Estevan Mercury 20240619

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Community celebration.

Estevan wishes farewell to 2024 ECS graduates.

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Off they go. Lampman, Midale and Stoughton pay tribute to graduating students.

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Mark June 21. Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day with support of businesses.

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Agri News special. Find updates from the Alameda 4-H show and sale and more.

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Alice in Wonderland.

The EAGM and Woodlawn introduce latest Inside Out exhibit.

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Don’tforgettothank theTeachers

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2024

School’s Out forSummer!

READ IT ONLINE AT

Estevan police chief resigns, but will continue work in Saskatchewan law enforcement

Estevan Police Chief Richard Lowen has announced his resignation, effective Aug. 31, marking the end of his nearly three-year tenure. Lowen’s decision was revealed during the latest meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners on June 11.

Following the announcement, in an interview with SaskToday and the Estevan Mercury, he re ected on the reaction to his decision.

“It’s been a little surreal. It’s been very attering. ere have been some very nice things people have said. And it is very humbling to hear all the kind words,” Lowen said

Mayor Roy Ludwig, who also chairs the police board, con rmed the board was aware of Lowen’s plans prior to the public announcement and is ready to start the search for the new chief.

“Rich had quietly mentioned to us that this was coming. And we appreciate the fact that he gave us a heads up,” Ludwig said Lowen highlighted the progress made by the Estevan Police Service during his time in Estevan, particularly in areas such as mental health support for o cers and operational readiness.

“ e service has made

great progress and come a long way in how they manage operations, how we look at things and how we support our members. We’ve come a long way in terms of their mental health, in terms of their readiness with their equipment, and their abilities to do the job. ey’ve just done a fantastic job to progress,” Lowen said. “And I quoted a police commissioner in several aspects [in saying] that Estevan has become a model for all of Saskatchewan.

“And I believe that’s true. e members here have … progressed greatly, and

I think the service is on a good footing ... going forward,” Lowen noted Re ecting on the challenges, Lowen emphasized the evolving nature of policing, particularly in addressing addictions and mental health issues within the community.

“Laws change, addictions change, drugs change. It’s a never-ending challenge for police o cers,” Lowen said.

He noted that providing the needed supports to the community has always been the biggest task and the biggest challenge.

“ e challenges of get-

ting the supports for the community, whether that’s mental health supports or health supports in general, and how addictions a ect the community [are major challenges]. We’re not immune to them in Estevan. Big cities have them and we have them; we have meth addictions, we have other drugs that have come into play, and they change the way people act, they change the way people manage their lives. So, the biggest thing that I’ve seen over the course of the past three years is an evolution of addiction, sadly, but it’s nothing new.

“Just like we see the changes in technology that come through. at’s been nonstop, whether that’s social media, or we look now to AI technology, and how that’s going to change the way people do interactions. It changes the ability of criminal organizations to interact with people,” he explained Lowen praised the community for being really supportive of the police service, the chief and the members.

“It’s been very, very appreciated,” Lowen said. “We’ve come a long way in interactions with people to the procedures that we follow to everything that we do every day, from community connections to enforcement, everything’s going really, really well. So, I think that the service is on a good footing. And the city has a good representation of police o cers,” he said. He added that the connections that have been made during his tenure, including friendships with members and the community, were a highlight for him.

“ e highlight is knowing those small-town connections and having those people know us, and we know the community. at is really the biggest highlight that I have,” Lowen said.

Estevan youth raises more than $53,000 for MRI by auctioning off 4-H steer

Jaycee Ross’ family’s determination to raise money for the new MRI scanner at St. Joseph’s Hospital proved to be a major success.

Ross’ 4-H steer was auctioned o ve times during the intermission of Friday night’s KCRA Rodeo performance at the Energy City Ex., bringing in $53,500 for the hospital foundation’s MRI campaign. It was part of a memorable weekend for Jaycee, a graduating Grade 12 student at the Estevan Comprehensive School who received a resounding

applause from more than 2,000 people who attended Saturday’s graduation ceremony at A nity Place.

Jaycee wanted to support the MRI campaign as a way to give back. He was born with Angelman syndrome and has needed a lot of medical attention over the years. Jaycee has never had a 4-H steer before, but had one this year.

During Friday’s auction, the animal was initially sold for $30,000 to a consortium of 12 families from the southeast who each pledged $2,500. Jaycee’s grandfather Brian Ross said they came up with $2,500 each because Brian, who owns the Ross

L-7 Ranch with his wife Rosalie, valued the steer at $2,500. Chad and Crystal Ross from 4-C Ranch donated the steer to Jaycee, and Jaycee’s mother Carol fed the animal all winter.

e donors, in addition to Brian and Rosalie, were Jason and Tasha King of JK Junior Containments; Eggum Seed Sales; Clayton and Lorna Story of Storyland Farms; Tim and Mona Schiestel; Kelly and Arlene Lafrentz; Ken Mehler; Ryan and Abbey Hogg with Core Integrity; Jeremy Ross with the Prairie Animal Health Centre; Wilgenbusch Charolais; Bandits Distilling; and an anonymous donor. ey

wanted the steer to be sold again so it could raise more funds for the MRI.

“ is is the kind of thing that shows how much a lot of our local people want this MRI in Estevan. People are just really getting sick of the waiting times, and we need to get this thing in Estevan,” said Brian.

He described the sale as a great day for Jaycee and for the Estevan MRI.

When the auctioning resumed, the steer was sold for $9,500 to Smart Power, who donated the steer back again. en it was sold for $5,500 to the Chamney Family, who decided the animal should be sold again.

Dun Rite Glass purchased the steer for $4,000 and put it back up for auction. Finally, Luke Ellingson and Buck Christman purchased the animal for $3,500 and decided to keep it.

Brian noted Mike Guest from Bandits Distilling was not only part of the $30,000 bid, but o ered to process the steer for free through his company Western Prime Meat Processors in Weyburn. Carol Ross said she was “humbled”, “grateful” and overwhelmed with the support. When the auction was rst announced, she hoped they would get market value for the steer.

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Estevan Police Chief Richard Lowen announces he will leave his position as of Aug. 31.
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in To tal Ca sh Pr iz es Dr aw si nJ un e& Ju ly Mus tbePresent to Win

Energy City Ex. brought lots of fun to Estevan

e Energy City Ex. brought three days of thrills to Estevan.

e third annual event was held from June 14-16 at the Estevan Exhibition Association’s (EEA) grounds.

e midway, supplied by West Coast Amusements, and the KCRA rodeo stop were once again big drawing cards, o ering a lot for people of all ages.

e midway featured an abundance of rides, carnival games and food booths. Local vendors were also satisfying patrons’ hunger throughout the three days.

Attendance numbers were not available for the event as of Monday afternoon, but EEA president

Crystal Ross was pleased with the number of people who passed through the gates.

e weather did cause some problems. ere was a thunderstorm that passed through the Estevan area during the SMILE Services Estevan Parade on Friday evening, but crowds were good Friday once the skies cleared.

A strong thunderstorm plowed through the Estevan area on Saturday night, but the evening rodeo performance was already nished, and the rodeo cabaret featuring musician Tyler Lewis was held indoors.

“Saturday was de nitely the busiest day because the weather was nice, and everything was amazing until

the storm decided it wanted to roll in,” said Ross. She noted a storm chaser was in the Estevan area on Saturday and updated the EEA regularly about what was happening. When the threat of dangerous weather was lifted, the EEA carried on.

Strong winds on Sunday meant that West Coast Amusements had to shut down the rides that were high o the ground.

For the rst time, an agricultural pavilion was set up in the Wylie-Mitchell building with interactive displays. e Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association brought its cow dome. e Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions had multiple displays, and

Ag in the Classroom also had a presence.

“We’ve had lots of companies and associations that said they want to be involved,” said Ross. “ at was an addition that’s been near and dear to my heart, personally, and to see it nally come to fruition this year was unbelievably awesome.”

Moo Bayliss, a nine-yearold steer who weighs 2,340 pounds, was in attendance, and lots of people dropped by to meet him.

Ross said there will be better signage for the pavilion next year.

A quilt show was set up in the EEA’s building.

Other highlights from the weekend included the auctioning o of Jaycee Ross’ 4-H steer that generated more than $53,000 for the Estevan MRI cam-

paign, the crowning of Desirae Cleveland as this year’s rodeo queen, and the King of the Prairies open steer and heifer jackpot.

Camping capacity was extended for the rodeo contestants, and Ross said the EEA received a lot of compliments.

“ at was a real highlight for me, because our board has worked so hard on this property. e midway people were commenting. e contestants were commenting. Even people that were coming through the gates were commenting about how amazing this place looks,” said Ross.

She was pleased with how the co-ordination worked on Saturday with the Estevan Comprehensive School, since the school’s grad ceremonies were held

Steer was sold five times at auction

Jaycee was also glad with how much money was raised. She noted he loves a crowd and the energy, and she said people could see it in his face each time auctioneer Norm Mack with the Mack Auction Company started the bidding again.

“Jaycee would get all exited and just feed o the energy, so Jaycee was pretty excited to be part of it all,” said Carol.

She knew Brian had been piecing together a group to purchase the steer, but she didn’t know how many people were involved or how high they would bid.

“It was pretty exciting to get the nal tally there, and the re-donation and other buyers stepping up, that was pretty awesome, too,” said Carol.

e people who purchased the steer with Brian are people that she knows through her family’s connections. ey’re farming friends, small business

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owners and associates of the Ross family. As for the other bidders, Smart Power is operated by Tami and Trevor Goetz, who are good friends and leaders of the Outram-Madigan 4-H Club; Carol described them as “all-around fantastic people”. Chamney Crushing is a friend of the family through Sydney Ross, and

Dun-Rite Glass is another 4-H family.

Carol noted she received a lot of inspiration for the steer fundraiser after Gage Goetz raised $30,000 in 2019 to support the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation by selling his 4-H steer for $12,000, and his show stick and halter for another $12,000, and

that day, and the work that went into eliminating problems paid o .

“We think it went beautifully, and our partnership with the city and the high school, that was just well done. We had planned for it to happen, and we hope that there were no major glitches on their end,” said Ross. She expressed gratitude to the sponsors, the volunteers, the EEA’s board and the event’s committee heads for making the event possible.

“It’s unbelievable how we rally to get this massive event accomplished,” said Ross, who noted that while she sits as the EEA president, she is just one person.

Please see pages A14 for more on the rodeo, A16 for an article on the rodeo queen, and A17 for more on the parade.

other fundraising e orts. “ at was such an inspiring moment for me,” said Carol. “ at was his 4-H project, and that’s what the kids look to all year. ey do a lot of work. ey feed the steer. ere’s a lot of input costs. Kids buy the steer or it’s a steer they get out of their parents’ herd. And then ideally you make back

some of that money by selling a steer, and Gage just gave his entire steer to the children’s hospital.”

Carol believes there is an appetite for more fundraising like this, and she knows of clubs that have been holding charity 4-H steer sales for more than 20 years.

Search for new chief begins this summer

Ludwig praised Lowen’s handling of a critical incident in November 2023, which left two people dead and a police o cer injured, describing his performance as “stellar.”

“He did a good job for

Estevan Police Service, he was well respected at the board level and by the members,” Ludwig said.

“We can’t say enough how well the chief handled [the critical incident]. Many, many meetings;

many, many hours with the membership, with the public, with the media. … We really appreciated that, because that was not an easy time for the city going through that, and Rich carried us through that very well. We really appreciate the job that he did. He was very thoughtful. He was a quiet chief, but when he talked, people listened,” he added.

Looking forward, the

Estevan board of police commissioners will begin the search for a new police chief.

“We usually advertise both outside and inside the department, give a month or two for applications, and then go over all the applicants,” Ludwig said.

e goal is to complete the hiring process before Lowen’s departure and before the upcoming municipal election in November. If

e MRI project is very worthwhile, she said, and the exhibition association and others were great to work with.

that doesn’t happen, Deputy Police Chief Warren Morrical will take the lead until the new chief is hired.

Lowen noted he plans to remain in Saskatchewan and continue his work in law enforcement. While he did not disclose his next role yet, he mentioned, “I’ll be staying in the province and working with the entire province”

As Lowen prepares to step down, he expressed gratitude to the community and his colleagues. He noted for the main part it will be business as usual until his departure. He also said that he hopes to help with the transition and will be there as a resource whether he is still in Estevan or not.

Lowen, who replaced Paul Ladouceur, has been Estevan’s police chief since September 2021. Prior to coming to Estevan, Lowen had a lengthy career with Winnipeg’s city police.

“Coming from an organization where we had 2,000 members to an organization where we have 33

e St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation has committed to raise $6.5 million for an MRI in Estevan, and has collected more than $3 million to date, including a $2 million pledge from Elaine Walkom. To support the campaign, visit sjhf.org.

is a pretty big change. But it’s been a very, very pleasurable change. It’s been really nice to know everybody, as opposed to being anonymous in a big city. ere’s no way of being anonymous here. Everybody knows everybody,” Lowen noted.

“I love meeting people, love hearing from people. e only way you’re going to know if things are going well is by being out there and meeting people. Sometimes it’s not what you want to hear, sometimes it is what you want to hear. But it’s important. We have to be part of the community because we can’t work without the community. And we’re here to support the community. It’s a partnership, that has to be there. So, it’s been a very, very wonderful experience,” he added, noting that wearing the Weyburn Red Wings jersey was the only community engagement experience he didn’t like and adding that he believes things will be straightened up come next season’s Highway 39 Cup.

A2 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
Carol Ross held the steer that was auctioned off.
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Jaycee Ross, right – pictured with his brother Hugh, sister Sydney and father Jeremy – helped raise money for the MRI campaign. The midway had rides for children of all ages.
1037 5th Street, Estevan 306-634-5172 johnsonplumbing ca SIMPLE EFFICIENCY. SIMPLYAGREATLAWN.
The Zipper was once again one of the most popular rides at this year’s Energy City Ex. Photos by David Willberg

ECS grads celebrate their big day in style

e Class of 2024 at the Estevan Comprehensive School had plenty of reasons to celebrate on Saturday, thanks to the graduation ceremony at A nity Place.

More than 2,000 people lled the events centre to congratulate the grads on their milestone, and to wish them the best in the future. is year’s grad quote was “Embrace uncertainty, chase your passions, and let curiosity be your compass”, and much of what was said harkened back on that quote.

e ceremony began with the processional. Family and friends cheered wildly for the grads as they walked by. Teigha Lesy, who is part of this year’s grad class, sang O Canada, and another grad, Jayren Schulz, delivered the land acknowledgement while discussing his own family history.

Schulz said he has often been asked about his ethnicity, but he didn’t know the answer. He found out he has descendants who are Cree, but he also has some Black and settler roots.

Jayden Kuchinka and oklowah Min gave the tribute to the parents, and Osama Kamel and Keira Zepeda provided the tribute to the teachers. At one point, the ve teachers at the Comp. who will be retiring this year were recognized.

James Jones gave the principal’s address for the rst time, as he moved into the role last summer. At one point, he noted how happy he was to be at the ceremony.

e Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation agreed to binding arbitration with the provincial government-trustee bargaining committee on Friday, and lifted sanctions that afternoon, allowing teachers to participate in grad.

“Know that I’m very proud of all of you, and I’m honoured to share a few words with you,” said Jones.

Drawing on this year’s

quote, Jones urged the grads to take a moment, look around A nity Place, and see all of the people who were gathered to celebrate them.

“Know that all of the educators that have been part of your journey, from pre-kindergarten to Grade 12, are very proud of you today,” said Jones. “ is … represents your school community, and we are very proud of each and every one of you for reaching this academic achievement.”

He always nds it amazing to watch the students transform from nervous Grade 9s – some of whom can’t open their lockers – to a group of young adults with “bright dreams and incredible goals”.

Jones said ECS will continue to have the grads’ best interests. He urged them to pick up the phone, send an email and drop by to share their latest accomplishments.

“Your educational journey has been unique, and one that has been marked by notable events that have shaped you and have prepared you for your future,” said Jones, who called the

grads a “resilient group”.

Education provides opportunities, he said, and he hopes high school has afforded the grads positive experiences that made them better people while instilling the importance of life-long learning.

Jones believes the Class of 2024 has accomplished academics, artists, musicians, athletes and future community leaders.

“Please take time to be proud of yourselves,” said Jones. “Take time to enjoy the interactions and the conversations that you have this afternoon and this evening.”

Jones then called up vice-principal Craig Palmer for more words of advice, some of them serious and some humourous. He reminded the grads to take time to do something for someone else, thank the people who gave of their time, win with humility and lose with grace, avoid comparisons, not to fret if their greatest accomplishments are done in silence and wander in life if necessary; but also use butter and salt when cooking, make their beds every day and remember it is OK to play with Barbies.

Finally, he urged the grads to go do some memorable things.

“Next time I see you, I want to hear some stories,” said Palmer.

Kevin Perkins introduced valedictorian Elora Holman to give her address. Holman had a perfect 100 per cent average for her Grade 12 year, and is looking to become a mathematics teacher – to Perkins’ delight.

“I love it when amazing, smart people become teachers,” said Perkins.

Holman recalled that when they were in Grade 9, they were told that high school would pass by in the blink of an eye. She didn’t believe it, but now they have reached the day they have been waiting for.

She took time to recognize parents, teachers and her fellow grads.

“You have raised us with unwavering compassion and love,” she said, addressing the parents. “Even when we broke a family heirloom, ratted out dad to mom, or coloured on the freshly painted walls, you seemed to keep your cool,” said Holman.

“Honestly, I don’t know how you dealt with us, but

on behalf of the graduating class of 2024, we want to thank you. We know we would not be walking across this stage today if it wasn’t for you getting us poster board at 11 at night, helping us cram for a big test … or comforting us when we get a bad grade.”

Holman noted that her mother Melissa Holman is a calculus teacher at ECS.

Over the past four years, they have had many di erent teachers and many di erent experiences. And while they questioned why they had to learn some things, Holman knows there was a point.

As she looked upon her

fellow grads, Holman saw so many “exceptionally” talented and “uniquely” di erent people eager to make their mark on the world.

After watching the movie National Treasure and hearing a quote about the importance of not giving up, she knew she needed to mention the importance of continuing to push towards a goal.

Perkins said other teachers have described her as intelligent, hard-working, brilliant, driven and organized. He has also seen the funny and even sarcastic side of Holman. Jones, Palmer and vice-principal Brian Wright handed out the diplomas. Students’ future plans were read out as they received their degrees.

After the diplomas were presented, and following a brief break to allow the grads to get dressed in their nest clothes, a grand march was held. Students paraded on the arena oor, and then participated in a couple of dances.

en they converged on the Estevan Court House for the annual grad photo, which showcased all of the stylish dresses and suits the grads were sporting.

www.SASKTODAY.ca A3
COMMUNITY | Wednesday, June 19, 2024 |
The grads donned their finest clothes for the annual grad photo in front of the Estevan Court House. Elora Holman was this year’s valedictorian.
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ECS graduates joined the SMILE Services parade this year. A number of ECS grad floats and vehicles entered the parade.

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Now that was a weekend to remember

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We

Anybody who says there is nothing to do in Estevan was resoundingly proven wrong this past weekend. anks to the Estevan Exhibition Association’s Energy City Ex. and the Estevan Comprehensive School’s graduation ceremony, we had lots to do on the weekend. e biggest challenge might have been trying to nd a parking spot in central Estevan.

e SMILE Services Estevan Parade was the longest it had been in years, thanks in part to the presence of the Estevan Comprehensive School’s grad parade. ere seemed to be a lot more excitement for the parade this year; it proved to be an excellent kicko for this year’s fair and rodeo.

e Energy City Ex. had three days of entertainment, with the fair, rodeo, food booths, agriculture pavilion, quilt show, Saturday night cabaret and so much more. ose who were at the rodeo on Friday night won’t soon forget the steer auction that raised more than $53,000 for the campaign to bring an MRI to St. Joseph’s Hospital. ( anks to Jaycee Ross and the Ross family for that one).

And then there was the Estevan Comprehensive School’s grad ceremony. As we’ve said before, in towns and small cities, grad is a community event. People who have zero connections to this year’s graduating class still want to see the kids dressed in their bright and beautiful formal attire, and they want to honour the Class of 2024.

Of course, in a community this size, most people have a pretty good connection to at least one grad.

To top it o , there was a reception for an Estevan Art Gallery and Museum outdoor art exhibit at Woodlawn Regional Park, and a chance for some storm chasing thanks to a powerful thunderstorm that ploughed through the Estevan area on Saturday night.

All of the events meant tra c was congested in central Estevan on the weekend, particularly Saturday afternoon when grad and the fair were happening at the same time. It was tough nding a parking spot within ve minutes of the fairgrounds. People who are used to being able to park in close proximity to an event might have been disappointed.

A lesson for the future: sometimes you’re better o parking 10 minutes away and walking, rather than spending 10 minutes looking for a close parking spot, and then parking 10 minutes away anyways. If you can walk, the walk will do you good.

We’re not sure if the Comp. and the exhibition association will want to have the two major events coinciding once again, but they showed that they can pull it o if it does occur. And we’re guessing that some of the kids at the Comp. were eager to have photos taken with the fair in the background, while some people who were at grad spent Saturday evening at the fair and rodeo.

One of the nice things about a big event

like the Energy City Ex. or grad is the buzz it creates in the community. People are excited to have these events. Two in the same weekend? It ramps the anticipation level even higher. ese events bring people into our community, some for the day, others for a night or two. It’s good for hotels, restaurants, service stations and even retail stores. ere are a lot of businesses that see an uptick in activity and sales due to grad.

We’re not going to see a weekend like this again, but there are a number of activities happening on any given weekend in the Estevan area. On June 21, you have the Rotary Club of Estevan’s Lobsterfest. at one typically attracts over 700 people. e following weekend, you have the Canada Day festivities in several di erent southeast communities. We’re certainly looking forward to the Coal Creek Music Festival in Bienfait on June 30 and the host of musical acts from southeast Saskatchewan that will be performing.

Also during the long weekend, you’ll have a midway in Carlyle for the rst time, thanks to the e orts of the Carlyle Fun Dayz committee. ere are plenty of activities for people to enjoy over the next three months. Nobody should ever say “I wish I spent more time on Facebook during the summer” or “I wish I spent more time staring vacantly at a screen.”

It’s going to be another fun summer.

Look to the west: Are we as almighty as we think?

Our urbanized civilization is way more fragile than we often feel. And the rst time it struck me was not during a conversation about a world or nuclear war, or any kind of conscious destruction.

It was back in school when I rst learned about the 1905 revolution in Russia, which, in its essence, was one massive strike across dozens of industries and hundreds of factories.

For a few days in and around Moscow, life – less interconnected that it was over a century ago – was paralyzed, as over two million workers stopped, demanding economic and political change. e strike also a ected railways, with all but one line between St. Petersburg and Moscow manned by soldiers, halting and causing massive chaos. e power of that walkout was what captured my attention. Within days, a vast country teetered on the brink of complete dysfunction. e paralysis of railways, immediate shortages of resources, and the looming potential for irreversible breakdowns fascinated my young mind.

It was the rst time I realized that despite building a more enduring and resilient high-tech society, we’ve also become signicantly vulnerable to any malfunction. And something simple may turn into cascading dominos in no time, at any time.

Since then, everyday events, from historical discoveries to current catastrophes of varying scales, have continued to remind me of this vision. e latest event that made me pause and think of our vulnerability once again was the recent emergency in our western neighbour.

In June, over just a few days, Calgary found itself in the midst of a state of emergency, grappling with a crisis that highlighted the fragility of modern civilization when faced with unexpected emergencies.

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…

What began as reports of water streaming from a ruptured main on 16th Avenue N.W. quickly escalated into a city-wide effort to conserve water and manage essential services.

e initial incident, a massive water main break that a ected communities of Montgomery and Bowness, not only disrupted tra c and daily life, but also exposed vulnerabilities in Calgary’s critical infrastructure. e crucial transmission line, essential for distributing water across the city, suffered a serious failure.

A further investigation uncovered more issues that had to be addressed. City ocials implemented water conservation protocols in a hurry, urging residents and businesses alike to minimize usage to prevent a potential water shortage and banning res to avert more emergencies.

As days passed, the seriousness of the situation became more apparent. Despite joint and indeed serious e orts to repair the damaged pipe and restore normalcy, unforeseen challenges prolonged the city’s struggle. e need to import specialized materials underscored the logistical complexities of managing urban infrastructure crises.

It sounds like Calgarians did their part and their response to the emergency deserves recognition, as they opted for widespread co-operation in conserving water and following the temporary bans on outdoor res. While there were some warnings and even a couple of tickets, the majority did their best to maintain the same

neighbourhood spirit that helped them get through the ood of 2013.

Yet, the incident also revealed vulnerabilities beyond the physical damage – a community’s resilience tested under pressure, the strain on essential services, and the ripple e ects on daily life.

Also, the emergency highlighted broader issues of infrastructure maintenance and preparedness in rapidly growing urban centres. It served as a reminder that with climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, cities must confront the reality of aging infrastructure and invest in robust contingency plans to mitigate such risks.

Now that the situation is somewhat under control, the hope is all the hotspots found by Monday are repaired as soon as possible, water restrictions, re bans and, with them, the state of local emergency are lifted, and life returns to normal. However, one major re can drastically tilt the Calgarian well-being scale that’s already skewed, potentially causing serious turmoil in a densely populated metropolitan. e water main break in Calgary serves as a tough reminder of our interconnectedness and the risky balance upon which modern urban life rests. It underscores the need for proactive infrastructure management, community resilience and collaborative governance to navigate and recover from unforeseen emergencies swiftly and e ectively. It also serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of our civilization. As Calgary continues its recovery, the lessons learned from this crisis should inform future policies and investments not just locally but across the country as well, ensuring Canadian cities are stronger and more resilient against the uncertainties of an increasingly complex world.

| Wednesday,
2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca A4
SERVING
Staff
June 19,
Volume 118 Issue 49
CANADA’S SUNSHINE CAPITAL
acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada
EDITORIAL

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 |

St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation updates supporters

e St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation invited local supporters and donors for a visit to the hospital on June 4. About 45 people, who’ve designated funds to the hospital and its various projects lately, had a chance to tour the facility and see what’s been done from 2019-2024.

“With your support, we were able to commit over $2,784,380 worth of equipment, upgrades and doctor recruitment for our hospital in the last ve years,” the foundation’s funding report said.

Lori Gervais, the foundation’s executive director, noted they used to organize such visits regularly prior to the pandemic, and they decided it was the time to bring it back.

“It’s important to show the community and the people donating their money what their money is buying,” she said. “On behalf of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, thank you for choosing us out of all the worthy

causes in the world that you could donate to, you’ve chosen us and for that, we’re honoured. ank you for supporting health care right here at home.”

She added that with health care, technology improves fast, and hospitals have to stay up to date, so a lot has changed at St. Joe’s over the past ve years.

Estevan MLA Lori Carr, Mayor Roy Ludwig and head of Emmanuel Health Corey Miller also joined the tour. e guests were split into two groups led by director of patient services Cheryl Harrison and one of the nurse managers Kristie Walker. e guides pointed out all the upgrades and changes that have been done, thanks for the nancial support from the community, and answered questions.

From 2019-24, the longterm care home saw $241,709 in improvements, including new windows and installation, a blanket warmer, blinds, Bingo machine, enhanced dining equipment, furniture, iPads, trayline steam table and equipment, TVs, courtyard renovations and more.

Unit A had $288,429 spent on various projects, including mattress supports, bedside tables, bed pan disinfectors, vital sign machines, mini-fridges, shower chairs, wheelchair scale, a PlayStation, telemetry monitors, medicine cart, a Foundation Family Room makeover, the Cecilia Smith Team Room and Allan and Lynn Senchuk Palliative Family Room renovations, and the Radiothon Unit A upgrade.

e Emergency Department received $292,762, which helped to cover the expenses of vital sign machines, 10 IV pumps, 10 wheelchairs, stretchers, an ultrasound probe, a ventilator, a Lucas machine (chest compression system), ER bedside tables, a bladder scanner, ER critical care monitors and more.

While the obstetrics unit is currently not open, as the hospital is working with the province to meet the requirements for a consistent operation, there were $264,461 in upgrades made in the department over the past ve years. Obstetrics re-

Frost boils, contamination force changes to budget

Estevan city council had to amend the city’s 2024 budget to accommodate added costs associated with frost boils and soil contamination.

In a report led with council for the June 10 meeting, city manager Je Ward said that during the rst ve months of the year, the city has incurred some unexpected costs.

“During the spring season of 2024, there has been an unusual amount of frost boils on major streets within the city. e unusual winter weather of heavy snow, followed by it melting immediately, and then freezing again, has created some stability issues just under the surface,” said Ward.

Potholes have also increased this year, he said.

Additional work has already been completed inhouse for the smaller frost boil issues, Ward said, but the total cost is expected to be $350,000 this year. e annual budget for the issue was $40,000.

Later in the meeting, council approved a tender for $310,000 to remedy the issue on Petterson Drive and Taisey Crescent. e work is slated to start June 17 and wrap up July 28. Tasks include excavating existing asphalt and underlying soil; subgrade prep; supplying and installing sub-base, base, asphalt primer (granular material); tack coat and asphalt.

Coun. Shelly Veroba noted the city is not alone when it comes to challenges associated with frost boils and potholes this year.

“I know we have actually bragged [in the past about] how little potholes, how little repair work we’ve had due to our great street cleaning that we do in the winter,” said Veroba. Communities that she has visited like Regina, Calgary and Brandon have found themselves in similar situations, she said.

“I, too, felt the pain driving around and seeing those frost boils,” said Veroba.

Also, during work the city completed for valve replacements at the intersection of Fourth Street and 11th Avenue, some contamination was identi ed, which created an unexpected cost to the city as it had to remediate the soil. e contamination that has been identi ed required reporting to the government and remediation had to be completed at an approved site, which cost approximately $175,000. To accommodate these

costs, two projects were removed from the budget: Smith Street reservoir electrical for $350,000 and a new changing room building for the Hillside playpark worth $300,000.

e Smith Street electrical still requires some engineering to be completed, and it will not be nished until 2025. Meanwhile, the delay in construction of the new building at Hillside has been cleared with public health, Ward said.

is proudly printedlocally at

Estevan

P S R E S

Limited Partnership

ceived new delivery carts, an infant warmer and resuscitator, delivery room procedure lights, a Broselow Hinkle set, vital sign machine, Venpro machine, bassinet, stretcher, family room upgrade and stable course education.

e lab saw $101,258 worth of improvements, including a cell washer, pass-thru, sliding door and blood bank fridges, centrifuge, phlebotomy chairs, hematology machine, Holter monitor, microscope, lab Ergotron computer station, cytofuge and lab label printer.

e outpatient centre saw $370,180 in work and projects. eir latest upgrades included procedure lights, capnography monitors, blinds and a cart, cabinets, hysteroscopes, infusion room chairs, curettage and

uent systems, scope disinfection machine, stretchers, furniture, endoscopy equipment and unit renovations.

e operating room had $118,066 worth of upgrades, including three new washers/sterilizers, OR instruments, bed repairs and headrest extension, new procedure lights, vital signs monitor and stirrup replacements.

e dietary space saw $148,421, which allowed them to purchase a new mixer, boilerless stacked steamers, natural gas range, Hobart slicer, slow cook and hold oven, Vulcan convection oven and a large soup pot, and also do some facility renovations.

Other major expenses included work in the addictions recovery centre

($646,251), chemo/pharmacy ($66,415), environmental services ($47,402), the Dustin Pratt Kid’s Corner ($15,099), spiritual/palliative care ($19,007) and central supply room ($7,729). Miller also talked to the guests about the plans for the MRI and showed the diagnostic imaging area, where it will be located. e foundation’s latest fundraising e ort, the Radiothon for Life to help bring an MRI to Estevan, attracted a record $185,000plus on June 5 and was another success for the hospital, and even more so for the community. e sum will be added towards the fundraiser goal of $6.5 million, which included Elaine Walkom’s $2 million donation that launched the campaign.

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BUSINESS
www.SASKTODAY.ca A5
|
About 45 people joined St. Joseph’s Hospital and the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation staff on June 4 for a tour around the facility to see what has been accomplished over the last five years.
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Lampman School is going to host its annual graduation ceremony on June 22, starting at 2:30 p.m. at the school.

Eleven graduates will receive their diplomas and move into the next phase of their lives.

Principal Annmarie Rosner said this year’s class is looking forward to commemorating their time at the school.

“ ey are an incredibly engaged group of students in our school community, so they will de nitely leave a hole in our school … next year,” said Rosner. “ ey are very involved in the SRC [student representative council] and sports, and generally just helping out with the school.”

e ceremony will feature a tribute to Chase Wanner, who passed away in 2023 and would have graduated this year. ere will be recognition of the parents and teachers.

e guest speaker is Je Lunde, who is a former teacher at the school. Laura Chris-

tensen is the valedictorian.

ere will also be a rose ceremony, and biographies that the parents have written about the graduates will be read.

“We read them aloud on behalf of the students to introduce them,” said Rosner.

It’s an incredibly organized event, Rosner said, and they had a lot of things in place and were ready regardless of what would happen with teacher sanctions. Teachers will be able to participate in the grad.

Banners are hanging on Highway 361 to showcase the grads and their achievements.

A parade has been organized by the parent group and the community, and it will occur on Main Street. e tentative start time is 4:30 p.m.

Eleven grads is a little smaller than normal for Lampman School, she said. In recent years, the number of grads has hovered around 18, but Rosner noted it has also

Lampman

Lampman School ready to celebrates its graduates

A6 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
Tyson Beahm Laura Christensen Tye Farnsworth Breanna Fichter Jayden Fleck Mathias Fornwald Liam Kent Krizzel Labordo Riller Lay-Street Rylie Scott Sydney Willock wavered between large classes and small classes in the past. It will also be Rosner’snal grad as principal, as she is moving on to be a vice-principal at the Estevan Comprehensive School after six years in Lampman.
at the
are looking forward to the nal week of the school year and writing exams.
Rosner said all of the grads
school
The Class of 2024 at Lampman School will be celebrated on June 22.
Congratulations Class of 2023! Enjoy the summer; I wish you success on your next adventure. Daryl Harrison, MLA canningtonconstituency@sasktel.net 306-443-4400 Class of 2024! Completing your High School noteworthy accomplishment. Congratulations! Completing your High School Graduation is certainly a noteworthy accomplishment. Wishing you much success as you venture toward new journeys ahead. Congratulations! 1-866-249-4697 • www.drrobertkitchen.ca Dr. Robert Kitchen MP Souris-Moose Mountain to the Lampman School Graduates! Congratulations Honouring Our Grads With these ever changing times, Congratulations on this Milestone achievement, Graduates. We salute your hard work and dedication! Ph: 306-487-2525 Grimes Sales & Service Co. (2020) Ltd. Congratulations, Graduates! Years of hard work have led you here today, and we’re honored to celebrate with all of you. We wish you the best as you take the next step. Thanks for making us proud! Town of Lampman Box 70, Lampman, SK (306) 487-2462 2024 Lampman Graduates! Congratulations Congratulations Graduates
Photo courtesy of Annmarie Rosner

Students at the Midale Central School had their chance to celebrate during the school’s graduation ceremony on June 14.

e event started with a banquet supper at the town’s curling rink. Once the banquet was nished, the attention shifted to the main ceremony at the school. A social that was open to the public followed the event.

Eleven students, which is larger than normal, were part of this year’s graduating class.

e ceremony included introductions, stories about the grads and awards. Principal Cathy Harvey delivered her address, a slideshow played and there were toasts to the community that has supported the grads. A grand march also took place.

“We have a lot of very talented Grade 12 students. ey’re really going to be missed next year,” said Harvey.

Amelia Loewen was this year’s valedictorian with an average of 96 per cent.

“She was one of many students in this grad class with averages that [were] high,” said Harvey. “ ere were lots of scholarships going out.”

Most of the kids have at-

tended Midale Central School since kindergarten. ey know each other well, they have always been together, and will be pursuing post-secondary education through a trade school or university.

“We have kids through our career work program that have been successful and are just doing apprenticeships. ey’re going right into the workforce and their schooling is paid for. is group is a really exceptional group.”

Harvey is the parent of a grad and said she would have participated in the ceremony regardless of sanctions from the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation. e STF announced Friday afternoon that it had accepted binding arbitration in its ongoing labour dispute with the provincial government-trustee bargaining committee.

e sanctions were lifted at 4 p.m., but the school decided to proceed with a parent-run grad, since the festivities started at 5 p.m.

Harvey praised the school community council and its members for stepping up to help run the ceremony. Other than

Midale

A7 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
Ava Allen Lexi Harvey Parker Hauglum Brooke Kleinsasser Amelia Loewen Emma Lund Ethan Weger Reagan Martin Olivia Neufeld Preston Scrupps Kriselly Webber
those who facilitated the ceremony, it looked similar to past years. e Class of 2024 missed out on a lot of things because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harvey said, and she wanted this year’s grad to be special for them. She hopes the grads will come back to the school in the future to share their experiences. Grad was a special night in Midale BILLESBERGER LAW FIRM 233 Main Street 306-458-2277 2024 Midale Graduates! Completing your High School noteworthy accomplishment. Congratulations! Completing your High School Graduation is certainly a noteworthy accomplishment. Wishing you much success as you venture toward new journeys ahead. Congratulations! 1-866-249-4697 • www.drrobertkitchen.ca Dr. Robert Kitchen MP Souris-Moose Mountain 204 Main St. Midale, Saskatchewan S0C 1S0 1-306-458-2449 Congratulations to the MIDALE GRADUATES! Congratulations To the Graduating Class of Midale Central School Congratulations Graduates Midale Central School students celebrated their grad on June 14.
of
to the Midale Central School Graduates! Congratulations
Photo courtesy
Cathy Harvey

Stoughton Central School celebrated a large graduating class on June 15 with festivities at both the school and in the community.

A total of 19 graduates accepted their diplomas for graduating high school and embarked into the next phase of their lives.

Administrative assistant Jaycee Piper

said that in addition to the presentation of the diplomas, there were other highlights at the event. e drum group from the nearby Ocean Man First Nations performed. Award and scholarship recipients were revealed during the ceremony. Tributes were made to the teachers, the parents and the graduates. Valedictorian Shelby Vogel addressed the grads.

Piper said it was a larger grad class than normal. Typically, Stoughton would have around a dozen Grade 12s to celebrate. Last year they had four. It wasn’t di cult planning for a much larger grad class, she said, as the ceremony is a wellrun event.

It’s a special grad class this year, Piper said, and she looks forward to seeing

what they will accomplish in the future. Once the ceremony was nished, the grads visited the New Hope Pioneer Lodge in Stoughton. Residents were pleased to see the grads dressed in their nest clothes.

ere was also a grad parade through the town for those who weren’t able to attend the grad.

A8 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
Stoughton
Aiden Baker Isaiah Rulloda Rhett Tanner Carson Baumgartner Brianne Ksenych Darius McArthur Zoe Nahbexie Kaden Piper Keenan Sheepskin Arleen Shepherd Kal-leigh Shepherd Abbygail Shepherd-Daniels Nevaeh Smith Sophie Turk Shelby Vogel Aaliyah Walbaum Anastasiia Yurchenko Vitalii Yurchenko
Stoughton grads had a night to remember 510 Maplewind Rd., Stoughton, SK, S0G 4T0 306-457-3131 • www.coderreandsons.ca Hats off to the Grads! Your hard work and dedication set a great example, and we’re very proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations! We salute you, Class of 2024! Congratulations Class of 2023! Enjoy the summer; I wish you success on your next adventure. Daryl Harrison, MLA canningtonconstituency@sasktel.net 306-443-4400 Class of 2024! Completing your High School noteworthy accomplishment. Congratulations! Completing your High School Graduation is certainly a noteworthy accomplishment. Wishing you much success as you venture toward new journeys ahead. Congratulations! 1-866-249-4697 • www.drrobertkitchen.ca Dr. Robert Kitchen MP Souris-Moose Mountain Congratulations to the graduating 306-634-2616 Congratulations Graduates to the Stoughton Central School Graduates! Congratulations

114 Perkins St, Estevan, SK Phone: (306)

Dean Gilliss joins ranks of SE Sask Legends

Dean Gilliss’ commitment to the energy sector has earned him the distinction of a Southeast Sask Legend.

Gilliss was presented with the honour during an awards banquet at the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show in Weyburn on June 5. According to his bio, Gilliss was born in Manor in 1959 and graduated there in 1977. Starting that summer and continuing into early 1979, he worked road construction for Ramsey & Bird Construction.

In the spring 1979, Gilliss went to work for Bird Drilling in southeast Saskatchewan.

“Coming from Manor, that’s just what you did,” he said.

In the fall of 1979, Gilliss enrolled in a pre-employment electrical course at STI Moose Jaw. e spring of 1980 saw him working for Simmons Drilling in southeast Saskatchewan as a roughneck. By 1983, he worked his way up to a drilling position.

During the road ban season of 1983, Gilliss went with Simmons Drilling to Saudi Arabia in search of potash on an island in the Red Sea. at was not his cup of tea, he said.

Gilliss married Bonnie Quarrie of Fife Lake on Nov. 3, 1984. ey had two children: Dylan in 1988 and Logan in 1990.

In the summer of 1985, Gilliss took a coring position with A&A Coring in Estevan, supervising the coring of potash exploration and oil wells.

In the fall of 1992, Gilliss was inspired by long-time drilling consultant Carl Shane of Estevan. Gilliss and his wife purchased Co ee Power Tongs of Carlyle, renaming it Gilliss Power Tongs. e company was moved to their acreage west of Lampman.

“We started Dec. 1, 1992,” Dean said. “When I started, there were only 12 rigs running in southeast Saskatchewan. It just kind of grew, and we grew with it.”

He started DAM Oil

Field Services in 1995 with Michael Grimes. at company rented radios and closed telephone systems for use on drilling rigs. In 1999, Grimes moved to Calgary and Gilliss’ young-

er brother Laird became his partner in the company. ey sold the company to Global Link of Alberta in 2001.

By 1996, there were 50 to 60 rigs working in the

region, and now that number has climbed to about 70 in southeast Saskatchewan and another dozen in southwest Manitoba. ings became busy in the power tong business.

“In 1997, I had eight trucks, but in 1998, it all came to a ‘Whoa!’ It got down to just me, and I sold o some equipment,” Gilliss said.

However, as things picked up, Gilliss Power Tongs rebounded. And by 2008, they built a new shop north of Estevan.

In 2004 Dean and Randy Phillips of Stoughton started RDT Rentals Ltd. is company rented portable o ces consultants could move themselves from location to location, providing a huge step up from using their pickup as an o ce.

In 2006, Gilliss came up with the idea of the mechanical clamp now known as the Bulldog Clamp. It’s a device used to aid in the transfer of tubing from the catwalk to the rig oor. at led to the creation of Gilliss Oil Tools. e clamp is used

primarily on service rigs, but also drilling rigs. In 2008, Bonnie Gilliss purchased Phillips’ shares of RDT and then sold them to Dylan Gilliss in 2009.

In September 2008, they sold Gilliss Power Tongs Ltd. to Wyoming Casing, whose head o ce was in Dickinson, N.D. Dean Gilliss stayed on and managed for two years then shared the position with their older son.

“Lots of people thought I should have sold the company to the boys in 2008 but there was one problem. ey didn’t have any money,” said Dean Gilliss. In 2011, RDT Rentals was sold to Lane and Emery Hanson of Estevan. And in 2013, Dylan and Logan bought Gilliss Power Tongs back from Wyoming Casing, renaming it Gilliss Casing Services. ey’ve since expanded to add First Line Pressure Works, a well control testing company. Dean and Bonnie still own and operate Gilliss Oil Tools out of Estevan with the aid of Logan.

Council approves report on 2024 civic election

Estevan city council approved a number of recommendations regarding the 2024 civic election during the June 10 meeting.

e election is slated for Nov. 13. In a report to council, city clerk Judy Pilloud wrote there would be one polling station at the Estevan Church of God on election day. ere will also

be two drive-thru polling locations, one on the north side of the city and the other on the south.

Pilloud noted that having one polling station means fewer election workers at a time when many retirees will be out of the country. As for the drive-thru polling station, there was one in 2020 and it had long lineups.

Should citizens in the hospital or a care home require a ballot on election day, arrangements can be made for a mail-in ballot to be dropped o and picked up by 4:30 p.m.

Electoral information will be added to the city’s website and will be updated as the voting date approaches. Voter ID information and registration forms will be added to the city website under elections.

Nomination papers will be available at the city clerk’s o ce on Sept. 1. e call for nominations will be issued on Sept. 24, and nominations will close on Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. Candidates will have until 4 p.m. the following day to withdraw.

If a second call for nominations is needed, the deadline to le would be Oct. 23.

An advance poll is slated for Oct. 29.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age on election day, cannot be disquali ed pursuant to the Elections Act or any other act, must be a Canadian citizen; have resided in the city of Estevan at least three consecutive months and Saskatchewan for at least six months immediately preceding the date a nomination paper is submitted.

Council passed several

Call the Estevan Mercury today to place your ad on the Energy Page. 306-634-2654

motions regarding the election. One will be to list the occupation of the candidate, a traditional measure that occurred with the exception of the last election in 2020.

Coun. Kirsten Walliser noted a person’s occupation broadens the di erent options a voter has when trying to decide on a candidate.

Coun. Lindsay Clark wanted to know if there would be a limit on the amount of characters available for occupation, or what would happen for someone who works in more than one industry. Pilloud suggested the candidate would have to choose one profession.

Council also voted in favour of criminal record checks for candidates. e forms will be attached to the candidate’s nomination paper and will hang at city hall.

“It doesn’t not allow you to actually be part of the process, it just identi es if you have a criminal record,” said Pilloud.

Coun. Shelly Veroba added a criminal record wouldn’t be listed on the ballot.

Mail-in ballots will be back for the 2024 election, after they were used for 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pil-

loud said it proved to be helpful four years ago and about 250 mail-in ballots were submitted. It was a cumbersome process, but allowed more people to vote.

“I’m suspecting that snowbirds would like the opportunity to vote,” said Pilloud.

Veroba added it should also make it easier for seniors and other people who can’t get out to the polling station.

Names on the ballots will be listed alphabetically. Pilloud noted other communities have used rotational ballots, with names listed at random, but they are more expensive.

Finally, candidates will be required to le an elec-

tion expense disclosure form that has been in place since 2012. If a candidate does not present all information by May 2025, the person will not be eligible to be on council. Walliser suggested revisiting the campaign expense bylaw. Pilloud said council could do so for educational purposes, but if council wants to make changes, they would need to happen immediately. Coun. Tony Sernick voted against reopening the bylaw. e city typically hires 30 people to help run the polling stations and mobile polls. Election workers are paid $50 to attend a training session, and are compensated based on their job on election day.

TENDER

Tenders will be received by SaskPower for the sale of hay The successful bidder will be required to cut, bale, and remove bales by September 1, 2024. There will be one cutting only and it must be completed by August 15, 2024

Several parcels of land are included, mainly located southwest of Boundary Dam Power Station. Two lots are southeast of Boundary Dam Reservoir. Bids will be lump sum for each parcel. Prints showing the lot numbers and their extent are available from the guardhouse at Shand Power Station.

For further details contact Louise Schnare at (306) 637-4259.

Written tenders contained in a sealed envelope marked HAY TENDER on the outside will be received until 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 26, 2024, c/o Louise Schnare, Shand Power Station, Box 1310, Estevan, S4A 2K9. Highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

Payment terms: Receipt by SaskPower of certified cheque within 5 working days of bid acceptance by SaskPower

Note 1. SaskPower does not guarantee any tendered hay to be free of noxious weeds or poisonous plants and is not responsible for any damage caused by insects or other wildlife.

Note 2. The bidder shall ensure that they operate with due consideration for the condition of the property and not enter or run equipment if field conditions are such that damage to the land will occur (i.e. wet or soft field conditions)

Note 3. Bales still on the ground after September 1, 2024 will be assessed a fee of 50¢ per bale per month, payable in advance

ENERGY | Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca A9
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IND IG E NOU S PE OPL E’S DAY

Celebrating Indigenous achievement: Pheasant Rump woman wins Canadian Screen Award for her skills

Nina McArthur has had a busy life with many highs and lows.

McArthur was raised mostly at White Bear First Nations, although the

family moved frequently. She attended a residential school in Lebret and high school in Brandon. While in Grade 8, she began to cut hair while and found this was something she really enjoyed.

She was also involved in modeling but being shy and reserved, she preferred to be behind the scenes, doing the hairstyles and applying makeup.

McArthur went to Marvel’s Beauty School

in 1997-98 and when nished, went straight to work at Incredible Stories Studio in Regina for children’s shows. Hairstyling, makeup, aesthetics, photography and eyelash extensions are

her specialty, and she loves doing them all.

At one time, McArthur worked at Carlyle’s Skyline Motor Inn at the bar and the co ee shop, and during Sundays for brunch. e motel has since been demolished.

After having her four children, McArthur went to Los Angelas to live and further her career in the hairstyling and makeup eld, and it was a remarkably busy time for her.

A13 » MCARTHUR

The Estevan Mercur yacknowledges thatwe are on Treaty Twoand Four ter ritories which encompass the lands of theAnishinaabeg , Cree, Assiniboine, Ojibwe, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota and Dene Peoples as well as the homeland of the Metis Nation The Estevan Mercur yiscommitted to fostering under standing and reconciliation with the FirstNations, Inuit and Metis peoples. NATIONAL INDI GENOU S PEOP LES DAY

A12 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
Celebrating the cultures, history andcontributions of theFirst Nations, Inuitand Metiscommunities. #84 Hwy.39E 306-634-7566 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY 301 Kensington Ave.,Estevan, Sk. 306-634-3616 www.bbaxtertransport.ca Indigenous PeoplesDay, honouring the contributions and rich history of the Indigenous communities. Honouri n g the strength and heritage of Indigenous comm unit ies today and alw ays. Car nduff, Sk (306) 482-3244 On this INDIGENOUS PEOPLESDAY let's acknowledge and honour the diverse cultures, wisdom and resilienceof Indigenous communities worldwide. 88 Devonian Street Estevan, SK Ph: 634-4041 (24 hr)
On INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY we honour the rich cultures, histories and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples
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we continue to listen, learn and work towards justice and reconciliation. Box 700 Carnduff, SK
this significant occasionof
respectfully commemorate the heritage, cultureand enduring spiritofthe First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. Let us collectively embrace understanding, respect andunity aswehonour this day. Dr.Robert Kitchen MP
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This is aday forall Canadianstorecognize
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McArthur recognized for work on Little Bird

« A12 Eventually, she thought it was time to return home and moved to Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation.

Life was going well until tragedy struck when her son took his own life. It has been 10 years since this happened but is very fresh in McArthur’s mind, although she has learned to deal with it.

e grief was too much for her to bear living in the same house, and she moved to Winnipeg to help her heal.

While there, she had issues with her heart. inking it was due to the massive grief she was experiencing; she went to see a doctor.

Her heart had irregularities and she was sent to the hospital for testing, which took four days and soon she found out she had a congenital heart condition

that needed surgery within the week.

McArthur was born with her main artery to her heart laying between two muscles. When her heart beat quickly, it squeezed the artery.

She believes the grief for her son saved her life, and this also made her slow down although in her career she has done 70 projects in lms and TV.

She has belonged to the union of lms for 20 years and is the head of the hairstylist department in Regina.

She has had an impressive career, working on such movies as e Ice Roads, starring Liam Neeson and Marcus omas, and Just Friends with Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart.

Her career has taken McArthur all over Canada, into the United States and

It has been hard to get the smile off of Nina McArthur’s face after she won the Best Achievement in Makeup award at the Canadian Screen Awards. Photo by Evan Mitsui

overseas to Paris. Jennifer Podemski asked her about working with

the miniseries Little Bird, so she ew to Toronto, but this was during COVID.

e rule at the time was she had to be isolated at a Ramada Hotel for 14 days, and during these days she read the script over and over and knew she had to be part of this project.

Little Bird (Bineshi Kwe) is a miniseries about an Indigenous girl who was removed from her Saskatchewan home at the age of ve and adopted by a Jewish family in Montreal.

ey changed her name to Esther Rosenblum.

In her 20s, the young woman began looking for her biological family and was willing to sacri ce everything to nd them.

McArthur felt it was a great honour to be part of this series and now the show has been nominated for 19 awards.

“ ese awards are similar to the Canadian Academy Awards,” said McAr-

thur. “It is a big deal to receive one.” e Canadian Screen Awards were handed out over four days, with the last night on May 31 at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto.

McArthur is proud to say she received the Best Achievement in Makeup Award on May 29 for the Little Bird Series, and the series took 11 trophies during this time. She has since returned home to Pheasant Rump and is ready to start her next journey with the project Hostile Take Over which is being lmed in Regina.

During the time she is working she stays with her daughter and returns home on days o . She is excited about life and looks forward to the next adventures in lming.

Donations put North Portal years ahead on fundraising

e Village of North Portal received an unexpected windfall during its annual Party in the Park fundraiser on June 8. With around 90 community members in attendance, there were audible gasps when Knox United Church of North Portal and Baniulis RDL Ventures Inc. each announced a $30,000 donation towards a new shelter in Maxwell Park.

e village has been actively fundraising to replace the old shelter, which was removed in the summer of 2020 due to age and safety concerns. e generous contributions, totalling $60,000, will signi cantly expedite the construction of a new shelter, the village said.

North Portal Mayor Amy Armstrong expressed her delight at the surprising announcements.

“I knew that week in advance that the church ... was giving a donation for the $30,000. But I wasn’t aware of the second one. I found that one out when he [Gene Baniulis with Baniulis RDL Ventures Inc.] came up to donate the other one. It was quite a surprise,” Armstrong shared.

e old structure had been a staple in the park, used for various community events including the annual Party in the Park. e mayor noted the community’s excitement over the donations.

“I think everybody was absolutely shocked. It was quite the topic of conversation for the rest of the night. at’s a lot of money for a small centre to be able to have,” Armstrong said Previously, the village had been raising funds through various community events.

“ is Party in the Park ... we actually charged $5 for the food, and that was where the money was going. en we had a donation box that people could put stu in. In the winter, we did a Christmas party dance to fundraise for the park structure,” Armstrong listed.

She said it would take them years to collect enough money to build a new structure. However, the generous donations have accelerated their timeline signi cantly.

“If we had to do it on our own, I would say be-

tween ve and 10 years it would have taken us to be able to do this,” Armstrong said With the unexpected nancial boost, the village can now move forward with selecting and purchasing a ready-made structure for the park.

Armstrong noted that they’ve looked at quite a few options and hope to have the new shelter project moving forward this summer. e new shelter is expected to be a valuable addition to Maxwell Park, providing a perma-

A13 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
Participating in the cheque presentation were, from left, Lindsay Davis, village administrator, Dorothy Fuchs with Knox United Church, Coun. Chase Buchanan, Brenda Strong with Knox United Church, Gene Baniulis with Baniulis RDL Ventures Inc., Mayor Amy Armstrong and Councillors Callie Fair and Amy Belitski. Photo Courtesy of Lori Holden nent space for community events and gatherings. Armstrong is hopeful that
the
structure will be ready for next year’s Party in the Park.
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Rodeo brought many athletes to compete in Estevan SPORTS

Rodeo fans were treated to three straight days of great action during the KCRA Rodeo that was part of the Estevan Exhibition Association’s Energy City Ex.

Hundreds of people competed between the different divisions that were o ered from Friday to Sunday at the Graham Collie Arena. Due to the number of performers in several of the classes, a slack performance was needed in the morning each day, and the top nishers advanced to the nal round that night. Other disciplines only needed evening competitions. ere were multiple divisions for men, women and youth each day.

e top nishers on Friday night in the adult classes were Jhett Cross in tiedown roping with a time of 13.89 seconds; Dustin Rieger, steer wrestling, 6.4 seconds; Mackenzie Shauf, ladies breakaway roping, 7.9 seconds; Meghan Olynek, ladies’ barrel rac-

ing, 16.506 seconds; Jace Schellenberg and Kade McConnell, team roping, 16 seconds; Trey Tuplin in saddle bronc with a score of 64; and Jace Beierback, bull riding, 78. ere were no quali ed rides in bareback.

In the youth divisions, winners on Friday were Wyatt Cooper, peewee roping, 15.2 seconds; Allee Lapeller, junior roping, 10.1 seconds, Steel Tallentire peewee breakaway, 8.2 seconds; Amelia Heagy, junior breakaway, three seconds; Madison Leonard, peewee barrels, 16.8 seconds; London Cote, junior barrel racing, 16.756 seconds; Steel Tallentire in peewee steer riding with a score of 64; and Ethan Small and Jason Wills tied for rst in junior steer riding with a score of 69.

In Saturday’s action, the adult winners were Kyler Lorenz, saddle bronc, 57, Carson Nyhus, bareback, 57; Matt Pick, tie-down roping, 11.3 seconds; Cody Christman, steer wrestling,

16.7 seconds; Lara Beierbach, ladies’ breakaway roping, 6.5 seconds; Curtis Taypotat and Zane Fredbjornson, team roping, 17.4 seconds; and Jewelian Cox, ladies’ barrel racing, 16.374 seconds, ere were no quali ed rides in bull riding on Saturday.

In the junior events, winners were Santana Madge, junior barrel racing, 16.81 seconds; Madison Leonard, peewee barrel racing, 17.202 seconds; Cardell Noble, junior roping, 13.1 seconds; Cache Tallentire, junior breakaway, 4.7 seconds; Foster Arneson, junior steer riding, 62; and Steel Talllentire, peewee breakaway, 14.2 seconds, and peewee steer riding, 62. ere were no successful entries in peewee roping.

Winners in adult classes for Sunday were Lisa Madge, barrel racing, 15.916 seconds, Hayden Jones, breakaway roping, 5.8 seconds; Matt Pick and Rudy Quibell, team roping, 19.2 seconds; and Jace Beierbach, steer wrestling, 6.1 seconds, and tie-down roping, 10.4 seconds. ere weren’t any quali ed rides in bull riding, saddle bronc or bareback.

In the junior divisions, winners were Kage Sandilands, junior roping, 13.0 seconds; Korbin Cross, junior breakaway, 2.9 seconds; Madison Leonard, peewee barrel racing, 16.492 seconds; Blake Hedin, junior barrel racing, 16.235 seconds; Tory Chamberlin, peewee roping, 15.4 seconds; Dawson Danberg, junior steer riding, 62; and Steel Tallentire, peewee steer riding, 65. ere were no successful entrants among the peewee breakaway riders.

e Truco Trick Riders, a group of talented horse riders from southeast Saskatchewan, entertained during the intermission on Friday and Saturday. Also, during the intermission on

Elecs win citizenship award for Shoot for a Cure

e Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs’ senior girls’ basketball team has been recognized for its commitment to giving back through the annual Victor Elias Memorial Shoot for a Cure Pink Basketball Tournament.

e squad was among the recipients of a Public Schools of Saskatchewan Student Citizenship Award, presented at a ceremony in Saskatoon on June 7. ECS Grade 11 student Prysm Gooding, who is part of the basketball team and who created a video for the submission, and head coach Jessie Smoliak attended the ceremony.

e awards recognize initiatives undertaken by public school student groups or classes that support citizenship or character building within their school and community. ree $1,000 awards were presented for Grade 1-8 projects and three more were for high school e orts.

Smoliak said the team took the initiative, sharing their own personal thoughts on how much the pink tournament means to them. Gooding collected the videos and then created the nal presentation to be submitted.

“After watching the videos, I was very emotional listening to all of the girls’ responses and didn’t realize how much of an e ect it had on my own team, let alone the bene ciaries that we fundraise for,” said Smoliak.

e players’ families have helped make such a di erence and ECS couldn’t run this tournament without everyone’s help.

“I’m very appreciative and thankful for all of the student athletes and families I have coached the past 15 years,” Smoliak said.

She added she was extremely honoured to accept the award on behalf of the team, but she also had the opportunity to learn from other school leaders throughout the province who share their stories of how they are making their school and community a better place.

“It was inspiring hearing how young these students are who are starting to think of others and giving back to their community and school.”

Smoliak also pointed out Norm Dray needs to be recognized and thanked for bringing this scholarship opportunity to the province for public schools, as it is a

reminder of what education is all about.

In the video, Gooding discussed the history of the tournament, which started in 2011 and is named after Smoliak’s father, who died from cancer following a lengthy battle.

“ e Victor Elias Shoot for a Cure Pink Tournament is well known all around Saskatchewan,” said Gooding.

Over the past 10 years, the tournament has raised more than $100,000 for people in the Estevan area battling cancer. ey have hosted a Queens of the Court Basketball Clinic for kids in elementary school, shaved the heads of teachers at ECS and sold chocolate almonds.

One player noted the tournament has been happening almost as long as she’s been alive. e players remarked how proud they were of the competition, what the event meant to them and how they appreciated the support of other teams.

“I hope we have shown you what the tournament is all about and how the tournament helps and impacts the people in our community. e tournament is fun, exciting, caring,

nerve-wracking and hopeful to make families feel cared for, and our team is ready to stand up to cancer,” Gooding said emphatically.

In an email to the Mercury, ECS principal James Jones said the school is “very proud” it was selected as a winner of an award.

“We are so proud of this accomplishment and recognition of our student

athletes and coaches,” said Jones.

Award criteria include making a di erence in the school or the community, promoting democratic values, making an environmental impact and promoting the value of public education.

“We are proud to celebrate these incredible students

support them,” said Lois Smandych, Public Schools of Saskatchewan executive member and chairwoman of the citizenship awards selection committee. “ ese projects highlight the great work that is happening in public schools across our province to educate students about both their rights and their responsibilities as citizens of our pluralistic society.”

A14
| Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca
and the sta who Participating in the presentation were Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill Public Schools of Saskatchewan Citizenship Awards Committee chairwoman Lois Smandych, ECS Grade 11 student Prysm Gooding, ECS Elecs senior girls’ basketball team head coach Jessie Smoliak and Sen. David Arnot. Photo courtesy of Jessie Smoliak Friday night, Jaycee Ross’ 4-H steer was auctioned o and raised more than $53,000 for the campaign to bring an MRI scanner to Estevan. e Energy City has been a favourite stop for the KCRA since Estevan joined the tour in 2021, and last year Estevan was selected as the premier stop. Steer riding was among the categories offered for young people. Shasta MacNaught was entered in barrel racing. Curtis Taypotat was among the competitors in tie-down roping. Photos by David Willberg

Elecs impress at track and field provincials

Two members of the Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs’ track and eld team helped Team South East win a medal at the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association’s provincial meet on June 7 and 8 at the Gordie Howe Track and Field Facility in Saskatoon.

Truman Ciepliski and Kimi Zepeda competed on the southeast junior boys four by 100-metre relay team that won bronze with a time of 46.75 seconds, .17 seconds ahead of the fourth-place team from north-central Saskatchewan.

Cameron Milbrandt had a fourth-place nish in the intermediate boys’ discus throw with a toss of 37.65 metres. Andrew Min was eighth in the senior boys’ triple jump with a distance of 11.83 metres. Kruz Shauf was 11th in the junior boys’ high jump with a height of 1.6 metres.

Lila Hale competed in three intermediate girls’ events, the high jump (1.25 metres), the long jump (4.08 metres) and the triple jump (8.64 metres).

Kimi Zepeda was in the junior boys’ 100 metres (12.84 seconds) and 3,000 metres (11:12.03) Also in two events was Rachel Duncan in the intermediate girls’ 800 metres (2:55.91) and javelin toss (21.84 metres).

In individual events, Adeon Sullivan was sixth in the intermediate boys’ 800 metres with a time of two minutes and 17.27 seconds, sixth in the 1,500 metres (4:44.56), fth in the 3,000 metres (10:20.91) and sixth in the high jump with a leap of 1.6 metres.

Other ECS athletes who competed were Autumn Snider, intermediate girls’ 800 metres (2:49.11); Randi Milbrandt, senior girls’ 80-metre hurdles (15.90 seconds); Charlotte Waldegger, junior girls’ 200 metres (30.31 seconds); Andrew Min, senior boys’ long jump (5.46 metres); Jayden Durr, intermediate boys’ triple jump (10.89 metres); and Maximus Vicary, senior boys’ triple jump (11.31 metres).

Ciepliski also competed in the junior boys’ tetrathlon, nishing sixth, thanks to a fourth-place nish in the 100 metres with a time of 12.48 seconds, 12th in the 800 metres with a time of 2:23.76; fth in the long jump with a distance of 5.4 metres, and 10th in the shot put with a distance of 9.02 metres.

In the junior girls’ tetrathlon, Megan Porter

was 14th, thanks to an eighth in the 100 metres with a time of 14.44 sec-

onds, 12th in the 800 metres with a time of 2:59.87, 15th in the long jump with a leap of 3.86

and ninth in the shot put with a toss of 7.52

Estevan U15 AA Brewers improve to 14-0

e Estevan U15 AA Brewers improved their record to 14-0 this season with a couple more convincing wins. Estevan defeated the host Moose Jaw Canucks 15-5 and 14-4 Sunday. In the rst game, the Brewers scored eight times in the fourth inning, with a two-run double by Broden Henry being the biggest blow, to take a 14-3 lead.

Estevan also scored eight runs in the fourth inning of the second game.

Prior to the Brewers outburst, the two teams had exchanged the lead multiple times to start Game 2.

e Brewers have outscored their opponents 200-45 in Baseball Regina league play so far this season.

e South East U18 AAA Twins went 1-1 in midweek games last week.

e Twins started with a 9-8 win over the Moose Jaw Canucks at Lynn Prime Park on Wednesday. Daxton Brown had two hits and three runs batted in (RBIs) in the win, while Keaton Husband scored three times.

Conner Kerr went the distance for the Twins, allowing eight runs, ve of

Logan Kolenz threw two innings of shutout ball for the Brewers. He did not give up any hits or walks.

them earned, in seven innings.

e following game was an 8-2 loss against the Regina White Sox on ursday. e Twins were up 2-1 through three innings, but the White Sox scored three in the fourth and further pulled away. Husband pitched 6 1/3 innings for the Twins.

e Twins will host the Sask. Five Marlins on June 22 and the Regina Wolfpack the following day. Games will begin at 1 and 4 p.m. and will be played at Lynn Prime Park.

•••

e Estevan U13 AAA Brewers went 2-1 last week, winning 11-8 in Weyburn on

June 12, and then going 1-1 in games against Yorkton.

e game versus Weyburn was tied at 8-8 entering the top of the seventh and nal inning when Kane Massier slugged a three-run home run to put Estevan in the lead.

Weyburn had a 6-0 lead in the third, but Estevan tied the game at 6-6 in the fourth.

Tayson Tangjerd pitched four innings in relief, giving up two runs and striking out 10.

As for the Yorkton games, Estevan lost 23-16 but recovered to win 11-4. Massier went 4-for-4 with a two-run home run in the rst game.

Yorkton scored eight times in the bottom of the sixth.

Tangjerd struck out 14 batters in 5 1/3 innings in the second contest. He allowed two hits and three runs. e Brewers had all of the o ence they needed with eight runs in the rst inning. Joseph Hozjan had two RBIs.

Estevan will host the Swift Current 57s on June 22 at 2 and 4 p.m., and visit Lumsden on June 23.

•••

e Estevan U11 AAA Brewers split went 1-1 on Sunday at Mel Murray Cactus Park, losing 23-22 to the Regina Wolfpack but

recovering to win 13-10. In the rst game, Regina led Estevan 20-9 at one point. Jace Carlisle went 3-for-4 for the Brewers and brought in three runs, while Preston Siever had a threerun double. e Brewers recorded 24 walks.

Estevan scored six times in the bottom of the fourth in the second game to take a 7-4 lead and added six more in the fth. Jacobi Hlavka hit an inside-the-park home run in the fth inning, scoring two runs, while Payton Molstad went 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

Estevan will visit the Regina Athletics on June 22 and the Regina White Sox the following day.

Local club basketball teams thrive in the spring

It’s been a successful spring season for a group of club basketball teams from Estevan.

e clubs wrapped up their 2024 campaign at a tournament in Yorkton on June 9. A U15 boys’ team won the tournament and another U15 team did well.

A U13 boys’ team went 2-1.

Coach Dustin Wilson said they had tryouts for the team at the end of March and in early April. Typically in Estevan, he said there have been age groups with a group of kids who were interested and entered tournaments, but they never had much of a program. is year they wound up with eight teams: one each for U11 boys and girls, U13 boys and girls, U15 girls and U17 girls, and two for U15 boys.

“We had almost 100 kids involved in club basketball throughout the spring,” said Wilson.

ey also competed at a tournament in Moose Jaw and went to provincials in Regina. anks to the success of this year’s program, Wilson predicted it might evolve further with a team name and brand.

“With the numbers … it’s certainly considered a success, so hopefully it continues to grow next year as we go into the spring,” said Wilson.

At provincials, one of the U15 boys’ teams had a really good weekend, making it to the playo s and losing by one point. e U13 boys were competitive with the city teams and had some tight games. e U15 girls won their rst game but ran up against some tough Saskatoon teams.

“I’ve been telling those teams speci cally that those groups of girls have been playing together for four or ve years. ey’ve

got 30 or 40 games under their belts. Meanwhile, ours’ are playing their third and fourth games together,” said Wilson.

e U11 kids didn’t play at tournaments. Wilson

hopes that can change next year.

He described this as the next level of competition, especially at a younger age when facing bigger programs. He believes that the

experiences will help them in the future.

“I think it set a nice outlook on future years to show that they have to keep putting work in, and there’s another level of basketball

for those that really enjoy it. Hopefully moving into next spring, it’s on people’s radar, and I think it was really good for the sport of basketball in Estevan,” he said.

Lions golf tournament enjoys steady support

e Estevan Lions Club hosted its 29th annual charity golf tournament, with proceeds split between CNIB and the Rusty Duce Park upgrades.

Eighty golfers partook in this year’s event, and a lot of them have been supporting the cause throughout the history of the tournament.

As part of the round, all players had to make one blindfolded tee shot. Kyle Mason, executive director of CNIB Saskatchewan, based out of Winnipeg, and Aashini Patel, CNIB program co-ordinator, peer support and recreation, based out of Regina, were manning the hole and greeting players, thanking them for the support.

“We’re always grateful to the Lions Club and everybody that participates and joins them, supporting CNIB,” Mason said.

“We o er some much-needed programs and services to the sightloss community and we couldn’t do it without the support.”

He noted that all funds raised at the golf tournament stay local and help support programs o ered by CNIB in the Estevan area.

Nancy Brodeur, Estevan Lions Club treasurer, said they were happy with the event.

“It went really, really well. Everyone had an awesome time, we got lots of compliments on our food, we gave away lots of door prizes, and we had a successful silent auction. So

yes, it was very successful,” Brodeur said.

Part of the approximately $6,000-$7,000 raised on the day of the tournament will go towards putting permanent boards up at the Rusty Duce Playpark rink that the club looks after.

“We’re trying to raise $130,000 to put permanent boards up at Rusty Duce Park so that the facility can be used year-round,” Brodeur said.

e club is about halfway to getting the needed funds for the project. ey hosted a Duelling Pianos date night last October to kick o the campaign and plan on repeating the success this year in hopes of having enough money to complete everything next summer.

Brodeur noted the local club has quite a few community projects, includ-

ic centre from September-April.

“We’ve done quite a bit around the community, and we will continue to do so,” Brodeur said.

“[But] we always need

Anyone interested

A15 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
metres, metres. Truman Ciepliski and Kimi Zepeda, second and third from left, respectively, helped Team South East win bronze in the 4x100-metre relay. Photo by Braden MacLean Club basketball players from Estevan gather for a group photo after a great showing at a Yorkton tournament. Photo courtesy of Lori Gervais Lorie-Gay Drewitz-Gallaway teed off while blindfolded during the Estevan Lions Club’s golf tournament in support of the CNIB. ing maintenance of Rusty Duce Park and rink, the Nicholson Centre at the Estevan Leisure Centre and disc golf facility at Torgeson Park, as well as free swims at the aquat- new members. Our volunteer base is getting pretty small.” in joining can reach out to the club through their Facebook page.

| Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Alameda 4-H Show & Sale has record participation

e Alameda Regional 4-H Show and Sale, one of Saskatchewan’s largest regional agricultural events, saw a successful turnout on June 7-8, with increased participation and strong sales, according to organizers.

e event, held at the Alameda Agricultural Society grounds and Chopper K Auction Mart, featured 108 members presenting 89 steers, 77 heifers and 20 cow-calf pairs. Denise Allum, the committee chair, noted that a two-day event held in Alameda saw ve clubs involved: Alameda, Alida, Carievale, Carndu and Mary eld.

“ e cattle numbers are up and the kids’ numbers

have slowly increased year after year,” Allum said.

Sheep have been a part of the event for the last few years, with three clubs bringing sheep this year for a sheep show at lunchtime e cattle show commenced with steer classes and judging on the rst day, followed by a sale. e second day featured team grooming, heifer and cowcalf shows, as well as showmanship competitions. is year’s judging panel included Lois and Blair McCrae from Manitoba for cattle, Kate Barnett for showmanship and sheep, and Garth Newel assisting with oral judging. e event concluded with an awards ceremony on June 8. Sales were strong, averaging around $4.75 per

pound, which Allum attributed to the supportive community and agricultural connections.

“De nitely, a very strong sale… It’s a good thing to help us in agriculture.

ere’re lots of companies and people that are very, very awesome at donating or giving these kids some more money,” she noted.

One steer purchased by a company was donated to

a fundraiser for the ambulance service in Oxbow, showcasing the event’s community spirit e Alameda 4-H Show and Sale continues to grow, with increasing

numbers of cattle and participants each year. e age range for participants is from six to 21, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event and its importance in fostering future agricultural talent.

“4-H is really good for kids and the agriculture industry. ey’re the future of agriculture, so to keep them going is awesome,” said Allum

“It’s always exciting to see the kids come out and show o their year of hard work. And we work hard at getting lots of sponsors so we can have buckles and awards for the kids.” For more details on the winners and champions, photos and additional information, visit the Alameda 4-H Beef Club Facebook page.

New rodeo queen crowned at Energy City Ex

e Estevan Exhibition Association has its royalty for the next 12 months.

Desirae Cleveland of Bengough was crowned as the Rodeo Queen and Hannah Ferrier of Ceylon the Rodeo Princess during the EEA’s Energy City Ex. on June 15 at the Graham Collie Rodeo Arena. ey were judged on four di erent components: horsemanship, public speaking, 50/50 ticket sales and people’s choice

votes. Ferrier was the winner of the people’s choice division, while Cleveland took home the other three categories. She also won a $1,000 scholarship.

Rodeo queen committee chairwoman Annetta McDavid said public speaking and horsemanship were evaluated on June 10 during contests that were open to the public. eir speeches had to be four to eight minutes long and were of a topic of their

choosing. ey also had to address an impromptu question drawn from a hat. ey had a minute to prepare their answer. e horsemanship was based on how they handled a riding pattern. ree judges evaluated their riding and speaking abilities. e voting for the People’s Choice Award ended Friday evening.

Proceeds from the 5050 ticket sales will be di-

4-H Beef Club

Age: 17

Yearsin4-H: One

Agegroup: Senior CaseyBrady is wrapping up her firstyear with the Carievale 4-H Beef Club, and she wishes shehad joined the organization much earlier Brady, ag e17, joinedthe club because some of her friends we re invo lved, and her fa milyh as ac attl e operation.

rected to the Estevan Exhibition Association for maintenance and upkeep of the grounds.

McDavid said the two contestants were busy during the Energy City Ex. “ ey were promoting

Estevan, o ering to help out to direct people. ey opened gates, they helped with our people movers and just generally helped out with the rodeo and anywhere they could,” said McDavid.

McDavid predicted the queen and the princess will show up wearing their sashes at di erent events in the community, including other exhibition activities, events that involve agriculture and other functions in the Estevan area.

At the 4-H shows this year,she had some excellent finishes, par ticularly with aheifer

Public speaking is abig part of 4-H, andBrady was involved with that as well,but it wasn’t newtoher, because it wassomething she had been involved with since elementaryschool.

Bradye njoye dt he mo nthlym eet in gs ,w hichg ave herthe chance to getout, go somewhere and talk to people .Guest speakerstaught her about suchthings as leather working. And she met newpeople and went to newplaces.

He rexperie nc es through he rfirst ye ar of 4- Hw ill

“definitely” helpher in the future, she said.

“It teaches youhow to talk to judges, andthatcan help you talk to futureemployers,and it gets your nerves out beforetalking to people that youknoware super impor tant.

“I have worked on the farmwith my dad foralong time, and Ijust wanted to trysomething new,”saidBrady She has been able to expand her knowledgeofthe animals and become morefamiliar with them. Driving trucks and trailersall overthe place,she had gained a lot of experience with cattle and she meta lotofpeople “It reallyjust opened my vision to newthings,” said Brady. “I learned grooming and howthat works, too, and recordkeeping. That ’s something that wasabig learning curve,but Idid reallywell in it.”

McDavid was pleased with this year’s contest. e community, rodeo committee and the KCRA, which is the rodeo circuit for Estevan, were very supportive. People in the community stepped forward with sponsorships, prizes and assistance.

“ e really exciting part for us, and the main reason that we do Miss Rodeo Estevan, is they embody the rodeo … and western lifestyle and spirit,” said McDavid. ey will be good representatives during their tenure over the next year, she added.

AGRI-NEWS
www.SASKTODAY.ca A16
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Ethan Books with the Alameda 4-H Club and his grand champion steer at the 2024 Alameda Regional 4-H Show and Sale in June. Photo courtesy of Denise Allum
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2024 Rodeo Princess Hannah Ferrier Stacey Holtz Jessica Klarholm Jesa Colliness, Annetta McDavid and 2024 Rodeo Queen Desirae Cleveland. Photo courtesy of the Estevan Exhibition Association
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Great-looking vehicles

The Estevan Comprehensive School hosted its annual John Dyck Show and Shine on Friday at the school’s parking lot. Dozens of cars and trucks, spanning the decades, were on display. Many of the entries were from school students, but there were some vehicles brought by people from the community. The show is named after Dyck, who was the school’s automotive instructor for many years. Photo by David Willberg

Drewitz students receive ballet exam results

Students from the Drewitz School of Dance in Estevan, under the direction of Lorie-Gay Drewitz-Gallaway, recently received their ballet results from London.

With ballet being the fundamental discipline in dance, Drewitz-Gallaway said children are encouraged to participate in examinations which are an individual goal for them.

e examiner was Loretta Beamish-Lachner from Grand Forks, B.C.

Examinations for this session were for students in primary to Grade 8. All candidates were successful. Students were strategically marked in all speci ed areas: technique, posture, musicality, presentation, character and their variation dances. e standard required to pass is consistent throughout all countries. e new Royal Acad-

emy of Dance curriculum has been implemented in the past few years and it is slowly taking e ect in professional dance studios worldwide. All standardization remains the same worldwide.

Recently received results are as follows:

Primary grade – Distinction: Lakyn Markoski, Aylah Nordin, Claire Kwochka and Jocqas Montecillo; high merit: Madelyn Grobbink, Rylee Gallaway, Sarah Mellon, Victoria Wock, Eve Beatty and Brea Benning.

Grade 1 – High merit: Shammah-Gail Placer, Lilee Van Sickle and Brinley Wilson; merit: Ferriday Ciepliski.

Grade 2 – Distinction: So a Erana-Schmegelsky; high merit: Lexey Lievaart, Emma Salkeld and Desiree Krahn; merit: Ivy Eskra, Chloe Marsh, Ellise Mayuk and Delaney

Tamblyn.

Grade 3 – High merit: Alice Mowchenko, Eva Gedak and Zélie Roy-Cennon; merit: Grace Hall, Gabrielle Morales and Paris Irwin.

Grade 4 – High merit: Aspen Mayuk and Coco Mercer.

Grade 5 – High merit: Sophia Deitz; merit: Sierra Mantei, Ava Mann, Elizabeth Harmsworth, Rylee Johnston and Emma Morhart.

Grade 6 – High merit: Sydney Lainton, Marin Burnett, Payton Sernick and Brooke Dzeryk; merit: Tegan Mosley and Cana Marsh.

Grade 7 – High merit: Josie Hurren, Layla Kitz, Sydney Ross, Peyton Irwin and Elliana Wiebe;

Grade 8 – High merit: Sophia Fleck, Kerison Burnett and Samantha Carritt; merit: Tyann Babyak and Rowyn Siever.

Fire crews assist with single-vehicle incident

On June 15, just after 3:30 p.m., the Estevan Fire Rescue Service was dispatched to a single-vehicle incident west of the city.

Crews responded and determined that a vehicle lost a piece of equipment it was hauling from a trailer, and it was blocking a roadway. Fire ghters assisted with tra c control until the area was cleared.

Earlier last week, re crews were dispatched to a commercial re alarm in the southeast area of the city on June 12 at about 8:30 a.m. Crews investigated and determined there was an issue with the sprinkler system, which caused the alarm. Fireghters con rmed that there was no emergency

occurring, worked with the maintenance sta and then returned to the station.

Later the same day, shortly after 4 p.m., crews were called to another commercial re alarm in the northeast area. Investigation showed that the alarm was caused by maintenance being done at that location, and no emergency was occurring.

Fire ghters responded to a residential re alarm in northwest Estevan on June 13 at about 10:30 a.m. It was quickly determined that the alarm was due to cooking and crews con rmed that no emergency was occurring in this case.

On June 14 just after 3 p.m., re ghters were

dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on the west side of the city. Crews responded and assisted at the scene.

A little while later on the same day, re ghters were buzzed to a downed power line in north-central Estevan. e crews responded and investigated that incident, con rmed no re or emergency was occurring and remained on scene to secure the area until SaskPower arrived to perform repairs.

Later that evening, the EFRS also partook in the SMILE Services Estevan parade that opened the Energy City Ex., and also celebrated the 2024 Estevan Comprehensive School graduates.

Top ECS athletes

Randi Milbrandt, left, and Jayden Kuchinka were named the Estevan Comprehensive School’s Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respectively, during the athletic awards ceremony at the school on June 5. The ECS freshman, junior and senior sports teams saluted students for their achievements and commitment. Special awards were presented for sportsmanship. The list of recipients can be found on our provincial news hub at sasktoday.ca. Photos by James Dobos

In loving Memory of Keith “Biker” Irvine Keith“Biker” September2,1962toTuesday,May 14,2024

The family invites you to a celebration of life for Keith on Sept 14th at the Legion Hall at 6:00pm with a come and go social afterward

Thefamilyinvites youtoa celebrationoflifefor Keithon theLegionHallat6:00pmwitha afterward.

A private family internment will be held at a later date

Aprivate alater

A17 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
From left, Samantha Carritt, Drewitz School of Dance owner Lorie-Gay Drewitz-Gallaway Rowyn Siever and Sophia Fleck Photo courtesy of Lorie-Gay Drewtiz Gallaway

Parade kicked off Energy City Ex

e annual SMILE Service Estevan Parade heralded the start of the Energy City Ex with a vibrant display on June 14, despite the weather’s early attempts to dampen spirits.

Beginning under a steady downpour, the parade concluded under bright sunshine, matching the consistently high spirits of attendees and participants. is year’s parade was one of the largest in Estevan in years, featur-

ing over 50 entrants and drawing a signi cant crowd. e theme of Our Children, Our Future resonated throughout the event.

A highlight of the parade was the participation of the 2024 Estevan Comprehensive School graduates. eir achievements were celebrated by many in the crowd.

Awards were given in several categories, showcasing the creativity and e ort of the participants.

e Estevan Recreational Dance Club took home the award for the Best Interpretation of the eme with their lively and colorful performance. e

Tandem Dads, riding a tandem bicycle, won for Best Comedy. e Best Out of Town award went to the Ukrainian community of Estevan.

Jaycee Ross was honoured with the Best Decorated Horse and Rider award, impressing onlookers with a beautiful equestrian display. e coveted Best of

e

mix of fairground attractions and rodeo action, promising fun and entertainment for all ages.

A18 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
the Parade title was awarded to the Estevan Sharks’ Water Polo team, whose oat captured the essence of the club and teamwork. Energy City Ex continues over the next two days, o ering a By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca The Estevan Recreational Dance Club took home the award for the Best Interpretation of the Theme.
Arts Council Extend your reach. GROW YOUR CLIENTELE. 306-634-2654 www.estevanartscouncil.org •facebook.com/estevanartscouncil @artsestevan •@estevanartscouncil For informationabout the Estevan Concert Series or for wanting to volunteer,contact Wilma @306-461-8656or email estevanartscouncil@sasktel.net Advance Tickets at Henders: $35 • Tickets at the door: $40 Students (6-18): $10 • Parents with Students: $15 Early Bird Pricing (until July 31/24) PKG A- $175 (7 Concerts- includes Barra MacNeils Family Concert) PKG B- $150 (6 Concerts -excludes BarraMacNeils Family Concert) REGULARPricing (after July31/24) PKGC - $210 (7 Concerts- includes Barra MacNeils Family Concert) PKG D- $180 (6 Concerts- excludes Barra MacNeils Family Concert) THE WARDENS TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH TheWardensdon't just singabout the land, they're part of it.The Rocky Mountain-based band's storiesand songs risefrom the very landthey'veprotected as Canadiannational park wardens.Withhaunting three-part harmoniesand chillingtales,the band's mountainmusic -blendingfolk, roots andwestern styles"reflects Canada'sprotected wilderness areas.Celebratingthe return of wild buffalo,wranglinggrizzlybears,lonelynights on the packtrail andreflecting on an environment in crisis,a performanceby TheWardenshas been dubbed "thequintessential mountain-culture concert experience." www.thewardenmusic.com RYAN MCMAHON ESTEVANROYAL CANADIAN LEGION RyanMcMahonhas been creating music for the past twenty-five years.Although the music industry told him he didn’tfitintoany particular genre, he remained steadfast in his desiretoshare his inspired songwritingwiththe world. Ryan’smusic has thepower to change your mind with its soulful and thought-provoking lyrics,and he hasthe ability to challenge even thewittiest poets as he conveys thetrialsand triumphsoflife through his songs.In2023, Ryan toured with some of Canada’sgreatest rock icons Burton Cummings and TomCochrane and received rave reviews from audiences.ThisNovember, he will be bringing aduo show to Saskatchewan,featuring hislongtime friend on keys,UncleJoel Spillette www.ryanmcmahon.com THE BARRA MACNEILS ESTEVAN COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL TheBarra MacNeils –AnEast Coast Christmas is amusical potpourri of traditional MacNeil family favourites gleaned from Christmas ceilidhs, midnightmasses andthe generalfestive frolic that accompanies each holiday season. With their captivating vocals distinctive harmonies andextraordinarymusicianship,The Barra MacNeils inject new lifeand energy into the sights and sounds of Christmas…one moment arousingchorus,then ahauntinglybeautiful Gaelic ballad, the next aflurry of foot-stomping instrumentals whichofcoursepulls one then another into astep-dancing revelry.For adelightful seasonal celebration, don’t miss An EastCoast Christmaswiththe Barra MacNeils! www.thebarramcneils.com THE PRAIRIE SONS ST.PAULS UNITED CHURCH ThePrairie Sons,cellist David Liam Roberts, and pianist Godwin Friesen,draw inspirationfromthe vast CanadianWest. They metat the Glenn GouldSchoolofMusic andshare adeep connection to their Prairie roots.Both awardedand featured in CBC’sHot 30 Classical Musicians Under30, theirconcert program reflects theirexpansiveperspective.The Prairie Sons’ energyand innovationoffer afresh perspective on their homeland, inviting you to see the everyday as amiracle in thepicturesque Canadian landscape www.prairiedebut.com/2024-2025-prairie-sons/ EVERYBRILLIANT THING TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Burnt Thicket Theatre presents “EVERYBRILLIANT THING” by DuncanMacmillan andJonny Donahoe,starring SarahRobertson. The play revolves around aseven-year-old dealing with his mother’sdepressionbylistingeverything wonderfulabout life. Twodecade later, the list takes on alife of its own. This remarkable comedy explores depressionand thelengths we go forlovedones, blending humor with emotional depth.The unique performance involves the audience in namingitems on thelist, creating aprofound and unscripted connection. Experience ashowthat shifts perspectives andleaves alasting impact on your outlook.Don’tmiss this extraordinary live experience www.burntheticket.com/show/ebt JEFF NEWMAN ESTEVANCOMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL Mentalist andMagician Jeff Newman will mess withyour head. He will influence your thoughts.He’ll predictwhat you do before you know you’re doingit. He will even readyour mind. If you think this is arun-of-the-mill magic act, think again. Jeff will fool you badly and you’ll love every minute of it. Foroveradecade, Jeff’s astounding, engagingmentalismact has made people laugh, gasp, and cheer as they takepart in an unforgettable experience they’ve never seen before.Jeffhas been seen and heard on CBC, CTV, and GlobalTVand has performed hisaward-winning showstosellout crowdsand rave reviews for cruise ships,theatres,and private events around the globe www.newmanentalism.com SUSANAGLUKARK ESTEVAN COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL Susan Aglukark, Canada’sfirst Inuk Juno winner with4 awards, holds aGovernor General’sPerforming Arts Award and is an Officer of the OrderofCanada. Beginning in the early1990s,she embarkedona career as asinger-songwriter,releasingher major labeldebu album“This Child” in 1995. Throughout her journey,Susan hasreleased 10 albums,foundedthe Arctic RoseFoundation, authored children’sbooks,and continues her advocacy throughmusic andstorytelling. Celebrating her30th anniversary tour of “This Child, Susan’s work emphasizes learning,healing, andsharing through her platform. www.susanaglukark.com The Estevan Arts Councilpresents Tuesday EVENING 6:00 - 7:00 sacred heart school GYM June 4, 11, 18 & 25 September 3, 10, 17 & 24 Challenger baseball welcomes children, youth and adults with cognitive, developmental, physical, emotional or chronic health issues - inclusion: through the power of sport www.prairiedebut.com/2024-2025-prairie-sons/ CORRECTIONOFDATE: MARCH2,2025 2:00PM THE PRAIRIE SONS ST.PAULS UNITED CHURCH
Best of the Parade title was awarded to the Estevan Sharks’ Water Polo team.

CLASSIFIEDS

Flashback – June 16, 1976

Shown here are the best among boys at the Separate School Board track and field meet in mid-June, 1976, at St. Mary’s.

EPS asking for help locating stolen vehicle

e Estevan Police Service is looking for information regarding a vehicle that was taken sometime during the night on May 30. According to information from the EPS released on June 10, the vehicle is

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a grey 2012 GMC Acadia. At the time it went missing, the Saskatchewan licence plate was 109 MZJ. Please call the EPS at 306-634-4767 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 with any information.

In other recent police news, a report of a woman causing a disturbance and assaulting sta came from a local facility on June 12. Members responded and arrested and charged a 45-year-old Estevan woman with assault. She was released with a July court date.

e same day, a counterfeit $100 bill was turned in to police by a local bank. e public and businesses are asked to be on the lookout for suspicious currency and report it to police. is matter is under investigation.

e EPS responded to a report of a scam on a Facebook marketing site in which a deposit of $50 was made to hold an item. e contact with the seller stopped after the deposit was made. e matter is under investigation.

Members were called to a disturbance at a residence on June 13. A woman was found to be in medical and mental distress. Members of the Estevan EMS were called, and she was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for further treatment.

Members attended to 68 occurrences over the weekend of June 14-16. Calls for service included reports of an assault, noise complaints, the theft of mail, mischief to a resi-

dence, fraud involving the sale of tickets to the local exhibition, road stops, an accident and the theft of a bicycle.

Police conducted a trafc stop on June 14 and located open alcohol in the vehicle. e driver was found to be sober, however, the passenger was issued a ticket under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act.

Members received a report of an assault that occurred in the Pleasantdale area. Statements are pending and the matter remains under investigation.

Police received a report of a theft that occurred while the victim was at a local convenience store. e matter remains under investigation.

Members responded to a two-vehicle collision in west Estevan. Tra c had to be rerouted and both vehicles needed to be towed from the scene. Neither driver was injured, but one man from Estevan was issued a ticket under the Tra c Safety Act.

O cers received a report of a fraud. e victim purchased tickets to the Energy City Ex. online and sent payment. When arrangements were attempted to pick up the tickets, the seller would not respond. e matter remains under investigation.

Members conducted check stops throughout the evening of June 15, concentrating primarily on locating impaired drivers. According to the EPS, there were a number of tra c violation tickets issued, and an Estevan man was issued a seven-day driver’s licence suspension and his vehicle was impounded for driving under the in uence of cannabis. Many tests for alcohol also occurred, with all drivers passing.

Also on June 15, police received a report of a driver coming towards Estevan and travelling at a high rate of speed. e vehicle was located, and a tra c stop was conducted.

e B.C. man was issued a ticket under the Tra c Safety Act.

Police received a report of criminal harassment. Statements were provided and that matter is still under investigation.

e EPS assisted another police agency in locating a person who had been reported missing earlier in the day.

Police were dispatched to a report of two vehicles travelling at a high rate of speed in west Estevan. e drivers were located and spoken to. Statements will

be provided, and charges are pending.

Police responded to a theft at a local liquor establishment. Statements are pending, but upon reviewing the video surveillance, members were able to identify the suspect. e matter is still under investigation.

A 38-year-old man was arrested in central Estevan for breaching the curfew conditions of his release order the previous evening. He was transported to the police station, where he was charged and released. He was scheduled to be in Estevan Provincial Court on June 17. No further information was immediately available. Police conducted a traf-

c stop in the 1100 block of Second Street on June 16. e female driver failed to provide an adequate breath sample in the approved screening device. e 66-year-old Estevan woman was subsequently arrested and transported to the police station where she was lodged in cells. She is facing Criminal Code charges for refusing to provide a breath sample, and was released when sober with a court date in August. A hit-and-run between a semi/trailer and an SUV was witnessed and reported by a passerby at an intersection in central Estevan. No injuries were reported. e matter remains under investigation.

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Thesuccessfulcandidateshouldbeabletodemonstrateastrongwork ethic,willingnesstolearn,agreatattitude,andagenuinepassionforthe trade.ServicePlumbersarerequiredtobeskilledinallmannerofpipe joiningmethods;comfortablewiththeuseofcommonindustry-specific handtools,powertools,anddiagnostictools;andadeptatreadingandinterpretingtechnicalliterature.Specifically,dutieswouldincludeperforming plannedmaintenanceactivitiesoncommercialplumbingandheating equipment,(notlimitedtoBoilers,Pumps,Furnaces,HotWaterTanks, Make-UpAirUnits,WaterFiltrationSystems,andBackflowDevices).Asa ServicePlumber,yourdaycouldincludediagnosing,troubleshooting,and repairingcommercialplumbingandheatingsystems,includinglayoutand executingsmallre-pipe,retrofitandtenantimprovementprojects.Day-todayworkmaysometimesrequirelonghoursandliftingheavyloadsand willinvolveparticipationinrotating24/7emergencyon-callsupports. (306)-993-2387https://black-mcdonald-limited.breezy.hr/p/ 13831fadda0001-service-plumber

ServiceRefrigeration

Black&McDonaldiscurrentlyseekinganexperiencedServiceRefrigerationtechniciantojoinourServiceDivisioninEstevan,SK! Ifyouareahands-on,customerservice-oriented,andtechnicallyinclined professionalsearchingfortheopportunitytobuildasolidfoundationfor yourcareer,thispositionisforyou.

TheRefrigerationTechnicianpositionislocatedinEstevan,SKandwill reportdirectlytotheServiceSupervisor.

Theidealcandidatewillhaveexperienceworkingwithavarietyofrefrigerationsystemsandbeabletotroubleshootelectricalandgassystemsand repairrefrigerationandHVACequipmentissuesastheyarise.Ifyou'rea self-starterwithapositiveattitudeandadedicationtoprovidingexcellent customerservice,wewanttohearfromyou!Thispositionprimarilyprovidesservicetocommercialrefrigerationsystems,includinginstalling,servicing,repairingandreplacingparts,participatinginpreventativemaintenanceschedulesandperformingminorcalibrations.

Dutiesandresponsibilitieswouldincludemaintainingcustomers'refrigerationsystems,whichinvolvesinspectingallsystemcomponentsand replacingthemasrequired.Thiscouldincludereplacingseals,gaskets andbushingsandre-assemblingcomponentssuchascompressors,condensers,evaporatorsandpumps.Thetechnicianwillberequiredtomaintaindailyservicelogs,refrigerantrecoveryreports,andservicerecords. (306)993-2387https://black-mcdonald-limited.breezy.hr/p/ 9df2e8e155a901-refrigeration-technician

| Wednesday,
19, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca A19
June
Front row, from left, Jamie Donauer Ronnie Mack Blaise Kirchgesner and Kevin Hickie Back row, Darcy Frank Ronald Lavoi Jeff Mosley, Michael Messer and Murray Black
Ba rri st er s& So lic ito rs Pa ul El as hK .C A aron Lu dw ig ,B .S c. ,L L. B. G en ev ie ve Sc hr ad er,B .M gt ., J. D. Gainsborough:Thursday a.m. Carnduff:Thursday p.m. 1312-4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0X2 P. (306) 634-3631 •F.(306) 634-6901 •www.kohalyelash.com
Wanted Obituaries Career Opportunities Feed & Seed For Sale - Misc Health Services
Ernest Jacob Fleck
In Memoriam
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Finding Wonderland: Artist Bethany Dittmann unveils new exhibition at Woodlawn Regional Park

Beautiful and intriguing Alice in Wonderland motifs now can be found in the Estevan area.

Local artist Bethany Dittmann introduced her latest exhibition Finding Wonderland on June 14 at Woodlawn Regional Park.

As part of an artist’s meet and greet, she walked the park with guests, talking about her creations, explaining the techniques and sharing stories.

Finding Wonderland is a part of Inside Out, the ongoing collaboration between the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM) and Woodlawn. Inside Out, now in its fourth year, is a series of outdoor art exhibits that explore new ways of sharing art with the world outside the traditional gallery walls.

Dittmann’s Finding Wonderland showcases four Alice in Wonderland-inspired artworks hidden around the park’s campgrounds, with each piece exploring di erent artistic mediums while reecting on the classic story by Lewis Carroll.

EAGM director and curator Tye Dandridge-Evancio opened the event, expressing excitement for the exhibition.

“We are thrilled to bring this unique exhibition to the park,” said Dandridge-Evancio. “Finding Wonderland is not just about viewing art but about exploring and discovering it in unexpected places.”

Dittmann provided insights into her creative process and inspirations behind each selection during the tour.

“ ere are four pieces spread out throughout the park, all inspired by di erent parts or characters of the Alice in Wonderland story,” she explained. “ e idea of nding art outside where you might not expect it was a big part of this project.”

Each display includes a piece of text from the Alice in Wonderland story. e exhibition features diverse artworks.

One of the displays, called Unbirthday, showcases teacups and a saucer, each decorated with intricate designs inspired by the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Dittmann said that display was the most di cult for her to create due to the unique medium.

“I used a ceramic and multi-surface pen to create these images, working from light to dark to build the designs,” Dittmann said.

Another highlight of the exhibition is a mobile titled Curiouser and Curiouser, featuring objects like keys, a watch and a dried ower, all referencing key elements of Carroll’s story.

“I wanted each element to connect with the story, making it clear and recognizable,” Dittmann said.

A display along the road to the TS&M Golf Course called Rabbit Hole features pages from the Alice in Wonderland book with character sketches on them. e fourth display,

located at the campground and called Mad Hat, exhibits a 3-D Hatter’s Hat, inspired by Tim Burton’s interpretation of the classic plot.

Event participants noted the signi cance of displaying art in non-traditional space, where the environment adds a new dimension to artworks, making the experience of discovering each piece truly magical.

Dittmann has been calling Estevan home for the past year. She has enjoyed moving back to Saskatchewan and nding ample creative opportunities to connect with. A visual artist, lover of theatre and storytelling, she loves when creative elds overlap. Connecting stories through visual art is a passion of Dittmann’s, her artist statement says.

Dittmann has lived in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Minnesota, and all these landscapes have inspired her artwork. Between the three regions, her artwork has been showcased in group art shows, including in art galleries, art auctions, art markets and art showcases and bars. She loves nding the beauty in everyday life that is often overlooked. Dittmann works with mediums including acrylic, watercolour, graphite, ink pot and mixed media. Finding Neverland will be on display throughout the summer.

For more information on upcoming exhibits and events, visit the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum website.

A20 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
Finding Wonderland is an exhibition by Bethany Dittmann. It is a part of the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum’s ongoing Inside Out series.
Adult $30 Youth 13-18 $20 12 and under FREE Shuttle service between Bienfait andEstevanwill be available for ticket holders coalcreekfest.ca
Bethany Dittmann showed guests around her latest outdoor exhibition at Woodlawn Regional Park.

Veteran EPS member earns service medal

A member of the Estevan Police Service has been recognized for his commitment to law enforcement.

Det. Sgt. Trevor Roberts was presented with a 20-year Exemplary Service Medal during the June 11 meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners. Friends and family of Roberts were in attendance.

Police Chief Rich Lowen told the guests that Roberts was an o cer with the Saskatchewan Highway Transport Patrol from 2003-2010. Roberts then went to the Saskatchewan Police College in 2010 and was the valedictorian of his recruiting class.

After spending three years with the Wilton Police Service, Roberts joined the EPS in February 2013 and was promoted to sergeant in April 2022.

Lowen said Roberts has earned an International Police Association Leadership Award and has worked as a platoon constable, an acting sergeant of platoons, a detective constable of the criminal investigations unit, and has been a Joint Tactical Support Team leader.

He’s also on the police ceremonial team and

Estevan city council has approved ying the Progress Pride Flag in front of Estevan city hall from June 23-30.

Derek (Stryx) Dubowski made the request at the June 10 meeting of Estevan city council. He said his request was in response to last year, when the Concerned Citizens Estevan SK group wanted to have the Straight Pride Flag own at city hall and to have a Mom and Dad Week. Council denied the Concerned Citizens’ request.

“ is city council was impassioned yet digni ed in their response to that particular situation,” said Dubowski.

e Progress Pride Flag represents progress that has been made and work that remains. It is a six-band rainbow pride ag with the addition of a multi-coloured chevron on the left

an instructor for the operational investigations course with the Saskatchewan Police College.

“He’s obtained an abundance of training certicates and attended various workshops,” said Lowen.

e monthly police numbers show the EPS had 649 calls for service in May, compared with 800 for the same month a year earlier.

e EPS handled 13 crimes against the person last month, including nine assaults, two assaults causing bodily harm, one sexual crime and one robbery. ere were 11 crimes against the person in May 2023.

In the rst ve months of the year, there have been 68 crimes against the person, led by 51 assaults. ere were also 10 sexual crimes, three incidents each for robberies and assaults causing bodily harm, and one attempted murder.

Last year 41 of the 65 crimes against the person in the rst ve months of the year were for assaults.

Crimes against property also continue to be on the rise, with 46 last month, compared with 44 in May 2023, and 191 for the rst

side of the ag that points to the right.

In addition to white, the chevron is pink and blue, representing transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals; brown for black, Indigenous and people of colour; and black for those who have died in the ght for progress. Council expressed their support with Dubowski’s request and voiced their support for diversity in the community.

•••

Council approved a request from Estevan Minor Baseball for a $21,355.16 loan to install new shale on the ball diamonds at Mel Murray Cactus Park and Lynn Prime Park.

Murray said the shale is needed for Estevan to host provincial baseball tournaments on back-to-back weekends in July. Twenty-four teams are expected

ve months of the year, a 49 per cent increase from the 128 recorded from Jan. 1-May 31, 2023.

In May, there were 27 thefts under $5,000, up from 15 a year earlier. Mischief/wilful damage

to come to Estevan each weekend. Murray added minor ball didn’t have the money to do the work themselves.

“We need to put shale on these diamonds because we’re down to the clay. When we drag and harrow, we’re bringing up clay now,” said Murray.

Coun. Rebecca Foord pointed out minor ball already has a loan with the city. Murray said minor ball should be able to pay o both loans once these tournaments are nished.

Mayor Roy Ludwig –who attended the meeting virtually from Calgary –wanted to know if minor ball was willing to fundraise for the shale project, but Murray said they can’t keep going back to the same people.

Ludwig and Coun. Kirsten Walliser voted against the motion. Walliser

complaints were at 13, followed by four thefts of a motor vehicle and two residential break and enters.

So far this year, there have been 103 thefts under $5,000, a 91 per cent

cited her desire to see these requests come into management in late summer or early fall for budget deliberations. Murray said minor ball was fundraising for a washroom project that went overbudget, so there wasn’t enough money for the shale. Minor ball has $12,000 remaining on the previous loan. Now it will pay back the city $6,000 per year between the two loans.

•••

Council tabled a request from Jennifer Kuchinka for a $1,000 sponsorship request for the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association. Council has already allowed Kuchinka to have a fundraising walk for the Brain Injury Association at Woodlawn Regional

increase from 54 for the previous year. ere have also been 55 mischief/ wilful damage complaints, 18 thefts of a motor vehicle, nine residential break and enters, three business break and enters, one

Park in September.

Seven building permits worth $1,425,000 were issued in May, bringing the total for the year to 16 permits worth $4,341,801.

Four permits were classi ed as institutional and carried a total value of $1.3 million. Two were garages worth a total of $75,000, and one was institutional for $50,000.

•••

Council gave rst reading to an updated cemetery bylaw. Parks manager Shannon Wanner said the changes will tend to a few things that were lacking, and provide clari cation for funeral homes. It will also address some issues with headstones.

break and enter listed as other, and two thefts over $5,000. ere were no charges laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) last month, compared to one in May 2023. In the rst ve months of the year, there have been 15 charges, with nine for tra cking and six for possession, compared to 22 through May 31, 2023. Ten charges were laid for Criminal Code Tra c Violations, with nine for impaired/exceed-related o ences and one for dangerous driving or other. ere were eight such violations last year. rough May 31, there were 49 charges for Criminal Code tra c violations, with 33 for impaired or exceed-related o ences, 11 for impairment by drug and ve for dangerous driving or other. Fifty-six charges were laid in the rst ve months of 2023. In the rst ve months of the year, the EPS responded to 2,842 calls and infractions, down 3,163 for the same period last year, which is a 10.1 per cent drop. e number of calls is also down 9.4 per cent from the ve-year average of 3,137.

Second and third readings are slated for a future meeting. Council also gave second and third readings to the new building bylaw. e document will now be sent for provincial approval. e document had previously been rejected at the provincial level because of de ciencies in some areas.

••• Councillors Shelly Veroba, Walliser and Foord attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention with Mayor Roy Ludwig in Calgary earlier this month. ey provided a recap on some of the ideas they heard and sessions they attended that could help improve the community.

A21 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca
Detective Sgt. Trevor Roberts accepted an Exemplary Service Medal from Estevan Police Chief Rich Lowen
to fly at city hall July 16-18, 2024 |aginmotion.ca 15 mins. NW of Saskatoon, Sask. atLangham,Hwy.16 SCAN THE CODETO PLAN YOUR VISIT! Download the Ag in Motionapp for maps,event schedules and more. Worthitfor the experience. Do youwanttoCongratulatea Graduate this year? From Pre-Kt oUniversityand ever ymilestone in between! Celebratethe achie vement sofyourG raduat eorthats pecial Studentt hisyear! Provide us with apicture of that specialperson, anda mess aget othem, andwe will runyourC ongr atulations during themonth of June 1c ol umn( 1. 5")b y3 "f or $50o ra 2c ol umn( 3. 17") by 3" for$ 90 Deadlin ei st he Th ur sd ay at Noon theweek pr iort op ublic at ion, andmustb epaidinadvance ChristineJones,Sales Manager cjones@estevanmercury.ca Pierre Pelletier,Sales Rep pierre.pelletier@glaciermedia.ca Kimberly Ball, SalesRep kball@estevanmercury.ca DON’ T FORGET THE ECSGRAD BOOK Friday,June 28th Starting at 8PM Proceedswillbenefit SocietyofSt. StephensFood Pantryand thebuilding fundatGateway GolfCourse First AnniversaryCelebration! Hawaiian ChristmasinJune! Free Food! Games! DJSpinning theTunes! Door Prizes! Sport your BestHawaiian Styles andWin! PerformancebyFreya Throvite F
Progress pride flag

City Hall: 1102 4th Street

8amto4:30 pm |(306) 634-1800

LeisureOffice: 701Souris Avenue

8amto4:30pm| (306) 634-1880

Mayor’sMessage

Rotary’s Lobsterfest is Friday,June 21, 2024 –contact aRotarian if you need tickets. Saturday on June 22, 2024 is Heritage FunDay at the Souris Valley Museum -freefor all ages, and Flaxton Fun Day is also June 22, 2024, and startsat6:00.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Council of the City of Estevan pursuant to Section 90 of the Cities Act that the Council of the City of Estevan, gives notice of itsintention to change the bylaw that provides and governs the cemetery within the City of Estevan.

Onthe June 10, 2024 open meeting ofCouncilthe first reading of thisbylaw was passed and the final reading is expected to be on June 24, 2024

The proposed Bylaw 2024-2084 may be inspected by anypersoninthe City Clerk’s Office, on the main level of CityHall, between thehours of 9amand 4pm, Monday to Friday. Or contactShannonWanner,Parks Manager for inquiries at 306-634-1833 or s.wanner@estevan.ca

Judy Pilloud

CityClerk

1102 4th Street

Estevan, SK S4A 0W7

CONSTRUCTIONBULLETIN

TheCity of Estevanisundertaking construction forthe Watermain replacement.

The affected area includes First street between SourisAvenue and eighth Avenue, as well as 8th avenue between First street and Valley Street.

Property access and parking restrictions are to occur.

This work will commence May 27, 2024 and will take approximately eight (8) weekstocomplete (subject to weather)

City of Estevan will performthiswork within thecurrent Bylaw regulationsand specifications.

Safety Construction site couldbedangerous. If youhavechildren, please askthem to keep asafe distance from the site. Wewill take every precaution to

ensure public safety,but we need your assistancetoconstrain the natural curiosity of younger children.Please DONOT attempt to go close to areas affected.

TheftorVandalism

If yousee any act of vandalism,theft or anyone suspiciously tampering with equipment, signage or barricades, please contact 306-634-1800, or after hours call Police.

Questionsand Concerns

TheCity of Estevan, Engineering Services apologizefor any inconveniences that this work may cause. Thankyou in advance for your cooperation and patience. If youhave any question or concerns, please call at 634-1800 or approach the supervisor or foreman on site

Chief of Police

TheEstevan PoliceService requires astrong, experienced leader to guide the forcethrough a period of rapidgrowth in the City of Estevan, located in the SouthEastcorner of Saskatchewan. The PoliceChief will lead ahigh quality, well-resourced, andthoroughly trained team of officers while enjoying agood relationship with the PoliceBoard and Association.Thesefactorsassistinmanaging the manychallenges present with arapidlygrowing economy.

Requirements

•Bachelor of Administrationorother formalized Management and AdministrativeTraining or alternatively,candidates with acombination of policesupervisory/management experience and professional training. Candidatesshould have aproventrack record in managing forefficiencyand effectivenesstobring about change in amunicipal andunionized environment. Candidatesshould be familiar with the processes involved in reporting to aPoliceBoardorCommission, and possess experienceindealing with the mediaaswell as working with government structures

•Ten years progressiveManagement & Leadership experience

•Experienceworking with avolunteer board

•Superior oral and written skills

•Advancedleadership,interpersonal & organizational abilities

•Proficiencyincomputer software

•Extensiveknowledge &experiencewith community-based policing

To thriveinthis environment, youwill have adesire to makeadifference. Be part of our prospering community and challenging work environment while still maintaining astrong work/lifebalance

TheCity of Estevanoffers acompetitivesalary and an outstanding benefits package.

Interestedcandidatesare invited to apply, in writing, including acover letter,resume andthree current references on or before July 31, 2024

Forfurtherinformation,pleasecontact: Saazianaaz Malik, Human Resources Generalist 1102-4th Street Estevan, SK S4A0W7

Ph: (306) 634-1841apply@estevan.ca

We thank all applicants fortheir interest,however, only those selected forfurther consideration will be contacted.

A22 June 19, 2024 www.SASKTODAY.ca

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