Estevan Mercury 20240424

By David Willberg

Perkins Street is going to be a little safer for pedestrians, after Estevan city council approved a sidewalk for the south side of the arterial road during Monday night’s meeting.

A 433-metre-long con-

crete sidewalk from Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue was awarded to NorthStar Concrete Inc. for $189,711. It will be nearly five feet wide. NorthStar had also submitted a quote for another option that was a little less than four feet wide for $177,391, but council opted for the wider walking area.

Construction on the project is to start on May 15 and the completion date is set for June 10. Pre-construction arrangements and meetings are to happen prior to the project’s start-up date.

“It is expected that the project will be completed on time, however, if more time than planned is required due to weather or other events, the schedule will be reset accordingly,” city engineer Kiflom Weldeab wrote in a report to council.

Coun. Travis Frank said the price difference was “pretty

minor” to go with a wider sidewalk.

“For the lifetime of that sidewalk, it’s worthwhile to have a wider sidewalk,” said Frank.

Coun. Shelly Veroba wanted to know what the standard width is of a sidewalk, and Coun. Lindsay Clark replied this should be enough.

“I would think the older ones were four feet, but the standard must be five feet,” said Clark.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said they often get two or three tenders for a sidewalk project, but he also pointed out the city has had good success with this contractor in the past.

“It depends on the timing too. In some cases, if the construction season has already begun, we’ll be busy on other projects, so we might not get as many tenders,” said Ludwig.

The discussions about Perkins Street began last fall after council received a request from Haley Weber for a sidewalk to be built on the busy road, which is part of Estevan’s truck route. Weber noted many families live on Perkins Street and they often have to walk on the street due to the absence of a sidewalk for most

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Rotary celebrates a century of Service

Above Self in Estevan during a special event

By David Willberg

The Rotary Club of Estevan celebrated a century of meeting the needs of the community during the service group’s centennial celebration on Friday night at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course’s clubhouse.

More than 120 people, including current and former Rotarians and members from other clubs, gathered to honour Rotary for all it has done in the Estevan area.

Club president Terry Williams said Rotary members take pride in knowing they have assisted the community and the world with humanitarian needs, by assisting students, non-profits and other clubs.

“There isn’t a single person in our community, in the

hundred years we have been serving it, who hasn’t benefitted from the Rotary Club of Estevan, whether they realize it or not,” said Williams.

Rotary has donated to a variety of health-care projects and other initiatives in the community.

Williams took time to thank Judy Krall for her efforts to spearhead Estevan’s involvement in the Rotary student exchange program, and Kim Marcotte, who was not only the club’s first female president, but along with her husband Vince built the huge lighthouse that stands at Rotary’s popular annual Lobsterfest fundraiser. Williams noted a lot of Rotarians do a lot of things without getting recognition. Williams also made a presentation to Weyburn Rotary

president Jill Thorn, in honour of the Weyburn club sponsoring the formation of the Estevan chapter back in early 1923. Thorn congratulated Estevan on the century milestone, and Williams thanked the Weyburn club.

“Over the years, our ties with the Weyburn Rotary Club have remained close, both in friendship and service,” said Williams.

Dennis Moore, who is an honourary Estevan Rotarian, was the guest speaker. A member of Rotary since 1981, he delivered a speech that was filled with both humour and local club history.

“We have a very lively membership,” said Moore. “Everybody has enthusiasm. They show up for the meetings, they ask to have a job done and they get the job done. And this has been happening all of the time I have been to Rotary. If you need some help, come and see the Rotarians.”

He believes Estevan is the youngest club in the district. After COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, the club was struggling, but with the help of a dozen Rotarians, they rebuilt their membership base, and they’re still growing.

“It is more difficult now than ever to find people who have the time to come to Rotary, because they have families and they involve themselves in other things while Rotary is going on,” said Moore.

Rotary Park in Woodlawn Regional Park, the annual Rotary 4-H Show and Sale, the Highway 47 South clean-up, Lobsterfest, the Rotary Auction, carol festival and golf ball drop are all examples of positive things Rotary has done in the community.

The STARS Air Ambulance helipad to the west of St. Joseph’s Hospital, which the local club supported, was the first of its kind in the province, “and it’s been used lots,” he said.

When he was president in 1990-91, they allowed women in the club for the first time. A few members left the club over the decision.

“We got the women involved, and I’ll tell you what, it was the best thing that ever happened. Today we have our share of women in the club,” Moore said.

Internationally, Rotary has such initiatives as ShelterBox, which provides assistance to areas affected by disasters, PolioPlus, which is working to bring an end to the disease globally, and a wheelchair program to help people in need.

District governor Sonja Susut, who hails from Moose Jaw, was in Estevan for the celebration. She presented Paul Harris Fellowships to Art and Karen Beselt, David Quirk, Cody Schrader, Ryan Siever and Jeff Ward for their contributions to the Rotary International Foundation.

Harris was a Chicago lawyer who founded Rotary in 1905. Along with a few friends he met with from professional groups, they raised enough money to build a public washroom facility in the U.S. city. Rotary became an international organization in 1917, and six years later, the Estevan club was formed.

Susut noted that Beselt has donated more than $50,000 during his time in Rotary. “We remember that we start small, and over the years our contributions grow,” said Susut.

Susut also presented a gift to the club in honour of the milestone, and she noted that Estevan is among the leaders in per-capita donations to the Rotary Foundation and

to polio eradication efforts in District 5550.

President-elect Chris Hoffos, who served as the MC, said Rotarians provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

A slideshow paid tribute to some of the long-time Rotarians who have passed away.

Once the speeches were finished, North Portal folk duo Last Birds, comprised of husband-and-wife Mike Davis and Lindsay Arnold, entertained the crowd with several songs.

The Rotary Club of Estevan has 38 members who meet every second Tuesday at noon at the Days Inn.

Eighteen charges laid after EPS makes arrest

The Estevan Police Service has announced numerous charges against a person in connection with recent thefts in the community. According to a news release issued Monday afternoon, police were dispatched to a complaint of a male who had entered a yard in the 1100-block of First Street and tried to take a barbecue from the residence. He was located a short time later and identified as an indi -

« A1 the council, the council shall submit the request to a vote of the voters in a referendum. Only voters of the city were eligible to sign the petition. With Estevan’s population being 10,851 according to the 2021 census, the petition needs

vidual wanted in relation to multiple thefts, frauds and mischief incidents. The EPS said officers attempted to arrest the suspect, at which time he fled the scene, resulting in the deployment of police service

dog Max. The male received minor injuries to his lower body as a result of being apprehended by the canine. He received medical treatment before being lodged in cells, and he was to appear in court April 23.

before the vote.

The male, whose name was not released, is facing the following charges under the Criminal Code:

•Six counts of theft under $5,000;

•Two counts of fraud under $5,000;

•One count each of possession of property obtained by crime, resisting arrest and mischief to property under $5,000; and

•Seven counts of fail to comply with a probation order.

Requirements outlined for petition Carievale man convicted in child abduction case

to have at least 1,085 signatures. Fichter said they had just under 1,500 signatures. If the clerk reports to council that a petition for a referendum is sufficient, the council shall take any steps that it considers necessary.

She went on to say that if a petition is filed with the clerk on or before July 1 in any year in which a general election is held, the referendum will be held before the end of that year. At any other time, council will submit the bylaw or resolution to the voters within nine months after the petition is filed.

The wording of the draft bylaw or resolution as it will appear on the ballot must be set by council at least eight weeks

Council voted to proceed with efforts to verify the petition. The motion does not mean the referendum will proceed. There is a 30-day window from when Curtis filed the petition for the city to respond.

The next scheduled meeting of Estevan city council is May 13.

Members of the Concerned Citizens were in the gallery for Monday night’s meeting. 1037

Michael Gordon Jackson, a 55-year-old man from Carievale, has been convicted of one count of abduction in contravention of a custody order.

A jury in Regina Court of King's Bench found Jackson guilty of taking his daughter in late 2021 and early 2022. It was alleged he took her to keep the girl from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, but in the process deprived the child's mother from seeing the girl.

Jackson and his daughter were located in Vernon, B.C., in late February 2022, and he was subsequently arrested.

The Jackson trial started on April 8 and closing arguments occurred on April 18. The jury began deliberations on April 19 and reached the verdict before the end of the day.

Jackson represented himself during the trial.

A sentencing hearing for Jackson was not immediately scheduled.

Jackson believed his daughter would be vaccinated, which he thought could result in harm, if he returned the child as scheduled in November 2021.

Honourary member Dennis Moore was the guest speaker at the event.

Rotary Club of Estevan president Terry Williams gave her thoughts on the centennial milestone.

Colour, beauty and excitement flood the stage at ERDC’s biggest-ever dance recitals

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

The Estevan Recreational Dance Club wrapped up its eighth season with two successful sold-out recitals on Saturday.

The biggest season yet left everyone tired, happy and excited for more recreational dancing.

Studio director Brooke Wilson said the weekend was amazing.

"The recitals were so amazing. The kids, you could tell that they were enjoying themselves so much. They were so proud of everything they had learned this year. They were excited to show their family and friends and all their loved ones how hard they worked and what they had learned. It was just amazing to see everybody so excited to be back on that stage," Wilson said.

The season and the recitals were busier this year due to increased participation and engagement, Wilson said.

"It was a really big recital," Wilson said. "We went to 280 students this year; we had quite a few more routines in the show as well. We had around 240-250 kids last year. This year, we retained more of those students, and a lot of them branched out and did more dances. So, a lot of the dances were more full; they had more students in them, which was great to see."

The colourful recital that took the stage at the Estevan Comprehensive School consisted of 43 routines mainly involving big groups of dancers, with just several solos, duets and trios. The

recital culminated with the 2024 finale with dozens of participants involved. Wilson noted that the end results were driven by students' desire to register for multiple classes and dances. Guests could enjoy hip-hop and ballet, jazz and contemporary, as well as tap, musical theatre and creative movement.

A lot of students who've been with the club for quite a few years now have grown and mastered their skills, which translated into a stronger program.

"Many of my students, especially those that I've had for four to five to six years –and there are a few that have been around since our first and second season – those kids after years of dancing and years of training, are starting to come into their own as dancers, and they're getting a lot more confident in their own abilities," Wilson said.

"It is amazing to watch them on stage, and for me as their teacher to see how much they've learned and how much they've grown not just as dancers, but as young people as well and as leaders and role models in the studio. They were taking it very seriously. And they had an absolute blast."

Wilson also had more help with some older students taking over classes.

"Students that I've been training through the years, they've gotten old enough and to the point in their training, where I decided to give them a few classes of their own to teach and they were fantastic this year," Wilson said.

One difference for this

year was the lighting during the recitals. Wilson and one of the instructors Emily Ursu programmed the ECS' new lighting board to allow for various effects for each performance.

"All of the dances had their own lighting effects that matched the style and the theme of their routine, which I believe added a lot to the performance, and the kids were very excited about the cool lights," Wilson said.

She also thanked everyone involved.

"Shout out to all of the instructors and assistants who worked so hard all year. You can tell how much they love sharing their own passion for dance with the kids that they are now role models for. I'm very proud of each and every one of them.

"Another shout out to all of the volunteers who helped us out backstage keeping the show running smoothly.

"And a big thank you to all of the parents for getting us through that recital day, getting their kids, keeping them fed, getting them ready for their dances on time, and being their number 1 supporters.

"And a huge congratulations to all of the dancers on a successful recital weekend. They worked so hard, and they earned that day. They were just amazing."

The studio will now take a bit of a break and will start planning for the next season soon.

Wilson noted she'd like to have a few pop-up camps and some gigs during summer, including the fair and rodeo opening parade. Details are yet to be announced.

Pre-junior ballet A entertained the crowd with the Not Ready to be a Princess dance.

Little dancers with the 3/4 creative movement A class prepared a Box of Crayons. performance.

Adalynn Irwin and Havyn Badley were a part of 3/4 creative movement B’s Try Everything performance.

Ivy Struble was a part of a junior

class performing

Make My Dreams

Unfairness for future generations

The federal government released its federal budget on April 17, proclaiming it as a document that would have fairness for future generations.

But when you look at the bottom line, you'll see the unfairness for future generations, the very ones the feds say they want to help.

Sure, there are several measures for renters and first-time homeowners in an effort to make it easier for millennials and generation Z members to purchase a place of their own. The cost of buying a home for younger generations has certainly become an issue in recent years, one that needs to be addressed.

But the budget still has a forecasted deficit of $40 billion. If it were a small deficit, then many people would understand if the extra spending was due to such factors as health care, highways, infrastructure and other federal programs.

But $40 billion is not a small deficit. Not in a country of 40 million people. It's a significant amount of money, wracked up by a government that has shown a penchant for fiscal mismanagement.

And the debt continues to balloon. It's now more than $1.2 trillion; according to the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation, the debt climbs $878 per second, which amounts to more than $52,000 per minute. Who's going to be on the hook for decreasing the debt? We

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention wrapped up last week with some expected outcomes and some new directions as to what Saskatchewan needs.

Expected top issues and needs discussed were infrastructure and public safety. The other needs discussed, which are not the responsibility of urban municipalities, but sounded loud and clear, are mental health and addictions.

The first two are pretty straightforward. Communities in Saskatchewan, small and big alike, expect high living standards. Even small towns and villages in the province expect to have infrastructure as well as some entertainment available close by.

The higher standards of living are more difficult to achieve in smaller communities, however general lifestyle in rural Saskatchewan is above what is experienced in many other parts of the world. It's expected to change in places where it's not the case, and keep improving everywhere else.

Saskatchewan is growing as a province and communities are growing in their unique directions, so their needs are changing as well. But no matter where we are in Saskatchewan, decent infrastructure with drinking water, wastewater and drainage need to be looked after. The quality-of-life facilities like rinks and pools are no less important.

Public safety was another evident municipal concern to be discussed at the SUMA convention.

While people expect a decent life in any corner of the province, many choose smaller communities over big cities for their safety standings. It's nice to raise kids where you don't need to worry too much at least about safety. But that's been shifting lately with Saskatchewan being rated the highest province

all are, but it's going to be particularly tough for generation Z and millennials.

It's important for the government to come up with measures for young people looking to purchase a home. It's becoming more and more out of reach, especially in larger centres where the benchmark price for a home now exceeds $1 million. Home ownership is something that people should aspire to. It should be part of the proverbial Canadian dream. But right now, for a lot of people under the age of 35 in big cities, it's a pipe dream, unless they're wealthy. They're going to be stuck in the rental cycle, spending money without having anything tangible to show for it in the end.

If the feds are going to spend all of this money to make it easier for younger people to purchase a home, then the feds need to make spending sacrifices elsewhere, rather than just reducing our country's competitiveness on a global stage through tax increases. The cost to service our national debt now exceeds the health-care transfers to provinces.

(From a fiscal perspective, this definitely isn't the Liberals of the Jean Chretien and Paul Martin years).

There's more to this budget beyond spending for housing programs. There's a Canadian disability benefit, which is a step forward but still not nearly enough; a national

in Canada for violent crimes as of the beginning of this year. (You have to keep in mind that statistics are tricky, with one incident changing the picture dramatically for a small community or less-populated province, and dozen such incidents not impacting much for multi-million-person cities.)

I think Estevan is still one of the safer communities, but even here we had two shooting incidents leaving two dead and two injured in less than half a year, which makes it feel different.

The third issue that arose at SUMA wasn't as much of a municipal matter, but rather a global trend which is being addressed more often on all levels in today's world. Mental health and addictions come up in almost any conversation about the well-being of communities. We do have different tools in place to address mental health and addictions, however, it becomes more obvious that what we have is not enough or sometimes not working for the current needs of our communities. And the lack of timely, flexible and problem-oriented approaches in the field affects all other areas.

In a recent example, Saskatoon announced shutting down four of its public libraries for evening hours after intoxicated guests at the Carlyle King Library struck an employee and physically assaulted a security guard. Unfortunately, that wasn't an isolated incident, as Saskatoon libraries experience a rise in such issues.

With support services closing earlier and

school food program, and a fund for youth mental health.

There's also going to be a hike in the capital gains taxes for many Canadians, which will generate an additional $19 billion.

Prior to becoming prime minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau famously quipped that "the budget will balance itself". We'll concede that his government had to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic, which further plunged the country into a deficit position and caused the debt to soar, just like the federal Conservative government had to contend with the repercussions of the Great Recession in 2008-09 that had a detrimental impact on the country's fiscal books.

The difference is the Tories worked diligently to return the country to a balanced budget, and accomplished this mission before their 2015 election loss.

We haven't seen the same effort from the Liberals, who continue to spend recklessly. Yes, they're raising taxes for some, but it's still a $40 billion deficit and the national debt is growing.

Trudeau and his government continue to bungle the finances of this country. It's going to take a long time to dig our way out of this mess.

And it's ultimately going to be younger generations who will pay for the fiscal mismanagement.

a lack of appropriate infrastructure to address mental health and addiction needs, libraries become the place for people who have nowhere else to go. But libraries don't have adequate resources for that.

While the province is investing in additional addictions beds, a lot of people who need support wouldn't go for it. (According to Addiction Help data, approximately 40 per cent of people suffering from addiction do not seek treatment because they don't want to stop using). A lot of people can't get timely mental health support due to a lack of resources. While it's getting better, still too often mental health is not taken seriously, which prevents people from seeking appropriate help.

When it comes to mental health and addictions, the list of existing problems is wide. So wide and deep changes are needed on all levels from personal to systematic. And it seems that municipalities are already in the process of finding their place in it as well.

After all, a health-care system in Canada wasn't created the way we know it today. It wasn't until after the Second World War that health care shifted from being privately delivered and funded to a province-wide, universal health-care plan introduced in Saskatchewan in 1947, then picked up by other provinces, followed by federal initiatives, which all led to all the provinces and territories agreeing to provide publicly-funded inpatient hospital and diagnostic services in 1961, and Saskatchewan's provincial medical insurance plan to provide doctors' services to all its residents was introduced in 1962.

Now it seems that we've approached the time of change for mental health and addictions care systems, and it's a positive sign that our municipal governments are on it.

Farmers’ Market opens its season

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

The Estevan Farmers Market officially proclaimed the beginning of the 2024 season with its first indoor sale on April 20 at the Estevan Market Mall.

The next indoor sale will take place April 27, then the two following Saturdays, May 4 and 11, will see indoor and outdoor sales, weather permitting. After that, the Estevan Farmers Market will switch to an outdoor format and will run until Oct. 12. The event will occur every week from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the mall’s parking lot.

Market manager Marilyn Simons said the Hutterite truck won’t be joining the market this season, but they are excited to have eight local

vegetable producers providing fresh homegrown vegetables to the community.They also expect to have more people selling plants this spring.

There are between 30 and 40 vendors that are staying current with the market for outdoor sales. Besides plants and later vegetables, the market will offer fruit, eggs, baking, microgreens, honey, pasture-raised beef and pork, canning, knitting, crocheting, jewellery, children’s and adult clothing, pens, pet treats, charcuterie board, custom tumblers, Tupperware, Watkins and more.

Simons noted they are open to more participants for the outdoor sales.

“We always accept applications. It’s too late to join as an indoor vendor this spring, but

we’re always looking for vendors for the outside. And then if you get your application in now, if you want you’ll be on the list for Christmas,” Simons said.

They also welcome all kinds of local non-profits.

“We love to support the non-profits in our community. Anytime in the summer, they get a free table. They can come out [for outdoor sales] and either cook meals for the customers to earn some money, or to sell tickets to whatever they’re fundraising for. They just have to reach out and book a date. And we don’t even have a limit on how many can come each week,” Simons explained. The market will also bring in themed days again this year, including Christmas in July, Riders’ day, customer appreciation day and a kids’ day.

een, so the kids can come out dressed up as their

“We are timing our kids’ day for October 12 and we’re going to have it as Hallow-

Southeast businesses offered help to create more jobs

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

The Municipal Coal Transition Assistance Program (MCTAP), an initiative developed by the province of Saskatchewan to aid communities in transitioning from coal-based industries to alternative economic opportunities, is calling for southeast businesses to apply for financial help.

Facilitated by the Southeast Sask Economic Partnership Inc. (SSEP) in conjunction with the City of Estevan, the program has provided beneficial financial support to several companies and organizations within the RM of Estevan, Town of Bienfait, RM of Coalfields and the City of Estevan.

Introduced in 2021, the program has been instrumental in fostering growth and innovation in the southeast region. Tim Keating, managing director of the SSEP, said in an interview with the Mercury and SaskToday that so far, the MCTAP has helped create about 60 jobs in the region. There is also the possibility for 10 more jobs through approved projects currently in the works, and there is still funding for more.

“The program has been very successful,” Keating said. “There could be, I’m just estimating, at minimum another 20 to 30 [new jobs created with the help from MCTAP], based on the past performance of the program. … It could be higher, it could be lower.”

Entrepreneurs in the area to apply, Keating said.

According to the program description, projects must contribute to the economic development of the region in at least one of the following ways:

-Identify, assess (feasibility studies), and advance economic development, job creation opportunities and diversification opportunities;

-Improve business conditions to enable long-term economic growth (asset mapping,

“The program itself is really about job creation. So, any entrepreneurs or businesses that are looking at expanding their business operations [can apply]. Maybe they’re interested in purchasing equipment for opportunity, maybe they’re interested in doing market research, or feasibility work, or a business plan to expand their business, or they are starting a business; those are examples that might qualify. The program itself is about job creation. So, that’s how the committee would look at it; they look at it through the lens of job creation. So, if there are jobs created in the area, that would be one of the main criteria,” Keating explained.

industrial site improvement, infrastructure, and investment attraction); and

-Strengthen existing and support new approaches to improve local economic conditions (inter-municipal co-operation, partnerships, marketing-rebranding, alternate service delivery).

Keating said one of their successful applicants was the Bienfait bakery that opened in 2023, creating three jobs. They received financial support for equipment purchase. The MCTAP also provided funding for the JS TruckMart’s expansion, which also created jobs.

The program is designed to attract investment and advance economic development and diversification opportunities in the area.

Applications are reviewed

by the Municipal Coal Transition Committee, which is comprised of representatives from the City of Estevan, R.M. of Estevan, R.M. of Coalfields and the Town of Bienfait, and decisions are made by local representatives.

“The province allocated $8 million to the City of Estevan, the RM of Estevan, the RM of Coalfields and the town of Beinfait. And that pot of money has been managed by a committee appointed, basically a committee of those four members. … The Municipal Coal Transition Committee looks at applications on a monthly basis and they make decisions as a group,” Keating explained.

“Decisions are made by representatives from each municipality on the committee.The decisions are not made outside

of the area; decisions are made by local people, by volunteers.”

The program will fund up to 25 per cent of the applicant’s eligible project capital costs and up to 80 per cent of eligible noncapital costs, to a maximum of $200,000.

“We ask that applicants put some of their resources into the application. So, it’s not 100 per cent funding. Applicants need to have some skin in the game, as we like to call it, or some investment. That helps to show that they’re serious about it and also that they have some ability to carry out the project,” Keating said. The MCTAP continues to serve as a resource for businesses and organizations in southeast Saskatchewan, fuelling economic growth, job creation and community development. Ap

plications are open for organizations within the SSEP region and will remain available until March 31, 2025. Keating noted that applications are reviewed as they come in with no specific deadlines.

“Anyone interested in the program can apply on an asneeded basis,” Keating said. “There are funds still left in the program, so if anyone wants to make an application, they certainly can. We take intakes every month until the program is out of funding.”

For more information about the program and eligibility criteria, visit www. ssep.ca.

If people are interested in applying for the MCTAP, they can get ahold of Keating through email at info@ssep.ca or they can call 306-634-2224.

favourite characters,” Simons noted.

The Estevan Farmers’ Market hosted its first spring sale inside the Estevan Market Mall on April 20.

Experience climate change through art

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

It’s not every day a person gets to walk on art, but Monique Martin says she wanted the piece to create a conversation.

Displaying it on the floor appeared to be a stronger way to achieve that.

“[We made it on the floor] to make people wonder, and to make them wonder why I’d make something so big. What

outlined, pointing at different areas of a canvas covering the entire floor at Gallery 1. “Whether you believe in climate change or not, this piece will create conversation. And that’s what I want to do with my art. I want people to engage in a conversation with themselves in the art, and then tell other people, ‘There was this piece, and it’s about this, and what do you think? You should go see it.’ And I think if I put it on the wall, it doesn’t create that

silkscreened floor cloth was created in Sweden in the fall of 2022. The artists made it in pieces working on a huge table. The project started with support from the EAGM’s former director/curator Amber Andersen, and the original format was developed for Estevan’s space. So, the current exhibition marks the first time the work has been displayed in full.

“Amber was very key in making this happen and believing in the project,” Martin said.

The piece depicts the various impacts on the Earth from climate change – flood, fire, erosion and drought – that can be walked on by viewers.

“We use silkscreen because it allows us to be repetitive, to print the same thing again and again. The main motif in the piece is butterflies that are throughout because they are the symbol of transformation. We’re all being transformed by climate change. And we’re all trying to transform how we live our lives so that we can protect the planet,” Martin explained.

“The exhibition is called

Vicissitude, because it’s another word for change, but for negative change. Floods aren’t great, fire’s not great, drought’s not great. None of those things are good in the world. And we have all that change that’s happening, that’s negative, so that’s why we chose that word. But the butterflies are there as symbol of hope: if we teach the new generation not to be so wasteful, it can get better.” Butterflies and their transformation as a motif and inspiration came into Martin’s life and art during the pandemic, and she now has 20,000 silkscreened paper butterflies that also travel in an exhibition. Butterflies also became the element that brought the two artists together. “I knew Alexandra, and she was doing butterflies, but dead butterflies. … We started talking and I was also working on climate change pieces … And we knew that those two concepts for both of us were really powerful – the transformation image and the climate change.

Report from the Legislature

Saskatchewan’s economy and population are growing rapidly and with that growth comes a need for new, expanded and renewed infrastructure. The 2024-25 provincial budget invests a record $4.4 billion in capital projects to support classrooms, care and communities.

The budget invests $216 million in education capital to enhance learning environments for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools. This includes $165.9 million to support 11 ongoing new or consolidated school projects and three major renovations in Balgonie, Carlyle, Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Lanigan, La Loche and Wilcox. Another $8.8 million supports the planning for nine new schools and two renovations announced in this year’s budget, located in Pinehouse, Regina, Saskatoon, Corman Park and Swift Current. Our government has invested $2.6 billion into school capital since 2008-09 for 65 new schools and 32 major renovations, demonstrating our commitment to Saskatchewan students.

In health care, our government is making a record investment of $516.8 million in infrastructure improvements to provide residents with the care they need and deserve. This is an increase of $179.3 million from last year. Major health care capital projects in this year’s budget include the redevelopment of Prince Albert’s Victoria Hospital; replacement of the Weyburn General Hospital; work on long-term care facilities in La Ronge, Regina, Grenfell, Estevan and Watson; and construction of the parkade at Regina General Hospital.

Our government has invested more than $2.9 billion to support the construction and maintenance of new health care facilities since 2008-09, helping to ensure that you can get the care you need when and where you need it.

The budget invests $617.1 million into operating, maintaining, building and improving Saskatchewan roads and highways, an increase of 3.5 per cent. The entire amount collected in fuel tax - $521.3 million – is enhanced with additional investments to maintain and operate Saskatchewan highways.

The budget provides $417.3 million for transportation capital to improve more than 1,100 km of provincial highways. Construction continues on several major highway improvement projects, including twinning projects near Rowatt and Corinne

Martin noted that working with Hedberg was very positive.

“Even without speaking, we would just flow through it. It was quite amazing.”

“So, we decided to force the two together. So, the fire is made up of parts of butterflies repeated and repeated and repeated. And in some exhibitions, my butterflies go above with the floor cloth. It just finished in Edmonton, and it had both the floor cloth and the butterflies, the two symbols, the hope above it and kind of the disaster underneath,” Martin shared.

The entire piece is populated with many different repeating images offering guests to explore the topic deeper, reflect on what they know about climate change and maybe learn something new.

Martin estimates that about 15,000 people have walked on the art piece, and it really stood up to the test so far.

It also has started many conversations, part of which reach her through social media and other avenues of feedback.

“Even if one person gained something from my exhibition, it’s a win for me,” Martin said.

Martin’s work has been on display in Estevan before. Her Context is Everything exhibition – a world of paper dandelions – made it to the Energy City in early 2021.

Vicissitude as well as Resist at Gallery 2 will remain on display until June 7.

Saskatoon-based artist Monique Martin was at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Souris-Moose Mountain MP criticizes federal budget

Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen has expressed his frustrations with the federal budget released on April 16.

"Another federal budget day has come and gone, and while life has gotten worse for Canadians, [Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau is spending more than ever before," said Kitchen. "This year's budget includes nearly $40 billion in new inflationary spending, and in 2024, Canada will spend over $54 billion just to service Canada's debt; that's more money than the government is sending to the provinces for health care."

Struggling families can't afford higher taxes and more inflationary spending that drives up the cost of everything and keeps interest rates

high, he said. Kitchen noted the Conservative Party wanted to see a few measures in particular:

•Axe the carbon tax on farmers and food by immediately passing Bill C-234 in its original form;

•Build homes, not bureaucracy, by requiring cities to permit 15 per cent more home building each year as a condition for receiving federal infrastructure money;

•Cap the spending with a dollar-for-dollar rule to bring down interest rates and inflation. The government must find a dollar in savings for every new dollar of spending. "Trudeau refused to listen to these demands, so we Conservatives cannot agree to support this budget," Kitchen said.

Ditching the carbon tax would have been the Tories' biggest priority for the fiscal plan.

"If you look at the carbon tax and the 23 per cent increase that came as of April 1, it's just … a huge impact. Ultimately, as we've been saying, when you're taxing the farmer who's producing the food, and you're taxing the trucker who's moving the food and you're taxing the grocer who's selling the food, eventually the end person is the Canadian who is having to pay for it, and they're going to have to pay for that tax as it adds up."

Kitchen said he had a hard time finding anything positive in the document.

"When you look at the budget and you take it as a whole, that's the part you need to focus on," said Kitchen. "Ultimately when you're looking at a government that's spending … over $40 billion more, and increasing our debt, the rationale behind it is to make it more affordable for millennials and generation Z," said Kitchen.

He pointed out the national debt is more than $1.2 trillion, and it's going to be generation Z and millennials who will pay for it.

"This budget … is trying to distract you from what the ultimate cost is going to be to Canadians," said Kitchen.

After eight years of the Trudeau government, Kitchen said the people of SourisMoose Mountain deserve better, with a government that won't tax them at every turn, like the Liberals do with their carbon tax.

"Our miners and energy

Date: May 5, 2024 Job Overview The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the leak detection program, the associated leak detection software and tools, and coordinating changes and maintenance of the Leak Detection systems. The Leak Detection Analyst will collaborate with PLC programmers, SCADA developers, and other internal and external software support personnel. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with relevant leak detection regulations and provide technical guidance on the safe operation of the pipeline system and assist during abnormal and emergency situations.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage Kingston Midstream’s Leak Detection Program, including software, tools, and documentation.

• Coordinate the ATMOS Leak Detection system.

• Maintain all leak detection reports and ensure daily completion.

• Monitor the design and implementation of leak detection.

• Troubleshoot the day-to-day operational capability of leak detection systems through reporting.

• Analyze all volume imbalances and leak alarms.

• Test leak detection systems in accordance with regulations and the Leak Detection Program.

• Maintain terminal balances.

• Develop and maintain training systems for Leak Detection, provide training to individuals as required.

• Provide on call support to the Control Centre Operations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Engineering Degree or Technical Diploma is preferred.

• 5+ years of leak detection, control centre, integrity or engineering related experience is preferred.

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

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• Strong analytical, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and change management skills.

• Ability to work and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

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• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada without sponsorship.

Kingston Midstream is committed to providing a flexible work practice to allow employees to work both from the office and from a remote location. This position would work remotely Mondays and Fridays and in the office Tuesday to Thursday.

We thank all interested candidates; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted, please submit your cover letter, and resume on our Careers page www.kingstonmidstream.com/careers.

workers deserve support and recognition for the essential jobs they do, and our agricultural producers deserve a government that understands and respects them as they feed Canada and the world," Kitchen said. "It is time for a government that works hard for those who do the work. It is time for a new common-sense Conservative government for all Canadians."

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

Estevan fire crews responded to collisions, a wildfire, alarms and CO leaks over the past few days. The Estevan Fire Rescue Service, along with Estevan EMS and the Estevan RCMP, responded to a collision with wildlife on the landfill road south of the city just after 8 p.m. on April 19.

Fire crews assisted at the scene. No entrapment or injuries were reported, so the scene was turned over to the RCMP.

Less than half an hour earlier, crews were also dispatched to a commercial fire alarm just

with deer leaves vehicle

south of the city. No emergency was occurring, and the alarm was due to a possible issue with the alarm system.

Earlier last week, the EFRS was called to a twovehicle collision in southeast Estevan. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. on April 18. No entrapment or injuries were reported from this incident, and firefighters assisted the police with the incident. Later that day, closer to 6 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire alarm in southeast Estevan. Investigation confirmed it was a cooking-related call and fire crews’ assistance wasn’t required.

Firefighters were dispatched to a residential carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in the northeast area April 20 at about 10:30 p.m. Crews responded, investigated and confirmed moderate CO readings present in the house.

SaskEnergy was called to the scene to further investigate the issue. Crews remained on scene and ventilated to zero readings. There were no injuries reported from that incident, said Estevan Fire Chief Rick Davies.

On April 21 at about 1 p.m., crews were dispatched to a commercial fire alarm in the northeast area. Investigation showed there was no emergency occurring and the alarm

Emergency

was due to accidental pull station activation. Firefighters assisted in resetting the system. Shortly after that, crews were dispatched to a wildland fire southeast of the city. Crews responded and found

the fire occurring just east of the Shand Power Station.

“We were able to get in and gain control of the fire rather quickly, and with the assistance of the Westmoreland emergency response team, to

extinguish that fire. No damage or injuries were reported from that one. We were on scene for about two hours for that call. And currently, the cause is under investigation,” Davies said.

Estevan mayor pleased with SUMA convention

The annual conventions for the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association –held from April 14-17 in Regina – provided an opportunity for elected officials to gather and discuss issues facing their communities.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said topics covered included economic development, the environment, intergovernmental affairs, health and safety, addictions, mental health, disaster management and more. Educational sessions included how to restore harmony in municipal roles and conflict resolution, which are two things that Ludwig believes are needed these days.

Delegates also discussed modernizing the understanding of property assessment, which Ludwig said is beneficial because of confusion associated with the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency. A trade show had lots of information.

Rural Municipality of Cambria No. 6

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Cambria No. 6 for the year of 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection, April 26, 2024 to May 30, 2024. A Bylaw pursuant to section 217 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against their assessment is required to file their notice of appeal by the 30th day of May, 2024 with: The Secretary of the Board of Revision Western Municipal Consulting

In addition to the breakout sessions and discussions, Premier Scott Moe delivered his annual convention to the delegates on Monday. Sector meetings were held among the cities. The opposition New Democratic Party had their chance to address the delegates on Tuesday. A banquet was held Tuesday night, and the annual bear-pit session, which allows delegates to pose questions to cabinet ministers, was held on Wednesday.

"During the bear pit, Coronach did bring up what your plans are for the future of coal to the premier. They're struggling in Coronach with

people in power [generation] leaving the community," said Ludwig.

The premier reiterated claims that the government is looking to keep conventional coal as a power option beyond 2030 despite the federal government's wishes. The current Saskatchewan government wants to keep coal-fired plants going until small modular reactors are operating in around 2035.

Ludwig believes at least six SMRs will be needed in the province.

Estevan MLA Lori Carr, who is the minister for Highways and Infrastructure, was among the participating MLAs for the bear pit.

All 11 resolutions that were brought forward were approved. Among the issues covered were: giving municipalities more local autonomy

for enforcing bylaws; supporting and growing the public library system; funding for Saskatchewan urban parks; increasing financial support for fire services; the authority for closing highways during adverse weather; bringing in more nurse practitioners; crop spray drift notifications; adding unpaid fines to taxes; providing more supports for animal controls; allocating infrastructure funding for fire departments; and providing more support for municipalities so they can better deal with problematic harassment from members of the public.

"In a lot of these smaller municipalities – villages and towns – this whole issue with negative people badgering the local communities with questions and questions and questions, some of the local politi-

cians … are being followed and being harassed. It's a huge issue and they're asking for help from the province to counteract this."

A lot of municipal politicians are leaving, Ludwig said, and communities are having a hard time getting people to run.

The mayor noted a few resolutions aren't approved by delegates most years.

All members of council were in attendance at SUMA, with the exception of Coun. Travis Frank. It was also the final time at SUMA as a member of council for Ludwig, who announced last year that he wouldn't be seeking reelection.

Ludwig noted SUMA organizers have been working to make the convention more interesting each year, through the feedback they receive from delegates.

87,307

crews were on scene of a collision with wildlife on April 19. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

is also survived by siblings, Rose Odgers, Wally (Donna) Fleury, Vicky Holt, and Butch (Maureen) Fleury; Leonard’s siblings, Loretta (Keith) Loppe, Lamar (Jan) Grube, Laureena (Gerald) Schnell, and Lyle (Tracy) Grube; and Joe Sr.’s siblings, Viola (Ed) Wojcik, Evelyn Hadican, Diane (Bill) Trefiak, and Gwen (Renald) Lingelbach. Marlene was predeceased by parents, Louis and Eleanor Fleury; mothers- and fathers-in-law LeAnder and Mary Grube and Gus and Rose Lingelbach; her first husband, Henry “Joe” Lingelbach Sr.; brothers Robert (Elsie) Fleury and Pete (Lorna)

Two drivers test positive for THC in Estevan

A call through the Report Impaired Drivers line on April 17 resulted in a male motorist testing positive for THC on a roadside screening device. He was issued a 72-hour driver’s licence suspension and his vehicle was impounded for three days.

A traffic stop on April 18 resulted in a male driver being issued a seven-day driver’s license suspension after he tested positive for THC on a roadside screening device. It was his second offence and his vehicle was also impounded.

Police received a report of theft of property valued at under $5,000 on April 16. A statement was obtained, and the matter is under investigation.

Roy, Margaret Irene 1927-2024

With great sadness, the family of Irene Roy announces her death in Saskatoon on April 12, 2024, surrounded by her family. Irene lived a long and beautiful life, filled with family, art, books, and growing things. She was the eldest of eight children raised by her parents, Anne and Aloysius (Louie) Schnell, on a farm near North Portal, Saskatchewan. She completed high school in Estevan and then worked as a teacher in North Dakota. In 1949, she met and married Wilfred Roy, who had served in the RCAF during the Second World War. They had a wonderful life together, raising their six children and farming near Lampman, Saskatchewan, in partnership with Wilfred’s brother George and Irene’s sister Patricia.

As well as cooking creative meals and caring for her family, Irene created an oasis on the farm, planting hundreds of trees and building a rock garden filled with beautiful plants. She was a visual artist, working in water colours and oils and then turning to fabric art, first with batik and then for many years with exquisite, complex quilts. She was a voracious reader, reading the best of new fiction in Canada and around the world. She loved listening to classical music and the Saturday afternoon opera, and she enforced an “only CBC radio in the house” rule. At the same time, Irene was very much involved in the Lampman community, serving on the local and regional library boards, participating in bridge clubs, and working tirelessly for the Lampman Legion Auxiliary and Catholic Women’s League. One of her memorable accomplishments was designing the stained glass windows in the Lampman Catholic church. In 1993, she visited her grandparents’ village in Ukraine, and in recent years she was very troubled by the conflict there.

As her grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, Irene enjoyed spending time with them and keeping up with their activities on social media. When Wilfred declined in health due to Alzheimer disease, she cared for him lovingly for fifteen years. In her later years, she moved to live in a house in Estevan, and then to Saskatoon. Looking out over the river from her beautiful apartment, she continued to quilt and then turned to creating smaller fabric wall hangings as quilting became more difficult. She involved herself in the community at Riverside Terrace, participating in the bridge club and the reading, singing, and scrabble groups, and of course planting a container garden, until declining health made these activities impossible. Irene

A report came in of a suspicious male in north Estevan. He was reported to be going through yards and around parked vehicles. Members were unable to locate him.

The EPS received a report of individuals possibly taking items from a residence in central Estevan on April 17. Members attended and learned the individuals were dropping items off at the building. The EPS received a complaint of mischief at a residence in south Estevan. The matter remains under investigation.

On April 18, the EPS received a complaint of loud music at a residence in south Estevan. Members attended and confirmed the report, but were unable to contact occupants at the residence. A

ticket was issued to the owners of the residence under the noise bylaw.

On April 21, police were dispatched to a playpark in the Hillside area for a report of several youths possibly damaging property. Members attended and no damage was noted. The youths were identified and will be spoken to regarding the report. The EPS also received a report of theft of property. Statements were provided and the property was returned to the rightful owner. No charges were laid in this occurrence.

Police responded to 61 occurrences from April 1921, including the arrest of an Estevan woman for assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. The woman was remanded into custody and was to appear in court on April 22.

Police are also investigating a couple of mischief to property calls, a couple property thefts and multiple Canada Revenue Agency scam reports.

Carnduff RCMP charges two for theft of a vehicle

The Carnduff RCMP charged two southeast Saskatchewan men with possession of property obtained by crime after locating a stolen pick-up truck.

The detachment received a report of a truck being stolen from a farm in the RM of Mount Pleasant on March 19. They began working to locate the vehicle.

On March 23, they re- ceived a report of suspicious vehicles in a rural area south of Glen Ewen. While looking for the suspicious vehicle, they located the stolen pick-up truck abandoned on Township Road 24. As a result of continued investigation, 43-year-old John Jason Berger from Glen Ewen and 62-year-old Albert Pattyson from the RM of

The Bienfait Coalers of the Big Six Hockey League held their annual awards banquet at the Bienfait Legion on April 24, 1992, with players being rewarded for their play. Back row, from left, Jamie Wrigley

are

the

, right, and coach Ray Jardine who were presented with paintings of themselves from the hockey team for their work.

Creighton Lodge hosts its largest fundraiser yet

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

Food, an auction, comedy and music all helped raise funds for the Creighton Lodge Trust Committee at their largest fundraiser to date.

A total of 420 people filled the Power Dodge Curling Centre in Estevan on Saturday night for the benefit. According to lodge manager Shelly Veroba, the lodge set another record for participation, all while raising a substantial amount of money for their big kitchen renos.

It’s believed that between $65,000 and $70,000 was raised for the kitchen expansion, which is ready to begin.

“It was a fabulous night,” Veroba said.

“I think the increased interest is just the fact that Creighton Lodge has been owned and operated by the five

RMs since 2010. And it’s such an important building to our community and for southeast Saskatchewan. We have a waiting list right now of 209 people. People are just recognizing that seniors need to have a safe, healthy, socially invigorating environment to live in. And that’s what Creighton Lodge gives to this community.” The fundraisers started in 2011 with about 90 people attending a five-course supper and grew to over 400 enjoying a night filled with entertainment this year. The night had cocktails, supper catered by Spilchuk Meats and Catering, a 50/50, raffle draws, a live auction conducted by Jason LeBlanc, comedy by Joel Jeffries of Saskatoon, and musical entertainment by Karissa Hoffart and Justin LaBrash to wrap up the night. The gift basket winners

were Lori Holden and Irene Bonokoski. Errin Goettling, who won over $1,400 in a 50/50 draw, donated it back to the lodge. One of the biggest bids for the live auction was a trip to Mexico, which was purchased by an anonymous bidder and then donated back to the lodge to be raffled off in the fall to help raise more funds.

The Knights of Columbus volunteered to help clear the tables, Lemon Wedge Marketing helped organize the night and many volunteers stepped in to cover other duties.

“We had so many volunteers come out to help us that it just made the event go smooth,” Veroba said. “Creighton Lodge relies on volunteers for this event. And we appreciate each and every one that came out.”

The lodge has been working on raising funds for its kitchen expansion for a few years. The project is expected to be completed before the end of this year, providing better service to residents and also opening up opportunities for the lodge to cater to more seniors in the community.

“This will be a brand-new kitchen built out to the east of our building behind our existing kitchen. And once that kitchen is built, then the project also involves renovating our existing kitchen into more dining room space,” Veroba said. “We have 47 rooms but 51 residents. The

more married couples we have living here, the more dining room space we need.

“And with that updated kitchen, in the next year or so we hope to start an outreach program where we can start supplying meals for seniors who are living in our community, who can live on their own, but just can’t cook on their own.

“And then we can possibly either a) welcome them into the lodge every day to come and eat here; or b)

bring the meals to them or have them picked up. We still have to work out the details of the outreach program for the meals, but we’re going to make sure that we can supply meals to the seniors in our community as well as people that live here in our building.”

The cost of the kitchen expansion project is about $1.2 million, Veroba said, and the lodge has already started the tendering process for the design.

, Nick Sereggela, Steve Godfrey, Kirk Munro and Gary Earl. In

front

manager Phil Dupuis

Comedy Night with Joel Jeffries helped Creighton Lodge raise funds for its kitchen expansion. Photo courtesy of Robert Godfrey with Lemon Wedge Marketing

SPORTS

Bears host spring camp; announce commitments

The Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears had 100 players attend their annual spring camp on April 15 and 16.

“From the level of interest to the competition on the ice, we were really happy with how it turned out,” said coach Ryan Pilon.

Scrimmages were held throughout the day on the first day and in the morning and early afternoon the second. Each team had three games.

The annual intersquad game was held for the top 40 players in the afternoon of the 16th.

“It was a busy couple of days, but it was important that we didn’t get too, too big because we wanted to properly evaluate the camp and give good feedback for guys moving forward in their hockey careers as well,” said Pilon.

The camp featured some

players who were part of this year’s Bears team, along with others who have played at the U18 AAA level. They were joined by some who hope to be first-year players next season and others who could be on the Bears further down the line.

“It was good to see them match up against players that are already at our level,” said Pilon.

The club wasn’t sure how much interest there would be, since camp was on a Monday and Tuesday rather than a weekend, but this was the highest number of players in attendance since Pilon and the other members of the staff joined the Bears two years ago. It also helped that the Bears made the playoffs for the first time in their brief history this past season. “We’re making Estevan a

destination that players want to come to, and it’s enticing for players to come to. Obviously now with the facility and the program that we’re putting out, making the playoffs obviously helps things … and now we’re just looking to build on that and take the next step.”

Eight new players have already been signed out of camp, including forward Carter Hirsch, who spent the 202324 season with the Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins. He had seven goals and 14 assists in 36 games.

“He’s earned his spot on our team,” said Pilon.

Also committing are forward Boston Schmidt, who had five goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 37 games in his first season of U18 hockey spent last season with the Yorkton U18 AAA Maulers; and goaltender

Brady Carr, who has two years of experience at the U18 AAA level with the Battlefords Stars.

Among the commitments are forwards Ryden Amberson of the Regina Rangers U18 AA program and William Nicholson (Regina U18 AA Vics); and defencemen Kayson Anderson (Prairie Storm U15 AA), and Jaxon Sedor (Rink Winnipeg), who hails from Yorkton.

“A lot of our returning players, even coming back [to camp] in the short amount of time since we’ve been done now, really have taken a step and shown what one year of experience can have,” said Pilon. There weren’t a lot of surprises at camp, he said, as Pilon, the other staff members and the scouts followed these players throughout the season.

Meanwhile, two local

Estevan archers compete at provincials

Fourteen athletes and two coaches from the Estevan Archery Club’s Junior Olympic Program (JOP) travelled to provincials in Prince Albert on April 13. Andrew Fleck, Ava Fiest, Buck Petterson, Dylan Symons, Ella Petterson, Jerome Kim, Juri Kim, Levi Ellis, Max Ogdanskiy, Nevada Sernick, Noah Hurren, Savannah Mantei, Sonja Kraushaar and Taylor Ellis

Petterson and Travis For

towsky

the coaches. The club noted

Three athletes – Juri

with the Regina Pat

2023-24 campaign.

hockey products, defenceman Boston Tait of Estevan and forward Nathan Gardiner of Gainsborough, have signed to play

Canadians U18 AAA program for next season. Both played for the Estevan TS&M U15 AA Bruins during the

competed, while Kyle

-

were

all of the archers did very well, and more than 450 archers were entered among the different classes.

Kim, Ogdanskiy and Hurren – advanced to the finals in their respective divisions, with Ogdanskiy and Hurren bringing home bronze medals from provincials.

Team Blue faced Team Gold during the Estevan Bears’ spring camp.

The Estevan Archery Club sent members to the Junior Olympic provincial tournament. Photo courtesy of the Estevan Archery Club

Estevan’s library is collecting local art for an auction

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

The Estevan Public Library is gearing up towards the second edition of its silent art auction.

The auction will run in online and in-person formats from May 15-18 on the EPL website at estevanlibrary.weebly.com and inside the library at the leisure centre.

The first time the EPL hosted an art auction fundraiser was in 2022. The event proved to be successful, so they decided to showcase local talents and try to raise some funds for programming once again this year.

“We did it a couple of years ago, and we saw a lot of participation from the public. A lot of people

City Hall: 1102 4th Street

really liked coming in to check out the art both online and in person. It’s just a fun fundraiser to do. And the funds that we do raise will help us with programming in our Maker Space,” said EPL branch manager Jason Redshaw.

The auction will showcase any kind of local art.

“Last time, we received a few crafts, which was interesting. Those went pretty good. We also had paintings, carvings, sculptures, prints, as well as photographs,” Redshaw said.

So far this year they have received a quilt, a few paintings and ceramic art.

Last time, there were between 40 and 50 items donated and displayed at the art auction, attracting over 100 bids, with bidding wars

8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1800

Leisure Office: 701 Souris Avenue

8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880

over a couple of items. The auction also brought quite a few people to the library. Every art piece was sold. Redshaw said they hope for about the same number of donations this time.

“It’s going to be a fun time to come check out some art. And it’s a great time to showcase some of our local art as well,” Redshaw said.

The library will be accepting art donations from the public right up until the auction in May.

“If you have any paintings, prints, carvings, or other works of art you would like to donate, the library will graciously accept them for our silent art auction,” the EPL said.

To donate art for the auction, people can call the library at 306636-1620 for further guidance.

Mayor’s Message

The pool will be reopening from the regular maintenance shut down on May 6, 2024, thank you for your patience.

Between 40 and 50 items were donated by local artists for the Estevan Public Library’s first art auction. File photo