Vol.114 No. 29 - Weyburn, Saskatchewan
weyburnreview
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - 10 Pages
Bourassa gives back
Local groups received monies from E. Bourassa’s community development fund. Page 4
Gifted art market
Many visitors took in Gifted art market at Jubilee Park on Saturday. Page 9
Lighting up the night
Weyburn council reviews pay rates for the next term
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn city councillors approved a review of the remuneration paid to council for the first time in a decade, with a new pay rate set for the next term of council starting in 2025.
For the review, a report compared Weyburn’s pay rates with the other cities in Saskatchewan, excluding Regina and Saskatoon, and found Weyburn’s remuneration for the mayor and councillors were in the middle of the pack.
In the end, council approved a recommendation to tie the salary for mayor and councillors to a percentage of the MLA base salary.
The current salary for mayor is $61,475, and for councillors is $21,828, which is above the level that would be set at the new rate, so they will be frozen at current levels and there will be no increases to the salaries until MLA salaries increase.
The percentage to be used is 52.5 per cent of an MLA’s salary for the mayor, and 36.67 per cent based on a percentage of
An open house will be held by Enbridge today, July 17, at the Ramada Hotel from 6-8 p.m., on their proposed Seven Stars wind power generation project in the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin, southeast of Weyburn.
Enbridge is proposing to build the Seven Stars Energy project to provide clean electricity to the SaskPower grid. Electricity demand throughout the province of Saskatchewan is increasing and this project would help provide emissions-free, reliable electricity.
the mayor’s salary.
The rate going forward will be tied to the consumer price index, as MLA salaries are tied to this rate with a maximum increase of three per cent.
This will align Weyburn’s pay rates to that of Estevan and Martensville, the two cities whose population size is the closest to Weyburn’s.
New for Weyburn will be payment of per diems for full or half-day meetings or events, with no per diems to be paid for regular council meetings or any meetings that are under two hours in length.
“This is hard, and it’s a lot of work,” said Coun. Jeff Richards of the process to review salaries.
“It’s good we’re holding tight here.”
He added it’s also good for the council to tie salaries to an indicator outside of themselves, like the consumer price index, so it takes the decision out of their hands.
“I’ll echo that. I remember in 2014, we struggled with how to get this process done,” said Coun. Mel Van Betuw, adding
If constructed, the project is expected to be a 200 MW wind farm. Seven Stars Energy would provide enough electricity to power over 100,000 average Saskatchewan homes, once operational, and the proposed in-service date is 2027.
Reeve Norm McFadden of the RM of Weyburn noted the RM council had a meeting with Enbridge on July 9, but they were asked not to pass on any of the information shared by the company, as the company wants to share any relevant information at the open house.
The increase agreed to at the time seemed to be large, but she noted with the number of hours that
council members spend in committee and in council, they are not in it to make Continued on page 3
Cooking up burgers for ‘Gifted’ visitors
Members of the Weyburn Fire Department manned the grill to cook
hamburgers and
visitors to the Gifted summer art market on Saturday in Jubilee Park. The
era are Rod Lang, Chuck Hignett and Jim
Chicoine and Harold Whiteoak.
He noted the company has been studying the wind patterns in this area for the last 20 years, and the plan is to set up between 44 and 46 wind turbines, if the project goes ahead.
“As an RM, we’ll make sure to do our homework,” he said, noting he has told people to come to the open house with an open mind, and to ask the company any questions they may have.
“This is new to the area, and it will change the landscape, but then everything changes the landscape to a certain point,” said the
and
reeve.
The project is in the process of conducting environmental surveys that will conclude by the end of 2024 and is preparing to file an interconnection application with SaskPower.
Construction would begin once a final investment decision is made, and all permits have been received. Enbridge will provide updated information as it becomes available.
The collective input from Indigenous communities, government agencies, municipalities, stakeholders, the public
and landowners plays an integral role in the development process, including the feedback from today’s open house.
The engagement process provides the public with key project information to help address stakeholder questions and allow the public an opportunity to provide input into the review and development process.
Public input will help finalize the project and mitigation plans to be implemented during construction.
Enbridge is proposing
to construct and operate the Seven Stars Energy Project in response to increasing demand for low-carbon electricity in Saskatchewan and throughout the SaskPower grid area.
Enbridge will obtain all necessary site permits as per SaskPower regulations prior to construction. Enbridge will also undertake to obtain all necessary environmental and local permits required to construct the project and will share such permitting details with the public via the company’s website.
Several bright bursts of lightning flashed as a thunderstorm moved across southeast Saskatchewan late on Friday evening. The storm was viewed from near Ralph, looking to the south.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
up
hot dogs for hungry
trio at the grill nearest the cam-
Grieg,
behind them are Kyle Doane, Jola Bell-Erb, Matthew
Photo - Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn city police investigate reports of theft and assault
The Weyburn Police Service (WPS) responded to 69 calls for service during the period of July 8 to 14, resulting in a total of 17 charges. Of the charges, seven were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, nine under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA), and one under the Vehicle Equipment Regulations (VER).
Of the seven criminal charges, five were in relation to individuals who either failed to comply with a condition of their release or attend court as required.
A resident reported on July 9 that their garage had been entered sometime over the past few days while they were away, and liquor had been stolen from the fridge located in the garage. The resident advised that they believe other residents may have also experienced a similar incident. This matter is under investigation and police encourage any residents who experience a
theft or any criminal event to report it to the police.
An owner reported the license plate from his vehicle was either missing or stolen. Reporting it to the police is the proper thing to do as it is common for criminals to use valid plates on a stolen vehicle. Lost or stolen plates reported to police are added to CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre), which allows other law enforcement agencies to identify it as such and check it out if found or discovered on another vehicle.
In the very early morning hours of July 9, officers were called by a motel employee advising of a physical altercation between a few adult males who were staying at the motel. Officers attended and spoke to the males believed to be involved, but they were heavily intoxicated and unwilling to provide any detail of what occurred. Two of the males were treated for
Council reviews pay rates
Continued from front page money.
“We all want to be here to make the right decisions. We didn’t make that decision lightly,” she said.
• In other council business, council approved a bid for a consulting firm to formulate a plan to revitalize the downtown core of Weyburn.
They awarded the contract to Crosby Hanna & Associates for the price of $70,908, the lowest of four bids, to carry out a consultation with the public and the business community on how to revitalize the downtown area.
The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and Weyburn Economic Development have each committed to pay for 25 per cent of the project cost.
The goals of the concept plan is to increase pedestrian traffic in the downtown, increase so -
cialization opportunities, increase occupancy rates of commercial properties, enhance the esthetics of the downtown overall, and enhance the public spaces.
The defined boundaries for the core area is from Coteau Avenue to Railway Avenue, and between Second and Fourth Streets.
“It’s a great idea,” said Coun. Van Betuw, adding he encourages members of the public to come out and make their ideas and opinions known when consultation meetings are held.
Asked for the time line and what the city will receive at the end of the process, engineer Jennifer Wilkinson said the city is proposing the process be done by the end of this year, with consultation with the business community and the public to come up with a concept plan that sets out a multi-year staged plan to revitalize the area.
minor injuries before being lodged in cells overnight and released without charge when they were sober.
On Friday afternoon, police received a call advising of a suspected impaired driver. The caller advised that they observed the driver doing “head-bobs” and yelling in his cell phone
while driving. An officer located the vehicle and approached the driver who displayed signs of impairment. Further investigation resulted in the driver being charged with impaired driving and his vehicle being impounded for a period of 30 days.
The Weyburn Police
also responded to a variety of other calls including alarms, domestic disturbances, suspicious persons or vehicles, mental health concerns, requests to check on an individual’s well-being, harassing communications, and calls relating to animals, parking, or other bylaw concerns.
*Anyone with information regarding one of these matters, or any other matter of a criminal nature, is encouraged to contact the Weyburn Police Service at (306) 848-3250, the local RCMP Detachment at 310-RCMP (7267), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Creating bottom pieces for clay mugs
Pottery instructor Regan Lanning, left, watched as each student in the clay class took turns to create a bottom piece for the clay mugs they were making. The students include, from left, Aarav Sharma, Tim Portugal and Olena Shved. This was part of the Mixed Art class that runs through the summer, with classes offered at no charge and funded by the Creative Kids program.
New Re-Gifted arts bursary established
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Weyburn Arts Council, the WAC has partnered with Collabartive Studios to give back to the community with the Re-Gifted Community Arts Education Fund.
In a statement from the WAC in their Facebook post on the bursary announcement, which was made at the Gifted summer
art market on Saturday, they said, “Art is important in our community, so helping our residents access it is a priority for the Weyburn Arts Council.”
The Arts Council is taking the proceeds from Saturday’s Gifted summer art market, plus the proceeds from the winter market, to create the fund to assist adults to take art classes.
Collabartive Studios is adding in the donations made from their tea bar.
Anyone who is 18 or older from the Weyburn or surrounding area can apply for the bursary.
Any one session art class is eligible, and ReGifted will cover up to $50, or the cost of the class if it’s under $50.
To apply, send the Wey-
burn Arts Council an email with your name, name of the class you wish to take, the venue offering the class and the cost of the class.
Once a person has been approved, they are asked to send confirmation of enrolment in the class, and the funds will then be released. To apply, send the email to weyburnac. board@gmail.com.
Weyburn Bike Rodeo has 140 riders, bikes given as prizes
The Weyburn Police Service and the Weyburn public library partnered with Weyburn’s new Canadian Tire associate owner Brendan Burns for the city-wide bicycle rodeo on July 3.
Brendan, through Canadian Tire, donated decorations for the bike decorating station, and five bicycles as prizes for children who completed the rodeo. He also kindly gifted a bicycle to a child who did not own one. In addition, the Weyburn Police Association gave out numerous prizes to participants in the rodeo, which featured 14 stations on the sidewalk loop around Jubilee Park.
Canadian Tire was invited to promote the Jumpstart program. Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities.
Jumpstart’s mission is to enrich the lives of kids in need through sport and physical activity. Brendan had a few of his staff join him to hand out information and swag bags.
“This was an important piece for us, along with Beth Resling joining to promote Kidsport,” said Const. Melinda Mintenko, one of the organizers of the bike rodeo for the Weyburn Police Service.
Both these organizations are important for the youth in the community. It is important for everyone to know you can access these groups, if you have financial needs and feel as though your children cannot get involved in activities in the community.
Mintenko noted that Burns did not seem to stop smiling as he met almost 140 cyclists who toured the course and many of their guardians too.
Photo - Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
Associate Dealer Brendan Burns of Canadian Tire presented a new bike to Chloe P., as one of five draw winners from the Weyburn bike rodeo.
Brendan Burns of Canadian Tire presented a new bike to Julina V., a draw winner from the bike rodeo.
Stetson is all smiles as he tries out his new bike, won from Canadian Tire in a draw at the Weyburn bike rodeo.
Thatcher M. was presented with a new bike by Brendan Burns of Canadian Tire, as he was a draw winner from the Weyburn bike rodeo.
Prahalyaa K. tried out her new bike in front of the Weyburn Public Library, after she was drawn for it at the Weyburn bike rodeo on July 3.
agriculture, oil business
Major work on First Avenue underway
The end of Second Street was blocked off for construction activity on First
enue for the next two months, and detours are in place for truck
Southeast producers trying to control disease development
Producers in the southeast region are busy with fungicide applications given the frequent showers and currently humid conditions which are conducive to disease development. Haying operations are beginning in the region following rainfall delays. Over the next week, producers will continue with haying, spraying and monitoring for pest and disease development.
Rain fell throughout much of the region with a few areas reporting smaller isolated storms with higher rainfall amounts. The RM of Weyburn area received 49 mm, while the RM of
Tecumseh around Stoughton saw 12 mm, the RM of Brokenshell had 18 mm, and the RM of Laurier in the Radville area had 20 mm of rain.
Topsoil moisture fell within the region over the past week. Currently, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and one per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at nine per cent surplus, 76 per cent adequate, 14 per cent short and one per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is eight per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 17 per
cent short and two per cent very short.
Crop development remains relatively unchanged in regard to the percentage of crops that are falling behind their normal stages of development for this time of year as compared to previous weeks. In the southeast, fall cereals and spring cereals are both at 64 per cent of normal development, but are 22 and 25 per cent behind development respectively. Oilseeds are 65 per cent at normal development and 26 per cent is behind.
Pulse crops are 69 per cent at normal development, with 17 per cent
APAS concerned about railway strikes
As the 2024 harvest season approaches, optimism is overshadowed by the severe risk of a dual strike at Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Canadian National (CN). The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) urgently calls for immediate action by all parties to preserve the continuity of rail operations, an essential service relied upon by farm families across Canada.
“The simultaneous expiry of operating crews’ contracts at both Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railways presents an unprecedented challenge to our industry,” warned APAS president Ian Boxall.
“Without swift resolution, this standoff threatens not just our province’s agricultural sector heading into harvest season but
the economic well-being of our nation. We must act now to ensure our farmers aren’t left bearing the brunt of this looming crisis.”
The situation escalated as union members at both railway companies voted to re-authorize strike action after their initial 60day mandate expired June 30. The looming labour dispute threatens to disrupt vital rail services during the peak harvest season, endangering both the immediate economic health and the international trade reputation of Canada.
“With the prospect of a large crop on the horizon, the potential rail service disruption could have critical repercussions, from delayed farmer payments to jeopardizing Canada’s reputation as a reliable global supplier,”
said Boxall. “It’s imperative that all parties involved recognize the high stakes and work collectively towards a solution. Our nation’s economic security and the livelihood of our farming communities depend on it.”
APAS emphasizes the critical need for federal departments, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Transport Canada, to collaborate and take decisive steps to prevent a labour disruption for the 2024-25 crop year.
These unified efforts should aim to facilitate an agreement between the railways and their unions, averting service disruptions like the one experienced in the 201314 shipping crisis, which resulted in an estimated $6.7 billion loss for western Canadian farmers.
Lithium prospects brings in nearly $6M for subsurface mineral bids
The Government of Saskatchewan’s first subsurface mineral public offering of the 2024-25 fiscal year, held on July 8, generated $5,935,425 in revenue, driven by interest in lithium potential. Of the 18 subsurface permits posted for this offering, 16 received acceptable bids covering 39,650.88 hectares. The permits, which are prospective for lithium, are located primarily in southeast Saskatchewan.
Synergy Land Services Ltd. spent $3,928,901 to acquire 11 permits for a total of 29,292.46 hectares. The permits are between Stoughton, Arcola and Lampman. The highest bid also went to Synergy Land Services Ltd., which offered $976,229 for a 7,413.52-hectare block northeast of Lampman. Millennium Land Ltd.
bid $1,974,126 to acquire four permits for a total of 9,061.05 hectares between Stoughton and Arcola.
Lithium is one of the 27 critical minerals that occur in Saskatchewan that will play a key role in the province achieving the goals set out in
Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy. Several firms are actively pursuing lithium exploration and production in the province. There are three subsurface mineral public offerings scheduled for each fiscal year. The next offering is slated for Nov. 25.
ahead and 14 per cent behind; perennial forages are 66 per cent at normal development and 19 per cent ahead, and annual forages are 69 per cent at normal development, 13 per cent ahead and 18 per cent behind in development.
Producers are hopeful that with the warmer weather conditions crops may be able to catch up closer to the normal stages of development for this time of year.
Crop conditions are rated mainly as good throughout the region except for soybeans that are rated at 58 per cent in fair condition.
Despite rain delays in some areas within the region, haying operations have progressed. Ten per cent of the hay crop has received its first cut with
three per cent baled or silaged. Hay quality is rated as 25 per cent excellent, 64 per cent good and 11 per cent fair.
Crop damage is reported mainly due to excess moisture within the southeast region, which is causing crop yellowing in lower lying areas with some crop loss occurring. Minor to moderate hail damage was reported from isolated storms within the region over the past week.
With the frequent moisture, disease development has been observed on pulses and cereals. Gophers continue to persist within the region and are contributing to crop damage.
Minor damage has been reported for grasshoppers, but producers indicate that
grasshoppers are
Avenue in front of the Weyburn General Hospital. Construction will be ongoing on the av-
traffic which normally makes use of First Avenue/Highway 13.
Photo - Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
emerging in areas that previously did not have pressure. The presence of aphids has also been noted within the region this week.
Local groups receive E. Bourassa Community Development Funds
For 100 years and four generations, E. Bourassa and Sons have had the honour of serving the Saskatchewan agriculture community. This feat is a testament to the hardworking Saskatchewan families, farmers and communities that have worked with them and supported their family’s journey since 1924.
E. Bourassa & Sons is celebrating 100 years in business. As a token of their appreciation for lo -
cal support over the past century, they announced the E. Bourassa and Sons Community Development Fund. This fund will donate $100,000 in 2024 to local organizations that seek to drive change in their community. The purpose of the Community Development Fund was to assist community groups within E.Bourassa and Sons’ trade area, with new or existing projects where addition funding was needed.
It would provide financial support to start something new assist with ongoing development in the community or make large purchases currently not possible.
There were 91 video applications received, which included many deserving groups. The focus was on groups that aligned closely with E.Bourassa & Sons values: Youth in Agriculture and agriculture in general.
E.Bourassa and Sons
selected 18 recipients from 15 different communities within their trade area.
The recipients of the E. Bourassa and Sons Community Development Fund were presented with a cheque at E.Bourassa and Sons 100th anniversary Celebrations in June.
The recipients were:
• Weyburn Agricultural Society - $10,000.
• Weyburn 4-H Beef Club - $2,500.
• Yellow Grass Wheatland Communiplex -
$5,000.
• Midale Daycare Inc. -$5,000.
• Golden South Child Care - $2,500.
• Glentworth Early Learning & Child Care$7,500.
• Coronach Swimnming Pool- $7,500.
• Mossbank Centennial Areana- $10,000.
• Lake Alma Rec Board - $2,500.
• Bengough Agricultural Society - $5,000.
• Bengough Swimming
Pool - $7,500.
• Radville-Laurier Regional Park Fund$20,000.
• Creelman Community Complex - $5,000.
• Redvers and District Recreation Centre- $2,500.
• Arcola-Kisbey 4-H Beef Club- $2,500.
• Arcola Recreation$5,000.
• Little Leapers (Lampman)- $5,000.
• Carlyle Community Complex Foundation -$5,000.
of the Weyburn Agricultural Society accepted a $10,000
Tenille Arts performs at Country Thunder, featured by Spotify
Weyburn’s own Tenille Arts performed in front of several thousand Country Thunder Music Festivalgoers on July 12, and she took advantage of this visibility to sing extracts from her fourth and new album To Be Honest. To the delight of festival-goers, the artist from Weyburn performed her big hit Somebody Like That. In April 2021, this song reached number one on the Mediabase Coun -
try Aircheck chart in the United States. This gave the young singer the first number one for a Canadian artist since Emerson Drive’s Moments in 2007.
The artist was part of the cohort of four at the SaskArtists showcase tent on July 12 alongside Quinton Blair, Jarrid Lee and Chris Henderson, an intimate moment with a few festival-goers. For the entire month of July, Tenille Arts will be
Spotify’s EQUAL Canada ambassador, meaning that she will get to take over the playlist and curate it with some of her favourite women musicians.
One piece of advice Tenille gave to other women artists was the following: “No one really knows what they’re doing. Give yourself a little bit of grace, trust your gut and just keep going, because if you’re chasing anything, you’re already 10 steps
behind so continue to be yourself and things will work out.”
Spotify’s EQUAL Canada focuses on spotlighting and celebrating the creations from women across Canada.
According to the streaming service, “Tenille Arts embodies everything the EQUAL brand was created for; she is bold, her messages of empowerment are impactful and her talent is undeniable.”
Tenille said in regard to this opportunity, “One way I’d love to see greater gender equality in the
music industry is opportunities like this, give us the platform and you know we are going to show up and we will show you what we are capable of.”
Tenille was also featured on a billboard in Toronto’s Yonge & Dundas Square over the weekend and will appear on a billboard in New York City’s iconic Time Square on July 17.
Born and raised in Weyburn, Tenille picked up the guitar and penned her first song at the age of 13 and has been performing across the U.S. and Canada ever since.
Tenille’s music has tallied over eight million streams and her critically acclaimed Love, Heartbreak, & Everything In Between album yielded her first #1 single, “Somebody Like That,” which is certified double platinum. The single made history as the first #1 country song written, produced and performed by all females and was the first country song by a Canadian artist to reach #1 in the U.S. since 2007 and first Canadian female to hit #1 since Terri Clark in 2004.
Members of the Weyburn 4-H Beef Club accepted a $2,500 Community Development Grant from E. Bourassa and Sons.
Members
Community Development Grant from E. Bourassa and Sons.
Photos - Courtesy E. Bourassa and Sons
Tenille on billboard in TO
A large photo of singer Tenille Arts was featured on an electronic billboard in downtown Toronto, and will be on a similar billboard in New York City, as she will be featured by Spotify for the month of July.
Photo - Courtesy Spotify
weyburn
editorial opinion review
No idea is too small for the downtown area
There will be some good opportunities for public input in the city of Weyburn in the coming weeks and months, including a consultation process to look at how to revitalize the downtown core area.
Many towns and cities struggle with this issue, even larger urban centres like Regina and Calgary, as downtown regions have challenges and issues that other areas of a community don’t have.
In Weyburn’s case, there is a vibrant business community in the downtown core, which for this study is between Coteau and Railway Avenues, and Second and Fourth Streets.
There is a lot of room for improvement, of course, thus the effort to revitalize the downtown will begin soon with a report and plan to come by the end of the year.
As the business community is a huge part of this effort, the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development are partnering to each pay a quarter of the project cost. After all, it’s in their best interests to have a voice in how and what could happen to revitalize the downtown area.
Some of the stated goals for revitalization include an increase in pedestrian traffic, increase gathering and socialization opportunities, increase the occupancy rates of commercial properties, enhance the esthetics of the downtown overall and enhance the public spaces.
It should be acknowledged from the start that there are many businesses outside of the downtown core, not to mention a growing number of home-based businesses, and this concept plan will not include them.
This study is not so much about the Weyburn business community but about a specific geographic area, the downtown core, which serves as the central region for the city. This is where the parades are held, and where events like the annual car show is held, in addition to the properties that house a variety of businesses.
There are some really nice features in the downtown, like the park-like areas for flower beds and trees on main street. Would Weyburn benefit to have a pedestrian-mall feel for part of the downtown? There are examples like the Scarth Street area in Regina, or the Stephen (Eighth) Avenue mall in downtown Calgary — but the study should look into whether these enhance or detract from the businesses located in these venues.
Some would point out that Weyburn maybe isn’t big enough to have such a feature, but really, we don’t need to be limited by the city’s physical size. If residents and business owners can imagine new concepts for the region, and new ideas that will attract people to the area, these should be explored. Once there are meetings and surveys set up for people to participate in, join in and bring your imaginations. We could end up with something really special here.
— Greg Nikkel
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Have you ever heard someone say, “When you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything?”
There is some truth to that, although not completely — I believe the rest of that thought needs to include having good friends and family around, then you can say you have everything.
I do know having good health is not something a person can ever take for granted, because stuff happens, sometimes without warning.
Aside from something like a traumatic accident, which can put even the healthiest person into hospital quite suddenly and without any advance notice, there are times one’s body can do things that will throw you for a loop.
One very recent morning, I woke up and found it very difficult to get a breath. Just overnight, my upper chest became very congested, and I was in some distress as I tried to breathe and just couldn’t.
I had my wife Tracy take me to the hospital, and I ended up being there for a few hours as they did ECGs, took blood tests and let me breathe in a nebulizer to help get my oxygen levels back up.
The nebulizer helped a lot, and the blood tests didn’t show any problems, but I was sent home
By Greg Nikkel
with a couple of prescriptions to help clear me up. I was able to be home the same day, which was a big relief, because it was a bit scary that morning when I could hardly draw a breath. I’m not certain if they know why exactly I got filled up in the upper chest like that, but I’m thankful for care of the ER nurse and doctor who made sure I was feeling okay before releasing me to go.
Several years ago, I ended up in the ER in a much worse condition, as I had a double hit of bronchial pneumonia and Influenza, and I spent a total of eight days over Christmas under closely-watched care.
I learned from that to never skip an opportunity to get a flu shot, and I have not had anything that bad happen again.
From this latest brief episode, I also learned again, do not take your health for granted, and also, I am deeply thankful to live in a country where such care will not put me in debt for years to come.
If ever you feel tempted to play fast and loose with your health, you should think again. When you do have your health, you have everything, mostly.
MORE OR LESS
Our recent spikes in temperature have had me seeking relief from the heat, and searching for ways to battle the effects of heat exhaustion.
As I wait for the fall temps to arrive, I sit as close to the fan or A/C as humanly possible.
We’ve had several heat warnings over the past few weeks, so I thought our readers would benefit from the tips below to “beat the heat”.
Here are some summer wellness tips to help you stay healthy and energized during the warmer months:
1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich drinks to combat heat and humidity.
2. Protect your skin: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear hats, and seek shade when the sun is strong.
3. Stay cool: Take cool showers or baths, use
cooling packs or cold compresses, and wear light, breathable clothing.
4. Eat seasonal: Enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are in season, such as berries, tomatoes, and basil.
5. Stay active: Engage in outdoor activities like swimming, cycling, or hiking, but avoid peak sun hours.
6. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to help your body recover from the heat.
7. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
8. Be mindful of heat exhaustion: Watch for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches, and seek medical help if they persist. Remember to enjoy the sunshine and warmth, but prioritize your health and well-being!
Beavers lose to Regina Red Sox, Saskatoon Berries
The Weyburn Beavers only have 17 games left in the regular season in the Western Canadian Baseball League. They recently lost two games, after hosting Regina on Friday, and Saskatoon on Sunday afternoon.
The Regina Red Sox won a decisive 8-1 over the Weyburn Beavers, during their Friday night game at Tom Laing Park. Regina had two runs in the third, one in the sixth, two in the eighth, and three in the ninth.
Ryan Dauphinee hit a home run in the bottom of the fourth, for Weyburn’s only run of the game.
Owen McConnell pitched for seven innings, and had a 5.77 earned-run-average. Ethan Webster and Brett Paterson both pitched in relief for one inning.
The Saskatoon Berries won 8-3 over the Beavers, during
their Sunday afternoon game at Tom Laing Park. Saskatoon took an early lead, with three runs scored in the second inning. In the bottom of the third, Quentin Smith hit a double to left field, and then advanced to third after Brayden Mayencourt popped a sacrifice fly out to centre field. A RBI by Dauphinee brought Smith into home for the first run for the Beavers. Dauphinee later scored the second run of the game, during a wild pitch.
The Berries added to their lead by scoring one run in the fourth inning, another run in the fifth inning, and two runs in the seventh inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Mayencourt was walked to first base, he advanced to second on a balk by the pitcher, and then a single by
Ryan Muizelaar allowed him to score a run.
Saskatoon ended the game with another run in the ninth inning. Angel Fragozo pitched for four innings, and during that time had an 7.29 earned-runaverage. Jared Eifler came on for relief for three innings, with Joe Hart and Jordan Bauer both pitching one inning.
Earlier in the week, the Beavers won 4-2 during a road game against the Moose Jaw Miller Express on July 11.
Mayencourt started things off strong for Weyburn, with a home run at the top of the first inning. Dauphinee followed with a double to advance to second, and then advanced to third during a pass ball, to later score the second run of the game. Moose Jaw was only able to score one run in the bottom of
Junior golfers on driving range
A large group of junior golfers practiced hitting a golf ball from the driving range at the Weyburn Golf Course on Monday morning. They are part of the Mryglod Summer Junior Golf program, which has around 100 youth registered, and about 60-70 young golfers coming out every Monday to learn about the game of golf.
the first.
In the second inning, Jacob Carlson hit a single, and then advanced to third off the next batter. He scored a run, during a single from Mayencourt. Moose Jaw scored their second run of the game in the bottom of the third.
The Beavers earned their fourth run in the seventh inning, after Dauphinee hit a single after two outs, and was able to score his run on the next batter. Ryan Meyer pitched for five innings, and had a 7.91 earned-run-average. Tanner Coddington pitched for relief for three innings, with Devin Costa pitching clean-up.
The Beavers were back at Tom Laing Park for a game against the Swift Current 57s on Tuesday night. Details of that game were unavailable by press deadlines.
Celebrating a home run
Weyburn Beavers player Ryan Dauphinee, centre, was congratulated by his teammates for knocking out a home run against the Regina Red Sox on Friday evening at Tom Laing Park. The homer was the team’s only score of the night, as they lost 8-1 to the Red Sox.
Team Southeast holds pep rally, ready for Summer Games
The coaches and athletes for each of the teams under the umbrella of Team Southeast gathered in Weyburn on Monday evening for a pep rally, and for the final preparations to take part in the Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster.
The Games will be held from July 21-27. In the first half of the games, from July 21-24, the events will include archery, canoe-kayak, golf, male soccer, female softball, Special Olympics Bocce ball, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
The second half, on July 2427, will include athletics, male baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, girls soccer and triathlon.
The Team Southeast mission staff includes Joni Hagen and Jacquie Van De Woestyne, co-chefs de mission; Tara-Leigh Heslip, Vickie Procyk, Kathy Erickson, Dan Heslip, Tina Clay, Dallas Cossar, Laurie Colhoun and Jodie Wall.
Whitrow, Weyburn; and Madison Zukewich, Estevan.
The Special O bocce team includes Donna Southward, Julie Iverson and Sarah Henry, all of Estevan.
The swimming team includes male athletes, Beck Osicki, Rocanville; Charlie Ashworth, Yellow Grass; Jacob Gill, Weyburn; Kruz King, White City; Liam Kwochka, Estevan; Nikolas Nikulin, Weyburn; Ryzak King, White City; Topher Wilkinson, Yellow Grass; and Marc Nathan Burlasa, Estevan.
The female athletes are Avryelle Molnar, Weyburn; Brenna Torkelson, Weyburn; Daisy Popescu, Weyburn; Danica Mosley, Estevan; Emma Errington, Rocanville; Hayleigh Hovanak, Weyburn; Jennika Linthicum, Estevan; and Shay Warren, Weyburn.
The female members are Kiera Smedley, White City; Kirsten East, Carlyle; Anya
Wilcox; Lily Connery, Sedley; Emerson Williamson, White City; Bianca Faso, Wilcox; Reese Sommer, Pilot Butte; Brooke Glen, White City; Peyton Irwin, Oxbow; Anna Lynnes, Rocanville; Karsyn Gervais, Carlyle; Hailey Haas, White City, and Alex Sali, White City.
The male baseball team includes Nixon Fisher, Weyburn; Micah Taylor, Richardson; Nikolaos Hasapis, Balgonie; Cooper Knox, Weyburn; Ryker Williams, Balgonie; Logan Kolenz, Estevan; Broden Henry, Estevan; Quintin Silva, Estevan; Seth Franklin, Alameda; Cort Barber, Estevan; Nathan Gardiner, Estevan; Branson Hutt, Alameda; Zack Balog, Weyburn; Ryan Hooper, White City, and Ryder Blair, White City.
ThankYou Than ou
The archery team includes, for boys, Soren Peterson of Macoun; Hunter Kirby and Brandt Barber, both of Carnduff; and for girls, Grace Trevena of Pilot Butte and McKenzie Bayliss of Carnduff.
The tennis team includes, for males, Jerome Kim, Max Froese, Taylor Lisafeld and Brooks Cote, all of Estevan; and for females, Abigail Jutras, Bella Hammett, Zyla Hammett and Madelyn Stead, all of Estevan.
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Quad Pulls Sponsored by: Great Plains Motorsports
to Perry, Ryan and BrianBender from Melville,Sask. for theuse of their“Pull-Sled” andsupportduringthe pulls
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The golf team includes Brock Dorrance, Wawota; Chase Robertson, Kenosee Lake; and Cruz Symone, Estevan.
The boys soccer team includes Henry Blue, Estevan; Oliver Rygh, Kipling; Leif Clark, Stoughton; Connor Mercer, Estevan; Pierson Berner, Stoughton; Ranson Jordens, Lex Roy, Owen Goodfellow, Bodhi Cochrane, Brady Tosczak, Benedict Ejiofor, Asher Lambe and Tave Fladeland, all of Weyburn; Clyde Vigo Orpiano, Stoughton; Torsten Reinkens, White City; Abdul Aftan Mohammed, Estevan; and Ayran Ramirez, Kipling.
The girls softball team is comprised of Kensie Aspinall, Estevan; Elizabeth Bergen, Oxbow; Meela Cherepuschak, Pilot Butte; Lauryn Chicoine, North Weyburn; Priya Colhoun, White City; Kasey Legien, White City; Sloan Maystrowich, White City; Haidyn McAmmond, White City; Sofie Morrow, Oxbow; Kelci Sorestad, Carnduff; Tayla Thompson, Mclean; Alexandra
Submitted by Richard Wick
Four key make-up games were played on July 15 and 16 to determine the final standings in the Borderline Men’s Fastball League, ahead of the league’s final weekend on July 20-21.
The Weyburn Renegades are battling Ceylon for first place in the league standings and will finish no lower than second place as they won their final two games of the season, defeating the Gladmar Braves in Gladmar on July 9, and the Plentywood Peckers at home on July 14.
First place will be determined by how well the Ceylon Angels do in their remaining three games which were played on Monday and Tuesday. Plentywood will finish no lower than third place and
The male volleyball team includes Tanner McCormack, Grenfell; Declan Gallagher, Kipling; Kyran Gallagher, Kipling; Reece Sproat, Kipling; Joshua Shoemaker, Kipling; Darius Dixon, Carlyle; Rowan Dusyk, Montmartre; Jiri Perras, Montmartre; Tytan Romanow, Corning, and Nixen Batters, Kipling.
The female volleyball team includes Alix Rae, Carlyle; Paizlee Schneider, Griffin; Alivia Waldegger, Estevan; Sophie Pollock and Katie Swayze, Weyburn; Addison Hamilton, Whitewood; Araya Werstuik, Arcola; Tenley Gervais, Carlyle; Harper Robicheau, Emerald Park; Summer Bowser, Carnduff; Jordanna Jackson, Welwyn, and Hallie Pospisil, Storthoaks.
The male members of the athletics team includes Dane Peterson, Carlyle; Calder Johnston, White City; Camden Husband and Tace Odima, Weyburn; Chase Himmelspach, Carlyle; Sawyer Tomaszewski, Carlyle; Luke Holman, Moosomin; Grayson Brock, Oxbow; Brodie Steeves, Wilcox; Khalifa Elshein, Oxbow; Finn Sorenson, Balgonie; Truman Ciepliski, Estevan; Adeon Sullivan, Estevan; and Clyde Vigo Oripiano,
will play their last game of the season against the Lake Alma Raiders on July 16 in Plentywood (past press deadlines).
The team finishing first in the BMFL standings earns a “bye” in the first round of the two-day league playoff tournament, meaning one less game to play, potentially, compared to the other six teams involved.
The Gladmar Braves and Midale Blue Jays each won a game during week 7: Midale won over Lake Alma on July 9, and Gladmar defeated the Ogema Colts on July 11. Gladmar is sitting in fourth place in the league standings right now but they, like Weyburn, awaited the outcome of the four make-up games on Monday and Tuesday to see if they remain in that spot. The league’s two-day playoff tournament is scheduled
The male basketball team includes Jayden Drake, Jeremy Hamel, Patrick Johnson, and Elijah Tronson, all of Weyburn; Monroe Joyea, Whitewood; John MacIsaac, Qu’Appelle; Jacob Moss, Indian Head; Owen Newman, White City; Carter Yunick, Bienfait; and Spencer Turk, Forget. The female basketball team includes Ayanna Casper, Indian Head; Olivia Von Sprecken, Estevan; Andi Greig, Creelman; Aurelia Whyte, McLean; Chyler Bigalky, McLean; Chelsea Madsen, Estevan; Ruby Graf, Bienfait; Nashia Blair, Balgonie; Annya Miller, Indian Head; and Graceigh-Mae Sullivan, Estevan.
The beach volleyball teams include the pairs of Harper Robicheau of Emerald Park and Jersey Stevens-Illsley of Redvers, and Helena Lockert, Vibank, and Audrina Muchowski, Odessa.
The female soccer team includes Gabriella Friesen, Madison DeWit, Alyssa Kerr, Eliza Gall, Mya Gray, Rayne Fellner Ella Tosczak, Alexis Schaeffer and Destah Kittelson, all of Weyburn; Daviney Berg, Griffin; Abby Coderre and Abigail Hall, Stoughton; Kierra Goudy, Stoughton; Nella Hall, Stoughton; Abby Knoll, Yellow Grass; and Elikia Lanoie, White City. The triathlon athlete is Ella Weber of Wolseley.
for Plentywood, Montana, on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21. Gate admission is $10 Canadian or U.S. funds, per day, per person age 13 and older. Children 12 years and younger are admitted free of charge. There will be a concession booth at the
Stoughton.
Krueger,
Photo - Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
7 community &lifestyles
Weyburn Travelodge holds final charity golf fundraiser
The Weyburn Travelodge held its 20th and last edition of its annual charity golf tournament, and provided donations to Inclusion Weyburn and Envision Counselling from the proceeds.
Each organization received a cheque for $14,185, for a total of $28,370, to bring the 20-year total to $394,297 since the tournaments began in 2002.
Donations over the years have supported medical equipment for the Weyburn General Hospital, the Weyburn Ambulance, supporting the Continuing Care Assistant and practical nursing programs at Southeast College, and Inclusion Weyburn and Envision for the last three years in a row.
Inclusion Weyburn will put the funds towards their summer program, which this year has 30 children with intellectual disabilities taking part between the ages of three and 18.
“The parents aren’t here, but they all thank you for this donation,” said Jackie Wilson of Inclusion Weyburn to the members of the golf tournament’s organizing committee.
Envision representative Raven Daer said this donation will go towards youth-oriented programs through the Weyburn office.
George Siourounis, speaking on behalf of Travelodge and his two brothers, Harry and John, said they decided that 20 years was a good run for this charity tournament.
“It’s a lot of work, and it’s time to move on to something else,” he said, noting the funds raised came from the golfers registration fees, a Greek
meal, and live and silent auctions, which is supported by many businesses and supporters who put in good bids on items. This
year’s tournament had 76 golfers take part. He noted his wife Poppy makes a baklava dessert, which over the
years has raised about $30,000. He also noted Mike Bell and family have been strong supporters of the tournament and the
auctions.
Among the businesses which have supported them, the Weyburn Credit Union has been a support-
and
and
Grant
Envision and daughter Brynlee Kerr, Marga Cugnet, Grant Marinos, and
Hospital Foundation continues raising funds
The Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation had a busy year in 2023 raising funds for the new hospital, and are continuing this year, with the RM of Weyburn making an additional pledge of $750,000 towards the new facility.
To date, the Hospital Foundation has raised over $23 million for the new hospital and for equipment for the facility, which is now under construction at its location on Fifth Avenue North.
According to chairman Jeff Hayward’s report to the recent annual meeting for the hospital foundation, some of the pledges which were honoured in the last fiscal year included the City of Weyburn ($3.75M), Village of Goodwater ($5,000), RM of Lomond ($1.3M), RM of Cymri ($153,475) and the RM of Souris Valley ($20,000).
Some of the special donors for this fiscal year included the Weyburn McDonald’s restaurant, raising $5,086 from McHappy Day, to go towards a new fetal monitor for the Weyburn General Hospital; Saskatchewan Blue Cross, who donated $3,900 to pay for 20 new stethoscopes for the nurses and doctors at the hospital; Prairie Sky Co-op, who raised $3,900 from the Co-op Fuel Good Day; and the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, which donated $45,994 to pay the remaining costs of the new fetal monitor and a new anesthesia gas module.
There were in memoriam donations totaling $35,140, plus two equipment purchases were made, of two ECGs worth $20,284, and a cellavision, costing $27,859.
Hayward noted that on June 4 of this year, Premier Scott Moe and MLA Dustin Duncan
Happy 90th
were given a guided tour of the new hospital under construction, along with Hayward and other representatives of the Hospital Foundation, city council and other guests.
“Going forward, the focus for the foundation will continue to be raising awareness and funding for the hospital equipment to have in the new facility by working with various stakeholders within the community,” said Hayward in his report.
There are a couple of fundraisers for this year, including raffle tickets for a trip to Nashville, and a casino night to be held on
Nov. 2, 2024.
Hayward noted the foundation is also working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and other foundations to develop a donation framework and guiding principals, as well as evolve the process for foundation involvement in equipment purchases with the provincial government.
“And finally, thanks to the people of Weyburn and area for their continued support to the foundation for so long as this new modern, state of the art health care facility is constructed within our community,” he said.
RUBBERSTONE
•Landscaping.
•Light carpentry, pergola, gazebos,fences
•Staining fences, decks andsteps •Deck building.
•Skidsteerwork.
•Auger holes (4" to 24"-13" deep)
•Screw piles (commercial &residential)
Travelodge tourney donates to Inclusion Weyburn
The Travelodge charity golf tournament committee presented a donation of $14,185 to Jackie Wilson of Inclusion Weyburn, proceeds from their 20th and final tournament. From left are Gary Anderson, Brad Wheeler, George Siourounis of Travelodge, Jackie Wilson, Marga Cugnet,
Marinos, and Harry and John Siourounis of Travelodge.
Photo - Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
Travelodge tourney boosts Envision Counselling
The Travelodge charity golf tournament committee presented a donation of $14,185 to Envision Counselling on Friday, the proceeds of their 20th and final golf tournament. From left are committee members Gary Anderson, Brad Wheeler, George Siourounis of Travelodge, Raven Daer of
Harry and John Siourounis of Travelodge.
Photo - Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
(Anthony) Gaulard of Calgary AB and their children Louis and Hugo; brothers Murray (Jan) Sproule & Larry (Ollie) Sproule; sisters in law, Joyce Sproule Barb Hunt & Karen Hausch as well as numerous nieces nephews relatives & friends A Memorial Service was held on Saturday July 13 2024 at 1:00 p m at the Weyburn Free Methodist Church Weyburn Saskatchewan with Pastor Jody Pfeifer officiating Interment followed at Hillcrest Columbarium Hillcrest Cemetery Weyburn Saskatchewan Donations in memory of Les may be
Richar d "Rick" Chapman Richard George “Rick” Chapman late of Oungre Saskatchewan, born June 6, 1946, passed away, July 4, 2024 at the age of 78 years Rick was predeceased by his parents George and Peggy Chapman; sister Kathleen Chapman; aunts and uncles, Forrie (Leona) Chapman Jack Chapman Russell Chapman James Chapman and Jim (Betty) Coldwell; mother and father in law Jean and Bert Santer as well as grandparents great grandparents cousins Bill Coldwell and Mavis Storle and many special pets Rick will be forever loved and missed by his wife, Marlene Santer Chapman of Oungre SK; brother Maurice Chapman (Pamela Smith) of Victoria BC; nieces and nephews Cory (Wendy) Chapman and their son, Bowen; Danielle Chapman (Saul Macpherson) and their daughters, Sophia and Auna, Pamela Smith s daughter Robyn (Dean Greentree) and their children Keith and Nolan; sister Dianne Chapman of Oungre SK and her daughter Becky Chapman (Dustin Kohonick) and children Adele and Lincoln of Weyburn SK; sister Pamela Chapman of Oungre SK; brother in laws Lawrence Santer (Noreen) of Airdrie AB and their children Christian (McKenzie Hamilton) and Shelby (Michael Voinea) and children Zoey and Olivia; Barry Santer (Ada) of Regina, SK their children, Dave McCreary (Kelsey Neufeld), and Sara McCreary (Shawn Gaetz); Darrell Santer of Regina, SK; many cousins, as well as special friends, Robert F Rob R Jerry S Larry T Glenn W Randy W and his cat Lily A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday July 10 2024 at 2:00 p m at the Hamar Lutheran Church, Bromhead, Saskatchewan with Pastor Cicely McDougall officiating Interment followed at Hamar Cemetery Bromhead Saskatchewan Donations in memory of Rick may be made to the Weyburn Humane Society or The Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation Condolences may be left at: www fletcherfuneralchapel com Services In Care Of Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services Weyburn, Saskatchewan 306-842-5432
Association and membership do not make any warrant y as to the accuracy completeness tr uthfulness or reliabilit y of such adver tisements For greater infor mation on adver tising conditions please consult the Association's Blanket Adver tising Conditions on our website at www swna com
Gifted art market 9
Having fun with Jenga Weyburn library board member Laura Morrissette watched as a Jenga tower fell over, while playing the game at the library booth at the Gifted summer art market.
Artist-writer offers works at Gifted Tara Keating-Jaap had many examples of her art work and books on display at her booth for the Gifted summer art market, held on Saturday in Jubilee Park.
Many ceramic options for visitors Regan Lanning, left, had a booth for her Aftermath Ceramics products, with a wide variety of pottery items for visitors to the Gifted summer art market on Saturday.
Photos - Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
Craft activities at the library booth Visitors to the Weyburn Library’s booth could pick up information or do craft activities, while visiting the Gifted summer art market.
Painting rocks at the Gifted market
Tasha Hill, at right, watched as a group of children painted designs on small rocks at the Collabartive Studio’s booth, set up at the Gifted summer art market.
Spinning to win a prize Children took a spin of the wheel at the Collabartive Studio’s booth, as they hoped to win a prize, while visiting the Gifted summer art market on Saturday.
Photo - Greg Nikkel