SPORTSINJURY?
Shopping for Christmas? Find great ideas from local businesses in the 2024 Christmas Catalogue inside this week’s paper
Giving back to community.
ECS students learn about volunteering through a collaborative project.
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Arrive Alive. Estevan police prepare to ensure a safe holiday season and urge the public to act responsibly.
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Test from the best.
ADAPT syllabus founders return to Estevan to examine Drewitz School of Dance students.
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Guilty!
A significant court case concludes with a guilty plea for theft over $5,000.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024
Work will remain in 2025 for Estevan’s downtown revitalization project
By David Willberg
The1100and1200blocksofFourthStreetareopenforthewintermonths,andmoreworkwill
ere is a little bit of work that can be completed during the winter months in the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street as part of the downtown revitalization project, but most of the remaining tasks will have to wait for next year.
e 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street opened again to tra c in November after each was shut down for months.
“ is is a signi cant milestone in the project, and we would like to thank residents, business owners and visitors for their patience as work continues to transform the downtown
core,” the city said in an email to the Mercury and SaskToday. “Crews have completed the majority of sidewalk work in the 1100 block, and both blocks are now accessible to tra c.”
Street lighting installation is set to begin in the coming weeks and will continue through December and January. e city says this new lighting will enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the downtown area, contributing to a safer and more welcoming environment.
City manager Je Ward said the street lighting for the 1100-block will be nished as supplies arrive through the winter. Tra c
lights at 13th Avenue and Fourth Street will not be completed until later next year.
“ ere are currently temporary ood lights installed to ensure the area is illuminated at night,” said Ward.
Earlier this year, the previous Estevan city council approved a four-way stop for the intersection of Fourth Street and 12th Avenue instead of tra c lights, and tra c ows in the area will be monitored to see if tra c lights are warranted in the future.
Paving stones are almost nished in the 1100 block.
e 1200 block will still see the installation of tree
cells, electrical work, and paving stones, along with a third lift of asphalt for both blocks.
“We’re focused on completing the project eciently while minimizing disruptions for businesses and residents,” said Jesse Gerhardt with ASL Paving Ltd., the project’s contractor. “ e upcoming phases, including tree installation and nishing work in 2025, will further elevate the streetscape and improve the pedestrian experience.”
If scopes remain the same, Ward said the project will be complete in 2025.
“ e City of Estevan remains dedicated to ensuring that the revitalization
project creates lasting bene ts for the community and we appreciate the continued support and understanding from everyone impacted by the construction.”
e City of Estevan announced early in the year it had received $7.75 through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative for the downtown revitalization project, nearly two years after the designs were initially released at a public meeting. e city has until March 31, 2025, to spend the federal money.
As part of the federal commitment, the city agreed to replace the underground infrastructure for those two blocks of Fourth Street.
New wellness committee officially launched
By David Willberg
e Estevan Community Wellness Committee took another step forward with its o cial launch ursday during a press conference at A nity Place.
Chairwoman Shelly Veroba said that the press conference was an opportunity to create awareness about the committee, launch its new logo and share its plan to help build a stronger, safer community – “a community that knows and cares for their
neighbours and looks out for each other”.
Committee member Heidi Hesselink, who is the executive director of the United Way Estevan, said the committee hopes to create a local program similar to the Block Parent initiative that used to be in Estevan and many communities, as well as a neighbourhood watch. It is also hosting regular community games nights and it wants more opportunities for free events that bring the community together.
Veroba noted when they looked into the Block Parent program, they found out there wasn’t anything in Canada, so they’re looking to create an alternative that will be similar but Estevan-focused.
“I believe the neighbourhood watch is still in e ect in di erent cities, so we will be trying to maybe look at that, and see if we can get that program and utilize it if possible. e other thing we’re looking at is a ordable transportation options for people who need to get
to medical appointments, for people who live and work in Estevan and don’t always have a ride when it’s -30 but can’t a ord a cab every day to work.”
Veroba hopes the Block Parent program and the neighbourhood watch can be established by September 2025.
“We’re lacking that safe spot from home to school, so our goal would be to somehow nd homes that are available, even if it was just before and after school, during the lunch hour to
put that sign up in their window to say ‘Hey, I’m a safe house.’ So there’s a lot of logistics we have to work out, like how do we vet these people, who gets to be able to apply, what is the time commitment that we need.”
When she was growing up, Veroba knew which houses were involved in Block Parent, and even if the sign wasn’t in the window, she felt better knowing those people were in the neighbourhood.
Scotties committee proud of effort, support
e Estevan Curling Club announced last Wednesday that its bid to host the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts national women’s curling championship was unsuccessful.
e club, in partnership with the City of Estevan and Tourism Saskatchewan, submitted a bid at the end of September to Curling Canada to host the event, which is one of the most prestigious in the sport. Curling Canada has noti ed the ECC that despite a “compelling” bid, it has decided to move forward with another city, with an announcement expected in the near future.
“Although we were ultimately unsuccessful in this bid, we are really proud of the submission and the wonderful response from our community,” said ECC president Tyler McMillen. “We gained valuable experience and have been encouraged to bid on future curling events, and we are certain that we will bring a world-class curling event to Estevan in the near future.”
Themembersofthecommitteethattriedtobringwomen’s curlingnationalstoEstevan.Filephoto
McMillen said a suggestion was made to sit down with Curling Canada later this year and have a discussion about the bid, as he said Curling Canada did not give speci cs on strengths or weaknesses of the local e ort.
McMillen praised the local community support.
e City of Estevan and city council were on board, and McMillen said Tourism Saskatchewan was
“very helpful”. Hotels and businesses showed their support as well.
“We know that we have a strong core group of businesses and volunteers, and our committee that we put together is a lot of the same ones that have been together since 2018, so we have a good knowledge base and a good group of people.”
Estevan has previously hosted the 2018 Home Hardware Canada Cup of
Curling, the SaskTel Tankard men’s curling provincials twice (2018 and 2023) and the Viterra Scotties women’s provincials once (2023) in recent years. e committee members involved in the Scotties bid included Tyler McMillen, Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud, Devon Fornwald, Helen Fornwald, Allison Holzer, Beverly Bund, Pam Dechief, Shirley Hildebrand, eresa
Stepp, Breanne Lees and Jordan Isbister. McMillen noted there are some marquee curling events that have happened in Saskatchewan, including the 2024 Montana’s Brier in Regina and a couple of editions of the Scotties in Moose Jaw in recent years, and additional prominent events are coming, so that might have factored into Curling Canada’s decision.
“ e good part about curling is the di erent cities that have held stu , they’ll put a good show on,” said McMillen.
Cornwall, Ont., and Lethbridge, Alta., are among the other communities believed to be in the hunt for the 2026 event. ere were also reports in the bid process that Summerside or Charlottetown, P.E.I., was interested.
As part of the bid process for the 2026 Scotties, numerous deposits for ticket packages were made.
ose who made deposits will be reimbursed in full in January. McMillen did not disclose the number of ticket packages sold because this was the rst time
Committee planning fundraiser in January
“We’re just looking for people to start becoming part of the community again, to start getting out there and getting to know your neighbours.”
e committee is also planning to host a fundraising banquet on Jan. 20, 2025, that would create awareness for mental health and wellness, and generate funds for the committee’s e orts, including the creation of a website and planning free events to bring the community together and build relationships.
A guest speaker, who will help highlight the challenges associated with mental health concerns, will be announced at a later date. Veroba said the committee is looking for a sponsor for the speaker, and they’re also looking for a meal sponsor.
Committee member
Becca Foord said the date was selected because it is known as Blue Monday and is often viewed as the saddest day of the year.
“ e hope is to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and make it easier for people to access [help] by getting people talking and highlighting the supports that already exist in our community, and by acknowledging that we aren’t alone in our struggles,” said Foord.
Tickets are expected to be $40 each or $300 for a table of eight.
e committee was started after a pilot project in 2023. It brought multiple agencies together to create a plan, with funding from the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety’s community and well-being grant. Four priority areas –mental wellness, substance abuse and addictions, ed-
the club had tried this process. “We had those few issues early on, and summer was tough … to get out there and get people excited about curling,” said McMillen. “It seemed to pick up when you had the curling that’s on TV.”
A lot of people were approaching the committee on the street and around town about the bid’s status.
“We went door to door to every business, pretty much, in the city, and the volunteers split up and went around. at seemed to help, too, to try to remind people what we were doing.”
McMillen expects the committee would take another shot at hosting the Scotties. ey picked 2026 because it’s an Olympic year, so the tournament would be happening earlier than normal and it wouldn’t con ict with hockey playo s and other ice sports in late February and March. And the committee will look at some of the other events available through Curl Canada for national and even international competitions.
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ucation and employment, and victimization – have been identi ed. e logo was created by Lemon Wedge Marketing. Veroba said it’s bright and it represents the circle of organizations coming together to create the com-
mittee. More than 20 organizations were originally in the pilot program, and now the committee has eight to 10 members at most of its meetings.
“We’re still looking for more people and we’re looking for more volun-
teers who would like to help head up the committee, such as the neighbourhood watch program or the community parent program that we’re looking at forming.”
e committee has been working slowly, Veroba said, but they have made good progress with their e orts.
Festival of Trees surpassed
e St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees once again received great support from
“We’re trying to look into the di erent things that the city already has, the initiatives that are in place for mental health and wellness,” said Veroba.
$153,000
the community.
In a post on its Facebook page, the foundation said it was “thrilled” to an-
nounce that $153,500 was raised during this year’s event, held Nov. 16 and 17.
A gala supper took place at A nity Place on the 16th, with approximately 550 people in attendance. It o ered live and silent auctions, along with other fundraisers.
Family activities were o ered the following day at locations throughout Estevan.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this incredible event – our sponsors, volunteers, donors and attendees. You made this unforgettable weekend possible,” the foundation said on Facebook.
Proceeds from this event will go directly towards the MRI for Estevan campaign, bringing the foundation closer to improving health care in the community.
e total stands at $4,456,168, as of the afternoon of Dec. 2. e total includes the $2 million donated by Elaine Walkom in memory of her late husband Grant.
e campaign has a $6.5 million goal, which is the cost of purchasing the equipment, renovating the hospital’s diagnostic imaging area and tackling other costs associated with bringing an MRI to the southeast.
Winter is coming...
Is your furnace re ady?
Fromleft,PoliceChiefJamieBlunden,committeememberMelanieMehler,committeechairwoman ShellyVeroba,andmembersBeccaFoord, LauraMelleandHeidiHesselink
| Wednesday, December 4, 2024 |
Estevan high school students enrich community through mural project
By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) students are leaving a lasting impression on their community through a unique collaboration between two seemingly di erent subjects - art and physical education.
Guided by their teachers, Jessica Smoliak and Jillian Connelly, nine PE 20/30 all-girls class students and 15 art 20/30 students united to create a striking mural at the Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym. is initiative underscored the school’s commitment to fostering volunteerism and community engagement. e mural project started with Smoliak’s involvement with Fresh Air Fitness co-founders Peggy Rohatyn and Debby Knight, aimed at familiarizing ECS students with the facility and available equipment.
“Since Peggy and Debby Knight are all about community involvement and fundraising, I thought it would be a great idea to give back to them and show appreciation for what they do for Estevan,” Smoliak shared. “As a teacher and coach, I am always trying to make my students better
humans by teaching them the meaning of giving back or paying it forward.”
Volunteerism is part of Smoliak’s PE class curriculum, in which every year she gives the all-girls class an opportunity to decide on an organization in the community to help.
“ is year since we spent so much time with Peggy at Fresh Air Fitness in September, we decided to give back to Peggy and Debby for all that they do for the community,” said Smoliak. “ e PE Girls had a vision of what they wanted displayed in the mural but needed help with the drawing part.”
Recognizing the need for artistic expertise, Smoliak partnered with Connelly’s Art 20/30 class, creating a cross-curricular project that emphasized teamwork and shared creativity.
Teachers highlighted Justice Howse, an art student, who played a signicant role in the mural’s creation.
“She designed the mural and put in a lot of time outside class. We’d like to highlight her because she did an exceptional job,” Smoliak said.
However, this was not a solo e ort. All involved stu-
dents partook, and around eight of them from both classes went above and beyond, volunteering their weekends and spare periods to work on the mural.
Despite their enthusiasm, the project was not without its hurdles. Weather conditions threatened to derail progress when it started spitting and snowing, teachers recalled. e teachers were disappointed, but the students were eager to make it work, so they regrouped and made it better than ever.
“ ere was this huge, amazing push to nish the project,” Smoliak said.
e timing was fortuitous, as the mural was completed just before a major snowfall.
e project allowed for many memories and takeaways. Connelly recalled the best moments including “having the music playing in the background on the portable speaker, Smoliak’s hot chocolate, the laughs and conversations while drawing and painting but most of all, the students loved being able to have a project that they were proud of and able to walk past and know they were involved with.”
In addition to its vibrant colours and inspiring themes, the mural features
a personal tribute. e stu-
dents dedicated a section to Mya, Smoliak’s recently lost family dog, including a purple heart nametag in her honour.
“Teenagers are the best and this is one of the many reasons why I love working with them,” said Smoliak.
In their feedback, students said the experience was memorable and fun and they were thankful for the opportunity.
e PE students’ contributions extended beyond the mural, as they helped set up the Fresh Air Fitness display for the Festival of Lights, assisting with everything from moving equipment to decorating trees and assembling the signature igloo.
“My period 2 HP PE 20 class went down during their PE class to help Peggy and Debby move all of the Fresh Air Fitness items from storage to take to the park to be set up for the Festival of Lights. … I appreciated how they all
showed up and took the time to do it for someone else in need,” Smoliak said.
“My Period 1 all-girls 20/30 class again helped with the setup of lights with the igloo and tree wrapping.
ey loved doing it even in the cold. is class is up for any challenge I throw at them,” she added.
e collaborative project also fostered new friendships between students who otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths.
“At the beginning, they were shy and didn’t talk much,” said Connelly. “By the end of three weeks of doing the project together, they were laughing, talking and sharing weekend plans.”
Smoliak echoed the sentiment, noting that even the teachers bene ted. She said that they normally don’t get to work with students outside their subject areas, but now when she sees art students in the hallways or at lunch, she has a connection with them.
“It just makes it that
Cross-border chorus to ring in Christmas
By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
A musical tradition that transcends borders and time is set to continue this December, as the Southeast Chorus from Estevan and the Northwest Chorus from Crosby, N.D., come together for their 52nd annual Christmas concert.
e event, a cross-border collaboration since the early 1970s, will feature two performances: Dec. 7 at St. Paul’s United Church in Estevan at 7 p.m., and Dec. 8 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Crosby at 4 p.m.
“ e rehearsals are going really well,” said Shauna Meek, who co-directs the event alongside Harlan Johnson. “Our accompanist and I have been going
TheSoutheastandNorthwestChoirsofEstevanandCrosby,N.D.,aretoperform togetheragaininbothcommunities.Filephoto
down to Crosby on Tuesdays to rehearse with that group, and their director Harlan has been coming up on ursdays to our rehearsals here in Estevan. We’ve been trying to have two per week, assuming
that if people are free and can make it, they would come to both. And a lot have been travelling back and forth to get twice as much practice in.” e combined e ort is no small feat, with around
50 singers participating, depending on weather and availability, Meek noted. Besides, they had new members joining this year. “ e core is the same, but we’ve had new members on both sides this year.
So that’s been really nice,” Meek said. “We’ve had some really strong voices join us this year.” e concert promises a blend of new pieces and the old ones, re ecting the rich history of the two choruses.
much stronger at school,” she said.
Numerous families also came to check out the progress and the nal result, supporting their kids and grandkids.
Both teachers hope this experience will inspire future community involvement, encouraging students to seek out more opportunities like this. ere are already discussions about future initiatives, as teachers are hoping to get volunteers for the Coal Country Run event in the spring. For both teachers, the project rea rmed their passion for working with teenagers.
“I feel sometimes teenagers get a bad rap, [people look] at what they do poorly, or a bad decision, but these teenagers, … they’re amazing humans,” Smoliak said. “ ey’re a joy to be around,” Connelly added, noting that the mural project is proof of what teenagers can achieve when given the chance.
“ is is our 52nd annual concert, so we’ve had 50 years of music in the archives,” Meek said. “We have some new music and we also have brought in some music from our archives. And we never repeat a program year to year.” Meek also highlighted how accessible resources have eased the process for members. She noted that many of their songs can be found online, allowing members to practice independently at home, which has been a huge help. Preparations will culminate in nal rehearsals next week in both Crosby and Estevan, leading to the concerts.
“We’re really excited to give our performance and hope for a great turnout,” Meek said.
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The importance of shopping locally
Please forgive us for the following reminder: Christmas is three weeks away.
We’re sure that some of you have already started your Christmas shopping; a handful of you keeners might have already purchased everything for everybody on your list, thanks to the sales and the Christmas markets that have already taken place. But many of us have lots of work remaining before we’re nished.
Some of us might be waiting for that two-month GST holiday/vote grab that will start Dec. 14 before we begin shopping in earnest.
But if you still have some Christmas shopping remaining, we can’t emphasize enough the need to shop locally in these nal weeks before Christmas. ere are numerous bene ts associated with shopping locally. For starters, the money you spend in town stays in town. When you spend money at a local clothing retailer, a food outlet, an electronics store, or any one of the other great businesses we have down here, that money is staying here.
It helps that entrepreneur stay in business. It helps the owner continue the dream of entrepreneurship. It allows the owner to purchase more goods to o er to the community. It gives the opportunity for the business to support events, organizations and campaigns in the community. And it creates employment and better wages for those who work for that company.
Small business is a critical component of Estevan and other communities in the southeast. Yes, we have some big-box retailers and some large chains in the Energy City, but the bulk of our companies are classi ed as small or medium-sized, and they’re the ones that ultimately make the biggest impact.
We have a number of businesses that are part of a national chain, but are owned by a local franchisee. Many restaurants and outlets are also a big part of the community with their donations and through their sponsorships.
Businesses pay taxes that in turn allow di erent levels of government to provide the services that we rely on. Some might say they’re paying too much for taxes. But that’s another conversation for another time.
Amazon does nothing for this area. You won’t nd them at any of our coming events. Amazon doesn’t sponsor your local youth sports activities, it doesn’t directly employ anyone in the area, and we’re pretty sure it has yet to contribute a dime towards the Estevan Salvation Army’s kettle campaign, the Community Hamper Association, the drive to bring an MRI scanner to the southeast, or any one of the other valuable fundraising e orts that are happening in our region right now that help local people.
But do you know who sponsors so many things happening in the southeast?
Your local businesses. is is an important time of year for our business community. For many of them, the Christmas shopping season will dictate whether they turn a pro t this year, if they break even or if they lose money. e past few years haven’t been easy for them, either. ey struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic. Some were closed for weeks or even months; others had to pivot with how they operated. ey’ve had to deal with the impacts of in ation and the perennial increases to the carbon tax. And if we have less money to spend because of in ation, it means they’re going to have fewer customers.
Businesses in the Estevan area have been hurt by the uncertainty in the local economy associated with the murky future of coal- red power.
Take a minute and imagine your community without that favourite retailer, that beloved business or that all-important supplier. It’s not a pretty picture. Imagine having to go to another community for the services they provide. ere are also businesses that you might not use, but many others rely on.
ey’re all pieces of the puzzle that help make a vibrant Estevan.
So, over the next few weeks, do as much shopping as you can locally. Your community’s retailers will bene t. And that, in turn, creates a better community.
Not worth the division at the dining table
Our neighbours south of the border celebrated anksgiving, 6 1/2 weeks after we did the same.
In university, I became friends with a girl from Richmond, Va. It was new for her to celebrate anksgiving in October with the rest of us, remarking how early it was for such a signi cant holiday. But after it was all done, she quite liked it. I remember her laughing and saying we actually had time in Canada to nish the anksgiving leftovers before going out and getting a Christmas tree.
To be honest I feel like we just celebrated anksgiving. I had to take down my autumn wreath to put up a Christmas one, making me wonder if it was really that many weeks ago.
We enjoyed a great anksgiving, but then again, when it comes to holiday celebrations, I am fortunate that everyone in my family gets along and we like being together. We can savour the gathering.
But we know that’s not always the case. Sometimes with in-laws or extended families, there can be di culties that cause friction. Sometimes siblings are at odds so bringing them together causes discomfort for everyone. en there are broken relationships, estrangements and divorces that can make holiday gatherings challenging to navigate. And sometimes we are just plain ridiculous. I listened to an American podcaster last week tell her audience to forego anksgiving if members of their family voted for the wrong candidate in the presidential election and they don’t want to be around them.
I then read the account of a woman who said she refuses to pass the turkey to her family members who voted di erently
Shelley Luedtke
That’s My Outlook
than she did. Looking ahead, she insists she won’t be opening Christmas presents with them, either.
We heard the same thing a few years ago when families stated they were refusing to get together because they would not sit at the same table as anyone who supported politicians they didn’t agree with. I take politics pretty seriously but I can’t imagine a degree of animosity that would prevent me from being with those I love, but once again, we are seeing it play out.
e podcaster said it’s simple. Just “tell them not to bother coming” or “for the sake of my health, I won’t be joining you.”
Again, I feel fortunate that I haven’t had to deal with such rancor so my heart breaks for them.
It runs deeper than that of course, pointing to the fractious nature of the cultural, economic and social issues being confronted. e division and discord was already there. is might be the latest topic, but the problem goes deeper. e decision to forsake family is creating further problems.
e U.S Surgeon General released a report last year adding to the mountain of data suggesting people are becoming more and more lonely. According to the information, 58 per cent of Americans say they are lonely. e situation in our country? More than 40 per cent of Canadians report feeling lonely. at loneliness is causing health problems, insomnia, weakened immune systems and decreased productivity.
at’s just the start.
e problem is occurring around the world and governments are trying to combat it. In the United Kingdom, a minister for loneliness was appointed in 2018. Japan did the same three years later. Australia and New Zealand have rolled out loneliness-reduction strategies and in Canada we are encouraged to act because a report says our nation is on the precipice of a loneliness crisis.
ere are a lot of variables blamed for this, including the decline in religious observance and the proliferation of social media. But there’s something else too: the change in family connectedness.
A publicly-funded e ort in Canada since 2004 has formed valuable programs but they have also found something significant: 62 per cent of people they work with say they would like to spend more time with their family.
Families don’t always see eye-to-eye on everything but at the end of the day they are the ones most of us count on. ere will no doubt be issues that cause disagreement but we shouldn’t let those di ering opinions sever the relationships that have been with us the longest. Instead of focusing on the divide, imagine if people think about all the things that can bring us together and ultimately make everyone feel less lonely.
e time I spend with family and the connections I have with them far outweigh anything we may see di erently. While I agree we need to carefully consider who our leaders are, what matters far more is who is in my arms in a warm embrace. ose who come into my house and take o their coats are far more precious than anyone who takes o ce. at’s my outlook.
EDITORIAL
Estevan firefighters battle car fire, save house
Estevan Fire Rescue Service members were kept busy with a variety of calls over the weekend.
On Nov. 30 just after 6 p.m., crews were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision north of Estevan on Highway 47. Estevan Fire Chief Rick Davies said no entrapment was reported, and one occupant had unknown injuries and was assisted and transported by Estevan EMS. Fire ghters assisted with cleanup and tra c control, while the vehicles were removed from the scene.
By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
“On arrival, crews found a fully involved vehicle, which was noted to be threatening a home and the second vehicle parked beside it,” Davies said.
“Crews were able to
Just as they were nishing up with that call, another call came in just after 8 p.m. Members were dispatched to a vehicle re occurring in the central part of the city.
quickly bring that re under control and contain to the vehicle involved.
“ e vehicle involved su ered signi cant damage. e second vehicle and the home su ered minor damages, and there were no injuries reported from that incident,” he concluded. e cause of the vehicle re is under investigation. e third call for service came in a little later, just before 9 p.m., when a commercial re alarm went o in the central part of the city. e duty o cer responded, investigated and determined there was no emergency occurring, and it was believed to be a faulty detector. Prop-
Estevan police to monitor impaired driving
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Estevan Police Service (EPS) is taking a proactive stance against impaired driving by participating in the annual December Arrive Alive campaign.
Estevan Police Chief Jamie Blunden outlined the initiative in a recent interview, emphasizing the need for heightened community awareness and responsibility during this festive yet high-risk time.
“We have four speci c high-visibility check stop dates set: November 30, December 13, December 20 and December 31. We’re going to have extra patrols out there doing the high visibility,” Blunden said. “And then on top of that, we’re going to see if we can have some extra patrols with just the members, specically over the holiday season.”
For the campaign, which focuses on both alcohol and drug-impaired driving, the EPS also wants to collaborate with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD).
“We’re making some headway with both MADD and SADD,” Blunden said. “We’re looking to try and do a positive ticketing campaign at the same time we’re doing that high visibility.”
While increased attention will be paid to signs of impairment on the roads, Blunden said they
hope the community will co-operate and make good choices.
“We’re hoping everybody out there complies with the laws and makes arrangements for a safe ride home. No matter what you’re doing, if you’re going to have a few drinks, or if you’re going to embark on any sort of participation in the cannabis area, then we’re hoping that everybody does make those pre-arrangements in order to get home safely,” Blunden said.
He also highlighted the significance of community participation, especially with the increase in social gatherings in December.
“December is one of those months when individuals have house parties, Christmas parties and get ready for the New Year’s parties leading up to New Year’s. So, we do see an increase in drinking and participating in those festivities, and when that happens, ultimately, some bad decisions are made more often in the month of December than they are most of the other months,” Blunden said.
“So, we want to make sure that everybody’s aware that we have extra patrols out there. We’re doing extra programs to try to make those roads safe. So, I think it’s incumbent upon our community to make sure that the members out there are thinking about everyone else on the street, and if people can help somebody out by giving them a ride home if they’re sober, that’s fantastic, that’s what we are looking for.”
He also praised local individuals for their proactive measures in ensuring safe transportation. For bigger community events, businesses often sponsor cab rides home, and some party organizers rent buses to allow for safe transportation.
“Hats o to the people that do that,” Blunden said. “It makes it a safer place for everybody, especially over the holidays coming up here.”
One of the tendencies Blunden noticed over the past years is the increase in drug-impaired driving charges. While there is a combination of factors that might be contributing, Blunden explained that advancements in detection technology have contributed to more accurate identi cation of drug-impaired drivers. “ e police now have a lot of opportunities to detect and de-
erty maintenance was contacted to further investigate. On Dec. 1, at about 1:30 p.m., another commercial re alarm went o in the central part of the city. Crews responded, investigated, and con rmed the alarm was due to a cooking-related incident, so their assistance was not required.
termine that someone’s been impaired by drug. All the di erent mechanisms we can use to detect the drugs have gone a long way,” he said.
“Ultimately, at the end of the day, we’re in 2024 here, and everyone knows that impaired driving is a no-go area now, and we want everybody to be safe out there.”
e Report Impaired Drivers (RID) line is another tool law enforcement has, in which members of the public can report someone they suspect getting behind the wheel while impaired.
e EPS encourages everyone to plan ahead. Whether it’s using designated drivers or ride services, or staying overnight, the key is to avoid impaired driving at all costs.
“If you’re hosting a party, ensure guests get home safely,” Blunden urged. “If you’re out with someone that’s been drinking, make sure they don’t get behind the wheel, and ultimately nd a safe ride home.
“If you’re impaired, make sure that you’re letting somebody else drive, or if you’re sober and giving somebody a ride home, hats o to you.”
e EPS is committed to maintaining a safe environment throughout the holiday period.
“We want everyone to have a happy and very, very safe festive season,” Blunden concluded. “Watch out for each other out there, and drive safely.”
EstevanPoliceChiefJamieBlunden.Filephoto
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 |
Estevan welcomes founders of ADAPT dance syllabus to evaluate local dancers BUSINESS
By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
Estevan’s dance community had an exciting experience last week as Brian and Faye Foley, founders of the Associate Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT) syllabus, travelled from Toronto to assess local dancers at the Drewitz School of Dance.
Known for their decades-long contributions to the Canadian dance scene, the Foleys have been instrumental in shaping dance education across the country
and beyond since establishing ADAPT in 1979.
“ is is our rst visit back to Estevan since the pandemic,” Brian Foley said, noting that while there were other examiners assessing local students, it was important for them to return to southern Saskatchewan themselves, as the community holds a special place in ADAPT’s history.
Estevan, home to the Drewitz School of Dance, was one of the pioneers in introducing ADAPT to Saskatchewan’s rural areas. Lorie-Gay Drewitz-Gallaway, owner and in-
structor, was the rst teacher in the province to implement ADAPT exams.
Re ecting on this legacy, Brian Foley noted, “LorieGay has been with us from the beginning—almost 45 years. Her dedication has helped make Saskatchewan one of the largest ADAPT provinces in Canada.”
Saskatchewan is currently the second largest province for ADAPT participation “because so many of the studios in the rural areas are realizing the wealth of the success of teaching the work and bring-
Report from theLegislature
Thefirst session of thenew Saskatchewan LegislativeAssembly beganwitha Speechfromthe Throne that promised anew beginning.ManySaskatchewanpeoplevoted to re-elect ourgovernmenttokeep oureconomy strong andour future bright,while many others votedfor change.Our government will deliverboth.
Ourgovernmentwillkeep theeconomy strong andworktoachieve thetargets setinthe Saskatchewan Plan forGrowth. Astrongand growingeconomy allows ourgovernmenttodeliver on allthe commitments madeduringthe recent election campaign,including making life more affordable forSaskatchewanpeople. In health care,our government is committedtoexpanding patientaccess to thehealthcaresystem. We will shortensurgicalwaittimes by ensuring that 450,000 surgeriesare performedoverthe next four years. Increasing this capacity will reduce surgical wait timestonomorethanthree months
The firstUrgentCareCentre(UCC) is up andrunning in Regina andhas already served over 14,000 patients, providingtimelyaccess to medicalcareand mental health services whiletakingpressure off emergencyroomsinhospitals.Workisunderwayonanother UCCinSaskatoon in partnershipwith Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments,and we will open additional UCCs in Saskatoon,PrinceAlbert, North Battleford, MooseJaw andRegina.
Over four years, ourgovernmentwillinvestmorethan$2.6billion into health care infrastructure
OurgovernmentwillworktoensureeveryoneinSaskatchewanhas access to aprimary health care provider –a doctor or anurse practitioner –bythe endof2028. We will continue to increase thenumber of doctors, nurses andother health care professionalsthrough ourHealthHuman ResourcesActionPlan. Toensureweengagewiththese health care providers, ourgovernmenthas invitedall nursingteams and the unions that representthemtojoina first-of-its-kindpatient-focused nursingtaskforce Ineducation,our government will expand theSpecialized SupportClassroom pilotto200 more schools throughout theprovince. We will focusonimproving readinglevelsinKindergartentoGrade 3, giving students everyopportunityfor academic success.
More teachers andeducation staffwillbeaddedtodeliver on thesecommitments.Our government will increase fundingtoschooldivisions to help meet thepressuresofa growingstudent enrollmentand the challenges of classroom complexity
We will continue to buildmoreschools to meet theneedsofour growingprovince. Thereare currently fourteen neworconsolidatedschoolprojectsand threemajor renovationsunderwayincommunities throughoutthe province
Finally, ourgovernmentwillexpandregulated childcarespacesfor ouryoungestlearners. Thereare currently 5,100 spaces underdevelopment,and another12,000willbeadded by theend of next fiscal year Interms of affordability, ourgovernmentiscommitted to making life more affordable here in Saskatchewan We will introducethe largestpersonalincometax reductionsince 2008 by raisingthe personal exemption, spousalexemption andthe seniorssupplementby$500 peryearineachofthe next four years, in addition to fullyindexingincometax brackets
TheSaskatchewanLow-IncomeTax Credit will be increasedby20per cent over thenextfouryears
We will introducelegislation to extend thecarbontax exemptiononnatural gashomeheating through 2025, saving Saskatchewan households about$480 next year
TheActiveFamiliesBenefit andincomethreshold to qualifyfor it will both be doubled. The Home Renovation TaxCreditwillallow homeowners to claimupto$4,000 in home renovation expensesevery year.The Saskatchewan First-Time Homebuyers Credit will be increasedby50per cent Seniorswillbeabletoclaim an additional $1,000 everyyear, andseniors whoresideina personal care home will seethe Personal Care Home Benefitincreased by $1,000 permonth
The annual amount that canbeearnedthrough employment withouthavingSaskatchewanAssured Income forDisabilitiesbenefitsreduced will increase by $1,000. Bill 1ofour newLegislature will be TheSaskatchewanAffordability Act– legislationtoenact ourgovernment’scampaigncommitments to reduce taxesand make life more affordable foreveryonein Saskatchewan
Ourgovernmentlooksforward to gettingtoworkonthese and otherinitiatives highlightedinthe Throne Speech. If youhave anyquestions or comments, please reachout to my office at 306-634-7311 or loricarrmla@sasktel.net
ing that success into their dance studios,” Brian noted. e Foleys highlighted the unique challenges rural dancers face.
“In rural areas, the children don’t have the opportunity to have as much dance class time, nor are they exposed to the arts or dance as you would be in a larger community,” Brian Foley explained. “Our purpose with our ADAPT syllabus is to bring some of that art into the community because the children don’t have the opportunity of being exposed in a bigger picture.
“And what we’re seeing for the majority of teachers who do our work is the results they get on limited training is excellent.”
Adaptability is central to ADAPT’s success. Brian noted that they built the syllabus on a progressive structure, in which every technique builds on the last, ensuring students develop a strong foundation.
“Our system follows a strategy that helps every student achieve their own personal potential,” Brian said.
He noted that dance education gives children much more, as “It teaches musicality, it teaches the importance of hard work, dedication, discipline, consistency, all the things [for] you to move forward in your career or [life],” Brian said.
e Foleys also discussed ADAPT’s international reach, particularly in Asia. Despite cultural di erences, the syllabus remains consistent, and the Foleys noted that it’s rewarding to see students overseas performing ADAPT routines just like those in Canada.
Lorie-GayDrewitz-Gallawayandsomeofthe dancestudentsduringtherecentexams. PhotocourtesyofLorie-GayDrewitz-Gallaway
“ e magic is in the teacher, not in the words of the syllabus. e syllabus is a guideline. But I would say that the majority of teachers who follow the ADAPT program take pride in making the students do the work as intended, which is great.”
As ADAPT approaches its 45th anniversary, the Foleys remain committed to evolving the program.
“We’re updating our sylla-
bus all the time. One of the things that I’m proud to say is the ADAPT program is a very current program. It has stayed current. It will remain staying current, and it will grow,” Brian said. While in Estevan, the Foleys examined Drweitz School of Dance students of di erent ages, providing them with recommendations and inspiration for future success and growth.
Estevan woman pleads guilty to defrauding employer
By David Willberg
An Estevan woman will have to repay tens of thousands of dollars to her former employer after pleading guilty to two charges on Nov. 25 in Estevan Court of King’s Bench.
Karleen Ali Dumaine pleaded guilty to forgery and fraud worth more than $5,000. Another charge of theft over $5,000 was stayed.
She received a conditional sentence order (CSO) of two years less a day, and will also have to pay $66,500 in restitution to Border Insulators, whom she worked for from January 2017 until September 2021. Dumaine, who has no prior criminal record, paid back the rst $8,000 after the guilty plea.
A ve-day trial for Dumaine was set to start Nov. 25 in Court of King’s Bench and last ve days, but the plea deal was reached shortly before the trial began. Dumaine, her defence attorney Kathryn Gilliss, prosecutor Jaco Erasmas and Judge Crystal L. Norback appeared by video for the hearing.
After Dumaine pleaded guilty, Erasmas told the court that from Jan. 1, 2017, to Sept. 7, 2021, she defrauded Border Insulators by transferring unauthorized money into her account. He noted that when Dumaine was employed by Border Insu-
lators, she was responsible for managing the day-today books, payroll, payments and other aspects of the company.
She was to be paid according to an agreed-upon hourly rate, including overtime, but according to Erasmas, unbeknown to her employer, she had put herself on salary and on a higher pay scale.
“Ms. Dumaine made out several unauthorized payments in excess of $5,000 in total to herself that included bonuses, loans, vacation pay and other expenses,” said Erasmas.
Also, on or about Aug. 11, 2021, Erasmas said Dumaine used the signature of Nyla Saxon on a document with the Border Insulators letterhead without the knowledge or permission of Saxon, and Erasmas said Dumaine did it with the intention that the letter be acted upon.
Erasmas added the amount of fraud reported to police was higher than $66,500, but the $66,500 gure was the agreed-upon amount for restitution.
Border Insulators manager Ryan Saxon and co-founder Caroline Saxon read victim impact statements at the hearing.
ey chronicled how Dumaine’s actions impacted the company; Ryan Saxon said it put a “serious nancial strain” on the business.
“She watched us strug-
gle daily, trying to cut costs wherever we could, and would help us with that, knowing all the while it was her that was contributing to the company’snancial strain and stress,” Ryan Saxon said.
Due to the price of oil and the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone’s wages were cut except Dumaine’s.
“We considered her a closed and we got to know her, and never would have even considered her to do this to us, as she saw the stress and struggle that we were under and decided to keep on taking. She not only jeopardized myself and my family’s livelihood, but also the lives of 20-plus
employees that we have working for us.”
Caroline Saxon recapped the company’s history and growth, along with some of the setbacks it has endured over the years. She noted her husband Robert was looking forward to selling the company to Ryan, but Dumaine’s “criminal activities” brought those plans to a halt.
“Our company has been nancially crippled,” she said.
Both Ryan and Caroline Saxon called for a jail sentence and restitution because of the nancial impact.
Speaking on behalf of
City of Estevan encourages switch to paperless utility bills
e City of Estevan is once again encouraging the public to switch to paperless utility billing amid the ongoing Canada Post strike.
In a post on its website, the city said the strike means documents such as utility notices will not be mailed to residents.
e City of Estevan has a bi-monthly billing cycle for water and other utilities.
“Please submit payments accordingly to avoid penalties,” the city said.
e city encourages people to use its online platform to go paperless, set up for pre-authorized payments and view utility information.
“Our team is available to answer any questions by contacting us at 306-6341800,” the city said.
People can go to the City of Estevan’s section on the cityonline website. Using a computer to register is recommended.
Coun. Shelly Veroba brought up the issue at Monday night’s city council meeting. When she asked if interest would be charged on those who don’t pay their bill on time, city manager Je Ward said yes.
“ is doesn’t abdicate the responsibility that you have a water bill to pay and to come in and check it. Unfortunately, with the strike, you may not get the bill as regularly.”
***
Council approved proceeding with the request for title for a number of properties in the city, which is the second phase of enforcement for land with taxes in arrears.
In her report, city assessor Trina Sieben said every
e ort has been made to collect on these accounts, and the recommendation is to proceed with enforcement.
e land can be redeemed by any person paying the arrears, which would stop tax enforcement.
“ e majority of the time, when this happens, it’s a formality,” said Veroba. “People will come forward and pay their taxes. ey don’t want the city to take their property, but in the event that someone hasn’t, that’s when the city will become the new owner of that property.” ***
e monthly water quality reports and the building permit reports for Septem-
ber and October were approved.
e city treated more than 132.4 million litres of water in September and pumped more than 124.8 million litres into the distribution system. In October, more than 104.8 million litres were treated, and more than 99.4 million litres were pumped.
According to water and wastewater division manager Matt Angell, there were no plant upsets and all regulated parameters for drinking water were met.
As for building permits, 10 were issued in September with a total value of $2.843,300. Two of the permits were commercial, and
their total value was $2.375 million. Two were garages worth a combined $81,000, and the others were classied as miscellaneous, with a value of $387,300.
In October, four permits worth $638,656 were issued. One was commercial with a value of $510,656. ere was also one for single-family residential ($3,500), one garage ($110,000) and one miscellaneous ($15,000).
Forty permits were issued through Oct. 31, 2024, with a total value of $9,848,257. By comparison, in the rst 10 months of 2023, there were 39 permits with a total value of $2.93 million.
Dumaine, Gilliss noted Dumaine had more than 20 years of experience in nancial management. She has also spent the majority of her life working at least two jobs to provide for her family after she escaped an abusive relationship.
Gilliss also chronicled Dumaine’s work experience at Border Insulators, including the departure of a long-time employee from the company, which led to Dumaine taking on extra
work; Gilliss said it became di cult for Dumaine to complete her required tasks in an eight-hour day.
Gilliss said there are a number of factors that she believes contributed signi cantly to the matter before the court. She noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the government wage subsidy program was introduced, and she claimed Dumaine was instructed to maximize the use of that program.
“In doing so, she thought it best to transfer a few employees to salary work, based on their average income and their overtime. is leads ultimately to the signi cant discrepancy that arose and puts us … in the court at this time.”
Dumaine “deeply regrets” the decision she made, Gilliss said, and how she handled the matters. e CSO has a number of conditions that Dumaine has to follow, and she cannot seek, obtain or continue any employment or be a volunteer in any capacity that involves having authority over the real property, money or valuable security of another person for the next three years.
TheEstevanCourtHouse.
Flashback –Dec. 8, 1976
TheEstevanJuniorHighBaronettescaptured tophonoursintheTorquayinvitationalvolleyball tournamentin1976,beatingouttwoTorquayteams aswellasImmaculateHeartJuniorHighinthree gamesinthebest-of-fivefinal.Frontrow,fromleft, DonnaLang, TammyMurray, KathyKvamme, KarenBrosinskyandLorrieLaBlanc Backrow,DenyseStovin, BarbaraJohnson, LindaFraske, RossBoulton(coach), JodyKnippelandPattyMagrath
Orpheum Theatre announces special show for January, but work remains before reopening
By David Willberg
Orpheum eatre owners Alan and Jocelyn Dougherty don’t yet know when the 110-year-old attraction will be able to open to show movies again, but their rst special event for 2025 has already been announced.
Quick Dick McDick, a rural Saskatchewan resident who has gained a devoted following on YouTube with his political commentary and humourous takes on life in the province, will perform at the Orpheum’s main theatre on Jan. 24, starting at 9 p.m.
Alan Dougherty said they decided to proceed with McDick’s appearance because he has to be booked about a year and a half in advance. e show was booked long before a late August thunderstorm hit and forced the business to shut down due to ood damage.
“He’s already been down and looked over the place,” said Dougherty. Dougherty said McDick’s act will be di erent from what people would see on YouTube. He has seen McDick’s performance at the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show, and Dougherty also watches McDick on YouTube.
“He talks about Saskatchewan stu , what’s real to people and a bit of politics, but he’ll be doing a little bit more comedy in his act,” said Dougherty.
Tickets went on sale on Friday morning at Henders Drugs, and Dougherty said there has been a great response so far. People are excited to have McDick in Estevan and to have a show at the Orpheum. e thunderstorm that closed the theatre occurred while a water main replace-
ment project was happening in the 1200-block of Fourth Street as part of the downtown revitalization project. Even though the theatre has
been closed for more than three months, Dougherty can’t give a date for when the long-standing business will reopen, other than it will be in 2025. Renovations remain on hold, he said, and the Orpheum has yet to receive any money from insurance.
“I don’t think the movies will be open in January. We’re hoping sometime in
February would be nice,” said Dougherty. “As it stands right now, there is nothing really happening at the theatre.”
Some work has been completed. In the main theatre, the carpet has been removed from the walkways and the stage. In the smaller theatre, the carpet is also gone, and they had to remove the carpet on the walls so that drywall could be replaced.
Tile and toilets have been removed from the downstairs basement.
“Basically, we’re waiting for the rest of the stu to be torn out of the place, and then we’ll start putting it back together again,” said Dougherty.
He doubts much work will take place on the restoration of the building during the Christmas break. But he expects the carpets for the aisles and the stage will be in place in time for McDick’s appearance.
Dougherty said he’d take care of any necessary work he could to ensure the upstairs portion of the theatre is open for Jan. 24. ere will
be a washroom for men and women, and, if necessary, he would have some outside for just a night.
Sta ng will also be a challenge, and the Doughertys will need to reorder some stock such as candy and popcorn. He referred to Quick Dick’s appearance as a good pre-opening, because it will get everyone ready again for a show.
“I’m looking forward to it, because you have to start somewhere,” said Dougherty. e support from the community has been great, Dougherty said, and he looks forward to seeing people turn out when the shows resume. e challenges for the theatre in recent years have been well-documented. e COVID-19 pandemic forced the theatre to close for a prolonged period of time, and then it had limited seating when it did reopen. A Hollywood actors and writers’ strike in 2023 put a number of high-pro le projects on hold. And some high-pro le movies have been released during this latest closure for the theatre.
Moonlight Madness and Miracle on Fourth returning
Estevan Downtown Business Association (DBA) president Laurel Buck says the organization has a couple of “fantastic” events planned for the Christmas season.
e DBA will bring back Moonlight Madness on Dec. 5 from 4-9 p.m., and the Miracle on Fourth Street will be Dec. 14 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. is will be the rst time since 2020 that the DBA has hosted Moonlight Madness. Buck said the DBA wanted to have an event with a greater emphasis on shopping, with sales and in-store specials during the evening.
“We will have our passports again, so if you pick up a passport at a participating business, and then you get two stamps for purchases at … our stores, then you’re entered to win a gift valued at over $500,” said Buck.
She hopes it will be a nice night in downtown Estevan, and Buck looks forward to seeing
Santa Claus and hearing some Christmas music.
e Miracle on Fourth Street will be more of a family event, she said, although there will still be lots of opportunities to complete Christmas shopping. Other highlights will include sleigh rides, street hockey, marshmallow roasts, and crafts and games.
Buck said the two events are also an opportunity to show o the work that has taken place in the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street during the downtown revitalization project. She hopes the two blocks of Fourth Street will be shut down to vehicle tra c for both events, because it will be easier for people crossing the street.
Moonlight Madness will go ahead regardless of weather, but some things can’t happen for the Miracle on Fourth if it’s too cold or if the street is too icy. is year marks the rst time the DBA has o ered both events.
Estevan police arrest man on King’s Bench warrant
Estevan Police Service
members arrested an Estevan man on a Court of King’s Bench warrant from the family law division on Nov. 28. e individual was held in custody to appear before the justice of Court of King’s Bench later in the day, and was subsequently released and ordered to personally appear later in December.
Police also conducted a welfare check on an Estevan man in the Pleasantdale area of the city.
Members spoke to the individual at length and counselled him to make contact with services available in Estevan.
In other recent police news, on Nov. 27, members attended to a noise bylaw complaint in a north-end apartment complex. e resident had outstanding warrants of arrest. He was apprehended and later released from custody to appear in court at a later date.
EPS members then returned to the same northend apartment complex to a second disturbance complaint. e individual spoken to earlier was again warned.
e EPS also received a driving complaint in relation to a teenager drifting his white SUV in the Pleasantdale area. Members were unable to locate the vehicle at the time, but the matter is still under investigation.
“If any witnesses observed the behaviour, they are asked to contact the police,” the EPS said in a news release.
e same day, police received a complaint of a vehicle failing to stop for a school bus with the ashing lights operational and stop arm out. e matter is under investigation.
On Nov. 29, the EPS charged an Ontario woman with several Tra c Safety Act o ences after she failed to remain at the
scene of a collision. An investigation determined the identity of the driver who turned herself in when contacted. It was further determined that she had an expired driver’s licence and vehicle registration at the time of the collision. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Police are investigating a reported fraud. e complainant purchased a trailer online and has not received the item. e matter remains under investigation.
A report of a break and enter to a property on Valley Street is being investigated.
A hit-and-run collision was reported on Nov. 30 from the southeast area of the leisure centre near the entrance to the Power Dodge Arena. Police are investigating and reviewing available video from the area to identify the suspect vehicle.
A report came in of an erratic driver near the in-
tersection of Kensington Avenue and King Street. e caller was able to provide the vehicle licence plate number and the matter remains under investigation.
Police attended to a south-end apartment building in the early evening regarding a disturbance. Police were able to mediate a resolution.
Later, police returned to the same south-end apartment for a second complaint of a disturbance. At this time, an Estevan man was arrested for assaulting a police o cer, was lodged in cells until sober and released with a charge.
During a tra c stop, EPS members issued a driver’s licence suspension to an Estevan man following a roadside alcohol screening device demand.
e EPS attended to a disturbance between two patrons at a local liquor establishment that turned into a ght. On arrival,
members separated the two women involved and escorted them o the property, with charges pending statements from each.
A grossly intoxicated 44-year-old Regina man attended the front counter of the police station and was so inebriated that he didn’t know which city he was in. He was arrested for being intoxicated in public and lodged in cells for his own safety, to be released when sober.
On Dec. 1, EPS members located a stop sign that had been hit and knocked over by a vehicle at the intersection of Sister Roddy Road and Wellock Road. e vehicle left the scene of the collision, and the driver did not report the damage to the owner. If anyone has information about the collision or observed it, please contact the EPS at 306-634-4767.
Police are also investigating a report of an assault. e investigation is
in the early stages and no injuries were reported to have occurred.
Members responded to a collision at the intersection of King Street and Petterson Drive. A vehicle slid through the intersection and collided with the power/control box on the boulevard. e impact caused enough damage to the box that it a ected the tra c lights, causing them to stay in ashing red light mode for all directions. City crews have been noti ed to return the tra c control lights to proper functioning as soon as possible. e vehicle involved in this collision was located disabled several blocks south of the intersection and the male driver was issued a three-day driver’s licence suspension related to alcohol consumption. He was also charged with driving without due care and attention and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
CLASSIFIEDS
William Joseph Schaff 1933 - 2024
William Schaff passed away peacefully on Saturday November 23, 2024, surrounded by family His was a life well lived His family is ever so grateful for the example of love patience and resiliency that he demonstrated every day William was born in Lampman Saskatchewan on June 6, 1933 William and Florina (nee Nadon) were married on July 10, 1956 They lovingly welcomed their five children, and they worked tirelessly together to build their life on the farm Dad's actions demonstrated his deep love and
endured the loss of their daughter Jacqueline in 1985 William is lovingly remembered by his wife, Florina, and by his children Glenda (Gerry) Beverly Gregory and Michelle (Michel); grandchildren, Bradley (Shelly), Brenna (Scott), Brett (Marilyn), Connor (Natalie) Rachelle (Gavin) Taryn (Haiqi) Meagan and Cadie (Thomas); great grandchildren, Daniel, Alexandria and Asher; sister, Agnes Krupka as well as many nieces nephews and cousins William was predeceased by his parents Mary and Jacob Schaff and siblings, Gertrude Elder, Michael Schaff, Catherine Burak, Lillian Bill, Marie Bill Irene Mulberry and Anne Perowski The Mass of Christian Burial was held at St John the Baptist R C Church in Estevan Saskatchewan on Thursday November 28 2024 at 10:30 presided by Father Stephen Bill Interment of ashes took place at Our
Mary Lou Audet (Bonokoski) December 10, 1935 - November 23, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye and celebrate the wonderful life of our beloved wife mother mother-in-law grandma and great grandma
Mary Lou Audet Mary Lou passed away with her family by her side at the Estevan Regional Nursing Home in Estevan Sask on November 23 2024, at the age of 88, seventeen days before her 89th birthday Mary Lou will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband Raymond and their children: Son Mark Audet (Marilyn); children, Melissa and her children Tanner and Kazlyn; Michael Audet (Christina) and their children: Jacob and Emily Daughter Lorna Story (Clayton); children, Jared Story (Rosalie) and their daughters, Ava and Hazel; Autumn Dawson (Steven) and their sons Eli and Brooks; Kaitlin Corcoran (Martin) and their children, Jayda and Bennett; Lucas Story and his daughter Alyssandra Son Noel Audet (Shauna); children Helena Audet and her sons Zachary and Zypher; Keegan Audet (Rebeka Reynolds); Nathan Audet (Allyssa Baldwin) and their daughters Olive and Sabrina Son Paul Audet (Carla); children Landon Audet (Taiesha Michel), Preston Audet Daughter Melinda Erickson (Paul); children, Lonna Erickson (Brandon Stadnick) Tamara Dushscher (Corey) Katrina Erickson and her daughter Sierra Mary Lou is also remembered by her brother Gordon Bonokoski; sisters-in-law, Marie Bonokoski, Anita Smith, Betty Audet, Elaine Audet, Sharon Audet and Jeannine Audet; brothers-in-law, Noel Audet, Joseph Audet Ed Smith and Paul Carriere
Mary Lou is remembered by many nieces and nephews as well as long time friend Yvonne Dzuba and a group of caregivers known as Mama s Angels
Mary Lou was predeceased by her parents: Anton and Zita (Schnell) Bonokoski; brothers: Anton (Lorraine) Isadore (Mary) Daniel Martin and Norbert; sisters: Theresa Zimmerman (Marcus) Dorothea Rice (Fred) Anastasia Ozero (Fred), Martha Bonokoski, Connie Mann (Jim), Sr Frances Bonokoski, Sr Loretta Bonokoski and Regina Roozendaal; sister-in-law Janine Bonokoski; parents-in-law: Leo and Marriette (LaBonte) Audet; brothers-in-law: Richard Marcel and Lorain; sisters-in- law: Patricia Carriere and Margot Audet
Mary Lou was born on December 10, 1935, at Marienthal, Saskatchewan near Torquay, Saskatchewan to Anton and Zita Bonokoski She grew up in a family of 15 children, Mary Lou being number 15 Mary Lou and Raymond Audet married on April 11 1956 in Estevan Sask They shared their life living in Estevan and raising their five children
In about 1975 Mary Lou joined the work world starting at Kaufman s furniture store, moving on to Reitman s clothing store once the Estevan Shoppers mall opened She eventually worked at Woolworths Woolco and lastly Walmart Raymond and Mary Lou celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on April 11, 2024 They were together in love until Mary Lou was moved into a care facility in the fall of 2024 Mary Lou could be heard singing You are my sunshine my only sunshine you make me happy when skies are gray You’ll never know dear how much
Are you living in fear or faith?
Fear is a great motivator when you nd yourself in a life-threatening situation.
Fear can cause you to run faster, ght harder and act quicker than normal. For a brief time, fear-based reactions can be very useful. Over the long run, though, a fearful approach to life tends to lead to problem avoidance and poor decision-making. 1 Samuel 17 is a perfect example of this truth.
Twice a day, for 40 days, a giant named Goliath challenged God’s people. When the army looked at him, all they saw was his nine-foottall frame and the immense strength he possessed. We are told that “[King] Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terri ed” (verse 11).
Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ
was happening, his response was, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; [I] will go and ght him” (verse 32). After a brief discussion, King Saul decided he had no other option. You likely know how the rest of the story goes. What made David run toward the problem when everyone else was running away? What made him con dent when men much older than him were scared? David’s secret was that he was listening to a di erent voice.
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Every day, the army drew up its battle line and shouted the war cry as if they were going to ght (verse 20), but when they saw Goliath and heard his shouts, “they all ran from him in great fear” (verse 24). e discussion focused on what they could not do, and the more they spoke about their fear, the more fearful they became. en, one day, a young man named David showed up. When he heard what
While the army focused on Goliath’s threats, David was reassured by the promises of God. ey listened to fear and discouraged each other from even trying to ght, while David found strength and con dence in the fact that God was with him.
Fearful thoughts produce fearful leaders which, in turn, produces fearful followers. Given that each of us are leaders in some realm, we would do well to guard our thinking and what we are focusing on.
“So we say with condence, ‘ e Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid’” (Hebrews 13:6).
Estevan Minor Football hands out awards
Brandt Peterbilt Estevan Minor Football celebrated its successes from the past season and recognized some dedicated volunteers during its annual awards night Nov. 26 at the Beefeater Plaza.
Each of the teams in minor football saluted athletes for their accomplishments during the past season. e Estevan U10 Canuckcade Cudas, who played mini games against Weyburn and Moose Jaw this year, presented one honour, the Canuckcade Most Dedicated Player Award, to Ramsey Graham.
e award winners for the Estevan U12 Power Dodge Chargers were Casey Kitz (MVP), Dexx Tendler (o ensive MVP), Jax Trombley (defensive MVP), Mason Lesy (most sportsmanlike), Parker Mo att (Driven Distribution Most Driven), Owen Buchanan (most improved) and Lincoln Molstad (rookie of the year).
e Estevan Lions Club
U14 Oilers, who won the Moose Jaw Minor Football League’s regular season title, presented awards to Taya Stigings (team MVP), Ryder Mantei (o ensive MVP), Kieran Kyle (defensive MVP), Brody Hogg (best sportsmanship), Ben Guertin (Southern Bolt Supply Most Dedicated), John Claypool (most improved) and Max Ogdanskiy (rookie of the year).
For the Southeast U18 Estevan Kinette Club Viragos, recipients were Aurora McCutcheon (team MVP), Morgan Hase (o ensive MVP), Kassidy Wallington (defensive MVP), Kirstin Loro (o ensive line MVP), Jaycee Sopp (defensive line MVP), Sam Miller (best sportsmanship), Kristin Loro (Prairie Rathole Most Dedicated), Sophia Geysen (most improved) and Carly Hermann (rookie of the year).
Dane Tober took home the Brian Illerbrun Community Award. Illerbrun, who hailed from Gainsbor-
ough, was a long-time offensive lineman in the CFL who won a Grey Cup with the B.C. Lions in 1985 and Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1989. An award has been presented in his honour locally each year since he died in 2013.
e Brian Smith Volunteer Family Award went to Pam Dmytriw and Family for their many hours spent supporting football in Estevan. Smith, who died in 2021, was a long-time supporter of football in Estevan.
James Trobert was inducted into the EMF’s Wall of Fame, joining a group of other dedicated volunteers who helped build the sport locally.
In his bio, it was noted Trobert’s introduction to the EMF started in 2011 when his oldest boy Rylan started playing the sport. Trobert was the o ensive line coach for the U10 Miners that year. Trobert coached for six years while his three boys, Rylan, Connor and Justin, played football. In 2017, James Trobert started handling the game-day announcing and has remained in that role ever since.
“ e entertainment that James gives the EMF crowd is the best,” the bio stated.
2024 U15 curling champion Andrea Fradette preparing for U18 provincials in Prince Albert
By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
Lake Alma’s young curler claimed the SaskMilk Triples Cup in Unity back in March and is now preparing for the next step.
After an undefeated U15 provincial championship run in March with Team Cool Shots, Andrea Fradette, who competes out of the Estevan Curling Club, is gearing up for a new challenge: competing at the U18 Provincial Curling Championships in Prince Albert, starting Dec. 27.
Now part of a southeast team led by skip Olivia Fonstad from Oxbow, Fradette
steps into her role as lead with enthusiasm.
“I think we’ll have a pretty good chance at provincials,” she said. “We all work really well together and have good team dynamics.”
Fradette’s team includes third Amy Fredette, also from Lake Alma, and second April McMillen from Estevan. Despite being the youngest on the team, Andrea Fradette ts in seamlessly.
“We’re all just one year apart, so it’s not too much of a di erence,” she explained. However, the transition from U15 to U18 competition hasn’t been without its stress, as Fradette, who is 14
years old, will be among the youngest players in the tournament.
“ at does create a lot more pressure for me, but it should still be fun,” she said.
Coach Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud, who also manages the Estevan Curling Club, praised Fradette’s talent and work ethic.
“Andy has really ourished and stepped up moving from the U15 ranks into the U18 ranks,” Ziehl Grimsrud said. “She’s one of the youngest curlers in U18, and she’s doing a very good job.”
Ziehl Grimsrud highlighted Fradette’s skillset, calling her “a very good
sweeper” with a “very good sense of weight calling.”
“It’s impressive for someone her age to have that skillset; she is a very good thrower, and she can throw the weights for hits,” Ziehl Grimsrud added. “And doing that accurately is not always easy. It’s a skill that you have to develop. And she really, really has an overall skillset that makes her a very good curler and a very good teammate.”
e team’s preparations have been rigorous, with frequent practices and two upcoming bonspiels, one in Moose Jaw and another in Estevan, before provincials.
“We were working on consistency and communication,” Fradette said after a practice last week.
Fradette’s journey in curling began as a family tradition.
“My parents curled in Lake Alma, and then we decided to try curling in Estevan,” she shared.
Fradette has been involved with curling for about six years. Competitive curling became part of her life three years ago when she entered the U15 circuit.
“It’s just enjoyable to play,” she said. “All the people are nice, and it’s really fun.”
Her rst provincial experience proved memora-
LakeAlma’syoungcurlerAndreaFradetteclaimed theU15provincialchampionshipandiscurrently preparingforU18provincialsinPrinceAlbert.
ble and motivating.
“It was our rst time curling together, the three of us at provincials, and we went undefeated throughout that whole event,” she recalled.
e family continues to be a source of inspiration for Fradette. Her sister also competed at provincials last year, adding to the curling legacy and is a part of their U18 team.
As the U18 provincials approach, the team’s focus is
on having great showing and strong results.
“Our goal is to make it to the nals at provincials and to make the playo s in all our events before provincials,” Fradette said, adding that the big goal, of course, is to win.
“We’re practising hard for the month of December,” Ziehl Grimsrud said. “We want to do well at provincials and we have another whole schedule for the new year.”
Estevan hosts U18 memorial hockey tournament
e fth annual Aaron Lavoie Memorial Tournament once again generated some good hockey and emotion.
e tournament opened Friday and continued until Sunday afternoon, with games at A nity Place, the Power Dodge Arena and the Bienfait Memorial Arena. Nine teams entered the U18 house tournament, including the host Estevan CNRL Bruins and the Estevan ISEP Bruins. A ceremonial face-o was held prior to Friday afternoon’s game at Afnity Place between the Melville Millionaires and Manitoba’s La Broquiere Habs. Lavoie’s father Gary dropped the puck.
Burt Blondeau, the director of the Estevan Minor Hockey Association’s U18 division, said Aaron Lavoie had a passion for sport that was second to none. Blondeau noted Aaron Lavoie played with heart and determination that never went unnoticed.
“He was a hard worker, a great teammate and a friend to all he played with. I would like all the players to do the same this weekend in Aaron’s honour. Play hard. Have fun. And make new friendships along the way.”
Lavoie passed away suddenly in 2019 at the age of 16.
e Yorkton Terriers won the tournament, de-
feating the Foam Lake-Ituna Flyers 7-2 in the Anal. e Habs defeated the CNRL Bruins 5-3 in the B nal. e IESP Bruins won the C nal with a 6-3 victory over the Niverville Clippers, and the Weyburn Wings beat the Lampman Imperials 6-1 in the D nal.
Melville was the other team entered.
Both Estevan teams won twice in the round robin.
e ICEP Bruins defeated Weyburn 3-2 and Melville 6-3, but lost 5-2 to the Habs and 6-1 to Yorkton.
e CNRL Bruins opened with a 5-4 loss to Foam Lake-Ituna, but recovered to double up Niverville 8-4 and shut out Lampman 6-0.
Bruins win two more to extend winning streak
By David Willberg
Brady Wilson scored the nal three goals of the game in the Estevan Bruins’ 4-3 overtime win over the Weyburn Red Wings Saturday night at A nity Place.
Wilson took a pass from Kent Moors on an oddman rush and beat Red Wings’ goaltender Dazza Mitchell 26 seconds into extra time.
After a scoreless opening period, Jaxson Ruthven opened the scoring 31 seconds into the middle frame for Weyburn. Kaelen Whittingham tied the game just over four minutes later with a point shot that found its way through a screen on a Bruin power play.
Liam Fitzgerald scored for Weyburn 1:40 after Whittingham’s goal and Ruthven’s second of the game in the third gave Weyburn a 3-1 advantage.
Wilson responded with his rst of the night shortly after Ruthven scored, and sent the game to overtime when he scored late in the third. en he had the overtime winner.
He noted it started with a great defensive play by Whittingham, who ad-
vanced the puck to Kent Moors.
“Moorsey is an unbelievable player,” said Wilson. “He picked up the puck and we go down two-on-one, and he makes the pass and it’s just a tap-in. It’s easy to play when you have good guys out there with you.”
He believes his previous hat trick was at the U13 during provincials.
Wilson added an assist
for a four-point night, and Whittingham assisted on two goals to nish with three points.
Wilson, who missed several weeks to start the season due to injury said his game has been coming along since he returned from injury.
“I’m feeling better with every single game, and I’m hoping I can just keep building on my game and
keep improving. e team’s winning games, so it’s fun to play,” said Wilson.
Benjamin Polhill made 33 saves for the Bruins, including several big stops when the Bruins were down 2-1 and 3-2. Mitchell had 28 saves for Weyburn.
“We knew at the start of the year … that this kid [Polhill] is going to be pretty good, and we had [Kyle] Kelsey, who’s a 20-year-
old, and Benny probably learned some things from him as well, so even with Kesley here, we were pretty con dent in Benny at the same time. Now the net’s his, and it’s all his opportunity, and he’s doing a great job,” said Bruins head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic.
Tatarnic thought the club was more physical and had more o ensive zone time in the third period.
e turning point in the game was the 3-2 goal.
“Give Brady credit. He had a great third period and overtime,” said Tatarnic.
A night earlier, the Bruins defeated the Notre Dame Hounds 4-3 in a shootout during a neutral-site game in Carlyle.
Liam Hunks opened the scoring for Notre Dame just over ve minutes into the rst period, but Michael Carter tied the game less than two minutes later. Neither team scored the rest of the rst period or in the second, even though the Bruins red 31 shots at Notre Dame goaltender Spencer Borsos.
“We had a little slow start, but I thought we were really good in the second half of the rst period, and
really good in the second period. I thought the score could have been a little bit more. We had a lot of chances we didn’t capitalize on,” said Tatarnic. Ewan Rennie scored three minutes into the third to put Estevan ahead, but Damian Metastasio replied 88 seconds later. Anthony Nolan put the Hounds ahead just before the midway mark of the third, but Moors knotted up the game again 20 seconds later. Moors had the lone goal in the shootout. Polhill made 30 saves for the Bruins, while Borsos nished with 45 stops for Notre Dame. e announced crowd was 578 spectators. Most of them were rooting for the Bruins, even though Notre Dame was the designated home team.
“We enjoy going there,” said Tatarnic. “It’s a neighbouring community, it’s a great thing to do. It’s an away game that’s really a home game for us, so we don’t mind doing it at all.” Estevan (9-9-2-1) has a northern road trip coming up. ey will visit the Melfort Mustangs on Dec. 4, and the Nipawin Hawks on Dec. 6 and 7.
Mermaids compete at first meet of the season
e Estevan Mermaids artistic swimming team started their 2024-25 competitive season at the annual Marnie Eistetter Figures Competition and also attended the Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming Awards Banquet.
Nineteen competitive and limited competitive athletes competed in Yorkton on Nov. 23 and 24, where they focused on gure events, performing movements that require precision in exibility, height and design for each individual athlete.
For some athletes, this
was their rst competition, and despite the nerves of performing solo routines in front of judges, many exceeded their personal goals.
“ e competition went well and we are very proud of how our athletes performed at the gure competition,” said head coach Amber Mantei. e athletes also enjoyed a development camp held on Nov. 24. is included two pool sessions to work on gure and routine skills, and they had three dryland sessions which included mental training, hip hop and yoga.
In the 10U limited competitive division, Ciara Schell was third, Tylee Picton was fth and Laikynn Shier came sixth.
Competing in 12U limited competitive were Mackenzie Delainey (eighth) and Jillianne Velasquez (ninth).
Lainey Halkyard was rst and Ava Collomb was second in youth limited competitive.
In the 12U competitive division, Estevan swimmers were Eva Meyers (third), Kayden Pukas ( fth), Brinley Groenveld (sixth) and Lexington Beaudry (seventh).
TheEstevanMermaidscompetedatameetinYorkton. PhotocourtesyofKristinaChristopherson
In youth competitive (with exhibition), Rowyn Shier was the top local swimmer in 17th. Sierra Mantei was 19th and Isabelle Pyra was 20th. Other Mermaids were Ava Donison, Sarah Pyra, Mahaley Fonstad, Rory Miller and
Sarah Greening. Sierra Mantei and Rowyn Shier competed in senior elements.
e Mermaids attended the Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming (SAS) Awards Banquet, which had a Christmas theme.
Athletes, coaches and volunteers alike received recognition for their achievements.
“We are very proud of the athletes and coaches that also won awards at the annual SAS awards banquet held on Saturday night [Nov. 23]. We all have worked hard to make our club a success and support the success of our athletes,” said Mantei.
Mermaids who won awards were:
•Provincial Pathway Athlete of the Year: Rory Miller;
•Jamie Eistetter Coaching Excellence: Amber Mantei;
•Junior Coach of the Year: Andri Groenveld;
•Recreation Coach of the Year: Shannon Culy; and
•High Performance Athlete Recognition: Rowyn Shier and Isabelle Pyra.
