew by 41 per cent in North America last year. Fiftyfour per cent of organizations experienced cyber attacks in the last 12 months, while 34 per cent of the data breaches in the education sector involved online phishing. He noted that outdated software and unpatched systems are the common entry points for cyber attacks, and therefore cyber security training continues to be

a vital component to enhance security within educational systems and institutions.

Citing some examples from a recent webinar he attended, Belinsky added how security breaches are becoming commonplace on mobile (handheld) devices and found the information gathered at this session as being “extremely insightful”.

Extra levels of security can be attained by improving password codes and understanding the lack of cyber security while using more public Wi-Fi sites, he said.

As a result of the growing concerns, patching is done weekly within Cornerstone now, not monthly, and “senior leadership saw the value” of having a tightened security system.

While teaching and administration work has not been “cut in half ” by cyber systems, it “can make things easier or better”, Belinsky said, before introducing a series of photos on screen showing the faces of Cornerstone’s 10-member cyber information team.

Belinsky rolled through dozens of examples of the role these information systems play in education, such as accessibility, efficiency and optimizing resources, as well as enhancing learning experiences, global reach outs that included exchanges and datadriven insights.

“In an increasingly digital world, exposure to and proficiency in information systems are essential skills for students,” said Belinsky, a former teacher.

“Integrating systems into education prepares students for future academic pursuits and careers where digital literacy is often a prerequisite.”

Belinsky took some time to discuss the support systems for the delivery of information within the division that included not only the education system, but also the business and enterprise side of the division’s activities and the core of the process that makes it all work effectively, including back-up systems.

The benefits are many, he suggested, since strong cyber information systems allow for better resource management, improved decision making, community engagement and

five and 10 megabits per second, whereas now they have a minimum of 10 at one school with most schools having at least 200 megabits per second. Another four have 500 mbps, and the Estevan Comprehensive School boasts of one gigabit per second, since it is home to the back-up security system among other elements that can be brought to the table for security and information that will enhance education now and into the future.

Near the end of his pre-

sentation, Belinsky added, “there is engagement in all sectors of our world. We can use this to engage kids, drive kids,” to fresh understandings of global communications.

In thanking Belinsky, Cornerstone board chairwoman Audrey Trombley noted how beneficial it was for board members to learn about all the complications that can arise in that sector and have some comfort in knowing that assistance is available, “when we need it.”

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Police make arrest for parental abduction case The Este van Police S er vice, in conjunction with the RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), assisted the RCMP from Alberta with a reported parental abduction that occurred Dec. 17.

A warrant for the arrest of a woman was sworn in Alberta on Dec. 21, with multiple charges relating to child abduction.

EPS and IBET members located a 27-year-old woman and her three children, all under the age of 10, at a motel in downtown Estevan. She was taken into custody without incident.

The children were all found to be in good health a n d a r r a n ge m e n t s we re made to reunite them with their father who has legal custody.

The woman is being held in custody pending arrangements to transport her back to Alberta to face the charges.

The names of those involved are not being released to protect the identity of the children involved,

enhanced security.

He also talked about choosing the right systems for the needs of the organizational goals, budgets and technical infrastructures.

Implementation considerations were then discussed, as were system challenges and solutions.

Belinsky spoke about how some more remote schools in the division have been challenged by lack of access to stronger Wi-Fi outlets, but that is being covered now by provincial assistance and, he said, 17 Cornerstone schools received system upgrades this school year.

He emphasiz ed the importance of upgrades by noting that when he started on this journey in the division about 13 years ago, the schools were reporting cyber systems that were using three,

Frontier Place, Estevan 306-634-5555

said the EPS in a press release.

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• Souris Valley Pipeline Limited operates a High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Pipeline in Southeast Saskatchewan, a component of the gas is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S).

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

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Drilling Licenses 15 new licenses issued to Monday, January 8, 2024 311397

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Woodland Development Hz.............. 16-34-8-4

Rig Report 286555 Stampede Drilling.... Whitecap Resources......10-10-5-6 266357 Panther Drilling..... Whitecap Resources........ 3-22-6-12 302179 Betts Drilling.... Anova Resources.................. 9-34-3-2 300126 Stampede Drilling.....Crescent Point Energy... 1-12-7-11 307683 Precision Drilling..... Crescent Point Energy ...13-13-8-8 311674 Stampede Drilling..... Axial Exploration ..........16-5-1-32 9.7E+98 Stampede Drilling.... Harvard Resources...... 11-23-6-16 304444 Savanna Drilling..... Crescent Point Energy..... 3-6-10-6 303558 Savanna Drilling..... Crescent Point Energy ...13-22-8-11 308122 Foraco Drilling...... Burgess Canadian ............9-24-43-4 9.7E+133 Noble Well.... Burgess Canadian..................11-26-6-31 96363 Stampede Drilling....... Surge Energy ...............12-36-4-6 311686 Betts Drilling....... Burgess Canadian..............14-2-6-32 312511 Alliance Drilling..... Midale Petroleums ..........14-12-3-33 309459 Alliance Drilling..... Hummingbird Energy.......12-21-4-6 308536 Foraco Drilling...... Burgess Canadian.............12-24-43-4 308122 Foraco Drilling...... Burgess Canadian.............9-24-43-4 309003 Panther Drilling....... Vermilion Energy...........16-23-4-18

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305524 Stampede Drilling...... Surge Energy...............7-29-4-6

Phone: 306-848-0206 Fax: 306-848-0293

308546 Foraco Drilling..... Burgess Canadian .............16-23-43-4

308536 Foraco Drilling..... Burgess Canadian..............12-24-43-4

CLASSIFIEDS A9

| Wednesday, January 10, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

Celia McGillicky 1934 - 2023 Surrounded by the love of her family, Celia McGillicky passed away at the age of 89 years on December 21/23 at the Estevan Regional Nursing Home.

Celia was born on March 27,1934 in Gladmar, Saskatchewan to Maurice and Alice Tessier. She was one of seven siblings and at the age of two the family relocated to Estevan, Saskatchewan. She attended school in Estevan and after attending school she briefly moved to Manitoba to work in a little manufacturing facility sewing. After a year she then moved to Ontario and attended night school taking typing classes. With these newly acquired skills she obtained a job as a secretary in an office, and she resided in this position for 5 years. Around 1955 she relocated back to Estevan, Saskatchewan and worked at the General Hardware store for 5 years. During these five years, this is when she met her husband George and they proceeded to be married in 1959.

They began their life together and started a family. Later as the children grew older, she re-entered the work force and worked alongside her husband George in his business at Coulter & McGillicky. They worked side by side until the day they both retired in 1996. When Celia was a young girl, she enjoyed playing basketball and loved the sport. As she grew older, her children became her next passion, and she turned her interests to baking and cooking. When her children would come home from school, they would be met by “Mom”, with fresh baked buns and bread. This commitment and love for her family continued throughout her life. Sadly, at the age of 85 years, her husband George passed on. 7 years later she was re-united with her husband, but she will forever be missed by her loving family left behind.

Celia is survived, and will be lovingly remembered, by her six children; Randy (Sheila) McGillicky and children Christopher (Casstdy) McGillicky, Tyson (Tatum) McGillicky and Kyle (Danielle) McGillicky; Darcy (Jackie) McGillicky and children, Kelcy McGillicky (Nick Leptich) and Nolan McGillicky (Shay Humeniuk) ; Kevin McGillicky and son Karl (Josie) McGillicky; Lesa (Warren) Carriere and children, Meagan and Stephanie Carriere; Lori McGillicky (Rick Cruickshank) and children Darren (Madison) and Paige (Harley); and Denise (Darrin) Brooks and children, Bailey (Kaegan) Ozog, Riley and Sydney Brooks; daughter-in-law Gaylene McGillicky and children, Christie (Luiz Sousa), Cory (Kristy) McGillicky and Jodi (Carey) Beitel; 23 great grandchildren as well as numerous other family members.

Celia was predeceased by her husband George McGillicky, her son Guy McGillicky, her great grandson Charlie Leptich in infancy: her parents, Maurice and Alice Tessier (Dupuis); George’s parents, Roy and Pauline McGillicky; her 6 siblings, Phil, Henry, Armand, Everett, Bernadette and Dominic.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist RC Church, Estevan, SK with Rev. Thuy Nguyen presiding. A luncheon was held in the church auditorium following the service.

Those so wishing may make memorial donations in Celia’s name to the Estevan Regional Nursing Home Auxiliary, 1921 Wellock Rd., Estevan, SK S4A 2B5.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Celia’s family Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

Marty Regina Nicol (nee Fichter)

Monica Eva Mack (nee Mack) 1938 - 2023 Monica Mack, late of Estevan, SK, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Long Term Care, Estevan, SK at the age of 85 years.

Monica is survived by her brother Laurence (Eleanor) Mack; daughters, Debra (William) Haygarth, Wendy Achtemichuk and Colleen (Brian) MacDonald; grandchildren, Corey (Denise) Craddock, Kevin (Erica) Achtemichuk and Lindsay Achtemichuk; great grandchildren, Cooper and Mason Achtemichuk as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Monica was predeceased by her husband Lloyd Mack; parents, Sebastian and Helen Mack (nee Dies); siblings, Margaret (Ole) Wock, Katie (Peter) Wock, Lena (Edward) Mack, Ralph Mack (Donnell), Valentine Mack (Rita) and Joseph Mack (Marcia).

The Private Immediate Family Graveside Service for Monica will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Bienfait Cemetery, Bienfait, SK at 3:00 p.m.

In memory of Monica, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation (designate if to Long Term Care), 1176 Nicholson Rd., Estevan, SK S4A 0H3 or to the Estevan Humane Society, Box 1095, Estevan, SK S4A 2H7or online at http://www.estevanhumanesociety.ca.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Monica’s family - Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

Dwayne Gervais 1951 - 2023 Dwayne Gervais, late of Estevan, SK passed away at home on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the age of 72 years.

Dwayne is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Vickie Gervais (Wanner); their sons, Colin (Kim) and Clinton (Jody) and 2 granddaughters, Tiana and Talissa; siblings, Darryl (Pat), Denise (Jim), Mark (Leona) and Marvin (Annette); sisters-in-law, Trish, Karen and Marie Gervais; brothers-in-law, Bill Brooks, Robert Wanner and Michael (Bobbi) Wanner as well as numerous nieces, nephews and

many friends.

Dwayne was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Otillia (Fichter) Gervais; brother’s, Garry and Dennis; brother-in-law, Allen Wanner; nephew Colton Wanner and Vickie’s parents, Tony and Rose Wanner.

In keeping with Dwayne’s wishes, there will be no formal service at this time.

In memory of Dwayne memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan https://www.heartandstroke.ca Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care for Dwayne’s family Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

Larry Marvin Michael Heintz 1937 - 2023

Larry Heintz of Estevan, Sask. passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 29, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan at the age of 86 years.

Larry was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Pauline; brothers, Theodore and Clarence.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Margaret, and their seven children: Charlene (Greg), Aaron (Janice), Marvin (Charlene), Lorie (Jeff), Pam (Brian), Susan (Mike), and Dallas (Melissa); 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

As per Larry’s wishes, the Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Larry can be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, SK S4A 0H3 or online at https://www.sjhf.org.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for the Heintz family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Marty Regina Nicol (nee Fichter) passed away Dec. 5 after a brief illness at the Red Deer Hospice at the age of 92. Marty is survived by her 6 children; Alexis (Derek) Olinek, Jackie (Dave) Dicknoether, Sandra Nicol (Dave Shankowski), Georgia (Bruce) Witwer, Paula (Brian) Kelly, James (Ping) Nicol; 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren as well as sisters Otilia(Louie) Beaulieu and Ida Morrissey, sisters-in-law Bessie Creller and Marg (Don) Gee. She was predeceased by her loving husband Ray Nicol, sister Annie, 3 brothers Joe, Lawrence and Ted Fichter, granddaughter Amanda Walker, brothers-in-law Pat Morrissey and Reid Creller. A funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Dec. 11/2023 in Red Deer, Alberta Anne Johner 1929 - 2023 Anne Marian Johner passed away surrounded by the love of her family at Hillview Manor in Estevan, Sask. on December 25, 2023 at the age of 94.

Anne joins in eternal peace, her husband, Frank of nearly 60 years.

Her parents, Joseph and Katherine Tarnes, And siblings: Sister, Pauline Peters and brotherin-law, Henry Peters, Sister, Bernice Bespflug and brother-in-law, Johnny Bespflug, Brothers, Albert Tarnes and Dennis Tarnes Heidinger and

Brothers-in-law, Joe Stanley Fornwald Father and Mother-in-law Michael and Alice Johner.

Sister-in-law, Anne Kirby and brother-in-law George Kirby Sister-in-law, Rose Ross and brother-in-law Bill Ross Sister-in law, Tilly Symcox and brother-in-law Fred Symcox, Sister-in-law, Kay Zohner and brother-in-law Hugo Zohner Sister-in-law Louise Rasmussen and brother-in-law Ralph Rasmussen Brother-in-law Bill Johner and sister-in-law Louise Johner Brother-in-law Donald Johner Sister-in-law Jeannette Johner Left to cherish her memories are her 4 daughters: Anita Kjersem (Dave) of Estevan, SK; grandchildren, John Cloke (Morgan Bradshaw) of Blackfalds, AB, Sierra Downing (Aaron) of Calgary, AB, great granddaughter Katherine granddaughter, Courtney Hromadiuk (Mike) of Fort McMurray, AB. and great grandchildren Hannah and Colton Hromadiuk.

Cynthia Ritchie (Tim) of Saskatoon, SK; grandchildren Juliegh Clarke (Dave), of Saskatoon, SK, great grandchildren, Brooke and Linden Clarke and grandchildren, Michelle Ritchie (Fabio Magistris) of Edmonton, AB. Denise Johner (Jerry Bens) of Regina, SK, and grandchildren Alanna Ottenbreit (Thomas) of Regina, SK and great grandchildren Elijah, Wesley and Grace and grandchild, Porter Bens (Brigitte) of Regina, SK. and great grandchildren, Bentley and Navy.

Lorianne Edwards (Greg) of Barrhead County, AB and grandchildren Hayden Edwards of Morinville, AB and Bree Edwards of Athabasca, AB. Also mourning her loss are her siblings, Brother, Joe Tarnes and sister-in-law Jan Tarnes Sister, Dorothy Fornwald Sister, Marjorie Heidinger Sister, Margaret Norris and brother-in-law Dale Norris Brother Richard Tarnes and sister-in-law Betty Ann Tarnes Sister-in-law Bonna Tarnes Brother-in-law Bob Johner Sister-in-law Linda Johner and many nieces and nephews The Prayer Service was held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Hall Funeral Services in Estevan and the Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Estevan, by Rev. Thuy Nguyen. The Rite of Committal followed at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, after which a luncheon was held in the parish hall.

If friends so desire, donations in Anne’s memory may be made to the New Estevan Regional Nursing Home, 1201 - 2nd Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0M1 or Hill View Manor Activity Fund, 1401 - 1st Street, Estevan, SK S4A 2W7.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to the Johner family Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Lenora Elizabeth Fraser 1941-2023 Lenora Fraser passed away peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Special Care Home, Estevan, SK just days before her 82nd birthday.

Lenora was preceded in death by her parents John and Laura Waters and siblings Stan, Jane, Bernice, Dolores and Shirley.

She will be forever loved by her son William Fraser and his children Cory (Nicole Hagel) Fraser, Tyler Fraser and Kristen (Jordan) Cooper and daughter Diana (Lorne) Orser and their children, Kea (Aaron) Toles and Paige (Michael Sigvaldason) Orser.

Lenora will be greatly missed by her great grandchildren, Porter Fraser, Thomas Cooper and Riley, Blake and Amery Toles and the father of her children William (Vi) Fraser.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, Estevan, SK with Shirley Petterson officiating.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Lenora via a donation in her name may do so directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 917 A Albert St., Regina, SK S4R 2P6 or St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation (designate Dialysis Unit), 1176 Nicholson Rd., Estevan, SK S4A 0H3.

The family would like to give a special Thank You to the nursing staff of the Dialysis unit.

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

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

Saskatoon Farm Toy & Collectible Show at the Saskatoon Western Development Museum, January 19 - 21, 2024. Friday 5pm-9pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am4pm. Special features: Farm toys and scenes, construction equipment, vintage toys and much more!

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

Raymond Edward Wock 1945 - 2023 Raymond passed away at his home in Estevan, Sask. on December 17, 2023 at the age of 78.

Raymond’s memory will be forever cherished by his wife of 53 years, Joan Wock (Hodgens) and their children: son Kenneth and daughter Christina, and grandchildren: Riley Brennan, Leah Wock, and Kaley Bosch.

He will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings: Dave (Marilyn), Richard, Marilyn, and Bob. Raymond was predeceased by his son Steven; parents: John & Martha (Andries) Wock; brother George and brother-inlaw Marvin Woodrow.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Estevan, with Rev. Thuy Nguyen the celebrant. A luncheon followed in the parish hall, after which the Rite of Committal took place at the Estevan City Cemetery.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Raymond via a donation in his memory may do so directly to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation (designated to Renal Unit), 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, SK S4A 0H3.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to the Wock family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

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A10 January 10, 2024

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Legion draws winners in annual truck raffle A few Saskatchewan residents had an extra reason to celebrate on New Year’s Eve, thanks to the seventh annual truck raffle organized by the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Steven Cox of Qu’Appelle had his name drawn as the grand prize winner. Cox had the choice of taking home a 2023 Ford F150 XLT from Senchuk Ford or $50,000 cash; he selected the cash.

Sean Beaulieu of Estevan won the second-place prize of $10,000, and Steven Herbert of Mortlach was the winner of $5,000 for third.

The winners’ names were drawn during the legion’s New Year’s Eve party, with Kelly J. Gill and the Hired Guns providing the entertainment.

Several early-bird prizes were drawn in October.

All 1,500 tickets for this year’s truck raffle were sold and the legion plans to host the fundraiser again in 2024.

Steven Cox, left, accepts a cheque for $50,000 from Estevan legion treasurer Leonard Grube. Photo courtesy of Jim (Frosty) Forrest

Estevan police kept busy on New Year’s Eve Members of the Estevan Police Ser vice responded to a variety of calls on New Year’s Eve. Police received a request from the Regina Police Service to locate a 43-yearold man who lives in Estevan. Regina police had an arrest warrant for robbery for the individual. He was located and arrested. Efforts were made to have him remanded in custody and transported to Regina to appear in court on the matter.

Officers in Regina also requested that his 30-yearold girlfriend be arrested and remanded to Regina for court on the same charge.

Police learned upon lodging the 43-year-old man that the Saskatoon Police

Service also has arrest warrants for assault and breaching his conditions. Efforts will be made to have him remanded and transported to Saskatoon to answer to those charges.

Officers attended to a local liquor establishment to a report of an intoxicated man trying to start fights with patrons. Police attended and he was intoxicated to the point in which he couldn’t care for himself. He was arrested and taken to the police station. During processing for detention, the 57-year-old Estevan man headbutted one of the officers and is now facing a charge for assaulting a police officer. He was released when sober to appear in

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court on the assault charge.

Police attended to a call for mischief to a property and a disturbance in the Pleasantdale area. The matter is still under investigation.

Police checked a total of 26 vehic les in traffic stops on New Year’s Eve and reported all the drivers were sober.

In other recent police news, the EPS announced a 29-year-old Estevan woman was arrested and charged following some recent incidents. The woman appeared in court on Jan. 8 on eight charges: one count each of robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, assault and possession of stolen property and four counts of breaching probation.

The EPS noted in the Jan. 5 report she had been arrested for assault following a disturbance at a motel. The EPS also said she was found to be in possession of stolen property when she was arrested.

Police received a report on Dec. 27 of a motor vehicle collision in which one of the parties was refusing to identify themselves, as they didn’t see any damage from the incident. Police attended and obtained the information required from the individual. Police remind the public that you must exchange information with the other driver if there is a collision, even if there appears to be no damage or injuries, as those circumstances could change.

Police attended t o a n o t h e r c o l l i s i on i n which there was just damage to the vehicles. One of the vehicles had to be towed from the scene.

Officers received a report of a possible scam. The individual was attempting to get a job and paid money to the potential employer, with the understanding it would be paid back when the job was complete. The matter is still under investigation.

Members were notified of a mail scam in which a letter was sent soliciting money. No information was exchanged nor was money sent.

The EPS is investigating after a woman lost thousands of dollars through a scam on Facebook. According to the Dec. 29 report, the victim was contacted by someone she thought was a friend on Facebook. This friend was a fake profile created in the name of a friend.

The fake profile put her in contact with an individual from whom she could collect a prize, if she purchased Apple iTunes cards and forwarded the numbers to the scammer. The victim has reportedly lost thousands of dollars. Police say if you have to pay money to get a prize, the prize is not legitimate.

The EPS received another report of an attempted scam. The complainant received a correspondence from a solicitor in the U.K., indicating the potential victim was the beneficiary to an estate overseas.

Police received a report of theft of property from a local business. The matter is still under investigation.

The EPS is investigating after it was notified on Jan. 2 about the theft of a television from a retail store in northeast Estevan. The EPS has identified a suspect from witness accounts and is working to obtain video

from the store. Police have also gathered evidence from the scene with the assistance of a forensic identification unit. The investigation is ongoing and charges against a suspect are pending.

Officers responded to a complaint of a theft from a local business on Dec. 3.

A 20-year-old Estevan man was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000. He was released with conditions and will appear in court in March to answer to the charge.

Po l i c e a r re s t e d a 55-year-old Estevan woman after a traffic stop in the downtown area. She has been charged with impaired driving and driving while over .08, and she will appear in court at a later date to answer to the charges.

Her driver’s licence was suspended indefinitely and her vehicle was impounded for 60 days.

Officers arrested a 31-year-old Winnipeg man for public intoxication after he was observed in the downtown area.

It was later discovered he had warrants for his arrest for assault and failing to appear in court. He was lodged in cells and will appear in court in March.

Police received a report of an assault on Jan. 4. The victim has been interviewed and the matter is under investigation.

Police were notified of a theft from a local business. Members attended and viewed the surveillance video. The matter is still under investigation.

The EPS received a report of an assault on Jan. 5. The incident is under investigation.

Police made three arrests on impaired drivingrelated charges on Jan. 6.

The first was a 27-year-old Estevan man. He subsequently refused to provide a breath sample and was charged accordingly. Police issued a 72-hour driver’s licence suspension to a 27-year-old Estevan man for driving while under the influence of marijuana. The vehicle has also been seized.

Finally, police arrested and charged a 46-year-old Estevan woman for impaired driving. She was later released for court in February.

Members received a complaint of uttering threats at a workplace. The matter is still under investigation.

A report came in of a male walking out on a bill at a local restaurant. He was located a short time later and charged with fraudulently obtaining food and breaching his probation order.

Po l i c e a r re s t e d a 38-year-old Estevan man for assault and uttering threats. The EPS said he was extremely intoxicated and lodged in cells. He was released for court in March on conditions of no contact and abstention from alcohol consumption once he was sober enough to understand his release restrictions.

• • • Canada Border Services Agency officers in southeast Saskatchewan made an arrest late in 2023.

According to the CBSA X account, officers at the North Portal port of entry seized a prohibited handgun and C$21,730 in undeclared cash from a U.S. traveller.

The individual was fined an undisclosed amount and returned to the U.S.

Navigating the new year As we begin another new year, I cannot help but think of Joshua.

Moses had been leading God’s people to the promised land. However, just before they arrived, Moses died, and Joshua was put in charge.

Faced with the uncertainty of what was coming, God gave him the following advice.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” ( Joshua 1:6-9).

First, notice that God tells Joshua to choose his attitude ahead of time by telling him to be strong and courageous. We do not always get to choose our circumstances, but we always get to choose how we go through them. Moping and complaining never helps.

Choosing to face things with

strength and courage was so important that God repeated this instruction three times in three verses.

Next, Joshua was told to remember and meditate on the promises of God. Too often, we see the obstacles instead of the opportunities. We predict what could go wrong rather than what could go right. We think about how little we can do and forget how much God can do.

By telling Joshua to

keep the word and the promises in his mind, God was directing him to train his thinking in a better way and to live with hope.

Lastly, God reminds Joshua that “[I] will be with you wherever you go”. It is easy to become discouraged when you think that you have no help, but that was not the case for Joshua, and it is never the case for Christians. God is not only with us (Matthew 28:20), his spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 6:19). Regardless of what we are facing, we always have help.

Joshua was successful, not because he was special, but because he served God and made that his focus.

As we go into this new year, may the same be said of us.

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A11 | Wednesday, January 10, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

601 - 5th St. • Estevan, SK

Bruins return to the ice, lose twice

By David Willberg The Estevan Bruins rollercoaster season continued in their first games after the Christmas break, as they lost back-to-back contests.

Estevan fell 3-2 to the Weyburn Red Wings on Friday night and 3-1 against the Battlefords North Stars on Saturday. The Bruins have now lost four straight.

Estevan came out strong against the Red Wings, as Daniel Tokariwski scored his first goal in the SJHL in the opening period to give the Black and Gold a 1-0 lead. The Bruins had a considerable edge in shots on goal as well up to that point.

But then the Bruins ran into penalty trouble. Nicholas Kovacs scored a power-play goal for Weyburn to tie the game late in the first period, Elijah Anderson tallied at even strength in the second period to put the Wings ahead and Jaxson Ruthven scored on a power play in the third to give the Wings a twogoal lead.

“I think we spent the last eight minutes of the first period in the penalty box,” said head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic.

Zach Burfoot scored with just over five minutes to play in the third to pull the Bruins to within one, and the Bruins had chances to tie, but couldn’t convert.

Cam Hrdlicka stopped 30 of the 33 shots he faced for Estevan, while Dazza Mitchell made 42 saves for Weyburn.

With the win, the Red Wings clinched the 2023-24 Highway 39 Cup with the Bruins. Sponsored by Estevan Police Chief Rich Lowen and his Weyburn counterpart Jamie Blunden, the trophy goes to the team that wins the season series.

Weyburn has won all four meet-

Zachery Burns (20) and the Estevan Bruins dropped two games against the Battlefords North Stars on Saturday. ing this year; the clubs will meet twice more.

Lowen had to don a Weyburn Red Wings’ jersey as part of the bet.

Estevan won the Highway 39 Cup in its first two years.

The Stars came out strong in Saturday night’s game, and Jackson Allan opened the scoring with just over four minutes to play in the opening frame. A short time later, Stars’ captain Tanner Gold, one of the top defencemen in the SJHL, was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing Tokariwski.

Burfoot knotted the game at 1-1 with a pretty goal while the teams were at four-on-four, but 28 seconds later, Bradley Blake tallied to put the Stars back in front.

Josh Medernach added to the lead 31 seconds afterwards on a Stars’ power play.

The Bruins had chances in the third, including a couple of breakaways for Owen Barrow, but Scott Cunningham stopped the chances.

Jackson Miller made 23 saves on the night, including some stellar saves in the second, while Cunningham had 20 saves for the Stars.

“We … have to be winning these games,” said Burfoot. “Something’s got to click here, but we’re not doing enough now.”

The players need to execute and listen to the coaches to get back on track, Burfoot said. Rust associated with three weeks off due to the Christmas break wasn’t an excuse.

“We’ve been practising for a week, so we really can’t blame it on anything other than ourselves right now,” said Burfoot.

Tatarnic said the Stars dictated the pace of the play in the first 40 minutes, while the Bruins were

better in the third.

“We had some chances in the second. I thought we had a good third period – our third period was our best period – but that’s a common theme with us, is we get down and all of a sudden, we start playing better. But it’s always too late. We have to figure out how to put 60 minutes together consistently, and it seems like we have a really hard time doing that,” said Tatarnic.

Defenceman Jules Delepoulle, acquired prior to the Christmas break from a team in Eastern Canada, made his debut versus the Stars.

“He skates well and he can make some nice passes, so he will be a good player for us down the road,” said Tatarnic.

The games were among the last for the Bruins before the Jan. 10 trade deadline for Canadian junior

A hockey. The Bruins have been busy already this month.

The club had already pulled off two trades before Monday. First, they dealt forward Tristan Dussault to the St-Georges-de-Beauce Condors of the Quebec Junior Hockey League for a player development fee, and forward-defenceman Tyler Guy to the Truro Bearcats of the Maritime Hockey League, also for a player development fee.

Forward Turner McMillen, who hails from Carievale, will be joining with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League for the rest of the season.

McMillen was let go by the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, as teams in that league can only carry three 20-year-olds.

He had five goals and five assists in 11 games for the Bruins. He joined Prince Albert on a tryout after Christmas and had a goal in two games.

The club has acquired 20-yearold forward Raine Hodge from the La Ronge Ice Wolves for defenceman Jesse Ivanovic (‘05), goaltender Eric Kahl (‘06) and a player development fee.

Hodge has 10 goals and 14 assists in 32 games for the Ice Wolves this year. The club also announced the signing of 2003-born defenceman Luke Rybinski, who has spent time in the Western Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers and Victoria Royals, and in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Grande Prairie Storm.

For updates on Bruin moves, you can check out our provincial news hub at sasktoday.ca.

Estevan (13-16-0-2) will host the La Ronge Ice Wolves on Jan. 10 and Jan. 13. Both games will start at 7 p.m. Then they will visit the Kindersley Klippers on Jan. 16 and the North Stars the following night.

Fradette rink competes at U18 curling provincials The Heidi Fradette rink travelled to Moose Jaw from Dec. 27-30, 2023, to compete in the CurlSask U18 girls’ provincial championship.

The Fradette rink, competing out of the Estevan Curling Club, went 3-2 at the competition and just missed out on the playoffs.

They opened with an 8-7 win over Mackenzie Bjornson out of the Callie Curling Club in Regina. Fradette opened with five points in the first end, and led 8-3 entering the seventh, but Bjornson scored four in the seventh to make the game close.

Fradette ran Bjornson out of rocks in the eighth.

The next game was a 7-5 loss to Kaylee Hogeboom’s team from the Moose Jaw Curling Centre. Fradette led 5-2 after five ends, but Hogeboom scored three in the sixth and stole one in each of the seventh and eighth ends.

Fradette responded with a pair of one-point wins. The first was 6-5 over Olivia Fisher of the Saskatoon Nutana Curling Club.

Fradette scored one in an extra end to win a game that Fradette led 5-1 through five ends.

Then they won 7-6 over the Chloe Semeniuk rink from the Twin Rivers Curling Club in North Battleford. Fradette scored five in the sixth end to rally from a 5-2 deficit, stole one in the seventh and gave up just one in the eighth.

Their final game was a 7-6 loss to the Regina Highland Curling Club’s Shawna Simpson, who went on to win the provincial title. Fradette led 3-0 after the first end, but Simpson replied with four in the second.

It was tied 6-6 after the seventh end, but Simpson scored the winning point in the eighth.

The Fradette rink finished tied for second in their pool with Hogeboom, but lost the tie-breaker due to the roundrobin result.

Other members of the Fradette rink were third Kali Johnson, second Amy Fradette, and leads April McMillen and Olivia Fonstad. Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud was their coach.

Members of the Fradette rink were, from left, April McMillen, Amy Fradette, Olivia Fonstad, Kali Johnson and Heidi Fradette. Photo sourced from the Estevan Curling Club's Facebook page.

Rangers defeat Cougars in marquee Big Six clash The Moosomin Rangers’ perfect record remains in tact in the Big Six Hockey League.

The Rangers defeated the Carlyle Cougars 8-6 Sunday night in Moosomin in a battle of two of the top teams in the league this season. Moosomin (11-0) is the only unbeaten team in the league this season.

Carter Sawchuk led the Rangers’ offence with two goals and three assists, while Bud Holloway had three goals and a helper. Drayson Skulmoski, Chad Hebert and Brock Trotter had Moosomin’s other goals. Levin Horn was in goal for the Rangers.

Koby Morrisseau and Jesse Gabrielle each had two goals for Carlyle.

Ben Johnstone and Jon Gaudet also scored. Landon Audet and Cameron Pateman split the goaltending duties

for the Cougars.

Six other games were played on the weekend, with three each Friday and Saturday.The Kipling-Windthorst Oil Kings picked up their first win of the season with an 8-6 victory over the Midale Mustangs. Every team in the Big Six now has at least one victory this season.

Austin Fleck led the Oil Kings’ attack with three goals and three assists, and Brandon Munro had two goals and two helpers. Lucas Fleck, Levi Dayman and Kai Jooristy also scored.

Devon Johnson scored twice and had two assists for Midale. Joseph Poitras, Jonas Thomson, Brayden Bjorndal and Sterling Bear scored Midale’s other goals.

Dylan Dedecker was the goalie for Kipling-Windthorst, while Talen

King was in goal for Midale.

Also on Friday, the Cougars defeated the Bienfait Coalers 5-1. Morrisseau had a goal and three helpers to lead Carlyle’s attack and Gabrielle had two goals. Johnstone and Dakota Rose had Carlyle’s other goals.

Derian Pratt had Bienfait’s lone goal.

Landon Audet (Carlyle) and Jackson Walliser (Bienfait) were the goalies.

The Redvers Rockets knocked off the Wawota Flyers 6-1. Declyn Henderson, Jordon Miller, Bradey Fidierchuk, Brady Gaudet, Colby Potapinski and Travis Poirier had the Rockets’ goals. Robbie Boutin was in goal for Redvers.

Taylor Ernst had Wawota’s lone goal. Kye Steinke was their goalie.

In Saturday’s action, the Oxbow Huskies doubled up the Midale Mustangs 6-3. Alex Von Sprecken had two goals for Oxbow. Cody Davis, Dawson Schaff, Colton Schell and Derek Cooney added the Huskies’ other goals.

Steven Lindenbach, Brad Tomiski and Jonas Thomson scored for Midale.

Cody Levesque (Oxbow) and Talen King (Midale) were the goalies.

The Carnduff Red Devils trounced Kipling-Windthorst 8-1.

Matthew Audette and Ben Hiltz each had a goal and three assists for the Red Devils. Ty Stovin, scored twice, and Brandon Trask, Matthew Plews, Devon Carriere and Mark Moriarty had the Red Devils’ other goals. Mason Plews was in goal.

Devin Stewart scored for the Oil

Kings. Zachary Barath was in goal.

The Rangers gave up the first goal of the game against the Flyers but scored the next eight for an 8-1 victory.

Holloway had three goals and two assists for Moosomin. Monty Driver scored twice, and Trotter, Josh Elmes and Ryker Cole also scored.

Ty Brown had Wawota’s lone goal.

Kyler Beckett was in goal for Moosomin, and Kye Steinke was the Wawota goalie.

Upcoming games in the Big Six will include three games on Jan. 12, with Redvers at Oxbow, Carnduff at Carlyle, and Kipling-Windthorst at Midale. Games for Jan. 13 will be Carlyle at Oxbow, Redvers at Wawota and Moosomin at Carnduff. All games are slated to begin at 8 p.m.

A12 January 10, 2024

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Estevan Bears set franchise record for wins The Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears won their first two games after the Christmas break, and set a new franchise record for wins in a season in the process.

The Bears defeated the Notre Dame Hounds 6-4 on Friday night at Affinity Place, and 3-2 in overtime the following night in Wilcox.

Estevan trailed the Hounds 4-2 after two periods in Friday night's game, but stormed back with four goals in the final 15 minutes of the third to win. Carter Onrait and Jase McNichol each had two goals and an assist on the night, while Roan Burgess had a goal and two helpers in the victory. Talen Wallis added the Bears' other goal.

Kaden Perron had 17 saves in the victory.

The Bears rallied for another victory on Saturday night. Onrait scored 40 seconds into the game to open the scoring, but the Hounds responded with two goals in the middle frame.

Onrait's second of the game in the third period tied the contest and Thomas Ries notched the winner less than two minutes into overtime.

Perron made 44 saves, including 22 in the opening frame.

The victory was the 15th of the season for the Bears (15-14-3), who sit fifth in the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League standings. Their previous record for wins in a campaign was 14, set in 2021-22.

Up next for the Bears will be a road trip to northern Saskatchewan, with games at the Warman Wildcats on Jan. 12 and 13, and the Saskatoon Blazers on Jan. 14. The game against the Blazers will be played in Humboldt.

Thomas Ries (20) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal Saturday in Wilcox against the Notre Dame Hounds. Photo by Wanda Harron Photography

Southeast connections on World Junior A champions Southeast Saskatchewan made significant contributions to the Team Canada West entry that won the World Junior A Hockey Challenge in Truro, N.S., last month.

Team Canada West, which boasts players from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and other circuits, captured the tournament with a convincing 7-2 victory over Team Canada East.

Lampman’s Nigel Dube was the team’s director of player personnel. Dube grew up playing his minor hockey in Lampman and Estevan. He then spent two seasons with the Regina Pat Canadians U18 AAA program and played two games of junior hockey with the Estevan Bruins.

Dube then played his junior hockey in B.C. with the Penticton Vees and in Alberta with the Camrose Kodiaks. He helped the Kodiaks reach the national junior A title game in 2008. He then spent four seasons playing collegiate hockey with Minot State University.

D ube has been in various coaching and management roles since the 2013-14 season, and currently serves as the general manager of the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

Ty Mason of Weyburn was among the for wards on Team Canada West. He grew up playing minor hockey in Weyburn but also played for the Estevan U18

AAA Bears in their first season in 2020-21.

Mason joined the Weyburn Red Wings for the 2021-22 season, and last year had 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points in 56 games, even though he was still eligible to play U18 hockey.

He parlayed his strong performance into a scholarship with Western Michigan University for the 2024-25 campaign. He was dealt to Alberta in the offseason, and is now playing with the Brooks Bandits, who won the last three national championships.

He led Team Canada with four assists in six games.

Mason is also the son of Willy Mason, who was a forward for the

Estevan Bruins when they won the SJHL championship in 1999.

Willy Mason is currently an assistant coach with the Red Wings.

For ward Ryan Zaremba, a 17-year-old for ward with the S her wood Park Cr usaders in Alberta, played two games with the Estevan Bruins last season while his family was still residing in Saskatchewan. Zaremba had a goal and three assists in six games.

There were other Saskatchewan connections on the team.

Scott Barney, who is the head coach of the Humboldt Broncos, held the same role for Team Canada West at the tournament.

The former NHLer has been the Broncos’ head coach since midway

through the 2018-19 season.

Among the players on Team Canada West were forward Matthew Van Blaricom of the Broncos and defenceman Ronan Buckberger of the Nipawin Hawks.

Both players scored twice in the gold-medal game against Team Canada East.

Van Blaricom scored four times in the tournament, which led Team Canada West, and he added an assist to finish with five points in six games.

Both of Buckberger’s goals in the tournament were in the goldmedal game.

Jason Savill of the Flin Flon Bombers was an equipment manager.

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Mayor’s Message

As a reminder please be aware that the proposed 2024 budget is available on our website. Please take the time to have a look and give us your feedback which would be appreciated by Council.

SAVE 2.5% IN JANUARY BY PRE-PAYING YOUR 2024 PROPERY TAXES The City of Estevan is offering a 2.5% discount when you pre-pay your property taxes in January.

Discounts are calculated based on previous years levy.

Please pay the 2023 levy amounts to take advantage of this discount.

Payments can be made in person at City Hall or on-line through your personal on-line banking.

Discounts will be calculated at time payment is processed.

Please note: The discount is calculated on the municipal portion of you taxes only. As per provincial directives the discounts are no longer available on the school portion of your property taxes.