1220 4thStreet,
Welcome to the Energy City.
Estevan’s new police chief steps into the role.
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What’s done and what’s ahead.
Estevan MLA updates local leaders on Sask. Party’s actions.
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More information. An open house shines light on proposed solar power project.
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Come look at ...
Estevan art gallery opens two new exhibitions.
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She did it. Midale’s Paralympian star shares her experience of claiming bronze medal in Paris.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
By David Willberg
Monday night’s meeting of Estevan city council was most likely the nal one for Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig.
Ludwig, 67, has been Estevan’s mayor since 2012 and was a councillor from 1994-2012. He announced late last year he would not seek re-election in the November 2024 civic election. While there is one more scheduled council meeting remaining for this term on Sept. 23, Ludwig will be on holidays at that time.
Ludwig said the past 30 years have gone by quickly.
“I’ve enjoyed my 30 years on council,” he said in an interview with the Mercury and SaskToday.
“As I look back, it’s been great. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of interesting people and do a lot of problem-solving in a team environment over the years.”
His 12-year tenure as mayor is the longest in Estevan since Harry Nicholson was at the helm of the city in the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s.
During his time as a councillor from 19942012, there were four different mayors. And while he’s been on council, there have been more than 25 di erent councillors.
Ludwig’s holiday will start shortly before the nomination period for the civic election begins on Sept. 24, and he’ll be back after the deadline for nominations on Oct. 9. Ludwig said the timing of the holiday is coincidental.
“After many conversations with my better half, my good wife [Denise], we both believe that it’s time I took a bow. We’re both of the same mind that it’s time to look at other opportunities and see what comes my way.”
Ludwig doesn’t believe there is anything that could cause him to change his mind about seeking another term. He’s con dent there will be good people running who will have a positive outlook and do the best they can for the community.
“I do believe that we will have some good candidates step forward, and of those people, I’m sure that our community will take a good, hard look and elect the right people who will continue to move our community forward.”
e mayor said he hasn’t had a lot of second thoughts since announcing his pending retirement from politics. He’s considering his options on whether he dabbles in something or enjoys a full-blown retirement. He retired from Westmoreland Mining LLC in November 2021 after a mining career that spanned more than 40 years.
“If nothing else, just basically retire and enjoy the time I have left with my family, with my grandkids. As our grandkids get older, it’s more important to spend the amount of time that we can … with them.”
He expects he will always pay close attention to city council because it’s been such a big part of his life for 30 years. He hopes
EstevanMayorRoyLudwighadhisfinalmeetingatthehelmofEstevancitycouncil.
the next mayor will be transparent, be surrounded by good people, have the best of the community in mind, not be afraid to ask questions, try to get good input from the community and council on major projects, and make decisions with integrity.
Coun. Travis Frank, who also isn’t seeking re-election, thanked Ludwig at Monday’s meeting for the mayor’s 30 years of service.
“ irty years serving your community is astounding,” said Frank. “I think we can all be very inspired by your many years of dedication to the community, to working hard.”
Frank said the work for council members is signicant for what is essentially a volunteer job. Council members receive a lot of
verbal abuse from the community.
“On behalf of the many councils that you’ve worked with, and everybody else, I wouldn’t want you to get out of that chair without knowing that we’re very grateful for your commitment to the community,” Frank said to applause from those in council chambers.
Ludwig then re ected on some of his accomplishments. While he was still a councillor, he was the chairman of the new arena committee. Numerous infrastructure projects have been completed during his tenure. Water mains have been replaced, roads have been resurfaced and sidewalks have been built or repaired.
e master pathway and sidewalk project was
nished in 2021, the city’s water source shifted from Boundary to Ra erty Dam and a second water reservoir was built. e city’s water tower was refurbished and downtown revitalization is ongoing. Estevan has also hosted a lot of marquee events over the years. ere have been controversies and decisions that were second-guessed by the public. Some projects were more di cult than others, but Ludwig said they ended successfully. While he has likely participated in his nal council meeting, Ludwig will have one or two meetings to attend through the Estevan board of police commissioners. ey are slated to meet Sept. 11 and Oct. 15.
Estevan city council has nalized the wording that will be used for the non-binding plebiscite on whether to build another arena in Estevan. e question simply reads: “Would you support the construction of a third indoor ice facility in the city of Estevan?” with yes and no as the answers.
Coun. Tony Sernick brought forward the idea of the vote during the Aug. 19 council meeting. Since that time, city clerk Judy
Pilloud and the city’s legal team have been working on the question.
Coun. Kirsten Walliser voted against the wording, saying she wanted to see more details in the question.
“I think there are people that would like to be in support of the construction, if it were to be through grants and fundraising,” said Walliser.
If they were provided the projected cost in the question, she suggested it
might change some people’s minds.
Mayor Roy Ludwig said he thought the plebiscite question was great because it was simple and forward with yes or no as the answers.
“ e more succinct you can be about it, the better,” said Ludwig.
As for including a projected cost, Ludwig said that would be di cult now with supply chain issues.
Coun. Shelly Veroba said she understood Wal-
liser’s concerns, but Veroba said the wording has to be very simple, and council needed to approve the question at the meeting if there is to be a plebiscite for the Nov. 13 civic election. e Sept. 23 council meeting would be too late as per the Cities Act.
“I just think this question is a good starting point, because it doesn’t hold us to building a third rink,” said Veroba.
Even if voters are in favour of third ice surface,
that doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to happen, Veroba said.
Also during the meeting, city council heard a presentation from Bill Mann with the Bienfait Recreation Board about the city collaborating with the Town of Bienfait on renovations to the Bienfait Memorial Arena so that it could be the principle third rink for the city. Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
e Estevan Humane Society’s (EHS) annual Judy Martin Memorial Duck Derby was the best-supported edition of the fundraiser yet.
e maximum number of 4,000 ducks were sold for this year’s event, held Sunday afternoon. e ducks were dropped into the Souris River from a frontend loader on the Highway 47 bridge. en they oated down a brief stretch of the river until they reached the nish line.
Mary Cameron purchased the duck that reached the nish line rst, earning her the $15,000 prize. Only rst place received a prize.
anks to a breeze Sunday afternoon, the derby was completed in approximately 15 minutes. Estevan Humane Society president Tayja Lakusta was pleased to see the wind pick up.
“I was not excited this morning,” Lakusta told the Mercury and SaskToday. “I came down and the wa-
MembersoftheEstevanFireRescueService andotheremergencycrewsspenthoursMonday atthesceneofagrassfireinthevalleywestof Highway47andsouthofEstevan,notfarfrom WoodlawnRegionalPark.Thefiredepartment saidnodamageorinjurieswereinitiallyreported, andthecausehadyettobedetermined. PhotobyAnastasiiaBykhovskaia
ter was still. ere wasn’t a breeze and the water was not moving. I was in it for the long haul, but I thought we’re going to be here for an hour this year.”
Many people gathered along the shores of the Souris River at the Woodlawn Regional Park’s free park to watch the race. Lakusta noted they sold 1,000 more ducks than last year. A couple hundred ducks were still available Sunday morning, but they were gobbled up by race time.
e Duck Derby has become the top fundraiser of the year for the EHS. Any little fundraiser that happens helps, she said, but this has become one that people look forward to because it’s something di erent and it’s a big prize for the winner.
“It’s not your typical fundraiser, not your typical 50-50. You get to watch it and see how it works on its own. It has kept building every year, and we kept letting it grow on its own.”
e money raised goes to normal operating costs of running an animal shelter, including food and vet bills.
Activities were held in the park prior to the derby. Weatherford was the
sponsor of the barbecue; they brought their trailer and supplied all of the food for the day. A Cherry on Top served ice cream, Canuckcade had their bouncy castle and the Estevan Early Years Family Resource
Centre had activities for children. e humane society had merchandise for sale.
e EHS also launched its new logo on Sunday, giving those who attended the Duck Derby a chance to
see it rst. e organization put out a call for graphic designers and anyone else to submit a design. e new logo was designed by Tressa Whitman with OnTrend Media Design Group.
“We picked what we liked the most, and then made alterations to thatnal design,” said Lakusta. e new logo is simple and similar to what the EHS had before, but it has been modernized.
e EHS continues to have an intake freeze for dogs and cats. Lakusta said there 20 dogs and puppies available at the shelter, which is more than ever, to go along with 60 cats.
“We have … between six to nine months and a year, so those good little older puppy ages, and then we also have older dogs, a couple of farm dogs that need to be placed, and we’ve got a variety of everything,” said Lakusta.
Some of the dogs and cats are currently out in foster homes.
It didn’t take long for a Kenosee Lake man to plead guilty to charges in connection with a pursuit that occurred in the southeast during the Labour Day long weekend. Ashton Retie e, 19, entered the pleas Sept. 4 in Provincial Court in Carlyle, and received an 18-month suspended sentence. Six other charges were stayed.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to stop for a police o cer, and one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle and possession of property obtained by crime less than $5,000.
e stayed charges included dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, resisting arrest and failing to comply with a release order.
According to a news release, the Carlyle RCMP received a report on Aug. 31 of an erratic driver leaving the Kenosee Lake area and travelling towards Carlyle.
O cers responded and
located the suspect vehicle travelling northbound on Highway 9 towards Kenosee Lake at what the RCMP described as an extremely high speed.
“As a result of continued investigation, a tire de ation device was set up on Lake View Street in Kenosee Lake, and the suspect vehicle ran over it. All four tires of the suspect vehicle were de ated, slowing the vehicle signi cantly, as it continued to ee from police,” the Saskatchewan RCMP said in a news release.
“Given the safety risk,
o cers engaged their emergency equipment and followed the vehicle at a low rate of speed in Kenosee Lake. Shortly after, the suspect vehicle came to a dead end on the road and stopped. An adult male was arrested at the scene.” Further investigation determined the license plate on the suspect vehicle was stolen out of Alberta. Retie e appeared in Provincial Court in Weyburn on Sept. 3. He was slated to have a bail hearing in Carlyle the following day when he pleaded guilty.
‘The
By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
Jamie Blunden, the new police chief for Estevan, ofcially took over the role on Sept. 3, after leaving his position as chief of the Weyburn Police Service.
With over three decades in law enforcement, Blunden brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community policing, transparency and servant leadership.
Blunden’s journey into policing actually started with his childhood passion for hockey in Ontario. He played in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League with the Dauphin Kings, under renowned NHL coach Barry Trotz, which taught him the value of teamwork and leadership. However, a career in law enforcement always called to him.
“Halfway through the year in Dauphin, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement,” Blunden said.
He earned a degree in criminology from the University of Manitoba, and almost immediately after writing his last exam, he began his training at the police academy. Blunden launched his policing career in 1990 at the Winnipeg Police Service, starting in uniform operations before moving into more specialized roles.
Over his 30-year career in Winnipeg, Blunden held various leadership positions. He worked on an emergency response unit, was promoted to sergeant, was in charge of sta ng, then was promoted to inspector. From there, he ended up as a commissioned o cer, looking after the comm centre and various districts. During his nal years in Winnipeg, he was an inspector overseeing specialized investigations involving complex crimes such as child abuse, sex crimes and missing persons cases,
where he was working under former Estevan Police Chief Rich Lowen, who was a superintendent in charge of specialized investigations at that time.
“I never really wanted to go past 20 years, but law enforcement and policing – I just love it. ere’s no better career. I really am passionate about it,” Blunden re ected on his dedication to the profession.
After retiring from Winnipeg, Blunden took over the role of the police chief in Weyburn in May 2020, where he served for over four years before the opportunity in Estevan arose.
Blunden describes his leadership style as one centred on servant leadership, emphasizing collaboration, communication and empowering his team.
Talking about his leadership style, Blunden recalled an address to the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police by Walter Natynczyk, who is a former chief of defence sta for the Canadian Armed Forces.
“He talked about leadership, and his comment was this: ‘ e sooner that you can determine success and identify what success is to you, the sooner you can remove that yoke of ambition o your shoulder and start leading and living your values. And the values are integrity, trust, transparency,’” Blunden recollected.
“I think I’ve been fairly successful. ... So, I’m not ambitious anymore. I’m passionate. I love policing. I don’t think there’s a better job in the world. So [for me], servant leadership is about looking after everybody around you. at’s what my style is.
“Servant leadership is about empowering people around you, giving them the ability to grow and develop, and giving them a voice at the table,” he said. Blunden plans to sit down
NewEstevanPoliceChiefJamieBlunden startedinthefirstweekofSeptember.
with every member of the Estevan Police Service individually to gather insights and perspectives.
He emphasized the importance of building relationships with the o cers, the police board and the wider community, highlighting that e ective policing is rooted in strong connections and trust.
“Policing is about relationships - relationship with the members, relationship with your board, and relationship with the community,” Blunden said. Blunden’s initial approach as Estevan’s new chief will focus on listening and understanding the needs of the community, the police service and other stakeholders.
“I told the board when I was interviewing with them that I’m going to listen to what the membership, what the community has to say, what the board has to say. e priorities of mine are going to be the priorities of the community,” Blunden said.
Mental health, addictions and minor crimes such as mischief and theft are among the key issues Blunden aims to address. He noted that these social problems often fall to the police when other support systems are lacking.
“We have to have those go-to places for us to be able to get the help for those
individuals, whether it’s addictions, whether it’s mental health,” he said, stressing the need for strong relationships with health-care providers and non-governmental organizations.
He plans to advocate for better support systems and resources to help individuals struggling with these problems, which often fall outside the traditional scope of policing but still impact public safety.
Blunden is also aware of the challenges posed by crime statistics in small communities like Estevan, where a few critical incidents can skew data. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policing and careful analysis of trends over multiple years rather than short-term uctuations.
“Data is really important. Evidence-based policing is really, really important nowadays. You can’t just go on what you think,” he said.
A signi cant focus for Blunden will be enhancing the transparency and accountability of the Estevan Police Service through technology among other means. One of the key changes he addressed is the introduction of the next-generation 911 system coming next year that will allow people to provide more information, including photos and videos when re-
porting emergencies. It will modernize how the service handles emergency calls and dispatching.
e new system will also allow for better data analysis and reporting, helping the police identify crime hotspots and track their effectiveness.
“ e 911 system that’s going to be new is going to create a new computer-aided dispatch for us in Estevan.
at’s going to be a di erent sort of program for the members but it’s going to give opportunity for us to analyze a little bit more and show a little bit more data,” Blunden explained.
He believes that a more robust reporting structure will allow the community to better understand what the police are doing and why.
Technology is playing an increasingly crucial role in modern policing, Blunden said, from AI-driven crime analysis to surveillance and body cameras. However, he is mindful of the nancial and logistical challenges that small departments face in adopting new technologies. He indicated an openness to explore new technological solutions while balancing costs.
Blunden also advocates for greater public engagement and visibility of police o cers within the community. He plans to increase the police presence at community events and improve communication through social media, news updates and other channels.
He also asks for the community to be more engaged.
“ e police are only as good as the community, and the community’s got to be engaged a little bit too. ... If you see something going on in your backyard that seems a little out, give us a call. If you see somebody driving erratically and it looks like they’re impaired, please give us a call. ose are the things that we need. We have mem-
bers on the street, but they can’t be everywhere at one time. And the community is going to be safer if the members in the community participate,” Blunden explained. Blunden is optimistic about his future in Estevan and is committed to leading the police service through a collaborative, community-focused approach.
“I’m really looking forward to being in Estevan,” he said, adding that he is eager to get involved in local events and connect with residents. While his wife still cheers for Weyburn Red Wings, he said he will be supporting the Estevan Bruins and try to convert her to black and gold as well.
“I’m absolutely wearing black and gold. I have already made that commitment. You ght for the team you’re on. I’m on Team Estevan,” Blunden said. “It doesn’t mean my heart doesn’t still stay a little bit with Weyburn and I guarantee that I still will watch some games and enjoy them. But if it ever came down to in-between, I’m certainly going to put the [Weyburn] Chief VanDeSype into black and gold.”
Playing hockey and participating in triathlons are now in the past, and the farm where his family resides is their main source of hobbies, Blunden said.
“With the farm, a lot of hobbies are to do with animals. We do have horses on our farm, a couple of rescue dogs. My wife is a retired police o cer, but she’s into rescue cats, she volunteers with a trap, neuter, release program [in the southeast], and we’ve got 40 cats at our place,” Blunden said. “It gives us lots to do ... and I enjoy it.”
As he settles into his new role, he plans to listen, learn and work closely with the community to ensure Estevan remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
In collaboration with the Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, the Envision Counselling and Support Centre announced an upcoming training session designed for professionals and paraprofessionals working with individuals impacted by sexual violence.
Community members interested in enhancing their skills and con dence in addressing sexual abuse and sexual assault are also welcome to attend.
“ is beginner-level training, while comprehensive, is open to individuals from various elds, including but not limited to health, social services, education and justice,” Envision said in a news release. “Professionals such as nurses, physicians, social workers, youth workers, mental health workers, teachers, school counsellors, police o cers, victim services workers and faith leaders are encouraged to attend.”
“Following this training, participants will leave with
valuable education and tools across six modules, including critical communication skills, understanding the criminal code and consent, the impacts of sexual violence, reporting options, debunking myths, trauma education, and fostering hope. ese skills are essential for navigating traumatic events and having meaningful conversations in these di cult circumstances,” added Envision’s counselling programs supervisor Edna Franks. is comprehensive Iden-
tify, Respond and Refer training will be held in Weyburn at the Weyburn Credit Union on Oct. 1 and 2 from 9 a.m.4:30 p.m., and in Estevan at the Days Inn on Oct. 8 and 9 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. e cost is $150 per participant, which includes a manual, lunch, refreshments, snacks
Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan maintains responsibility for this program.
and two full days of training. e registration deadline is Sept. 23 with no refunds available. Due to the handson nature of the training, space is limited to 20 participants per session. For more information or to register for the training, please contact Envision Counselling and Support Centre. is training provides an opportunity for participants to enhance their capacity to support survivors of sexual violence in their personal and professional lives.
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If you’re a political geek (or if you just really want a new prime minister), then you were likely rubbing your hands with glee after Wednesday’s revelation that the federal New Democratic Party has opted to end its arrangement with the Liberal minority government.
If you’re the type who will be su ering from election fatigue by the time mid-November’s civic election rolls around, then you might be cringing at the thought of a federal election this fall.
e NDP says they’re going to end their con dence and supply agreement with the Libs, increasing the possibility of a federal election this fall. For those who reside in Saskatchewan, it means we’re going to hear speculation of a third vote, since we already have the provincial vote slated for on or before Oct. 28, and the civic election on Nov. 13. e civic vote, of course, includes school boards and urban and rural municipalities.
But the end of the Liberals’ and NDP’s arrangement still doesn’t guarantee we’re going to the polls to elect MPs this fall, or even before the next scheduled federal election date in the fall of 2025.
e NDP could still support the Liberals when it comes to votes that are condence measures or related to the budget.
e end of the con dence and supply
agreement means the NDP’s support is no longer assured.
e relationship between the Liberals and the NDP might have been uneasy at times since the deal was reached in early 2022, but the NDP knows the federal Conservative Party is most likely to win the next election, and the NDP will want to delay the era of Prime Minister Pierre Poilievre as much as possible. Most within the NDP caucus (and the party in general) still view the Liberals as the lesser of two evils.
e Liberals could reach an agreement with the Bloc Quebecois to save their government, but that seems unlikely after the rhetoric the parties have directed at each other over the years.
Last week’s announcement should dash speculation that Justin Trudeau might step down as Liberal leader – and consequently as prime minister – before the next election. We’ve heard people within the party say they believe it’s time for a change in leadership. And for good reason. Trudeau hasn’t exactly been Mr. Popular with Canadian voters in recent years. But still, there are many within the party who are loathe to force the departure of a man who delivered three electoral victories, and happens to be the son of a beloved Liberal prime minister. It’s unlikely he would step down as lead-
er and trigger a battle for the party’s top job with the threat of a snap election looming. e Liberals’ decision to enact binding arbitration in the labour dispute involving CPKC and CN Railways and members of the Teamsters Union is being cited by the NDP as the reason to end their agreement. Perhaps this is why the Liberals waited so long to force both sides to the bargaining table; frankly, the Liberals should have stepped in days earlier.
e pact will the Liberals proved to be great for the NDP. Some within the party might not have been happy to enter into this uneasy agreement with the Liberals, but the NDP has been able to advance their agenda on dental care and housing, among other issues, and that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
As for the Liberals, they were able to remain in power longer than they would have without the NDP.
e federal Tories will be looking for the rst possible opportunity to bring down the Liberals and trigger an election. e Liberals – and especially Trudeau – have reached their best before date. e majority of Canadians seem eager for change. But the Tories still have to get the NDP onside for a con dence motion, and that won’t be easy. e fall sitting of the House of Commons just became far more interesting.
How often have you heard someone ask, “Where did the summer go?” or “Can you believe it’s September already?”
We seem taken o guard by the speed of the past weeks, even though time moves at exactly the same pace in the summer as it does during any other season. Somehow though, we want summer to linger just a bit longer, to keep at bay, for a while yet, some of the schedules that need to be resumed. It is technically still summer, but nonetheless, we are most de nitely switching gears.
I highly anticipated the arrival of September as a child because I was excited to go back to school each year. I couldn’t wait to wear my new clothes, use the new school supplies, nd out who my teacher would be and settle into a new classroom. at was the story year after year, until the summer I was heading into Grade 8.
I had been a student at Central Elementary School in Swift Current from Grades 3-7. Central School was a beautiful, red brick, three-level structure at the top of the hill that looked part castle/part fortress. After a bit of research, I found out it was built in 1914, and has been declared a heritage property in part because the school is an example of Western Canadian Classic Revival architecture, using Westminster Abby in London as inspiration. e building has masonry archways, a bell tower and ornamental details including gargoyles which guard the main entrance of the school. e interior has been renovated over the years but still retains many original features like wide hallways, large windows and original oak woodwork. But of course it wasn’t the structure I
Shelley Luedtke
was eager to be returning to, but the people; especially the friends. Yes, we saw each other during the summer months, but there was something inexplicably exciting about meeting up on that rst day and crossing our ngers we would be in the same class. We didn’t want to be separated, but in the event of that scenario we made earnest promises to hang out each recess.
e school’s expansive grounds took up an entire city block, and in addition to a basketball court, ball diamonds and elds for ag football, soccer, and kickball, there were two playground areas, one on each side of the school where monkey bars, slides, and teeter-totters were popular. Although our classes took place inside, there was a lot of learning happening outdoors as well.
Heading into Grade 8 meant leaving behind Central School and heading to the junior high. I didn’t want to do it. ere was going to be too many students, too much moving around in the course of the day, and no chance to gather with friends at recess because there would be no more recess. It was no longer seen as needed.
Leaving elementary school meant leaving the playground behind. Outwardly of
course, we were determined to embrace our maturity and leave those childhood things behind, but inwardly we knew we were saying farewell to a pretty special aspect of the school day. And once left behind…it is hard to reclaim, which is unfortunate because although it took place outside the classroom there were many lessons to be learned.
e playground equipment taught us to stand in line and wait our turn, to co-operate, to work hard for results and reach higher than we thought we could. On the elds and diamonds, we learned how to form teams, work together and play by the rules. Being with friends taught us the importance of connection and the value in one another’s company.
I look back at my summer this year and in some ways I could compare it to recess. ere was the job to go to every day and the same responsibilities to be sure, but I also took more time to watch sports, to read, to talk to friends, and even to play in the water.
Is recess just for children? Not at all. Nor can it be replaced simply by a co ee break. We need to claim those moments in our day that allow us to step aside from the work and embrace play. To remember the joy of spinning, sliding, running and laughing so hard we needed to take a moment to catch our breath.
To be with those who make us feel good. To join up with teams and organizations that allow us to pursue what we enjoy. As we move from one stage to another in life, it’s necessary to leave some things behind, but we should try hard to ensure recess is not one of them. at’s my outlook.
Oxbow-EnniskillenFire&Rescuemembers RobertCarpendale, KevinFrithandDougPierce receivedSaskatchewanProtectiveServicesmedals duringaceremonyinReginaonSept.3. Themedalsarepresentedtothosewithatleast 25yearsofexemplaryservice.Accordingtoapost ontheTownofOxbow’sFacebookpage,thethree havebeenwiththedepartmentfor107years combined.Recipientsalsoserveaspoliceofficers, federalandprovincialcorrections,borderservices, theCanadianArmedForces,andmobilecrisisand familyviolenceoutreachservices.Photosourced fromtheTownofOxbowFacebookpage
By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
Estevan MLA Lori Carr provided updates on recent provincial government initiatives during the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s Co ee Talk on Sept. 4, addressing business and community leaders about ongoing work in southeast Saskatchewan and across the province.
Carr highlighted several key areas of focus, including education, health care, infrastructure and energy, emphasizing what she said was the government’s commitment to investing in essential services.
Carr underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to education, noting the recent binding arbitration decision with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, which she said provides predictability for students, families and teachers, while forging a path to the nalization of a new collective agreement.
“Outside of the bargaining process, we have signed a multi-year agreement with all 27 school divisions guaranteeing a minimum of $356.6 million specifically for classroom supports for each of the next four years. is partnership formalizes a commitment to ongoing collaboration between government and
school divisions to support students across the province and establishes a new pathway to long-term and sustainable funding for the sector,” Carr pointed out.
She highlighted the province’s $2.2 billion education operational budget for 2024-25, the largest in Saskatchewan’s history, which includes signi cant funding increases for classroom supports.
Health care was another focal point, as Carr discussed the ongoing Health Human Resource Action Plan, which was initially rolled out in September 2022 and aims to address sta ng shortages through recruitment, training and retention of health-care professionals. She pointed out that internationally educated health-care workers, particularly from the Philippines as well as Ukraine newcomers interested in working in the health sector, are being integrated into the Saskatchewan workforce to help reduce wait times and improve service delivery.
“We have been actively recruiting internationally-educated health-care workers … We have shortened the bridging period [for internationally-trained health-care workers to be brought to Saskatchewan health-care standards] and made it more aggressive so
that it’s not taking them a year to get into the workforce. It should take them no longer than 12 weeks, that’s our hope, of course, but every case is individual,” Carr added.
She also pointed out that the government has expanded training seats locally and streamlined the accelerated training, assessment and licensing pathways for internationally-educated nurses.
She added that new MRI services would soon be available in Estevan, reducing travel times and costs for residents in the region.
Carr also touched on local infrastructure projects, including the planned resurfacing of Highway 18 west of Estevan, expected to be done in spring 2025.
Additionally, she discussed the potential development of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Estevan area, as the government navigates federal regulations impacting coalred power generation.
“Our government is still planning for the future with the possibility of small modular reactors,” Carr stated, noting that Estevan would be the rst location considered for this technology if approved federally.
Carr acknowledged ongoing e orts to support
Estevan’s economic transition, particularly as the region grapples with changes in the coal industry. She highlighted local initiatives exploring alternative uses for coal, such as converting it into graphite or synthetic fuels, as part of the broader strategy to diversify the local economy.
“We want to ensure that
we have a diverse portfolio and a little bit of everything instead of all of one thing,” Carr said, emphasizing the need for ongoing community and government collaboration.
e event provided an opportunity for local business leaders to ask questions and voice concerns about various regional is-
sues, including health-care standards, infrastructure funding, seniors’ care and new Estevan Regional Nursing Home plans, early-years child care and economic development. e next Co ee Talk is scheduled for Oct. 2, where further updates on the MRI fundraising campaign will be discussed.
Residents, families and sta members of the Estevan Regional Nursing Home enjoyed a family fun afternoon on Aug. 30 to mark the last days of summer.
e recreation sta at the nursing home organized the event, which included live outdoor music provided by Kelly and Del Eagles. Patti Ksenych and Lisa Beaulieu volunteered their time, providing face painting and balloon animals.
Cotton candy was prepared and served to all who attended. A Cherry On Top ice cream truck also attended and was a big hit overall.
e event was a way to bring the ERNH residents and families together. e recreation department thanks everyone that made the afternoon a success. e residents were all smiling during the day.
By David Willberg
People with an interest in the proposed solar power facility in the RM of Estevan had their chance to ask questions about the project during an open house ursday night at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus.
Representatives of Iyuhána Solar LP were on hand to discuss the project, which would be constructed southwest of the city. RM ratepayers accounted for many of the people present, but there were others on hand wanting to learn more.
Devin Petteplace, a senior manager of corporate services with Iyuhána Solar LP, said they had 48 people turn out, and he was pleased with the opportunity to engage with the community. People inquired about potential employment and construction opportunities. Others wanted to know about land use.
“We were really ecstatic about both the turnout and the tenor of the event,” said Petteplace.
Most people had a pretty good sense of the project, he said, and he didn’t receive any pushback from the local residents.
Placards provided information on the project, how it would operate and how far along it is in the environmental and planning process.
Petteplace said they are still in the development phase. Engagement with the Ministry of the Environment is ongoing. Environmental eld studies and submissions of terms of reference to the ministry have occurred. Iyuhána hopes to have approval from the ministry in the rst quarter of next year;
construction would start in the third quarter and take 12-18 months. Information at the meeting pegged an opening for the fourth quarter of 2026. “We do have some runway on this project to make sure that we get everything as right as possible as we’re moving towards construction and engineering and then operation once it’s constructed. So right now, we’re still developing, we’re still working with SaskPower and the local community of Estevan, the RM, just to get some of the development work down, and then we’ll look into the construction phase as 2025 rolls along,” said Petteplace. If it proceeds, the project would be the province’s largest-ever solar facility. It would produce 100 megawatts (MW) of emissions-free electricity, which would power 25,000 homes.
SaskPower announced earlier this year that Iyuhána – a partnership between Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure and Ocean Man First Nation – would be the independent power producer for the project. Iyuhána would own, build, maintain and operate the facility.
Greenwood has completed 10-megawatt projects in the past, but nothing to the scope of this one, Petteplace said. e time between now and the start of construction will help them grapple with the size of the project.
“It’s the amount of people required, the amount of time required to put it together,” said Petteplace. “ e amount of interconnection required. Just the amount of sheer magnitude is the biggest di erence.”
Petteplace believes it
RepresentativesofIyuhánaSolarLPexplainedtheprojecttothosewhoattendedanopenhouse ThursdayattheSoutheastCollegeʼsEstevancampus.
would be one of the top-10 renewable energy projects in the country, and will be a foundation for developing the net-zero policy of SaskPower.
“It’s just a really exciting project to be part of, especially given the magnitude. And then you add in the Indigenous component with Ocean Man First Nation as our partner on this project, and I think the assistance it’s going to give to that community, from an economic, from an employment, from an educational standpoint, is something that we’re really proud of on this project.”
If someone builds 10 megawatts of solar power and it works, then the concept keeps growing bigger and bigger. He’s con dent solar is here to play a supporting role in the energy supply mix in Canada.
Petteplace said several members of the team have been in Estevan previously, but others were in the Energy City for the rst time,
A Regina man has pleaded guilty to 16 charges in connection with a string of thefts that occurred in Estevan earlier this year. Joseph Bananish- errien, age 39, was sentenced to one day time served ursday in Estevan Provincial Court, and was released that day. He had been in custody since April 22, so he spent 137 days in jail, and was given credit for 206 days because he had been in remand.
Bananish-Therrien pleaded guilty to six counts of theft under $5,000, one count of fraud, one count of fraudulently obtaining food or drink, one count of attempted theft and seven counts of violating a probation order.
A number of other charges, including theft under $5,000, fraud and mischief, were stayed.
According to Crown prosecutor Stephen Yussu , all of the o ences happened between early January and Bananish- errien’s arrest April 22. When Yussu recapped the o ences, he pointed out many of the thefts that occurred were for small amounts.
Legal Aid attorney Jamie Struthers, who represented Bananish- errien at the sentencing hearing, pointed out his client had no criminal record until his
rst conviction at the start of this year. Over the past several years, according to Struthers, Bananish- errien went through the break-up of his marriage and developed a drug problem with methamphetamine. Bananish- errien has detoxed as he has spent time at the Regina Correctional Centre in the past few months.
“It’s a very unfortunate way to detox, but I think maybe the bene t has to be had,” said Struthers.
Judge Doug Kovatch told Bananish- errien, who was appearing by video, that the man built a “mountain out of a molehill”. Bananish- errien started 2024 with three minor theft charges and received a conditional discharge. Instead of letting matters rest, he committed a number of thefts and spent more than 100 days in jail.
While Kovatch didn’t issue an order for Bananish- errien to undergo treatment, the judge encouraged him to seek counselling and professional assistance, and deal with the addiction problem.
“If you continue with the petty theft, you’re going to nd they’re dealt with more seriously and more seriously, and more harshly by the courts as time goes on,” said Kovatch.
Bananish- errien is scheduled to go to trial on March 11, 2025, for one count each of uttering threats and resisting arrest, and two counts of violating a probation order. ose charges also stem from the incidents earlier this year.
A number of conditions were set with Bananish- errien’s release as well, including appearing in court when required, having an approved residence, not having any rearms and not contacting those involved in his trial matters.
so it was a good chance to meet folks in the community and get an oppor-
John Branigan of Redvers makes a point to stop every week to pick up Western Max lottery tickets.
A recent ticket he picked up gave him a huge surprise.
“I scanned it in store and saw all of the zeroes,” he said in a news release issued Tuesday morning. “I scanned it a few more times trying to make sense of it.
“I wanted to jump up and down I was so excited, but I didn’t want to do it in front of the other customers,” he continued, laughing.
His excitement was over a jaw-dropping $1 million win on the Western Max draw for July 23.
“I feel like breaking down in tears, I’m so happy,” he said at his prizeclaim interview.
He said he needs some time to gure out what the money will mean for his future.
“First thing I’m doing is taking a couple of weeks of vacation and thinking about what is next,” he said.
Branigan purchased
tunity to meet partners in person.
“I think there was, gen-
erally speaking, a lot of excitement coming out of last night as we move forward.”
isthrilledtobeSaskatchewanʼslatest millionaire.PhotocourtesyofSaskatchewanLotteries
Editor’s note: Story contains language some might nd inappropriate.
e Estevan Art Gallery and Museum introduced two new exhibits on Sept. 6.
Gallery I features “Bullshit” by Jamie Reynolds, while Gallery II invites guests to dive into Archive Retrospective, curated by Kohen Shauf. Both collections will be on display until Nov. 8.
“Bullshit”
Regina-based artist Reynolds explained the name and the content of the exhibition.
“Have you ever visited any of Saskatchewan’s provincial or national parks? Pristine packets of perfectly-preserved, picture-perfect parkland,” says Reynolds in the author statement.
“ e rst time I visited the west block of Grasslands National Park, we had driven to the top of a road that overlooked the area for a full panoramic view. e sun was shining through the clouds, creating visible, heavenly beams of light that highlighted the valley in a suitably dramatic way.
“ e raw quartz crystals litter the ground, sparkling like nature’s disco balls.
e rolling hills and rainbow-striped blu s, carved into the Earth millennia ago by giant glaciers, slowly sculpting their legacy as they crept over the sleeping land. Picture the morning dew. Rising, as an almost magical mist, leaving the world fresh and damp and cool. Maybe there was even a majestic eagle ying overhead, screeching its regal approval. KAWW!
“ is is (more or less) the view that greeted me at the top of this road. My spirit full of awe. My heart full of wonder. My eyes full of tears, overcome by sheer natural beauty. My foot full of… the cow shit I just stepped in.
“Yeah, the moment is over.
“Since this visit to the park, I have been on a yearslong journey to discover, ‘What’s up with the poop in the parks?’
“ e more I went into the rabbit hole (poop chute?) of research about ecology, biology, preservation versus conservation, the history of the parks and Crown land, the history of the land itself, and the plants and animals that live (and don’t live) on it, the more I started
our community
to think to myself, ‘Well, this is bullshit.’ And then, ‘I wonder if other people know about this?’
“Inspired by my incredibly creative children, (who thought it would be funny to take multiple photos of cow poop in the grass when I asked them to ‘take pictures of anything interesting they saw – they were right, it was funny), this show was developed as my contribution to the conversation about reconciliation and the environment.
“It’s about nding beauty in disgust, and how what we think of as naturalism is more arti cial than we might expect. But mostly, it’s because lling the sterile, white-walled gallery space (the penultimate expression of Western Colonialist art ideals) with literal shit is the kind of irony that I nd personally hilarious,” Reynolds said.
Archive Retrospective Gallery II features pieces from the EAGM’s collection.
Twenty selections of art created by 15 talented artists were hand-picked from the EAGM’s archive room by summer student Kohen Shauf. is curated selection includes works from eight artists featured in the archives catalogue, however, it also features pieces
from four additional artists whose work is located in the archive room, but not included in the catalogue. e archives catalogue was written, compiled and designed by Shauf. is exhibition was created from the Archive 2024 Summer Project, during which Shauf found a handful of local artists in the archives, and researched the artists and their artworks. Not only was the archive project established in order to pay homage to talented local artists that the EAGM has in its collection, but it also aims to spotlight some of their work. Kohen selected
some of his favourites to display for people to see.
Artists featured in the catalogue and exhibition include Michael Lonechild, Ernest Lindner, Gregory Hardy, Robert Hurley, Lindsay Arnold, Corrine-Trebick Gibson, Cheryl Andrist and Alana Moore. Along with these artists, Ken Dalgarno, Victor Cicansky and Bette Lemke are also featured in the catalogue, which shares information about the artists themselves and their lives and achievements, some of their archived works, as well as their inspirations and themes
throughout their artwork. In addition to the artists inside of the catalogue, Susan Unger, Betty Sherman, Pia Terhart and Eileen Egerton Lampard are the other artists selected specifically for this exhibition. e pieces in this exhibition explore a variety of themes, mediums and sizes. e assortment of paintings and drawings range from 14 to 68 years old, and since being stored, many have yet to be viewed by the public again. emes from some of the artworks include that of Indigenous cultures, landscapes, farmland, femininity, animals and more.
have single suites available as well as larger suites to accommodate couples so they can remain together in thecomfor table surroundings of our home. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals and aides arekind and cour teous.
Withthe16thannualUnitedWayTelethonbeingjustaroundthecorner,membersoftheboardofdirectors weremeetingeachWednesdayinSeptember1992tomakeplansfor36-hourfundraisingevent. Backrow,fromleft,BillBaryluk, BrianCochran, GeorginaCochran, JimWarner, AudreyMarcotte, DebbieGress, BrendaLamb, MikeRedenbach, SusieRoss, IsabelAsbenlieder, WendyBiette, AudreyJohnsonandGwenDensley Frontrow,DebbieSalawayandDuaneChipley(president).The1992objectivewas$98,700.
eir stories could not have been more di erent from one another.
One was a man, the other a woman. One is named, the other is anonymous. One was from the city, the other the country. One story happened in the dark of night and the other in the bright sunshine of midday. One was proudly Jewish and the other was from a mixed-race background. One was highly respected and honoured in society and the other was shamed and shunned. Both had a conversation with Jesus. However, one visit was initiated by the person and the other by Jesus Himself. One conversation began with a spiritual question and the
other with a question about something as mundane as a drink of water. I do not think it is a coincidence that the story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night (John 3) and the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) are placed side by side in the Bible. While both stories are valuable on their own, it is their contrasting nature that makes them so powerful. Jesus is not put o by
Nicodemus’ privilege, nor is he o ended by the woman’s past. He treats them kindly, starts where they are and leads them to something better. In the end, not only do each of them come to believe in Jesus, but they act on their faith as well.
Nicodemus becomes a defender of Jesus (John 7:50-52). Later, he is part of the group that claims Jesus’ cruci ed body and makes sure that he has
a proper burial (John 19:38-39). As for the woman, she runs into town and tells everyone about Jesus. Because of her, they become believers too (John 4:39-42). ese two stories remind us that no one is so good that they do not need Jesus and that no one is so beyond hope that they cannot come back to Jesus. In other words, in Jesus’ kingdom, anyone can change and begin again.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
Members of the RCMP have been called to a couple of incidents on Highway 47 south of Stoughton this month.
On Sept. 1, members of the Weyburn-Fillmore RCMP received a report of a semi rollover on Highway 47 three kilometres
south of the town. O cers and other emergency crews immediately responded.
e RCMP says the driver of the semi was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature. Highway 47 was closed until the early afternoon as the semi was removed from the scene. An investigation is ongoing. en on Sept. 8, Estevan RCMP members responded to an accident scene on Highway 47 between Benson and Stoughton on Sept. 8. A semi truck and a motorcycle, both travelling south, collided. According to an internet user, whose post was shared by the Just Bins Waste Disposal group on social media, a motorcycle ran into the back of the semi.
One man in his early 50s, who was riding the motorcycle, was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
STARS Air Ambulance out of Regina was dispatched for a scene call emergency in the Stoughton area around the same time.
Tra c was detoured to grid roads while emergency crews were working at the scene. e collision is still under investigation, said the Estevan RCMP.
Corn Cob Junction, the annual fundraiser for the Estevan Bible Camp, will kick o on Sept. 7-8 southeast of Estevan.
e event will feature a new location and a fresh maze design. e popular bene t, a local late summer-fall staple, aims to raise funds to support the camp’s operations and future projects. is year’s maze is shaped in the word “Jesus” and a heart, a unique design crafted by camp directors and made possible thanks to help from supporters.
“We reached out to some people who support the camp, and we asked them to create a design,” said Shawn Bissonnette, who is one of the camp directors.
e intricate layout was created by the camp di-
rectors with the help of a drone and a mower, marking the rst time such a detailed design has been achieved.
“We tried to do that last year, but the corn didn’t quite grow for us. And so this year we nally got to try to do it again,” Bissonnette added.
Corn Cob Junction moved to a new location this year, southeast of Estevan, past the Roche Percee Valley, and organizers hope it will serve as a permanent spot for future events. Bissonnette said big signs will direct tra c to the attraction.
e maze spans about ve to six acres, which is a bit smaller than last year’s 10-acre setup due to changes in planting plans. In addition to the maze, the event will feature several activities, including
a climbing wall, bouncy houses, play structures, a toddler maze made of square bales, and a pit designed like a sandpit but with grain. Snow cones will also be available to help guests cool down.
e maze will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
“Almost all of the people who are working at the corn maze are volunteers.
ey’re just coming to help and support the fundraiser,” noted Bissonnette, highlighting the community spirit that drives the event.
Funds raised from Corn Cob Junction help bring more kids to the Estevan Bible Camp and support ongoing and future projects. e organization relies heavily on the generosity of donors, which makes
CornCobJunctionintroducedanewmazedesignatthenewlocationsoutheast ofEstevanthisyear.PhotosourcedfromtheEstevanBibleCampsocialmedia
it even more valuable to do something to contribute to the community they serve by organizing events like this fundraiser.
“We get to give something back to the commu-
nity – something fun to do, something super memorable,” said Bissonnette, expressing gratitude for the continued support from volunteers and attendees alike.
e event will run as long as the weather permits, typically until mid-October. Organizers are hopeful that the new location and activities will draw a large crowd.
While there were some changes to the event and a new organizer, the support remained strong for the Ride and Drive for Ronald McDonald House. e event was held Sunday afternoon in southeast Saskatchewan. Motorcyclists and classic vehi-
City Hall: 1102 4th Street
cle owners met up at the Estevan McDonald’s for registration and visiting, and then they travelled to Lampman, Arcola and Stoughton, where they enjoyed a beef-on-a-bun supper and draws at the Crossroads Inn.
Seventy-seven people
8amto4:30 pm |(306) 634-1800
LeisureOffice: 701 Souris Avenue
8amto4:30pm| (306) 634-1880
participated in this year’s event, and they raised more than $8,000 for Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon.
For the rst time, Chris White with the Crossroads Inn was the event organizer, and she was pleased with the fundraiser.
“It went over extremely well. People are very good at donating in this area,” said White, who noted this was the best year she had seen in a while.
Randy Torkelson of Weyburn won the top prize, a WestJet travel voucher.
White noted that Raelene Fieber, who was involved with organizing the
White was among the participants for the ride. As in past years, she also provided the food for the meal, and the $10 per plate the Crossroads Inn received for the meal was donated back to the ride.
Ride for Ronald McDonald House for much of its 25-year history, helped out a lot, and a couple people from Stoughton also provided assistance. anks to the success of this year, White is condent she will organize it again in 2025.
Duetothe warm weather we have extended our playpark for one moreweek. Splash Padsare open until September 15, 2024 andBounce Pillow openuntilOctober 14, 2024,please get outand enjoy.
TheCouncil of the City of Estevanpursuant to theCitiesAct thatthe Council of the City of Estevan, gives noticeofits intention to implement abylaw under the Cities ActSection 134 (1) to authorizethe borrowingofmoney. On August19, 2024 meeting the firstreadingofthe Bylaw2024-2086 was passed andthe finalreadingsisexpectedtobeonSeptember 9, 2024 for implementation onceapprovedbyEstevanCity Council
Theproposed Bylaws 2024-2086 maybeinspected by anyperson in the CityClerk’sOffice,onthe main levelofCityHall,between thehoursof9 am and 4pm, MondaytoFriday.
Datedthis21st dayofAugust, 2024. Judy Pilloud, City Clerk 11024th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0W7
By David Willberg
e experience might have been di erent for Midale’s Keely Shaw, but one end result was the same: she’s coming home from a Paralympic Games with a bronze medal.
Representing Canada at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, Shaw won bronze in the Para cycling C4 3,000 metres race on Aug. 30. She won bronze at the same race three years ago in Tokyo.
Shaw beat Samantha Bosco of the U.S. by 1.6 seconds in the head-to-head bronze-medal race with a time of three minutes and 46.942 seconds. She had a lead of 2.099 seconds at one point late in the race.
“I came here hoping to improve my performances from Tokyo, which I didn’t do, so that’s a little bit of a disappointment, but coming back with another medal is
obviously pretty special. I can’t complain too much on that front,” Shaw said in an interview with the Mercury and SaskToday.
During the qualifying round, Shaw posted a time that was nearly three seconds better than her previous personal best, and then she posted a similar time in the bronze race.
e racers with the two best times in the qualifying round advance to the gold-medal race, and those with the third and fourthbest times race for bronze.
“ ere were ups and downs, of course,” she said. “Any sporting event you always want more. at’s kind of what makes us elite athletes. But the girl I beat in the bronze medal nal, she’s bested me in the last couple of competitions, at the world championships in March and at the PanAm Games last November, so it was nice to get a little bit of retribution there,” said Shaw.
She didn’t know she had a large lead in the nal.
“You’re going so hard that you’re maintaining just enough lucidity to not fall o the bike. So, I had no idea where the other person was on the bike. I just knew what I had to do and did it,” said Shaw.
She nished fth in the time trial race on Sept. 4, completing the 14.1-kilo-
e Estevan Lions Club U14 Oilers improved their record to 2-0 on Friday with a 16-12 win over the host Moose Jaw Vikings.
“Our defence played absolutely lights out. It was a lot of fun to watch them play the way that they did. It’s been a real treat to see the nished product of what we’ve been coaching them and the hard work we’ve been putting in,” said head coach Christian Pfeifer.
e Vikings recorded four interceptions on the day, he said, including one by Tristan Bieber that was returned for a touchdown.
Waylon Mantei had the Elecs’ other score on a long o ensive play.
Assiniboia Park Division Office Legacy Park Elementary
metre circuit in a time of 22 minutes and 9.19 seconds, only 29.95 seconds behind the gold medallist. Shaw admits she was disappointed with the result and has been mulling it over since the race.
“If I could go back in time, that would be the one thing I would do is I would redo that race. I had a really good second half of the race, but the rst third of the race, I was a little bit too conservative in that this is a shorter race than I’m used to.”
She thought she kept a little too much in reserve for the end, and it showed on the result sheet.
Shaw wrapped up the Games on Sept. 6 by nishing 15th in the road race with a time of two hours and 9.28 seconds for the 71-kilometre distance. It’s not her strongest event, and she came in with a goal of not crashing.
“Obviously I don’t want my Paralympic Games to end on a negative note like that. So, mission accomplished. I didn’t crash. I nished the race, got to ride in France, which doesn’t suck,” said Shaw.
e experience was completely di erent this time. When she was in Tokyo three years ago, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were still in e ect. Athletes stayed in satellite villages and fans weren’t allowed in
the stands. It was still the Paralympics, but she said it wasn’t nearly the same.
In Paris, the velodrome facility was sold out months in advance. ey met athletes from other sports. e outdoor circuit was lined with people, and people were playing trumpets and banging on signs.
“ e crowd there denitely made it an extra-special experience, and that’s not to say that Tokyo wasn’t special, but when you get to share it with the world like we were here in Paris, that’s pretty cool.”
e crowd provided her with some extra energy during the competition.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be able to showcase our sport on the biggest stage, to be able to showcase it for that many people in person, so that they get a true idea about what we do and how fast we’re truly going. It de nitely urges you to get just that little bit faster, and try to nd that extra gear,” she said.
e Olympic village was an incredible place, with amenities like a post o ce, a grocery store, a souvenir shop and more. All of the di erent countries have decked-out national houses. Shaw had the chance to explore them between the road race and the closing ceremonies on Sept. 8.
One thing that didn’t
KeelyShawcelebratesafterwinningabronzemedal attheParisParalympicGames.Photosby DaveHolland/CanadianParalympicCommittee
change between Tokyo and Paris was the support from people in Midale and elsewhere in southeast Saskatchewan.
“Anyone that grew up in Saskatchewan as a whole, especially small-town Saskatchewan, knows that the support we get from back home is second to none,” said Shaw.
One person from Yellow Grass who coached her during her youth hockey days purchased a seat to support the Canadian Paralympic athletes that said “Go Keely!”
“ ese people were a huge part of my life growing up – but that I haven’t seen in 15 years – they’re
still thinking of me, they’re still cheering for me. Getting notes from all corners of the province, whether it’s Saskatoon where I currently am, or back home in Midale, the surrounding areas, it brings pride in that it makes you realize that I’m the one on the bike, but it’s more than me. You’ve got a whole province rallying behind you.”
She was looking forward to spending the last couple of days in Paris and then returning home to Saskatchewan to share the medal with family and friends. Shaw said she would re ect on the experience, and enjoy exercising and riding her bike for fun.
Moose Jaw also had two touchdowns, but the Oilers recorded a two-point convert on both of their majors, while Moose Jaw didn’t convert their scores. is marks the rst time ever the U14 Oilers’ program has won two straight games.
“I like to think we put the rest of the league on notice that the Oilers are not somebody to be messed with anymore,” said Pfeifer.
e Oilers next game will be Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Dana Quewezance Memorial Field at Woodlawn Athletic Park against the defending league champions, the Weyburn Falcons. •••
e Estevan Compre-
hensive School Elecs football team began the 2024 season with a 92-6 loss against Balgonie Greenall.
Khalifa Elshein had the Elecs’ lone score on a 45yard reception with 8:07 to play in the second quarter. He nished with 87 yards receiving on the day.
Estevan was down 68-6 at half-time.
Coach Chris Bayerle said the Elecs’ coaches and players need to be better. Athletes like Elshein, Dorian Sifton and Truman Ciepliski did what they could to make things happen for their team.
Brayden Mehler recovered a fumble deep in his own zone late in the fourth
quarter. Jayden Smith picked o a Balgonie pass.
“Next week is a new week and we’ll be better prepared,” said Bayerle.
e Elecs’ next game is Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. at Woodlawn against Moose Jaw Central.
e Estevan Power Dodge U12 Chargers had a second straight high-scoring game on Saturday at Woodlawn, but lost 63-45 to the Moose Jaw Bulldogs.
Coach James Haagsman said the teams were tied at half-time, as neither defence could stop the opposition.
e Chargers’ o ensive playmakers started getting hurt late in the game, Haagsman said, and Moose Jaw pulled away.
Dexter Tendler and Lincoln Molstad scored touchdowns on the ground. Haagsman noted quarterback Casey Kitz toughed
DorianSiftonstretchesoutforsomeextrayards duringtheElecs’gameSaturdayagainstBalgonie.
it out in the fourth quarter and completed passes to Molstad, Tendler and Nixon Fleck despite having a twisted ankle.
Haagsman said they still need to work on shoring up their defence and improving their form tackling. Jude Shackleton had a lot of Estevan’s tackles.
e Chargers will host their archrivals, the Weyburn Ravens, on Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Woodlawn.
•••
e Southeast U18 Estevan Kinette Club Viragos opened their season with a 62-13 road loss against Melville.
Morgan Hase returned a kicko 70 yards for a touchdown, and added another score later in the game.
Coach Mark Tribiger said injuries hit the Viragos during the game. He noted they had a solid game from lots of veteran players, including Kelsey Greening making some good blocks on o ence and tackles on defence. Aurora McCutcheon was a “true o ensive general” and did what she could with what Tribiger called a skeleton o ence.
e Viragos will host Moosomin on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. at Woodlawn.
By David Willberg
For the second time in less than two years, the Regina Pats won a preseason game at A nity Place in Estevan.
e Pats scored three times in 31 seconds in the rst period on their way to defeating the defending Western Hockey League champion Moose Jaw Warriors 7-4 Friday night. Cole Temple had two goals and two assists to pace the Pats’ attack. Jaxswin Vaughan, Corbin Vaughan, Logan Peskett, Sam Oremba and Zane Rowan also scored for Regina. Connor Schmidt, Max Finley, Owen Berge and Ethan Hughes had Moose Jaw’s goals.
Pats’ goalie Madden Mulawka allowed four goals on
32 shots, but came up with some timely saves, stopping a breakaway in each of the rst and third periods. Dimitri Fortin made 29 saves for Moose Jaw.
An autograph session with players from both teams followed the game. e game was a homecoming of sorts for Pats’ head coach Brad Herauf, who played for the Estevan Bruins from September 1999 to January 2002. He was named the Bruins’ MVP for the 2000-01 season and became a fan favourite for both his o ensive skill and his physical play, including his ghting ability.
“I love coming back here. I have so many friends from this place. So many fond memories with people around town, and just doing
TheReginaPatsdefeatedtheMooseJawWarriors7-4 onFridaynight.
di erent things in di erent spots. When I was driving in, even driving past the Beefeater, there are lots of good memories of that place,” Herauf said after the game.
Despite his coaching
commitments Friday, he was able to reconnect with friends and fans in Estevan before the game. He noted he visited with some of the participants from Estevan Diversi ed Services, and
they still remember the years he played in Estevan and his teammates on those teams.
“ at’s the kind of fans they’ve always been here, the whole time. ey’ve always been real supporters of the Bears, the Bruins and any player that ever played here.”
While he misses the old Civic Auditorium, which was the Bruins’ home until 2011, he said it’s a real treat to be in the 13-year-old A nity Place. Herauf has been back to Estevan many times over the years. His son Levi played with the Estevan U18 AAA Bears in the 2021-22 season. And Herauf was an assistant coach with the Pats when the team came to Estevan for a preseason game in September 2022; Regina defeated the Swift Current
Broncos 4-2 that night. But this marked the rst time Herauf has been here with the Pats as their head coach. He was promoted to the role in July 2023. He noted that he saw a lot of good attributes in coaches he had in Estevan. Nick Sereggela, who was the Bruins’ head coach and GM during Herauf’s Estevan tenure, taught Herauf that these are teenagers who will make mistakes, so patience is needed. “ ey’re going to grow up and they’re going to surprise you when they get older,” said Herauf. Last season the Pats missed the playo s; Herauf noted they struggled down the stretch after making some changes. He hopes they can be better this coming season.
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e 41st annual Parent-Child Golf Tournament was held at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course on Sunday afternoon.
Forty-nine golfers were entered in this year’s tournament, which had a shotgun start and was contested on Woodlawn’s front nine. is tournament uses the Rondeau age scoring system which has a handicap based on age. All the juniors received a trophy and lunch following play, thanks to the tournament’s sponsors.
A pair of three-year-old golfers entered the tournament. Briggs Wolensky claimed rst place with a score of 41, and second place went to Ben Stepp with a 49. In the mother-daughter junior division, Nora Sutton nished rst with a score of 49. Second place went to
Rylee Gallaway, who shot a 52, while Rory Sands nished third with a 62. e mother-son junior division winner was four-yearold Cruz Wheeler-Stepp with a score of 39, followed by Ben Stepp with his 49. ird place went to Ryker Wilhelm with a 54.
For the third year in a row, Lila Donovan nished rst in the father-daughter junior division with a 40, while Hayden Friess was second with a 47. ere was a tie for third with Mila Stepp and Kendall Bakke both shooting a 49. e nal junior division was the father-son, which continues to have the most entries with 19 this year. Sutter Hoium claimed top spot with the low score of the day, a 38. ere was a tie for second with Kelan
theentrantsinthetournament.
Melle and Wolensky each shooting a 41. e mother-daughter senior division was won by Bella Hammett with a score of 64. Second place was Meeka Gedak with a 69. e father-daughter senior division was won by Natalie Currie with a 41, followed closely by
and
e
three entries with Cashton Symons shooting a 41 to take rst place. Second place went to Bentley Wilson with a 43, followed by Ashton Stepp with a 46.
e Estevan Bruins dropped the rst three games of the 2024-25 SJHL preseason.
e lone home game thus far was a 5-2 loss to the Man-
itoba Junior Hockey League’s Virden Oil Capitals on Sept. 4 at A nity Place. Virden scored three times in the opening seven minutes of the rst period, and added anoth-
er goal just over ve minutes into the second.
Fin Klippenstein scored in the middle frame for Estevan, and Max Carlson tallied in the third. Liam Hallet was in
goal for the rst two periods for the Bruins and stopped 23 of 28 shots. Benjamin Polhill stopped all nine shots he faced in the third period. On the weekend, the Black and Gold travelled to Aberdeen, S.D. for two games against the North American Hockey League’s Aberdeen Wings. Estevan lost 4-1 on Saturday night and 3-0 on Sunday. In Saturday’s game, the two teams were scoreless after the rst and Aberdeen held a 1-0 lead through two periods. e Wings then outscored the Bruins 3-1 in the third. Hudson Binder had the lone goal for the Bruins. Aberdeen led 1-0 after the rst period on Sunday and maintained the one-goal edge through two, then added two insurance markers in the third. Estevan will close out the preseason with a home and home against the Weyburn Red Wings, visiting Weyburn on Sept. 13 and hosting the Red Wings the following night, starting at 7 p.m.
