Weyburn This Week -January 4, 2024 by Weyburn Review/ Weyburn This Week

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

A painted sky to start the new year

Photo 4333 — Greg Nikkel

These sunset-coloured clouds lit up the western skies on New Year’s Day at Weyburn, ending the first day of the new year.

Carbon tax removed from SaskEnergy, SaskPower heating bills

Both SaskEnergy and SaskPower removed the federal carbon tax from home heating as of January 1, 2024. This will result in savings for approximately 98 per cent of Saskatch-

ewan families who were unfairly left out of the federal government’s decision to exempt the carbon tax on home heating oil. “Our government is ensuring fairness for

Saskatchewan families by removing the federal carbon tax on natural gas and electric heat, just as the federal government has done for families in Atlantic Canada by re-

The members of the Young Fellows Club will be collecting the Christmas trees on Sunday, Jan. 7, and the trees should be out on the boulevard before 9 a.m. The club advises that it would be best to have the trees out at the

street the night before so they don’t miss any. Club members will be collecting them first thing in the morning. The trees will be taken to the city farm where they are mulched and used in the city’s flower beds.

The Young Fellows sold most of the trees they brought in to sell at their lot on Second Street. The proceeds from the sales of the trees will go to support the many community projects and sponsorships of the club.

Christmas trees to be collected by Young Fellows on January 7

moving the carbon tax on heating oil,” Crown Investments Corporation Minister Dustin Duncan said. “By extending carbon tax relief to Saskatchewan families who were left out in the cold by the federal government, our government is protecting Saskatchewan families’ ability to afford to heat their homes this winter.” The removal of the federal carbon tax from SaskEnergy bills, which took effect on January 1, 2024, will save the average family approximately $400 in 2024. Heating accounts for up to 60 per cent of power

consumption during the winter months for customers who rely on electric heat, so SaskPower will eliminate the carbon tax on that heating by reducing the federal carbon tax rate rider on their bills by 60 per cent. This will benefit approximately 30,000 SaskPower customers, reducing their power bills by an average of $21 per month through the winter. Customers will still see a federal carbon tax charge on their January utility bills for natural gas or electricity used for heating that they used in the month of December.

The federal carbon tax will be zero billed, appearing as both a charge and a reversal credit, on bills for usage on and after January 1, 2024. For SaskEnergy customers on an Equalized Payment Plan, equalized payment amounts will be adjusted beginning in February. Customers who believe that they are incorrectly being charged the federal carbon tax can contact SaskEnergy at 1-800-5678899 or www.saskenergy. com/customer-support, and SaskPower at 1-888757-6937 or contactus@ saskpower.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

JAMS Family Christmas dinner has record attendance

The JAMS Family Christmas Day dinner, held at the Knox Hall, was attended by 177 guests this year. This was a record for the number of individuals served in the building, and a total of $1,780 was raised by those in attendance. This money was donated to the Weyburn Therapeutic Animal Park for

their bunny cages. Sandy Johnson’s two youngest granddaughters, Julia (10) and Luca (6) presented the cheque to Jody Larsen, president of the board for the animal park. It was the 20th anniversary of the dinner and all of the JAMS family was in attendance except for Sandy’s husband Joel.

There was special music by Sharon Elliott on the harp, as well as the Greening family singing and playing carols. Sandy’s family both young and old also joined in the singing. The family would like to thank all those in attendance and look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Author readings, literacy day to be featured in January at Library An author reading, Family Literacy Day and programs for all ages are available at the Weyburn Public Library through the month of January. There will be programs for children aged six to eight years old on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and for those aged nine to 12 on Mondays and Thursdays, all at 4 p.m. In January, the activities include making banana or chocolate chip zucchini muffins, indoor floor curling, karaoke singing, making an Olaf watercolour, and making chicken stir-fry rice and biscuits. For teens, there will be an art attack day making Hobbit doors for J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday on Jan. 9; learning about loom knitting on Thursday, Jan. 11; learning how to make sloppy joes on Thursday, Jan. 18; or listening to a true crime podcast and making cookies on Monday, Jan. 8. There will be an author reading in January for adults, with Andrea Renae of Weyburn, reading from her debut fantasy novel, “Where Darkness Dwells”, on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. In addition, Dr. Gary Hoium will hold an information session on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. He will share about

his process for writing, editing, publishing and printing a book. He recently released his second volume of stories entitled, “Don’t They Kick When You Do That?” Family activities at the library include making paper quilling snowflakes on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 11 a.m.; doing a self-portrait with Lego, also on Jan. 13 at 2 p.m.; doing a family scavenger hunt on Thursday, Jan. 25 from 6-8 p.m.; and taking part in Family Literacy Day on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. There will be a story walk outside, making a wood snowman, and there will be hot cocoa. SE Newcomer Services will put on an information session on Monday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m., and will share about some of the services they offer as well as dispelling myths or misinformation on immigration. They will also talk about how residents can support and be welcoming of newcomers to the Weyburn area. The adult book club will meet on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m., to talk about the classic novel, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. The book for February will be Betty White’s book, “If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)”. This discussion will be held on Feb. 8.

An adult science class will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m., with spherobots, making mazes and racing the spherobots. Those attending are asked to bring a smart device if they have one. There will also be slime science class on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. An interactive history evening will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. about the history of the RCMP’s March West. Creative writing sessions will be held at the library on Tuesday, Jan. 16 and Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m., with prompts and exercises provided. All levels of writers are welcome to attend. There will be two Amigurumi crochet classes, to make a penguin on Saturday. Jan. 6, and to make a bee on Saturday, Feb. 3, both at 2:30 p.m. A class in paint pouring, using the swipe technique, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. Adults who are interested can learn a new craft skill using one of the library’s Makerspace kits, with a class on Cricut faux stained glass on Monday, Jan. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

JAMS donates to Animal Park

Photo — courtesy Sandy Johnson

The proceeds of the JAMS Christmas Dinner were donated to the Weyburn Therapeutic Animal Park, in the amount of $1,780, to go towards their bunny cages. Sandy Johnson’s two youngest granddaughters, Julia, 10, and Luca, six, presented the cheque to Jody Larsen, president of the board for the animal park.

Fillmore Lions names winners for Christmas Lighting Contest By Sheaunid Wiggins, 306-722-3642 Fillmore – Winners of the Fillmore Lions Christmas Lighting Contest are as follows: first place went to Bill and Diane Wall in the “traditional” category; second was Brad and Jasmine Reige in the “quaint” category; and third was Mitch and Katie Hull in the “conservative” category. The old lumberyard on Main Street is being de-

molished, as it will be the site of the new ambulancefire hall complex. Nicole Hanson was the winner of the raffled gift basket at the Fillmore Library. The former home of Ed and Tina Martens is being moved to southern Manitoba. The Martens family have moved out of town to the former farm home of Fay Hanson. Former Fillmore resident Miriam Hofmeister,

Regina, passed away on Dec. 15 at age 98. Former Fillmore resident Herb Reich of Drayton Valley passed away on Dec. 25. Bob and Donna Pringle spent Christmas in Calgary with their daughter, Heather and Dave Robinson and Florence. Daughters Kathryn and Cory Goodale and Shauna and Simon Orr and families from Edmonton joined them.

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The JAMS Family gather for Christmas dinner

Photo — courtesy Sandy Johnson

The members of the JAMS Family, with Sandy Johnson (front left) with her mom, Doreen Brown, put on the JAMS Family Christmas dinner on Christmas Day at the Knox Hall, with 177 people in attendance. They raised $1,780, which was donated to the Therapeutic Animal Park. They include, in the back from left, Colton Lund and Mikki Spencer, Cam and Ali Klippenstine, Jeremy Symes and Carys Moffatt, Jen Symes, Jacob Symes and John Symes. The children in the middle are Declan Klippenstine, Luca Klippenstone, Julia Symes and Josh Symes.

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k e e w s i th EDITORIAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

GETTING EMOTIONAL WHEN TALKING ABOUT DEATH Sabrina Kraft skraft@weyburnreview.com

ight before New Year’s Eve, I watched an televised memoriam of politicians, musicians and actors who had passed in 2023, with the program paying special tribute to these well-known individuals. At the end of the program, there was a special ‘one of our own’ tribute to a newscaster and behind-the-scenes director of the Global TV news media channel. That tribute got me thinking about something a little scary – to who would remember me, when it comes to my passing. The topic of death is never an easy conversation, or even an easy thing to think about. I know that I always get emotional when I think of facing the death of a loved one, or even my own passing. There are many questions to consider when it comes to estate planning. There are many questions too, such as how much does a funeral cost? What are some of the things that I can do now to make the process easier on my loved ones? It is a good thing that we have trained funeral planning professionals right here in Weyburn at both RD Family Funeral Chapel and Fletcher Funeral Chapel. Both funeral chapels have pamphlets and information available, plus experienced staff who have handled different kinds of service requests, and are even trained to help with bequest information.

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They are used to emotional reactions when it comes to thinking about end-of-life planning too (plenty of Kleenex available if you are like me, and just talking about death gets you feeling upset). The question that weighs heaviest on me is wondering about the memories and type of legacy that I will leave behind. After seeing a program that highlights the very famous lives of those well-known individuals, sometimes you sit back and wonder if you have that big of an impact. I know that I have an impact on my family, but there are times when I wonder if I do enough as a volunteer in my community. I think of who I consider to be part of my trusted circle – to the people I would be able to call and rely upon if something unfortunate was to happen to any of my loved ones. As a mother, I would never want to leave a burden for my child, and would want him to feel independent, but at the same time that he would have a network of support if he needed it. A legacy is something that one is constantly forming as they live, work and interact with their community. I think it is important to volunteer with the programs and services you feel passionate about, and remember to find a good balance between work life and social interactions. We have a great community who have stepped up and supported families in times of need. Even if I am remembered by my loyal readers, who would miss these columns, that is a reassurance.

How To Maintain Your Sobriety By Stan Popovich

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Do you or someone you know struggle with staying sober on a daily basis? If so, it can be really challenging to remain sober while dealing with other issues in your life. As a result, here are five ways on how to maintain your sobriety and remain alcohol free. 1. Learn how to stay sober: Your best bet is to learn the techniques that will help you to remain sober. It is important to be aware of what you should and should not do when trying to maintain your sobriety. Talk to other addicts to see what they do to avoid alcohol. 2. Take part in a support group: Join a local support group to meet other people who are in your situation. Get to know the other members of the group and try to learn new ways in dealing with your mental health issues. Many people will be willing to help you if you ask for some assistance. 3. Work with a professional: Find a person that you can work with who will help you to stay sober. You can find someone at your local treatment facility or you can talk to your doctor for more information. You can also talk to an addiction counselor to see if they know of anyone who can help you. 4. Learn to take it one day at a time: Instead

Weyburn This Week is issued every Friday at the office of publication, 904 East Avenue, Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Mailing address: 904 East Avenue, Weyburn, SK S4H 2Y8. Weyburn This Week is owned and operated by Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a subsidiary of Glacier Media Inc. Member of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association, the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association and the Canadian Media Circulation Audit.

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of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Focus on the present and do not think about what may happen next week. In addition, learn how to manage your fearful thoughts. When experiencing a negative thought, read some positive statements and affirmations that will help lift your spirits and make you feel better. Remember that your fearful thoughts may be exaggerated so balance these thoughts with realistic thinking and common sense. 5. Don’t give in to peer pressure: Do not let your friends and relatives pressure you into drinking alcohol. Politely say that you do want to drink and stay firm in making your decision. Don’t let others pressure you into drinking when you are trying to remain sober. Instead of relying on your friends and other people in your life, try to rely on God to help get you through. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problems. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you as long as you make an effort.

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Weyburn This Week is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic proactices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@weyburnreview.com or call the newsroom at 306-842-6955. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

WEYBURN THIS WEEK - PAGE 5

Weyburn police arrest man for drugs, possessing a weapon

Colouring fun at Spark School Break Camp

Photo 5175 — Greg Nikkel

Brynlee and Kate concentrated on colouring pictures during an art break at the Spark School Break Camp on Tuesday afternoon. The day camp was held from Tuesday to Friday, for the second week of the holiday break from school, at the Credit Union Spark Centre.

Southeast Cornerstone on track for budget so far

By Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD Chief Financial Officer Shelley Toth gave a brief summary of the financial position of the Southeast Cornerstone School Division in the first quarter, at their meeting on Dec. 20. She noted that at this early stage, there weren’t many s i g n i fi c a n t t w i s t s o r changes to the report that weren’t anticipated. She said that 40 per cent of the funds budgeted for asset additions have been spent with the only adjusted area being one projected for the purchase of school buses where they are show-

ing a figure over budget. She said funds have been designated within the current surplus to cover that cost. The early budget, she said, shows an upward adjustment in revenue of nearly $278,000, while all expenses are projected to be the same as what has been set in the budget, except for one overage of just over $31,000 for external services for a program designer at the Early Years Family Resource Centre in Estevan. Chairwoman Audrey Trombley mentioned the board’s annual meeting with their regional MLAs and the Minister

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of Education. She noted the main topic that was discussed was that of the continuing budget struggles within the SECPSD structure as well as within the province. Director of Education Keith Keating brought members up to date on administrative procedures that are undergoing minor changes, including accreditation of teachers, credits for students doing volunteer work and the new provincial flag

protocols that require schools to fly the provincial flag on their grounds. He noted this may require additional flagpoles or other construction moves to meet the fresh requirement at some schools. The SECPSD board members will gather for their first meeting of 2024 in the conference room at the division’s head office in Weyburn on January 17 with the public portion of the session beginning at 1 p.m.

RCMP arrest two adults in Fillmore on theft, firearm charges Two Fillmore adults face charges arising from the theft of a vehicle in Weyburn, and seizure of a firearm by the RCMP. Weyburn RCMP received a report of a theft of a vehicle that occurred between Dec. 4 and Dec. 22 in Weyburn. Weyburn RCMP investigated with the assistance of Fillmore RCMP, and officers located the stolen vehicle on Dec. 23 at a residence in Fillmore. As a result of investigation, officers located and seized a firearm in the stolen vehicle. Two adults were arrested at the scene.

Curtis Armstrong, 35, and Cherrena Bryer, 32, both from Fillmore, are each charged with one count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5000; one count of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose; and one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm. Armstrong was also charged with one count, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and two counts of breach of probation order. Armstrong and Bryer are both scheduled to appear in Weyburn Provincial Court on Feb. 13, 2024.

The Weyburn Police Service received 59 calls for service during the week of Dec. 25 through 31, resulting in a total of eight charges. Of the charges, three were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, four under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA), and one under a City of Weyburn Bylaw. The Weyburn police received 76 calls for service during the week of Dec. 18 through 24, resulting in a total of 10 charges. Of the charges, seven were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada and three under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA). Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the early morning hours on Dec. 30. As a result of the traffic stop and the assistance from PSD Oakley, the driver of the vehicle was arrested and released on outstanding warrants. A male passenger was arrested under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA). He has been charged for possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking as well as possession of a weapon dangerous to the public. Police received a call of a suspicious person in an alley in the early morning hours on Dec. 26. Police located a very intoxicated male who was not dressed for the colder temperatures. The male was arrested under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act (AGRA) and was lodged in cells until sober. The Weyburn Police Service received a complaint on Dec. 29 of a male taking several cell phones from a donation bin at a local business. With the help of the public, the suspect has been identified. The matter is still under investigation and charges are pending. Police were called to a local business over a disagreement on Dec. 28. Police attended and mediated the situation, and the person was asked not to come back to the business. Police assistance was requested at an apartment

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building with an intoxicated male on Dec. 31. The male was arrested under AGRA and lodged in cells until sober. Police received a report of two males entering a Weyburn store on Dec. 19 and taking numerous razors without paying. Images of the suspects are posted on the Weyburn Police Service Facebook page as they are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals. Later that day, police received multiple reports of persons “car digging” or walking through yards. Police continue to encourage residents to secure their vehicles and property, and to report suspicious persons and/ or activity. Police assisted by keeping the peace and mediating a disturbance between family members on Dec. 18. Later that day, police responded to multiple commercial business alarms and a report of a stolen truck. The stolen truck is described as a grey 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 club cab. The investigation is ongoing. Police located and arrested an individual for theft and possession of stolen property on Thursday. The individual resisted the arresting officer and was subsequently charged for that as well. City police responded to a medical facility at the request to assist with an uncooperative patient on Friday. Later that evening, police also responded to a person with a knife who was experiencing mental health concerns. Police were able to successfully deescalate the situation and get the individual medical assistance. The Weyburn police also responded to a variety of other calls including alarms, domestic disturbances, suspicious p e r s o n s o r ve h i c l e s , mental health concerns, requests to check on an individual’s well-being, harassing communications, and calls relating to animals, parking, or other bylaw concerns.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

Weyburn author shortlisted for Glengarry book award

Weyburn author Anne Lazurko was shortlisted for the Glengarry Book Award, for her latest novel, “What is Written on the Tongue.” Launched by the Saskatchewan Foundation For the Arts in June of 2021, the Glengarry Book Award supports Saskatchewan’s literary culture. The $20,000 prize celebrates authors with Saskatchewan roots, and the 2022 award celebrated nationally recognized Canadian author Guy Vanderhaeghe. The award was the vision of donor and book-lover Claire Kramer, a founding trustee of the Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts (SFFA). The Glengarry Book Award is an annual award for a first edition English language novel or book of short fiction. Managed and administered by the SFFA, The Glengarry Book Award selects its jury from a pool of Canadian authors and Canadian literary publishers and organizations. The 2022 jury included award-winning author Marina Endicott, Freehand Books Submissions Co-ordinator Debbie Willis, and published writer, Senator Patricia Bovey. Shortlisted novels are Lee Gowan’s The Beautiful Place, praised by the jury for its original and compelling writing, engaging characters, breadth of literary imagination, as well as its subtle humour; and Lazurko’s What Is Written on the Tongue, for its solid writing, diligent research, and ambitious transitions through the historical periods of the main character’s lived experience. “The shortlist recognizes ‘literary ex-

February

cellence’ and the award is for writers living in, or with roots in, Saskatchewan. There are so many good books that have come out of this province and its writers, including in 2022, so this recognition of What Is Written on the Tongue means a lot,” said Lazurko of the honour. Lazurko is the author of Dollybird (Coteau/ Shadowpaw Press reprise 2023), which received the Willa Award for historical fiction. With short fiction and poetry published in literary magazines and anthologies, Anne is an active editor, teacher and mentor in the prairie writing community. An award-winning agricultural journalist and no awards, but damn good, farmer, Anne writes from her farm near Weyburn. Her novel, What is Written on the Tongue, is the story of one man’s journey through two very different wars, from being occupied to holding the gun, from having an enemy to becoming one. Released from Nazi forced labour as the Second World War ends, 20-year-old Sam is quickly drafted and sent to the island of Java to help regain control of the colony. But the Indonesian independence movement is far ahead of the Dutch and Sam is thrown into a guerilla war, his loyalties challenged when his squad commits atrocities reminiscent of those he suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Sam falls in love with both Sari and the beautiful island she calls home, but as he loses friends to sniper fire and jungle malady, he also loses sight of what he wants most – to be a good man.

January

Photo — courtesy Dustin Duncan

Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Dustin Duncan presented the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal to Howard Schmidt, 99, a veteran of the Second World War. Schmidt served with the South Saskatchewan Regiment. He was to receive this medal a couple of months before, but he was not able to make the ceremonies, so Duncan brought the medal to him at his care home in Weyburn.

Photo 5433 — Deanne Miller-Jones

Brennen Jones of Weyburn curls third for Team Knapp, based out of the Regina Highland Curling Club. From left are coach Brian McCuskar, lead Trent Knapp, second Mike Armstrong, third Brennen Jones and skip Kelly Knapp. Missing is fifth player, Dustin Kidby. The rink has qualified for the men’s curling Tankard, to be held in Estevan on Feb. 1-5. Team Knapp was ranked first on the Saskatchewan curling tour through the Sask Tour spiels, and are seeded second for the Tankard.

March

Photo 9598 — Greg Nikkel

Dale Paslawski of the Weyburn Wildlife Federation had a group of children look at his bear skin rug, during a visit to the Family Place in March. He brought a selection of furs, including beaver, fox and mink, along with skulls and antlers as he talked to them about the animals.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

WEYBURN THIS WEEK - PAGE 7

Young Fellows announce major sponsorship for new theatre

The Young Fellows Club of Weyburn announced a major sponsorship in the amount of $100,000 to the Weyburn Theatre Community Service Cooperative (WTCSC). The City of Weyburn has been without a theater since the Soo Theatre operated by Landmark Cinemas was closed permanently in

January of 2018. In the club’s announcement, they said, “This closure has left a hole in our community. The lack of a movie theater provides many challenges to our community. It deprives us of a space to come together and experience the arts and culture in the form of cinema. It’s an amenity that

people look for when considering where to live. It’s a form of entertainment that we lack to help draw smaller local communities to our city and provide our residents an option for their entertainment needs that won’t require them to travel to another city.” The Young Fellows’ bylaws set out the ultimate

objective of the club, which is “To promote the spirit of fraternalism amongst its members, to develop its members for better citizenship, and to contribute in any way to the betterment of the public welfare.” Helping to get a new theatre up and running as a cooperative aligns with the club’s ultimate objective.

It’s a place for everyone to come together and enjoy a movie, it promotes the spirit of fraternalism within the community as a whole, and improves the public welfare. This sponsorship is for the WTCSC’s Party Room and completes another Pillar Contribution for the group. The Party Room will be located inside of the new movie theater complex and available for events such as birthday parties, sports team wind-ups and a variety of other small group activities. “The Young Fellows are one of the longest standing non-profit service clubs in

February

Weyburn, with over 100 years of history. We are thankful for their partnership and thrilled they share our vision of a revitalized downtown through the addition of a brand new, two-screen movie theatre. This sponsorship takes us one step closer to our goal of bringing the movies back to Weyburn,” said Sean Purdue, treasurer of the Theatre Cooperative. The Young Fellows Club of Weyburn is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Weyburn Theatre Community Service Cooperative to construct a new, state of the art, movie theatre in Weyburn. Photo 9793 — Courtesy Ryan Bader

Members of the Young Fellows Club of Weyburn gathered with representatives of the Weyburn Theatre Community Service Co-operative (WTCSC). From left to right are Ray Jarvis (YF); Brett Ferguson (WTCSC); Ryan Bader (YF); Shane Warner (YF); Ryan Janke (WTCSC); Chad Ror (YF); Len Hutchings (YF); Taylor Gonczy (YF); Reed Anderson (YF); Andy Barber (YF); Todd Bedore (YF); Lee Tochor (YF); Laila Bader (WTCSC); Chad Bailey (YF), and Sean Purdue (WTCSC).

‘Oklahoma!’ musical runs at Grace United Church stage until March 5 A large cast of around 65 people will perform a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s stage musical, “Oklahoma!” until Sunday, March 5. The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. each night at Grace United Church. Jyllian Payak will play the part of Lori, and Donald Alexander is Curly, who are one of the couples, while Brittney Barber is Ado-Annie, and Camden Husband is Will Parker as another

March

couple. The other lead character, Aunt Eller, is played by D’Arcy Megenbir. Two performers, Shauna Stewart and Melissa Renz, were part of director Colleen Weimer’s cast at WCS the first year they staged the musical. Other well-known performers include Steve Zackrisson as the peddler, Brinlee Klapak as Gertie, twins Tauren and Emerson Jack sharing the role as Jud Fry, and Mason Sidloski as the ped-

dler’s son. Weimer’s daughter Kendra Gonczy is looking after the costumes for the show (and is a part of the chorus), and Donna Klein is the set designer. “It’s a great story, and takes place in 1906 as Oklahoma was becoming a state,” said Weimer, noting many wellknown songs are a part of the show, like “What a Beautiful Morning”, “Oklahoma” and “The Farmer and the Cow

Man”, to name a few. “It’s a really good fit for us with the teens,” she added, noting she and Brayden Jensen will both be accompanying the songs on the church’s two grand pianos. Tickets are available in advance at the church office, or at the door. The show itself is $20 for adults, $10 for students (age six to 18) and children five and under can get in for free.

Photo 0092 — Greg Nikkel

The cast and chorus of the stage musical “Oklahoma!” sang the finale of the title song for the Rodgers and Hammerstein production, as one of the big production numbers. Grace United was packed for all four nights of the performances, directed by Colleen Weimer.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

Singer Brayden King competes on American Idol, makes Hollywood Week By Greg Nikkel We y b u r n singer Brayden King competed on TV’s American Idol, and is advancing from the “Hollywood Week” competition, after going through from the first part on Sunday night to the duets competition on Monday night. While his performance was not featured either night, he posted on social media that he was given the nod by the judges to advance to Monday night, when the remaining contestants paired up for duets. “They gave me a standing ovation, actually. I sang an original song called ‘Front Row’,” said Brayden on Monday of the judges’ reaction to his song on the Hollywood stage. For the duets portion of the competition, Brayden paired up with Elliana Rogers, and they performed the song, “I Want To Know What Love Is”. “Luke said it was the best version they’d ever heard,” said Brayden on Tuesday, noting he is now in the top 55 group of competitors. “Showstopper is the next round airing this week. They will cut down to their top 24 after this,” he noted. The contestants were paired up with a mentor to work on a specific area of performance, and Brayden had chosen songwriting as the area he wanted to work

on, telling the judges, “I’ve got lots of stories to tell.” Fresh off the American Idol stage, Brayden will be bringing his music to Weyburn, as he announced over social media he will be at the Weyburn Comprehensive School to do a concert for the students on Friday, April 21, in the afternoon. The initial audition was in September in Las Vegas, but he wasn’t able to let people know until just before the Hollywood competition aired over the weekend. He said in an interview it was a “surreal” experience to audition. Brayden received the thumbs-up from the three judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, and he had his golden ticket to go to Hollywood after he sang his own composition, “Down That Road”. Prior to the audition, the show’s producers reached out to him after seeing his videos online, and invited him to audition. He did a couple rounds of virtual auditions before he was invited to Vegas, and they provided everything for his stay. He estimated there were about 300 people who stayed in the hotel where the auditions were held, along with the TV crew, and these were chosen out of over 120,000 people who had applied to be on the show.

“My biggest take-away is it’s a lot different than what people perceive on TV. I went in and we chatted for like five minutes. They asked a lot of questions about my life in Saskatchewan, and my mom.” Brayden noted that he’s

not just getting local support from Weyburn and Regina, but people from right across the Prairies are urging him on, with even Premier Scott Moe extending best wishes on social media. “That’s the coolest

April

school at the Weyburn Comprehensive School, before moving on to a solo career. He performed in Weyburn last summer as part of the Young Fellows Club’s centennial outdoor concert in Jubilee Park.

Photo 4159 — Greg Nikkel

Singer Brayden King, a 2018 grad of the Weyburn Comp School, performed a concert at the Cugnet Centre, accompanied by vice-principal Dion Hrynewich on drums, in April. He told the students his story, including his experiences being on the TV show American Idol, and took questions from the audience. He met up with students afterward to do selfies and take more questions.

April April

thing to have people cheering me on from all over.” Brayden currently lives in Edmonton and has been extensively touring as he writes and records his original songs. He was part of the local band, The 7th Avenue, while attending high

Photo 3644 — Greg Nikkel

Hazel Lehman held a guinea pig during her family’s visit to Houligan Acres farm and petting zoo in April. Families had the chance to gather Easter eggs, and to pet baby goats, pigs and chicks, as well as to have a pony ride or have a photo with the Easter bunny.

Photo 6266 — Greg Nikkel

Dust filled the air as the back wall for the Soo Theatre came down in April. Adair’s Demolition crews were busy throughout the day taking down the old theatre building, being careful with the back wall with many power lines running close behind it. Once the lot was cleared away, the next step will be a new two-screen theatre in the spring of 2024, built on the same location.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

WEYBURN THIS WEEK - PAGE 9

WCS business students bring home SBTA awards

Nine business students from the Weyburn Comprehensive School competed at the 2023 SBTA Case Competition and Teacher Conference at the U of R on May 4-5. The competition was hosted by the Paul J. Hill School of Business, which brought together the best and brightest high school students in the province to compete by analyzing cases and providing strategic solutions to real-life business problems. There were 100 students from 12 schools who competed in a threehour pressure cooker before the teams presented to a panel of judges. Up to $36,000 of scholarship money was up for grabs for winning participants who choose to attend the Hill School of Business in the future. In a statement on the competition from the Hill School, they said, “Providing meaningful learning opportunities is a core value at Hill School, and we hope to see these students continue their successful journey in one of our excellent business programs.” WCS was a powerhouse and brought home four awards, including: • Fourth place sin in the School “Social” category; • First place Win in Personal Finance, with the team including Dalton Molnar, George Hoffman and Nikola Erasmus; • a second place win in Entrepreneurship, including Conner Kerr, Maddie Gerry and Wylie Kopec. • the third team competing in the Entrepreneurship Case category included Cedrick Perez, Amora Sonnenberg (a Cyberstone student combined with one WCS for

the second WCS Entrepreneurship team), and Olivia Vogel (a Cyberstone student combined with one WCS for the second Entrepreneurship WCS Team) “What a phenomenal achievement, as there were 30 teams from all around Saskatchewan and one Alberta team, including Regina, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Humboldt, Melville, and Stoney Plain, Alta.,” said WCS business teacher Margot Arnold. The keynote speaker at the banquet on May 4 was Allison McMillan, the CEO of 7shifts. Arnold said, “This was an inspiring speech, an excellent message for WCS students to hear.”

May

Photo — courtesy Margot Arnold, WCS

This team of business students from the Weyburn Comprehensive School won first place in the Personal Finance category, at the SBTA Case Competition at the Hill Business School, located at the University of Regina, on May 4-5. From left are Dalton Molnar, Nikola Erasmus and George Hoffman, and Gina Grandy, the Dean of the Hill School of Business.

May

Photo 3357 — Greg Nikkel

Kylie Rasmuson of Midale was very quick out of the chute in landing her loop on this calf in the senior girls break-away roping event at the Weyburn High School Rodeo, held in May. She recorded a time of 2.8 seconds, but later on, three girls had quicker times to move her out of first.

May

Photos — Ana Bykhovskaia, Estevan Mercury

Two performers from Weyburn were featured at the Midale’s Got Talent competition in May. At left is singer Daviney Berg, who sang LeeAnn Rimes’ song, Blue, and at right is Isaiah Perdis, who played a clarinet, flute and trumpet, and was named a runner-up in the contest.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

Watch for July - December Year in Review in the January 11th issue!

Diplomat and singer connect Weyburn with Atlanta, Ga. All roads do indeed lead to and from Weyburn, and that was underscored June 21, when former residents, Consul General James Hill, Atlanta-based diplomat, and Nashville-based country music singersongwriter Tenille Arts teamed up to bring Weyburn front and centre to celebrate an early Canada Day, together with the marking the 50th anniversary of Canadian representation in the U.S. Southeast. Fifty years is quite the milestone, so the Consulate worked with Canadian companies such as WestJet, TD Bank, BMO, Air Canada and Tim Horton’s (yes, as of June 16 you can get a double-double in Georgia) to profile both the Consulate Gen-

eral’s golden anniversary, as well as the economic success of Canada in the region, said Consul General Hill. “Canada does over $61 billion in trade per year in this part of the U.S. Support for cultural industries and Canadian talent associated with it is an important element of that, and of the Consulate General’s work. I was thrilled to learn there was an artist from my hometown making a name for herself in Nashville, and said immediately we have to get her as our special musical guest for the Canada Day/Consulate General 50th anniversary event. Fortunately schedules worked out and we did,” said Hill.

“When Tenille was introduced, we were on opposite stages at the Ponce City rooftop venue, and I think we both had the same thought of how surreal it was that we are both proudly from the same small Saskatchewan prairie town, and here we are, one hosting Canada Day in the U.S. deep south, and the other performing as the featured musical guest,” he added. “Both agreed it was a special moment and a fun if unexpected way to connect Weyburn with Atlanta, Nashville and be-

June June

Photo 9393 — Greg Nikkel

The Class of 2023 of the Weyburn Comprehensive School were seated and ready for the ceremonies to begin at Darold Kot Field. There were speeches by principal Ryan Fowler, board member Norma Hewitt-Lendrum, and tributes to parents and teachers, along with handing out of certificates to each graduate, and George Hoffman was the class valedictorian.

yond. I am her newest fan,” Consul General Hill confirmed. “Tenille is a phenomenal performer and it goes without saying she wowed the audience.” The June 21st event celebrated Canada Day as well as the 50th year of the Consulate General of Canada’s presence in Atlanta, representing the Government of Canada’s interest throughout the U.S. Southeast, which includes the states of Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.

Photo — courtesy James Hill

James Hill, centre, the Consul General for Canada based in Atlanta, Ga., is with Weyburn’s own Tenille Arts, at right, and her sister Brooklyn, during a double celebration in Atlanta on June 21. The consulate had an early Canada Day celebration, and the 50th anniversary of Canada’s official presence in the Southeast United States region.

‘All-round fantastic’ girl named to Zandee Humanitarian Award

Grade 12 student Hannah VanDeSype was named the 2023 winner of the Tom Zandee Humanitarian Award from the Weyburn Comprehensive School, presented by teacher Leslie Joorisity-Dickie at the Awards Night. The award recognizes a student “who may have contributed to an individual, family, school, church or community, or has displayed personal courage under adverse circumstances, or has demonstrated initiative and selflessness in overcoming personal problems.” According to Joorisity-Dickie, VanDeSype fits under all of these criteria, and shared comments and observations from coaches and employers to show the impression she has made. As an athlete, she has played on the senior girls basketball team, was heavily involved in figure skating, as well as girls softball, and all of her coaches had high praise for her. Coach Karly Johnson said of her, “She is strong, independent, smart, and caring. Although she may come across as tough, she has a huge heart and has been known to ‘mother’ the team.” Figure skating coach Abbey Forsyth said Hannah is “always positive and is al-

ways the best version of herself. She is a great mentor to our younger skaters and an incredible role model.” One of the adversities she has had to deal with was losing her mom Tanis to cancer when she was 12 years old. “Hannah stepped forward and decided to use the values, work ethic and characteristics that her mom possessed and put them into place to become successful in all her endeavors,” said Joorisity-Dickie. “She has chosen to become a compassionate, selfless, strong, fierce female who can and will achieve her goals regardless of the adversity she may face.” She added of the award recipient, “She carries many responsibilities a young person her age would not be taking on all at once and yet does it with strength, and wisdom beyond her years. Hannah doesn’t complain about the curve that her road of life has taken but instead she has chosen to succeed.” Joorisity-Dickie noted with emotion that Hannah will be attending university to be a teacher, and commented, “how your mother is smiling up in heaven knowing this is the career path you are choosing, and I have seen how your Dad beams with pride every time he looks at you.”

June

Photo 8956 — Greg Nikkel

Grade 12 student Hannah VanDeSype was presented with the Tom Zandee Humanitarian Award by teacher Leslie Joorisity-Dickie, at the Weyburn Comp’s awards night held in June.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024

WEYBURN THIS WEEK - PAGE 11

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Patches came into the shelter as a stray and was never claimed. After only being at the shelter for three days, Patches had a medical emergency on a stat holiday! Patches was very very pregnant and was not able to deliver on her own, so action was taken swiftly to get her a C-section. One of Patches kittens, Spot, survived and is also available for adoption. If you would like to meet either Patches or Spot we are open daily 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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