Sunday,Sept. 1
Griffin, SK
Having fun with archery Ruth Frayn was all smiles as she pulled back on the string of a bow, as John Tilley helped her learn about archery. Tilley is with the Weyburn Wildlife Federation’s archery club, and this was part of the family fun day held on Saturday at the WWF’s clubhouse and grounds at the former South Weyburn school house.
BMO Bank of Montreal has notified its Weyburn customers they will be closing the Weyburn branch at the City Centre Mall as of March 7, 2025.
On that date, the Weyburn branch will transfer the accounts of their customers to the Estevan branch.
In a statement sent to their customers, the bank stated, “As many in the community are aware, the Weyburn Square Mall we are located in is undergoing changes affecting its operations.”
The statement invites customers to call the branch or come in to speak to one of the employees about this impending closure.
The branch will hold an informal session on
Thursday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. about the impending closure.
Under the regulations of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), the bank may be required to hold and attend a meeting with FCAC representatives and interested parties if customers feel the bank has not adequately consulted with the community about the closure, or if an individual or community representative submits a written request to the commissioner for a meeting, if the FCAC feels “the request is not frivolous or vexatious.”
The BMO serves over 13 million clients across the country. In 2023, the BMO was ranked #1 in Personal Banking Customer Satisfaction.
By Greg Nikkel
With harvest operations about 52 per cent done in the Weyburn region, and 21 per cent for the southeast as a whole, a series of thunderstorms moved through the region with hail on Wednesday evening, and heavy rain.
Area farmers reported varying amounts of rain and of hail, with some fields seeing as much as 100 per cent damage.
Dale Paslawski, who farms in the Cedoux area, said they received about 1.4 inches of rain, and hail stones, damaging crops and property.
“We were hit hard by ping pong and golf ball sized hail for 10 minutes, which broke five windshields and badly damaged metal on vehicles and our metal roof on the house and sheds. It also
badly dented crops very badly over a large area, and we have some crops hailed out 100 per cent,” he said on Friday.
To the north and northwest of Weyburn, Dale Mainil said they received close to two inches of rain, and had some hail damage throughout their fields, “anywhere from 10 to 100 per cent. It was a bad storm.”
Further east, in the Creelman-Fillmore area, Marcel Van Staveren said they saw rainfall ranging from a half-inch to two inches, and while some hail fell, it didn’t do very much damage to their crops.
“We noticed very very little damage or yield loss from the few stones that fell,” he said, noting their hail was “wet” rather than dry hail, as in they re -
ceived the rain first before the hail, and it dampened any damaging effects of the hail on their fields.
incremental rain already as produced by excess July heat without rain. We are seeing light test
Ongoing wetting and drying from rain have reduced the milling quality of cereal grains
“We have become concerned with the ongoing rain every two or three or four days,” he said.
“Ongoing wetting and drying from rain have reduced the milling quality of cereal grains, such as wheat and durum, as it bleaches in colour from red or amber to a whitish colour. This deterioration will soon be evident with
– Marcel Van Staveren
weighted wheat and durum, downgrading or discounting average or below average type yield,” said Van Staveren.
The Sask Ag crop reported noted some wide variances in harvest progress, depending on moisture conditions throughout the southeast. Some areas, such EstevanLampman-Redvers areas,
only report seven per cent done while the ReginaIndian Head-Rouleau area is 16 per cent done, and Weyburn is furthest along at 52 per cent.
Within the southeast as a whole, 88 per cent of fall rye has been harvested along with 51 per cent of winter wheat. For springseeded cereal crops, 32 per cent of durum and oats are harvested, along with 29 per cent of barley, and eight per cent of spring wheat.
For pulse crops, 66 per cent of field peas, 49 per cent of lentils and 25 per cent of chickpeas are in the bin, and for oilseeds, mustard is 31 per cent completed, while canola is four per cent harvested.
Regionally, 40 per cent the fall rye is 1CW and 60 per cent 2CW, while winter wheat quality is
reported at 39 per cent 1CW, 54 per cent 2CW, five per cent 3CW and two per cent as feed.
Topsoil moisture conditions continue to fall short within the region, excluding areas hit by the recent thunderstorms. Cropland topsoil moisture prior to the rain was 33 per cent adequate, 37 short and 30 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil was 25 per cent adequate, 40 per cent short and 35 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil is 17 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 41 per cent very short. Currently, 18 per cent of pastures are in good condition, 23 per cent are fair, 49 per cent are poor and 10 per cent very poor, and the recent rains may help improve conditions in some areas.
Three of the five members of the Truco Trick Riders, based in southeast Saskatchewan, came home with hardware from the year-end competition of the Canadian Trick Riders Association, held Aug. 22-23 in Fort Macleod, Alta. Bailey Steeves won three trophies, including as the open division champion, open division most improved, and the
open division team of the year with her horse.
Jordanna White was the reserve champion in the open division, and season leader, and her horse, Tiny Toby, won as horse of the year in the open division.
Shayda King won the trophy as the intermediate division champion.
Group members Charlize Hallberg and Kyla Dyer did not take part in
the competition, but were involved in the group’s many appearances over the summer at rodeos all around Saskatchewan, including locally at the Weyburn Fair and in Midale.
The Truco riders train at the King farm at Corning, and have had guest trainers come in at various times to do workshops with them as they developed their tricks and practiced their routines.
STARS and Viterra publicly launched the 2025 STARS calendar marking 40 years of critical care with powerful stories of survival, perseverance, and growth.
Now in its 32nd year, the STARS calendar has become a cherished tradition that showcases the bravery and resilience of STARS medical crew and their Very Important Patients (VIPs). To celebrate STARS’ 40th anniversary, the 2025 Calendar revisits VIPs and crew members that have been featured in previous editions of the calendar, highlighting where they are now and how their journeys have evolved.
Since Viterra has partnered with STARS, the calendar has raised over $6 million, which has gone towards funding STARS’ missions, acquiring medical equipment and supporting operations.
“More than a funding
tool, our calendar helps connect our supporters with our mission — this year’s calendar is a collection of stories that highlight the resilience and strength and incredible journeys of our patients and our team,” said Katherine Emberly, STARS president and CEO. “With Viterra’s continued support, we have been able to produce and share the calendar and most importantly, continue providing critical care to those who need us.”
Over the years the STARS calendar has become a key fundraising tool, and with the longstanding support from Viterra, STARS has been able to continue its print and distribution. Viterra has been covering the full printing costs of the calendar for 10 consecutive years, representing a total giving of more than $2.5 million in sponsorship and overall support.
“Over the last ten years
we’ve been proud partners of STARS, supporting the life-saving work they provide to patients across Western Canada,” said Kyle Jeworski, CEO of Viterra Canada. “Our annual calendar campaign is a great way to help patients tell their stories, while helping STARS raise the funds necessary to ensure they can continue providing world class medical services to those in need.”
The 2025 STARS calendar is now available for purchase at STARS Calendar Campaign, which can be found at https:// starscalendar.ca/, with all proceeds going directly to supporting STARS’ operations. New to the calendar this year is the STARS calendar micro site, which houses stories found in the 2025 calendar paired with video interviews with each subject, more in-depth pieces as well as extra pictures.
Three of the members of the Truco Trick Riders show the awards they won at the national competition for the Canadian Trick Riders Association. From left are Bailey Steeves, open division champion, most improved, and open division team of the year with her horse; Jordanna White, reserve champion open division and season leader, and horse of the year; and Shayda King, intermediate division champion.
The Weyburn Police Service (WPS) responded to 85 calls for service during the period of August 19 to 25, resulting in a total of 29 charges. Of the 29 charges, 17 were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, nine under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA), and three under other Provincial Acts or Regulations.
Of the 17 criminal charges, three were in relation to individuals who either failed to comply with a condition of their release, or failed to attend court as required to do so.
On Thursday, police received a complaint of a E-bike being stolen. The victim stated they had parked the E-bike for a short time while they went inside a building, and the E-bike was gone when they came back out. Officers located the E-bike in the possession of two individuals on Saturday.
One individual was charged with possession of property obtained by crime as well as mischief, and the other was charged with possession of property obtained by crime as well as failing to comply with a condition of their release order. Both individuals were released from custody with an upcoming court date.
The Weyburn Police Service received a report of mischief to a commercial
building on the 10 block of 12th Street on Aug. 19. The front widow of the building had been damaged. The Weyburn police is requesting anyone with information regarding this matter to please contact the police or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The Weyburn Police Service, along with the Weyburn Fire Department and Weyburn EMS, responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 39 and Third Street on Wednesday, shortly before 2 p.m.
Both vehicles sustained significant damage and required towing from the scene. Two occupants in a northbound SUV were transported to the Weyburn General Hospital with minor injuries, while the driver of a westbound SUV was treated and released on scene. The driver of the northbound vehicle was charged for driving without due care and attention under the Traffic Safety Act.
Also on Saturday, the Weyburn Police Service received a call reporting that people were inside the Weyburn Leisure Centre outdoor pool area while it was closed. Police attended and located two individuals inside the locked fence. Both individuals were charged with trespassing, and one of the individuals was also charged for unlawfully hav-
ing open alcohol in a his possession.
On Sunday, Police received a RID (Report Impaired Drivers) call advising of a suspected impaired driver. Officers on patrol located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation resulted in the male driver being arrested and charged with impaired operation of a conveyance. The male was released from custody with an upcoming court date. Also on Sunday, police received a complaint of an assault that had taken place. The matter is still under investigation and charges are pending.
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).
The first-ever Festival in the Park was held in Fillmore on Thursday afternoon and evening, featuring live entertainment, children’s activities, a popup farmers market, and food.
The festival was at Lanny B Park, which was established, developed and maintained by Fillmore resident LaVaughn Duxbury on three lots she owns on McCullough Street, one block off Main Street.
The park is named after a grandson who now lives in Drayton Valley, Alta.,
and it took LaVaughn 18 years to develop it to where it is now. She and husband Ralph designed the park’s layout, and planted trees, shrubs and flowers over the years, including developing a semi-enclosed area with a fish pond and grape vines (which produce grapes). She’s had help with some of the items along the way, including flower boxes along the street near the entrance, donated to her by Clyde Hall from the foundry he had for making custom parts for his an -
tique tractors.
A few vendors were on hand for the pop-up market, including two farm families from the Tyvan area, with pies, seeds, flowers, canned vegetables and hand-drawn cards made by the children. They included from the Kyle family, Macie, who made pies; Kipton, who pickled beans, carrots and made tea, and Tanner, who made the hand-drawn cards.
From the Buckingham family, Cutler and Colt had pickled carrots and other items for sale along
with the Kyle family. The families attend school and skating lessons in Fillmore, and often do business in the town, so they took part in this event as well.
Live entertainment was provided by The Blend, Kylee Glover, the Caragana Ramblers from Forget, and the Mariachi Latino band from Regina.
A silent auction was held to help raise funds to pay for the live entertainment, along with some sponsorships that LaVaughn was able to sign on for the inaugural event.
Ramblers from Forget performed a selection of country songs, as part of the live entertainment provided at the Fillmore Festival in the Park on Thursday. The first-ever event was
established and maintained by
on
lots she owns across the street from her house.
In Saskatchewan over the next two years, nearly $35 million will be invested to continue to deliver tuition-free early childhood educator (ECE) training, professional development and student financial support.
Through the CanadaSaskatchewan CanadaWide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, up to $16.5 million in the 2024-25 academic year and up to $18.4 million in the 2025-26 academic year will be directed toward opportunities to support ECE skills and knowledge.
The additional funding will create more than 4,000 tuition-free training seats over two years. This will allow current and future educators to advance or start their career in early childhood education and obtain their ECE Certification Level I, II or III. The investment also supports more than 5,300 professional development seats, helping educators gain knowledge to excel in their roles.
“We are responding to the needs of the early years sector with tangible actions that allow us to continue recruiting and retaining certified early childhood educators,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Trained early childhood educators play an important role in providing high-quality early learning and child care programs in our province.”
“To make $10 a day child care a reality for families in Saskatchewan, we need to retain and recruit more early childhood educators,” Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds said.
“By offering tuitionfree opportunities for thousands of current educators, we are empowering them to enhance their skills through training and professional development. At the same time, we are
opening the door for new educators to discover this important career.”
From fall 2024 to spring 2026, 10 postsecondary institutions across Saskatchewan will provide free ECE training and professional development, including Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, College Mathieu, Dumont Technical Institute and six regional colleges, including Southeast College.
The new funding builds on the $26 million invested in post-secondary opportunities over the past three years. This included $4.9 million in 2021-22 and almost $9 million in 2022-23 to three institutions, and $12.3 million to 10 institutions in 2023-24.
The number of certified early childhood educators in Saskatchewan is growing, with a 15 per cent increase since March 2021. This includes a 30 per cent growth in the number of Early Childhood Educators Level IIIs, who work as leaders to support developmentally appropriate programs for the children in their care.
Overall, nearly $83 million has been invested to date to support the recruitment and retention of ECE in Saskatchewan, including funding for wage enhancements, tuition-free post-secondary education and financial supports to help individuals take training.
Training and professional development opportunities range from ECE certificate and diploma courses leading to an ECE certification level, advanced certificates in early childhood education and microcredentials to build skills in specific areas. In addition to traditional fulltime study options, there are a wide range of accelerated, evening, online and part-time options being offered.
Saskatchewan is bridging the shortfall in federal funding for employment and skills training in 202425, to maintain programs and services in Saskatchewan. These programs and services prepare Saskatchewan people for the jobs created by the province’s growing economy.
The Government of Saskatchewan is calling on the Federal Government to restore $17.6 million in funding, which is Saskatchewan’s share of the $625 million in federal funding cuts through the Labour Market Transfer agreements (LMTA).
“These reckless federal funding cuts come at a time when Saskatchewan is seeing historic job creation and more people are living and working in the province than ever before,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “There is an immediate need for these critical labour market programs that provide training for in-demand skills and build the workforce needed for our growing economy. That’s why our government is stepping in to provide funding to make up for the federal cuts which would negatively impact some of our province’s most vulnerable groups. Saskatchewan joins the provinces and territories in calling on the Federal Government to immediately reinstate funding for these programs that help prepare Saskatchewan people for jobs and create strong and vibrant communities.”
This $17.6 million funding cut would have impacted an estimated 7,000 clients who currently access available programs and services in Saskatchewan. The Government of Saskatchewan
has stepped in to provide funding so that provincial service providers are no longer at risk of having to end valuable employment and skills training programs, during a time when the labour market requires increased investments to keep pace with growth in the province.
The funding provided by the Government of Saskatchewan protects the province’s most vulnerable populations facing barriers to employment, including persons with disabilities receiving support under the Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities programs, and adult learners participating in training and employment programs such as Essential Skills, most of whom are Indigenous.
The Government of Saskatchewan, along with other provinces and territories, has called on the Federal Government to reverse cuts to labour market transfers and will continue to do so until the Federal Government meets its obligations as a funding partner in workforce development in every province and territory.
LMTA fund communitybased organizations across Saskatchewan that provide training and employment services to help prepare Saskatchewan people for jobs. These partnerships support the Government of Saskatchewan’s recently released Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy.
A farmer was busy harvesting a field located near Highway 39 northwest of Weyburn on Friday, as harvest operations continued at full speed. There were brief delays after thunderstorms brought heavy rain on a couple of nights, but most farmers were able to be out in their combines as the fields dried.
Investment in Saskatchewan is growing as more mining companies are exploring for minerals in the province, thanks to the Ministry of Energy and Resources’ Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive (TMEI).
Twenty-eight exploration projects were approved earlier this year to receive funding from the TMEI, up from five projects last year. In an effort to meet its Critical Minerals Strategy goals, government increased the annual TMEI funding cap to $4 million from $750,000 and expanded eligibility to include all hard rock minerals in any region in the province.
“Saskatchewan is the best place in Canada to invest in mining and exploration due to our competitive exploration support programs, like
the TMEI, our world-class critical minerals resources and our high-quality geoscience database,” Energy and Resources Minister Jim Reiter said. “The decision to expand this program was part of our government’s continued commitment to protecting and promoting Saskatchewan’s mining industry and attaining 15 per cent of all Canadian mineral exploration spending by 2030.”
The Ministry’s mineral exploration incentives, like the TMEI and the Saskatchewan Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, have put the province on course to attract nearly 11 per cent of projected national exploration spending in 2024. Up from eight per cent in 2022, this shows important progress on the province reaching its 2030 goal.
The 28 approved projects under the TMEI made $62.3 million in overall drill project expenditures, an important gain compared to the $9.8 million in expenditures from the previous year. One of those applicants who successfully used TMEI funding was Ramp Metals Inc., who is doing exploration work northwest of La Ronge.
“The impact of the TMEI on our company cannot be understated,” Exploration for Ramp Metals Vice President Garrett Smith said. “It significantly reduced the cost-per-meter of our inaugural drill program, which resulted in a new high-grade gold discovery in Saskatchewan.”
Ramp’s discovery highlights Saskatchewan’s significant unrealized gold potential. Despite explora-
tion expenditure data showing relatively low investment in gold projects over the past decade, the recent strong price of gold on the world market has encouraged new investment. Gold is currently one of several emerging minerals in Saskatchewan that can help further diversify the province’s resource base. Saskatchewan is well positioned to continue growing as a major global supplier of potash and uranium and is diversifying its exports through the production of helium and the development of other critical minerals, like lithium, copper and zinc. The province is also poised to become one of the world’s few rare earth elements processors with a first-of-its-kind in North America processing facility coming online next year.
Starting this fall, Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) will partner with SaskPower to provide high school students and adults online 4th- and 5th-class Power Engineering courses.
“Sask DLC courses offer students the chance to explore future careers in our province while earning high school credits,” Minister Responsible for Sask DLC Jeremy Cockrill said. “Sask DLC is proud to partner with SaskPower to continue to offer these unique opportunities and the 4th-class high school program is the only one of its kind in Canada.”
“Power Engineers are vital for the operation of
our provincial power grid, as well as other heavy industries that keep our province’s economy growing,” Minister Responsible for SaskPower Dustin Duncan said.
Within Sask DLC’s 5th-class program, students take two online courses within the same school year. These courses provide an introduction to power engineering including boiler operations and maintenance. Each course includes a 50-hour work study allowing students to obtain the steam time requirements for their certification. Fifthclass courses are ideal for students wishing for an introduction to the career.
Students who complete their 5th-class are also eligible to upgrade to their 4th-class certification by taking an additional two upgrade courses.
Through the 4th-class program students take a total of four online classes that each include 50 hours of online theory and 50 hours of work study time, providing practical experience and preparing them for industry exams. This program is ideal for students interested in pursuing power engineering as a career after high school and upon completion students are eligible to be employed as a 4th-class engineer. These courses have
been offered in Saskatchewan high schools since 2014, and have been administered by Sask DLC since its inception in 2023. The programs are accredited by the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK).
A new Memorandum of Understanding between Sask DLC and SaskPower will see the Crown power utility coordinate and promote student STEAM lab time and scholarship opportunities for continued education and advancement in the field. SaskPower also provides students with hands-on experience at its portable steam lab.
“Industry support for work experience programs like power engineering are key to providing students with meaningful experience and insight to possible career paths, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future,” Sask DLC CEO Darren Gasper said.
To date, 327 Saskatchewan students have completed the 4th-class, and 141 have completed the 5th-class power engineering program.
“We are pleased to support this program, which will help to engage and develop Saskatchewan students into future leaders in the electricity industry and beyond,” SaskPower President and CEO Rupen Pandya said.
As parents look forward to their beloved children going off to school once more, and the kids are dreading the return to the classroom and homework, there are a number of issues and questions hanging in the air with the new school year about to begin.
One issue that will impact older students, and a surprising number of younger ones, is the edict from the provincial government to ban cell phones from schools this coming year, with certain exceptions.
It could safely be noted that this is an over-reaction by certain parties, although some people will welcome the ban as it frees students somewhat from the tyranny of the handheld device.
The exceptions are when teachers in Grades 9 to 12 need their students to have access to a cell for the purposes of a class, but they have to seek an exemption from their administrators before they can go ahead.
This sounds like a level of red tape for teachers, who are already busy with the planning and coordination of their curriculum requirements and lesson plans.
A more balanced approach would be for teachers to work with the students on how to responsibly use their cell phones, because in this day and age of technology, it’s inevitable that students have and use them, and is indeed a part of the 21st century learning.
The students do need to focus on the fundamentals, but they are embarking on a life that uses technology in every aspect of life, and they have to know how to competently use it in order to compete in the working world.
Other issues that may impact the classroom include the yet-unresolved contract with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. Their labour issues will be going to arbitration, but will it resolve the problems that had teachers walking the picket lines and working to rule in the last school year, causing much disruption, particularly to extra-curricular activities and events?
No one wants to see a repeat of that, especially students and teachers who put in many, many hours in everything from sports to music and drama, only to have the STF summarily cancel a lot of it to make a point with the government.
With the provincial election on the horizon too, the government might want to be careful in how they approach this school year and the resolution of the contract dispute with the STF. Not only do the teachers wield influence in schools, but the families of each and every student will be watching and seeing how school staff is being treated, and the conditions in the classrooms that teachers have to work with.
School divisions are watching as well, as the issue of school funding is an ever-present one, which will make this election one to watch for sure. — Greg Nikkel
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It never rains, but it pours
The Weyburn region lived out the old expression, “It never rains but it pours” last week.
This region in the southeast went through much of July and August without much rain at all, until in the space of a week, we started getting thunderstorms virtually every night.
For a thunderstorm watcher like myself, I was despairing of being able to get any decent lightning photos since the last ones I was able to take in July.
Many people might shake their heads at this, thinking I’m crazy or out of my mind, particularly if they’re afraid of lightning storms and hide under the covers when bright flashes fill the skies and thunder rolls all around them.
Somehow, I was hooked on photographing storms many years ago, so when I see flashes on the horizon, I grab the camera and tripod and head out to see if there’s anything interesting to photograph.
Lest anyone think I’m putting my safety and life in danger by doing this, I should note that the best way for me to photograph a storm is to get out ahead of it and capture the lightning bolts as the storm approaches.
By Greg Nikkel
There are times when a storm has caught me offguard, and there’s great lightning happening overhead along with pouring rain, and this makes it difficult to be photographing, as the electronics in my camera don’t really like to have rain pouring over it. And yes, there is a danger of a lightning strike in that instance.
My goal is to photograph the storm prior to its arrival, thus keeping me and the camera safe from rain and electricity.
So, after a summer where “it never rains”, there were several nights in a row when I could go out and do photos of bolts in the air, and yes it did pour when those storms arrived.
On Wednesday night, we were hit with a deluge, and I couldn’t believe how deep the water got in a short time as the rain pounded down in sheets.
The storm itself was great as I watched it approach the city, as the lightning was like a strobe light before it hit Weyburn.
I was happy to safely get some great shots of the lightning before this storm hit us, and who knows but we may have a storm or two more before this summer slides into fall.
To the Editor:
Let me start by saying, we hear you. We respect your concerns, appreciate your questions and support and we recognize many in the Weyburn area want to talk.
Enbridge is in the early stages of developing the Seven Stars wind energy project, which includes a focus on environmental studies and robust engagement with land owners and local communities with respect to project design, impacts, economic benefits and other topics.
Having acquired the project in late June of this year, we took an early opportunity in mid-July to share our preliminary project plans at an open house with Weyburn area residents. We thought it was important to do so as early as we could.
Since then, we’ve been busy engaging with residents and land owners, with the Rural Municipalities of Weyburn and Griffin, groups like the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and others.
The approach we are taking is the same approach we take with any other Enbridge project, anywhere in North America – we welcome questions from community members, and we’re absolutely committed to ongoing, two-way dialogue over the course of the Seven Stars project.
Enbridge is an energy delivery company. We safely deliver the oil and natural gas you rely on every single day. That won’t change. We’re also committed to delivering other forms of energy, including wind energy.
Enbridge has more than seven decades of experience in working collaboratively with our neighbours in southern Saskatchewan, including the SunBridge wind power project near Gull Lake. We’re embedded in the communities where we operate, we have a strong history of responsibly developing projects and we are proud of our reputation for working closely with communities. We work hard to initiate conversations and we address concerns openly and respectfully.
We know from our early engagement that residents have questions about the Seven Stars project and wind energy. We recognize that we still have a lot of work to do, and it’s clear to us that the community is seeking more engagement on this project.
We respect that.
We’ve got time to address the concerns we are hearing, and we’re committed to redoubling our efforts to engage the community in the days, weeks and months ahead.
As one way of doing so, we encourage residents who have questions about the Seven Stars project or wind energy in general to contact us at power.operations@enbridge.com.
We believe the project can deliver significant economic, employment and other benefits to the community, and we look forward to discussing all aspects of the project with you.
Alex McNichol, director, Power Business Development, Enbridge
Members of the Weyburn Comp Eagles’ defensive line practice drills in hitting off the line, as they prepared for the new high school football season. They will start the year with an exhibition game on Friday, Aug. 30 at 4:30 p.m. at Darold Kot Field against Regina Miller.
In a remarkable achievement for local sports, three talented youth soccer players from the Weyburn Soccer Association have earned an invitation to train at the prestigious Real Madrid Academy in Spain. This opportunity places these young athletes in the company of some of the world’s most promising soccer talent and is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the quality of training provided by the Weyburn Soccer Club.
The three players— Ranson Jordens, Lexington Roy, and Ethan Thiedig—will spend a week at the Real Madrid Academy, known globally for developing top-tier soccer talent. During this intensive training program, they will receive world-class coaching, hone their skills, and experience firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest levels of soccer.
This is not only a dream come true for these young athletes but also a significant milestone for the Weyburn Soccer Association and the broader Weyburn community. The boys were inspired to pursue this opportunity after Weyburn’s Gabriella Friesen made the trip earlier this year.
The club, which has been a cornerstone of youth sports in Weyburn, is immensely proud of its players’ accomplishments. Having three players from Weyburn recognized on such a prestigious platform is a clear indication of the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering a passion for soccer
Local soccer players in Madrid Weyburn soccer players Lexington Roy, Ranson Jordens, and Ethan Thiedig, are excited for the opportunity to attend the Real Madrid Academy for soccer next spring, following in the footsteps of Gabriella Friesen.
within the community.
“We are beyond excited and proud of our players,” said Jason Roy, President of Weyburn Soccer Association. “This opportunity not only showcases the talent we have here in Weyburn but also puts our club on the map. It’s a great moment for soccer in our city, and we’re eager to see how this experience will inspire other young athletes in our community.”
The three boys recently attended the Real Madrid soccer camp in Edmonton this summer where they earned their invitation to train in Spain. Ranson, Lexington and Ethan excelled on the Division 1 team Forge FC this past year, and most recently Ranson and Lexington brought home Bronze medals from the Saskatchewan Summer Games after Team Southeast beat out Regina.
In the world of soccer, Real Madrid CF is like the New York Yankees of base-
ball. The team has the most Championship titles (15) and the most La Liga titles (36). It was the team that Cristiano Ronaldo played on and still has the biggest stars in soccer such as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
While the invitation itself is an honor, the costs associated with attending the Real Madrid Academy are significant. Travel, accommodation, and participation fees add up quickly, and the families of these players are seeking community support to make this dream a reality. The total cost for the three players and chaperones to attend the camp is estimated at $30,000.
The “Road to Real Madrid” players are calling on local businesses and community members to help fund this once-in-alifetime opportunity. By donating, companies will not only be supporting these young athletes but
also investing in the future of Weyburn soccer. Contributions will help alleviate the financial burden on the families and ensure that these players can focus on making the most of their time in Spain.
Supporting these players goes beyond helping three kids fulfill a dream. It also sends a strong message about the value Weyburn places on youth sports and the importance of community in helping local talent thrive. The experience and knowledge these players will bring back to Weyburn will benefit the entire soccer community, inspiring younger players and elevating the overall level of play within the club.
Local businesses that contribute will not only be aiding these young athletes but will also gain positive visibility and demonstrate their commitment to supporting local sports. This partnership between businesses and the Weyburn Soccer Association is crucial for building a strong, vibrant sports community in Weyburn.
Donations can be made directly by contacting Rob Jordens at (306) 891-5146, emailing road.realmadrid@gmail.com or visiting “Road to Real Madrid” page on Facebook. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings these players one step closer to representing Weyburn on an international stage.
With your help, Ranson, Lexington, and Ethan can seize this incredible opportunity to train at the Real Madrid Academy, bringing pride not just to their families but to the entire Weyburn community.
The Weyburn Volleyball Club is an accredited SaskVolleyball club which offers competitive club programs for both boys and girls from U13 to U18 age levels.
WVC is a non-profit club with a volunteer administrative board and coaches. Teams will vary and be based on athlete numbers and available coaching staff.
The U13 Triple Ball Program follows SaskVolleyball and Volleyball Canada “Triple Ball” format. The program is open to all athletes born 2012 and later.
Athletes born September 1, 2011 may also be eligible to play down in this program as well. More information on this format may be found under the club’s resources page on their website.
The U14-U18 programs follow the SaskVolleyball and Volleyball Canada format.
• U14 - Open to all athletes born 2011 and later.
Athletes born September 1, 2010 may also be eligible to play down in this program as well.
• U15 - Open to all athletes born 2010 and later.
Athletes born September 1, 2009 may also be eligible to play down in this program as well.
• U16 - Open to all athletes born 2009 and later. Athletes born September 1, 2008 may also be eligible to play down in this program as well.
• U17 - Open to all athletes born 2008 and later. Athletes born September 1, 2007 may also be eligible to play down in this program as well.
• U18 - Open to all athletes born 2007 and later. Athletes born September 1, 2006 may also be eligible to play down in this program as well.
Tryout dates will be set in September and will begin in October.
Weyburn Volleyball Club is currently looking for coaches for the 2024/2025 Club Volleyball season, who would like to volunteer their time to coach youth in the community. Those interested should fill out the Coaching Application on the website to get involved.
Tryouts for this season will take place in October and successful candidates will be contacted in September. Training and classes will be provided by the WVC for all coaches selected.
The website for the club is at https://weyburnvolleyballclub.ca, and forms for athletes and coaches can be accessed there.
A trio of junior high players practiced a drill to keep the ball off the floor and over to the other side, during the three-day volleyball camp held at the Weyburn Comp Eagle gym. There were also sessions for Grades 5-7 and 10-12 players on each of the three days.
The Weyburn Soccer Association invites everyone to attend their “Free Kicks - Come Try It” event, sponsored by Canada Soccer. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the joy of soccer in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, Weyburn Soccer believes soccer should be accessible to all—no matter your background, ability, or experience level, as the association has the values of inclusivity, diversity, equality and accessibility. The try-it event will be held on Wednesday, September 4, at the Credit Union Spark Center from 6-7 p.m. There is no cost to attend.
Weyburn Soccer is also holding their annual general meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in the
RM of Weyburn’s community room, including board elections for the coming season. The association will be seeking volunteer positions for the upcoming soccer season for two-year and one-year positions. WSA is limited to 12 Board of Directors. Forms are available at this link: https://forms. gle/yW3YQZPowcBhaBVTA Space is provided on the form to include a bio and commitment. This information will be required if a vote for members is needed. Positions up for election include treasurer, registrar, fields and equipment and sponsorship. Sub-positions include referee-in-chief, female development coordinator, grassroots coordinator and adult soccer coordinator. No experience is necessary.
Family has fun learning about archery
in a screw for a birdhouse
Doing a nature survey as a family
Instilling a love for learning in children is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Parents can empower their children to embrace education by nurturing their curiosity and enthusiasm. Here are seven ways to encourage a love for learning in your child: Foster curiosity: Encourage your child to ask questions and explore their interests. Provide opportunities for hands-on learning experiences and expose them to various subjects and activities.
Lead by example: Demonstrate your love for learning by sharing your interests, hobbies and experiences with your child. Let them see you reading books and pursuing new skills.
Create a positive learning environment: Establish a supportive and stimulating study space and provide access to educational resources like books, games and educational materials.
Embrace mistakes: Teach your child that mistakes are a natural part of learning. Emphasize the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming challenges. Make learning fun: Incorporate fun and creative activities into learning experiences. Use games, experiments, puzzles and hands-on projects to make learning engaging and enjoyable.
Encourage exploration: Support your child’s curiosity by allowing them to explore new interests and pursue their passions.
Celebrate achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Praise their efforts and encourage them to take pride in their achievements.
The South Saskatchewan Community Foundation held its second annual Friendraiser event on Aug. 22 in Regina, with over 400 attendees, including charity members, donors, patrons, businesses, leaders, change-makers, etc.
The Friendraiser is a platform for charitable organizations to connect with community members to raise awareness of their missions, share impact stories, and build relationships. Local charities celebrated each other’s inspiring work and dedication, and donors, patrons, businesses and other guests learned about the impact of their contributions. Weyburn area charities which had representatives at the event included Envision Counselling, the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association (Weyburn branch) and
Inclusion Weyburn.
With the Friendraiser, the Community Foundation aims to create a bridge between community members and the charitable sector to maximize their impact throughout Saskatchewan.
“The Friendraiser is a significant opportunity to bring the community together, empower change-makers, and present the impact of Saskatchewan’s charitable sector to connect
and inspire collaboration among community members,” said Donna Ziegler, executive director of the Community Foundation.
Over its 55 years of service, the Community Foundation has served over 480 communities across Saskatchewan, and has granted to hundreds of charities. The foundation has granted nearly $70 million to Saskatchewan charities through its donors’ commitments.
The Weyburn Wheatland Seniors Centre held a number of games during the week of Aug. 19-23, with the following results.
The winners of Spades on Aug. 19 were, in first, Ray Boucher; in second, Janet Van Winkoop; in third, Marge Schultz, and in fourth, Kim Bent.
In Kaiser on Aug. 20, Alice Schneider and Lavine Stepp won first; Blake Johnson and Marlene Szczecinski placed second; and Rose Levesque and Marge Schultz came third.
The winners of Canasta on Aug. 21 were, in first, Sheila Wendel; in second,
Brenda Paul; in third, Bev Locken; in fourth, Sheila Greiner; and in fifth, Shirley Cherpin. In Hi-Low Whist on Aug. 21, Ray and Connie Boucher won first; Marge Schultz and Basil Holyer placed second; and Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum came third.
In Thursday Crib on Aug. 22, first was Marge Schultz and Basil Holyer; second was Shirley Hubbs and Theresa Istace; and third was Cheryl Vogel and Emily Zyla.
In Friday crib on Aug. 23, Ray Boucher placed first, and Sheila Greiner came second.
Weyburn Library offers wide variety of programs in September
A large variety of programs and activities are available at the Weyburn Public Library during the month of September for all age categories.
A program for all ages will be the Spirit Singers giving a travel talk about their trip to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall. Director Kendra Gonczy will be on hand for the evening on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
For preschoolers, there will be a family literacy program focusing on early numeracy and play, presented by Morgan Kelly, with six sessions through the fall.
There will be two in September, on Friday, Sept. 13 and Sept. 27, both at 10 a.m.
There are a number of programs for juniors (aged six to eight) and tweens (aged nine to 12).
A cooking class in how to make mini apple pies will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4 for the tweens, and Thursday, Sept. 5 for juniors.
Beach volleyball and badminton will be played on Tuesday, Sept. 10 for tweens, and Wednesday, Sept. 11 for juniors; a “plant a seed” program and ozobots will be the theme on Tuesday, Sept. 17 for juniors, and Wednesday, Sept. 18 for tweens, and then a class in how to make Sloppy Joes will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25 for the juniors, and Thursday, Sept. 26 for tweens.
For teens, there is a class in squeegee painting on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., and a class in using
latex for special effects, with Kendra of Facetastic Faces, on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.
Learn how to make a Scottish Oreo Tiffin on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m., or learn how to make an easy baked perogy casserole on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.
A “Midnight Mayhem” teen after-hours program will be held on Friday, Sept. 13, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Programs for adults include a session on making a popup flower card with Sylvia Teichgraber on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 10:30 a.m.; doing a paint pour feather on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m., or doing metal stamping on Monday, Sept. 16 at 2:30 p.m. The adult book club will meet on Thursday, Sept. 12 to discuss the book “Room” by Emma Donoghue.
An info night on canning and making preserves will be held with Melissa Wright on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. You can explore your genetic genealogy with Mary Lou Van De Bon on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.
A session on songwriting with Dan Cugnet will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Features to watch for later in the fall include Culture Days, the fall book sale and art auction in November, and a performance by the Regina Symphony Orchestra’s core players on Thursday, Oct. 10, and the Saskatchewan Library Week on Oct. 13-19.
Inclusion Weyburn receives donation
Jackie Wilson of Inclusion Weyburn received a donation of $1,000 from Weyburn Dodge on Wednesday afternoon, along
Inclusion Weyburn received a donation of $1,000 last Wednesday afternoon from Weyburn Dodge, part of the proceeds of the Mopar Madness car show and barbecue held recently.
The dealership held a car show in front of their location on First Avenue, with a barbecue and activities for children.
Accepting the donation were Jackie Wilson of Inclusion Weyburn, along one of the teen participants in Inclusion’s summer camp, Owen Bell, and his parents, James and Cheryl Bell. James is a partner with Jeff Tosczak in the Weyburn Dodge dealership. Wilson noted these
and Cheryl Bell. These were proceeds of the Mopar
funds will go towards the summer camps, which had around 30 children enrolled this year.
There were four camps held, one in conjunction with the City of Weyburn’s Fun in the Sun program at the Leisure Centre; the Spark camp at the Credit Union Spark Centre; the Family Place; and a teen camp. She pointed out that before 2018, there was no camp available for children with intellectual disabilities.
The Bell family lives in Arcola, so it’s an hour’s drive in to Weyburn for Owen to take part in the teen camp, and this was his first year to be a part of it.
Teaching your kids good time management skills can be challenging, but it’s essential for their success in academics and life. Here are some tips to help you teach these skills to your children: Create a visual schedule or planner
A physical schedule or a planner can help kids organize their daily activities and deadlines. It can enhance their organizational skills and instill a sense of responsibility and accountability. Plus, it can be a fun and creative activity for you and your child to do together.
You can also utilize digital tools like calendars or task management apps tailored to kids. Encourage task break-down
Teach your child the concept of time blocking, where they allocate specific time slots for different activities or subjects. Breaking tasks
Choosing the right lunchbox for your child ensures their meals stay fresh, safe and enjoyable throughout the school day. Here are four important things to consider when selecting a lunchbox:
Material: Look for BPA-free, food-grade plastic or stainless-steel contain ers. These materials are easy to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of food contamination. Additionally, stainless steel is durable, making it a great option if your child is prone to dropping or tossing their lunchbox around.
Capacity: Choosing a lunchbox that fits your child’s appetite is essential. For instance, if your child is a big eater, you may want to consider a larger box. Remember that a lunchbox that’s too big or too small can result in food waste or hunger.
Compartments: Look for a lunchbox with multiple compartments for better organization and portion control. Compartments can also prevent vari ous food items from getting squished or mixed together. Some lunchboxes come with removable dividers so that you can adjust the size of the compartments based on your child’s needs.
Insulation: Prioritize insulating and leak-
proof features. This helps keep food fresh and prevent spills, especially perishable items and liquids. Look for lunchboxes with insulated compartments or include an ice pack to maintain the desired temperature. Lastly, let your child help choose their lunchbox so they’ll be more excited about using it. Choose designs, like cartoon characters or animals, that reflect their personality and interests, making lunchtime an enjoyable experience.
into smaller, manageable chunks can promote productivity and prevent your child from feeling overwhelmed. Set realistic goals and deadlines
Teach your child the importance of setting realistic goals and deadlines by helping them understand the concept of time estimation and the consequences of procrastination. This will empower them to make informed decisions and own their time.
Most importantly, lead by example. Let your child see you planning your day, setting goals and man aging your time effectively in real-life scenarios. Children often learn best through observation and copying their parents’ actions.
Remember, teaching your child good time management skills is an investment in their future.
