Vol.114 No. 46 - Weyburn, Saskatchewan
weyburnreview
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - 10 Pages
Golden Sheaf recipients
Derek and Tannis Axten of Axten Farms Ltd. were the 2024 Farm Family of the Year.
Page 4
Today is Election Day!
X Polls are open until 8 p.m.
Cast your vote!
Former educator addresses crowd
Denis Tremblay gave the main address at the Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Monday.
Page 10
Heavy turnout for advance polls in Weyburn vote
Election day for the City of Weyburn council is today, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the Credit Union Spark Centre’s multi-purpose room.
There were reported long lines of voters on the two advance polls held on Thursday and Saturday afternoon. The returning office reported 395 voters lined up to vote on Thursday, and 401 came out on Saturday for a total of 796.
The candidates in the city council election include, for mayor, Jeff Richards, Marcel Roy (incumbent) and Bruce Croft. For council, incumbents are John Corrigan, Laura Morrissette, Larry Heggs and Ryan Janke, and new candidates Dana Pretzer, Kellie Sidloski, Todd Bedore and Lorri Wiberg. There is no election needed for the school
board trustees for either Southeast Cornerstone or Holy Family in Weyburn, as all positions were acclaimed.
A person is eligible to vote if they are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, has resided in Saskatchewan for at least six months preceding election day, and has resided in the city for at least three months prior to election day, or is the
owner of assessable land in the city for at least three months preceding election day.
Voter ID can be a valid driver’s licence with photo, or a valid photo ID issued by SGI. Any other valid government photo ID is also acceptable, as long as one’s name and address is on it, or two pieces of ID that has one’s name and address on it.
Weyburn Legion honours, remembers those who served
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
A standing-room only crowd in the Weyburn Legion Hall paid tribute to the men and women who serve, and have served, Canada in times of war and peace, at the Remembrance Day ceremonies on Monday morning.
The three levels of government were represented as they brought greetings, and the representative of War Mothers, Betty Knibbs, laid the first wreath in the ceremonies.
The Variations community choir sang two songs as a collection was taken for the Poppy Fund, and an address was given by Denis and Laraine Tremblay of Weyburn.
Denis, a retired teacher and principal, shared thought about why this day is important, and about emotions and impressions that came from a trip he and his wife took to Normandy, France, seeing the Juno Beach Centre and the military cemeteries where Canada’s war dead have been laid to rest.
“Many of us who have been fortunate enough not to have lost loved ones in war may not comprehend the sense of loss they continue to experience,” said Denis. “All of us should be proud and honoured to recognize and acknowledge those who served and sacrificed, the fallen, the injured, the families, the friends and communities. If not for them, we would not have the privilege to enjoy the right and freedoms that at times are taken for granted.
“We must never forget, we must forever remember and always extend our gratitude for all of the sacrifices made so
that we might have freedom and a way of life we so enjoy.”
Denis noted that his late brother made the trip to Normandy a few years ago, and spoke of how he was deeply and emotionally impacted by the visit. A while later, he and Laraine made the journey to France and saw Normandy as well.
“We visited the memorials and walked through the cemeteries lined row upon row with white marble headstones and crosses, many for those who died very young, and we too were filled with the same emotions,” he said.
Denis paid tribute to the role of the Royal Canadian Legion branches have played in remembering and honouring veterans and their families, and the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms.
He noted he and Laraine paid a recent visit to the Northwest Territories, and visited the northernmost Legion branch in Canada in Inuvik, Branch No. 220.
“As has been our experience, we were greeted with friendship and camaraderie,” he said, adding that Legions have continued to be a place “with a sense of gratitude”.
Remembrance Day was set on Nov. 11 as this was Armistice Day in 1918, marking the end of hostilities of the Great War.
He listed a number of words that are particularly significant for this day: service, courage, sacrifice, human cost of war, friends, loved ones, heart-ache, cherished memories, gratitude, freedom, way of life, forever remembered, respect, and next generations. Continued on page 2
2
school
War Mother representative lays first wreath
Weyburn Legion president Brian Glass assisted Betty Knibbs, the War Mother representative, at the Remembrance Day services on Monday. She was followed by a number of local dignitaries and government representatives in the annual ceremony of remembrance.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Singing about the importance of kindness
The Grade
students of Legacy Park school sang about being kind, during their presentation at the school’s Remembrance ceremony held on Wednesday in the
gymnasium. The Legion’s Colour Guard and chaplain were on hand to also take part in the ceremonies.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Voters line up for city election
The advance poll for Weyburn’s municipal election saw long lineups on Saturday afternoon at the
from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Spark Centre.
Remembrance Day speaker urges all to ‘honour those who serve’
Continued on Page 2
“A recent poll suggested that many Canadians know little about our country’s history, of events that define its past and should inform its future. How unfortunate and disconcerting as conflicts
around the world continue to add loss of life. Peace and compromise appear to be elusive,” said Denis. He added that it’s our collective responsibility to actively honour all those who serve, and it should be our individ -
ual responsibility to be “other-centred, lest we forget.”
The words, “lest we forget”, symbolize a solemn promise to the fallen and to all those who serve as we pass this on to the next generation, he said.
“We owe it to them.”
Earlier, remarks were given by Yvonne Jones, representing MP Robert Kitchen; MLA Mike Weger, and Coun. Mel Van Betuw, in one of the last official roles he will have in this term, which
will end today, municipal voting day. Following the service, the War Mother Luncheon was held on the lower level, and a special presentation was made to Betty Knibbs by branch president Brian Glass just before the food was served by members of the Fifth Weyburn Scouts. The Scouts had also taken the wreaths laid by the dignitaries on stage, and placed them at the cenotaph across the street in Memorial Park.
Winter Gifted Art Market to feature artists, craftspersons on Nov. 16
The Weyburn Arts Council will host their 11th annual Winter Gifted Art Market on Saturday, Nov. 16, and it will feature local and area artists and craftspersons at the Credit Union Spark Centre. “We are hosting about 45 artists from all over southeast Saskatchewan. These artists will be sharing various mediums, ceramics, jewelry, paintings,
watercolours, photography, quilting, crochet, home decor, bath and body products, home-made eats and sweets, face painting and more,” said Stephanie Lang, co-chair of the Wey-
burn Arts Council. Winter Gifted will be running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance will be through the main doors at the Spark Centre. Admission is by dona -
Rotary Club host wood carvers at social evening
The Weyburn Rotary Club will be hosting the Weyburn Wood Carvers group at their next social evening, slated for Thursday, Nov. 21.
The evening will be held at the Weyburn Legion in the Vimy Room from 7 to 9 p.m., and cost $5 per person. Members of the Wood
Carvers group will be on hand during the event to show examples of their work, said member Gary Anderson, and will talk about what is involved
with their carving. There may also be a wood carving demonstration during the evening, along with desserts and socializing.
tion, and the donations collected will be used to support the Arts Council’s various art initiatives throughout the year.
“For those attending Gifted for the first time, or maybe you’ve been to the summer market and want to check out the winter market, you can look forward to seeing some of the finest talent our area has,” said Lang. These artists will be spread out throughout three areas, from the Spark Centre’s Weyburn Art Gallery to the Multipurpose Room, and the Legacy Park School gym.
Rebel Drilling Ltd. pleaded guilty in Weyburn Provincial Court on Oct. 29, to violating one count under The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996.
The charge was a result of the company contravening subsection 154 (2) of the regulations, namely that being an employer, they failed to ensure only trained operators are re -
“It’s a great opportunity to maybe find some of those Christmas gifts you are looking for,” said Lang.
quired or permitted to operate powered mobile equipment.
As a result, the court imposed a fine of $10,714.29 along with a $4,285.71 surcharge, for a total amount of $15,000.
One additional charge was stayed.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 20, 2021, in Weyburn.
www.weyburn.ca
CITY FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Notice is hereby given, subject to Section 187 of The Cities Act that City of Weyburn Supplementary Assessment Notices were mailed Thursday, November 7, 2024. The Assessment Roll is now open for inspection from November 7, 2024 to December 9, 2024. It can be viewed at City Hall during regular office hours (Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
The deadline to file an appeal is Monday December 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Please file your appeal with: Secretary to the Board of Revision Box 370 Weyburn, Saskatchewan S4H 2K6
Please do not hesitate to contact the Finance Department with any questions or concerns you may have.
Phone: 306-848-3201 Email: propertytax@weyburn.ca
Credit Union Spark Centre. The main voting day is today, Nov. 13,
Photo
– Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Midale taking entries for annual Santa parade
Midale’s Plus One Club is taking entries for their annual Santa parade, set for Saturday, Nov. 16 at 11 a.m.
There is no cost to enter a float, but those groups, organizations or business-
es looking to enter one should register with the organizers. Call or text Lois at 306-458-7258 to register your float. Those taking part are asked to line up their floats
by 10 a.m., and the parade will go down Main Street.
After the parade, residents are invited to come by the Midale 39ers Clubhouse on Main Street around 12:30 p.m.
A hot dog lunch will be available (cash only), and there will be a kids raffle for Christmas gift prizes.
In addition, Santa will be available for photos with the kids.
Public meeting on proposed wind turbines set
A public meeting to discuss Enbridge’s proposed Seven Stars wind turbine project will be held the day after the municipal elections, on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Cecilia’s Hall, starting at 7 p.m.
The RM of Weyburn was petitioned to hold the public meeting so that people can voice their concerns and questions about the wind turbine project and how it will affect everyone in the City, RMs and surrounding communities. This is a public meeting for everyone who is interested to learn more or has concerns and questions.
A mediator will chair the meeting, and all questions will come from the floor. Questions will not be taken in advance.
Organizers for the meeting hope that interested residents can attend and let their voice be heard. In regard to questions on health and the environ -
ment, the members of council are not experts in those fields and most likely cannot answer these.
A lawyer from SARM will be in attendance to reiterate the development process that council must follow, and representatives of Enbridge will be in attendance as well.
Weyburn police called to scene of truck-train collision
The Weyburn Police Service (WPS) responded to 82 calls for service during the period of Nov. 3 to 10, resulting in 13 charges. Of the charges, three were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, seven under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA) and three for failing to attend Court.
Traffic infractions related to speed resulted in four of the seven charges. The other three charges were for operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, driving to the left of a solid centre line and failing to produce a registration. During this time WPS members also attended to false alarms, calls of disturbances, calls related to Mental Health, wellbeing checks and offender management.
Police, fire and EMS were dispatched to the intersection of Highway 39 and Queen Street to a trucktrain collision. A vehicle was crossing the railroad tracks and was struck by a passing train. The persons in the vehicle were transported to Weyburn General Hospital without life-threatening injuries. All information collected was passed to CP Police for further investigation.
A dog walk turned frightening when three other dogs approached an individual. The three dogs came after the dog being walked, and when the owner bent down to pick their dog up, they were knocked to the ground. The three dogs were located and lodged at the Humane Society, with the owner being responsible for the bill to pick them up. No one/ dog was injured during the encounter.
Calls have been received by WPS concerning unauthorized individuals entering the fenced-off construction site of the new Weyburn Hospital. This is both illegal and dangerous. Individuals found on the property, who are not supposed to be there, will face fines for trespassing.
An individual attended WPS knowing that there were warrants out for their arrest from both WPS and RCMP. The individual cleared up the warrants and was given a future court date.
*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).
Police were called to a report of a garbage can fire at a property on the west side of the City. The small fire was extinguished upon police arrival. With help from the staff of the facility, three young individuals were located and identified as the ones being responsible. The three youth were warned of their behavior in the presence of their parents.
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Learn more at enbridge.com/saskatchewan.
Two injured in collision with train
Two Weyburn police officers looked over the truck which was struck by a train at the crossing on Queen Street near Highway 39. The two occupants of the truck were taken to Weyburn General Hospital with injuries, and the information collected at the scene was turned over to the CP Police.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
4 agriculture, oil &business
Weyburn producers share lessons, insights in ag panel discussion
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
A panel of Weyburn-area producers, all past winners of the Golden Sheaf Award from the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, discussed issues around modern farm operations, marketing and legacy, at the Ag Appreciation Night held on Nov. 5 at McKenna Hall.
The evening also included the presentation of this year’s winners of the Golden Sheaf, to Derek and Tannis Axten of Axten Farms Ltd. at Minton.
The panel was moderated by Jordan Szczecinski, vice-president of the Weyburn Chamber board, and included Sarah Leguee of the Leguee family farms at Fillmore; Alex Galarneau of Prairie Heritage Seeds of Radville; and Mark Bratrud of Rent Pro Ag and Coyote Business
Strategies of Weyburn.
The producers were asked what message they would want to pass on to people who are not farmers and are outside of the world of agriculture.
Bratrud said non-farming people need to realize the level of risk that farmers take in their business every day, and every year.
“When farming is good and things are going well, it’s easy for everyone to see the success. There have been a lot of people who risked a lot, and a lot of people didn’t make it. That’s the biggest thing, the amount of risk farmers take on all the time,” he said, pointing out when a farm does well, people just don’t realize the amount of risk they took to get there, and the fortitude to tough out all of the good and bad years to make a successful farm operation.
“Just getting the message out of what we’re doing,” answered Leguee, noting many people in cities, like Regina, “don’t have any clue, even what the difference between a tractor and a combine is, never mind what we’re doing. We are really conscious of what we’re doing. We’re not trying to kill anybody, we’re trying to produce safe food products to all people. This business costs money, and we do the best job we can, as efficiently as we can –but from the outside, how do you know that?”
Galarneau said his
Ag producers take part in Chamber panel
Past winners of the
message would be to the consumer, to inform them about the costs of farming versus the price they pay at the store for their products.
“We have about the lowest food prices in the world, and we complain about it too much. If you travel the world and see what other people are paying, you’d be very thankful and should hug a farmer. The first thing that happens when food prices go up is say that farmers are getting rich. You have no idea of the returns. I wish consumers would understand how hard it is for them to grow a crop, and the risks we take. I don’t think people know, we get one paycheque a year, it doesn’t come every week.”
Getting into the issues around planning and transitioning to new generations on the family farm,
part in an ag
the producers were asked how this was being handled in their farm operations.
Bratrud noted he and his family were still transitioning, as this year he and his wife made the decision to rent out their farmland after farming it for the past 20-plus years. This included land that has been in his wife Bobbi’s family for the past 125 years in the Weyburn area.
“Prior to the transitioning, it was very transactional and very professional. We had from day one ensured everyone was very clear, so everyone understands where they were, and the ownership was never confusing,” said Bratrud.
As he is on the provincial farm ownership board, he noted they have seen a number of farm fore -
closures, and said, “A lot of those were just breakdowns in communication. What I’ve learned is you should be very clear in communicating all the time. Often, money is the ‘elephant in the room’, and if you just keep kicking it down the road, it doesn’t get any easier.”
“Looking back when we started our transition, we should’ve been more formal about it. We didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Leguee. “Just having those conversations and asking for help is important, and there are so many places you can get advice from.”
She noted her brother Jake set up an advisory board for the farm about four years ago, and admitted at first she felt like “a deer caught in the headlights” as questions came,
as
but they found the right people to help out, “because you can’t be an expert in everything.”
Galarneau noted he also is currently going through a transition phase on their farm as they transition into a fourth generation to be involved. He agreed with Leguee and said it’s important to formalize agreements and have things set out, including exit agreements.
“Make sure everybody is aware of what their roles are,” he said. “I have hopes for the next generation, if they choose to work together. It has to have an agreement, share structures, exit agreements. My son is farming his own operation, and my daughter is farming her own operation … We’ll work through it and keep transitioning.
Real estate sales up in Weyburn
Saskatchewan reported 1,520 sales in October, the highest monthly sales level ever reported in October. Sales were over 21 per cent higher than last year’s levels and 36 per cent above long-term, 10-year historical averages. Sales levels improved across all regions of the province in October, contributing to a year-to-date gain of over eight per cent.
For Weyburn, there were 20 sales of residential properties in October, which is up 33.3 per cent from a year ago, and up 90.5 per cent from the 10-year average.
Of these sales, 17 were for detached homes and three were of apartments. This brings the sales yearto-date in Weyburn to 147, including 107 detached homes, two semi-de -
tached, five townhouses, 28 apartments, four mobile homes and one multifamily property. This is up five per cent from a year ago
Despite modest monthly growth in new listings, the 16th consecutive month of above-average sales in Saskatchewan led to further inventory declines – with inventory at the lowest point in October since 2007. The steepest inventory declines were experienced in homes priced below $300,000, while the only monthly inventory gains were reported in homes priced above $600,000.
There were 14 new listings in Weyburn in October, which is down 6.7 per cent from a year ago, and down 44.2 per cent from the 10-year average for
this month.
The inventory for residential properties in Weyburn sits at 71 as of the end of October, and this is down about 35 per cent from a year ago, and down 52.3 per cent from the 10-year average. Weyburn has 3.55 month of supply of inventory, down 51.1 per cent from a year ago, and down 78.6 per cent from the 10-year average.
“Sask. continues to benefit from several positive economic factors supporting above-average housing demand across our province,” said association CEO Chris Guérette. Strong monthly sales, combined with lower inventory, resulted in the months of supply falling to just above three months across the province—an exceptionally low figure for the month of October. The relatively tight market conditions throughout much of 2024 continue to place upward pressure on prices, as nearly all Saskatchewan communities reported year-over-year benchmark price gains this month.
Saskatchewan reported a residential benchmark price of $343,400 in October, down slightly from $343,800 in September. While a slight monthover-month price decrease is expected and in line with seasonal factors, the October benchmark price is nearly six per cent above October 2023 – with prices improving across all property types compared to last year. The benchmark price in Weyburn sits at $217,700,
Golden Sheaf Award took
producers panel discussion,
part of Ag Appreciation night on Nov. 5. From left, Jordan Szczecinski, vice-president of the Weyburn Chamber board, began the discussion with Sarah Leguee of the Leguee family farms at Fillmore; Alex Galarneau of Prairie Heritage Seeds of Radville; and Mark Bratrud of Rent Pro Ag and Coyote Business Strategies of Weyburn.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Golden Sheaf winners for 2024
Derek and Tannis Axten, of Axten Farms Ltd. of Minton, are the 2024 winners of the Golden Sheaf Award, presented by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 5 at McKenna Hall. Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
weyburn
editorial opinion review
Every vote is crucial in the municipal election
If the advance polls are any indication, interest in the City of Weyburn’s municipal election is running high - and this is a good thing.
In the two advance polls, held on Thursday and Saturday afternoon, the turnout was 395 and 401 voters respectively, with the main voting day set for today, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This is as it should be, as the municipal election is closest to residents of all elections being held.
This election pertains to who sits on city council for the next four years, as our mayor and council.
The important finish to this vote will be seen after the polling station closes at 8 p.m., and we’ll see how much of an interest there really was by voters.
The same story will be seen in towns and RMs around the province where the elections are not by acclamation.
For those who have not yet cast a ballot in the city election, there are a number of factors to consider: which of the mayoral or council candidates are best suited to represent our interests for the next four years?
For mayor, we have Marcel Roy, Jeff Richards and Bruce Croft; for council there are eight running to fill the six seats, including incumbents John Corrigan, Laura Morrissette, Larry Heggs and Ryan Janke, and new candidates Dana Pretzer, Kellie Sidloski, Todd Bedore and Lorri Wiberg.
There are a wide variety of concerns and issues for this new council to consider and make decisions on, including the most pressing immediate one of Weyburn’s indoor swimming pool.
It’s out of commission for the rest of 2024 and likely for part of 2025 also, which is bad news for those who enjoy swimming, and competitive-recreational users, such as the synchronized swimming club and the water polo club, not to mention those who use the pool for fitness and recreation.
There are studies and reports being put together, and the new council will have some decisions to make - and before that, voters will get to choose just who of those candidates will be part of the council to make those decisions.
This report may well impact the budget for 2025 also, and that process is quite involved, looking into the spending for all of the city’s departments, from roads to rec facilities, the library, emergency services to public works and water and sewer services, the landfill and everything in between.
There are services which all residents expect - such as police and fire departments, snow removal and garbage and recycling pickup - and there are the “amenities” which help make Weyburn a place for families and businesses to locate. Remember, every vote counts, and every decision will be important in this election. — Greg Nikkel
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The best season of the year
As we enter the latter half of November and move into December, some big community events and fundraisers are coming up for residents to take note of and participate in.
The Family Place will have their annual Festival of Trees soon, and finally after COVID has passed and moved on, there will be an in-person auction of the decorated Christmas trees.
The big difference in the return of this event is that it will be a ticketed gala event.
The setup of the decorated Christmas trees will be on Nov. 18 and 19, and then everyone can view the trees from Nov. 20 to 26, with the exception of Nov. 24, and they can also see the silent auction items, which will close and be picked up on Nov. 26.
Everything happens at the Great Plains Ford auction building, with the auction to be held the evening of Nov. 27.
Right after this iconic fundraiser, the Weyburn Chamber will hold the annual Parade of Lights the evening of Nov. 28, followed by the Rotary Carol Festival on Dec. 1, both of which are great events that kick off our Christmas season in style in Weyburn, and promises to do so once again.
Then we’re on into December with the school and church Christmas concerts and programs, all of which will be special events to attend.
Weyburn Tourism will have their Sparkles displays at River Park, starting Dec. 2 and will be twinkling with lights and displays all through December until the first week of January. This is always worth touring through to see, and if the weather isn’t too cold, families and friends can walk through to see all of the displays by organizations, businesses and individuals.
The Salvation Army will have their kettle campaign going in various locations, and will have a new variation in their Christmas hamper program, where this year it will be set up as a store where families can go through and select what they want according to their needs.
One of the events that has become a great tradition in Weyburn is the Holiday Train, which will roll through the city on Dec. 18 and be at the CPKC train yard from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Clearly the Christmas season is a big thing in and around Weyburn, and there is lots to take in and enjoy, and opportunities to help out families and individuals who are in need.
LESS
In the 1970s and 80s, television sitcoms ruled most broadcast channels between the supper hour and the 10 o’clock news.
Many of these situation comedies live on through reruns on retro TV some 50 years later. They have become iconic, with fan bases across the country, some of whom were not even born when these shows were first broadcast.
Shows like Happy Days, I Love Lucy, Mork and Mindy and Gilligan’s Island brought families together in the living room for an entertaining evening. Some shows were geared to an ‘adult’ crowd with suggestive situations, and slightly risqué one liners.
One such show was Three’s Company, which originally ran from 1977 to 1984.
Based on the hijinks of three roommates, Chrissy, Janet and Jack, along with their landlords ‘The Ropers’, the show remains popular in syndication today.
Each character had his or her own unique style, but none compared to the sharp tongued Helen Roper. With her curly red hair, colourful caftans and outrageous costume jewellery, she was full of one liners, usually directed at her husband Stanley. Around the country in the past few years, events called Mrs. Roper Romps have become a “thing”.
My best friend and I recently participated in one
of these events.
Imagine 300+ Helen Ropers converging on a small city, flamboyant costumes and every-shade-ofred-available wigs.
We paraded around the 1881 district of Chilliwack, which is a community in itself within the city. Eateries, boutiques, pubs and quaint shops line the cobblestone sidewalks, making for a very charming location to hold one of these events.
Participating businesses welcomed us with food and drink specials for all Helens. Stanleys had to pay full price, so they were scarce. One place tailored their music with the theme song from Three’s Company and songs that were popular during that era.
We met new friends that we wouldn’t have met in ‘real life’, and may not recognize again in their every day garb. But that day, everyone was greeted by “Hello, Helen!”. We had a commonality that surpassed age, location, vocation and education.
We were fabulous, if not glamorous! It was a celebration of awesomeness!
When asked why we decided to go on this little adventure, there is no logical answer. It was just fun! And isn’t that what life’s about?
Now I’m wondering if there is a similar event with a Golden Girls theme.
Would I be a Blanche or a Sophia? Hmmmm….
Teddy Bear Toss held for Salvation Army
Players for the Weyburn Red Wings and some volunteers helped collect up all the tossed teddy bears, after they scored the first goal against Estevan on Saturday evening. The bears were collected up and handed over to the Salvation Army to give to families during the Christmas season.
Weyburn Red Wings blank Bruins to start Hwy 39 Cup series
The Weyburn Red Wings continued their point streak over the weekend, as first they blanked the Estevan Bruins 3-0 in the first of the Highway 39 Cup series of the season on Saturday, and then in a Remembrance Day match, they posted a come-from-behind 4-3 win over Melville on Monday.
The wins bring the Red Wings to a 14-game point streak so far this season, and also starts the Highway 39 Cup on a positive note. They also remain in first place in the SJHL.
This season, there will be eight meetings between the Highway 39 rivals in the series, and the next one will be in Estevan on Nov. 30.
The game on Monday began with Melville scoring twice in the first period, with no scoring in the third period.
The Red Wings then exploded with four unanswered goals in the third period, starting with Blake Betson, assisted by Luke Dekay and Simon Martin.
Cyprus Smith-Davis scored, with the assist to Braigh LeGrandeur; Jerome Maharaj found the back of the net, assisted by Liam Fitzgerald and
Martin; and Josh Karman scored, assisted by Ethan Dekay and Jonah Bierd. Angela Zol was in net for the Red Wings, and stopped 22 of the 25 shots on the goal for the win.
The Red Wings also wore special jerseys for the game, with the Legion logo and “Lest We Forget” on them, and these were auctioned off as a team fundraiser.
In the Highway 39 Cup game, Turner McIntyre was the first Wing on the board with a goal in the first period, which also triggered the teddy bear toss, and the game was halted long enough to collect up all the donated bears for the Salvation Army.
He was assisted by Ethan Dekay and Max Chakrabarti, who then scored in the third period, assisted by Maharaj and Dekay. LeGrandeur scored the third goal, unassisted, to seal the win.
Dazza Mitchell got the shutout for the Red Wings, stopping all 20 shots on net.
This weekend, the Red Wings will host the Battleford North Stars for back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15-16, at 7 p.m. each night.
Red Wings strike first
Red Wings players celebrated the scoring of the first goal of the night against the Estevan Bruins, triggering the Teddy Bear Toss in the first period. This was the first game of the Highway 39 Cup series, and Weyburn won the game 3-0.
Action in front of Estevan’s net Red Wings player Jerome Maharaj tried to get around the sprawling goaltender of the Estevan Bruins, but lost control of the puck.The Red Wings went on to win the game 3-0 over the Bruins.
afternoon at the Credit Union Spark Centre.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photos – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Gold Wing player scores in final game
Team Saskatchewan’s U18 team finished at the 2024 National Women’s U18 Championship over the weekend with a 4-2 loss to Team B.C.
The bronze medal game included a goal by Kiah Shields of the Weyburn Gold Wings.
The team also had teammate Amy Swayze, along with Addison Greve of Weyburn, and former Weyburn player Rayna Hennie.
Meantime, the Weyburn Gold Wings will resume league play as they travel to Wilcox to take on the Notre Dame Hounds
tonight, Nov. 13, puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
The Gold Wings compete in the Sask. Female U18 AAA Hockey League, They have played seven games so far in the 2024-2025 season.
This weekend, the Gold Wings will host Dakota College for two exhibition games. They will play on Saturday at 3:45 p.m., and on Sunday at 2 p.m., both at Crescent Point Place.
The Gold Wings will return to league action when they host Swift Current at Crescent Point Place on Saturday, November 30.
WCS Junior A girls win volleyball districts
The Weyburn Comp Eagles Junior A girls won their SHSAA District championship on Nov. 5, which they hosted in the Eagle gym.
After round-robin play, the Weyburn girls finished first in their pool with a re-
Making a shot on net
A player fired the ball at the goaltender, at the end of a passing drill held by Weyburn Lacrosse on Friday evening. There was a training session for U11 and younger players, and a conditioning camp for U14 and older players on at the Credit Union Spark Centre.
cord of six wins and two losses. Advancing to the semi-final game, they defeated Oxbow, which sent them to the finals against Carnduff, and the WCS Jr. A girls came away as the champions, marking a successful season.
WCS Jr. A Girls win districts
The Weyburn Comp Eagles Jr. A girls gathered after they won their district championship on Nov. 5. They finished first in their pool with a record of six wins and two losses, defeated Oxbow in the semi-finals, and Carnduff in the finals.
Kicking the ball into play
A U11 boys soccer team played a scrimmage on Mainil Field on Saturday afternoon at the Credit Union Spark Centre, as part of soccer practices, with two boys teams going head-to-head.
Practising basic skills in training camp
A player awaited the pass of the ball, during a training camp session for Weyburn Lacrosse held on Friday evening at the Credit Union Spark Centre. There was training for U11 and younger players, and a conditioning camp was also held for players in the U14 and older age brackets.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Courtesy Bryan Fleck
brother Graham Barker; sister-in-law Roberta Herriot; brother-in-law Gary (Doreen) Morris as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & friends Elaine was born in Midale Saskatchewan on September 20th 1937 to Paul and Signe Barker, the eldest of three children, sister to Lorna and Graham Elaine was one of the many babies delivered by Doc Mainprize in the area at that time In her youth, Elaine s parents made sacrifices so they could afford the weekly bus fare to Estevan in order for her to take piano lessons Elaine s young life was also shaped by growing up in the Baptist Church in Midale the beginning of her faith journey with God After attending school in Midale, Elaine followed in the footsteps of her father choosing a career in teaching She attended teacher s training in Moose Jaw and in the fall of 1955 began a teaching position in Fillmore Saskatchewan Other than completing the school term in nearby Osage, Saskatchewan in 1957 the year Elaine went to the University of Saskatchewan to complete her teaching certificate she taught elementary school in Fillmore for 5 years Her students remember her as a kind and conscientious teacher During her time in Fillmore Elaine met a young farmer named Hubert Morris who became the love of her life They were married on August 1st 1959 and in 1960 they moved to the family farm In time, Elaine became the proud mother of two daughters Denise and Susan Elaine adjusted well to farm life, working hard alongside her husband to ensure success of their small farm From 1976 to 1992 both Elaine and Hubert were members of the Crossroads Coop Farm Elaine being meticulous in everything she did was the bookkeeper for all those years Elaine’s greatest contribution to her community was her musical abilities For 55 years she was the organist at the Grace United Church in Fillmore dedicating
family Family was important to her She loved each of us unconditionally took great interest in the lives of her grand and great-grandchildren and gave support where she could Elaine will be remembered by many as a humble gifted and selfless woman who was an intense listener and had a thirst for knowledge (all those questions!) She will be forever missed especially by her dear husband of 65 years of marriage The Memorial Service for Elaine will be held on Thursday November 14 2024 at 2:00 p m at Grace United Church Weyburn Saskatchewan with Reverend M Barnabas officiating For those wishing to view virtually please log in to “Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services Facebook page just prior to the start of the service A reception and fellowship will follow the service Interment will take place at a later date at Fillmore Cemetery Fillmore Saskatchewan Services in Care of Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services Weyburn Saskatchewan
community lifestyles 9 &
Students visit booths at Career Fair
Weyburn Comp students visited the Prairie Animal Health Centre booth at the school’s annual Career Fair on Wednesday in the Cugnet Centre. The booth offered prizes and candy as well as career info for anyone wishing to pursue veterinary medicine.
the Credit Union Spark Centre.
As snow will be coming to many areas of Saskatchewan in the next few weeks as winter weather arrives, Saskatchewan RCMP warn that road conditions and visibility may be reduced, increasing the risk of being on the road.
Before travelling, check the weather and road conditions along your route on Saskatchewan Highway Hotline. If poor weather or road conditions exist or are forecasted, consider delaying travel if possible.
As residents turn their fall cleaning and winter preparations, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation encourages them to consider donating unwanted firearms, antlers or used hunting and fishing equipment to support wildlife habitat across the province.
In exchange, donors will receive a tax-deductible receipt for their donations.
Celebrating more than 20 years of success, the federation’s “Guns for Habitat” and “Antlers for Habitat” programs allow individuals to donate unwanted firearms, antlers
If travel is necessary, stay on roads that have recently received road maintenance. Travellers can access information on road conditions and track what roads have been plowed, salted and/or sanded within the last two hours at hotline.gov.sk.ca/ map. If you determine it’s safe to head out, please consider the following winter driving tips:
• Scrape all the ice off your windows before driving – if you can’t see, you
and outdoor equipment. The SWF encourages those that feel they want to dispose of their firearms and equipment to put a little back into the wildlife resource for future generations. These donations have played a vital role in purchasing key wildlife habitats in Saskatchewan, with the programs raising over $300,000 to date, further boosted by matching funds to maximize the impact.
“We’re grateful to all who have donated,” said Darren Newberry, SWF director of habitat lands. “The funds raised help us
can’t drive safely!
• Remove all snow from your vehicle, including from your headlights, taillights and roof.
• Slow down on slippery or snowy roads.
• Be gentle and smooth when you accelerate, brake or steer.
• Using cruise control on icy or snowy roads can be dangerous. If you skid, your vehicle will accelerate and rapidly spin its wheels as it tries to maintain a constant speed.
• Be prepared for any -
thing: consider stocking your vehicle with extra warm clothes, candles, matches, non-perishable snacks, a snow shovel, traction mats, booster cables and a tow rope or chain.
• If you become stranded on the highway, do not leave your vehicle. Turn on your vehicle periodically to warm up, but try to conserve fuel. Make sure your tailpipe remains clear of ice and snow, or carbon monoxide could potentially seep into your vehicle.
Weyburn Rotary gearing up to host 71st Carol Festival
The Weyburn Rotary Carol Festival is gearing up for the 71st annual edition on Sunday, Dec. 1 at Grace United Church.
The performances will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a prelude at 1:45 and 6:45 p.m.
The Annual Festival of Carols began in 1956 and was hosted by the Quota Club of Weyburn. Rotary began hosting the Carol Festival in 2022 after the Quota Club was discontinued and is proud to be hosting the 71st annual Carol Festival.
Each year choirs come and perform Christmas carols for the public. Just before the preludes begin, there is a slideshow of photos of past Carol Festivals. The prelude for both performances are played by Colleen Weimer and Gail Murray. Community singing begins and then is followed by the program.
“It is a wonderful day of music and really does mark the beginning of the Christmas season. Weyburn is very
supportive of this annual event, and we are thankful to both the musicians and the audiences,” said Heather Sidloski of the Weyburn Rotary Club.
A silver collection is taken at the door. This money is used by Rotary in their various projects, such as the Weyburn Rotary Music Festival, Weyburn Minor Hockey, Weyburn Care-a-Van, Inclusion Weyburn, Weyburn Legion, Envision Counseling, Salvation Army, Canadian Mental Health Association, Weyburn Group Home, Weyburn summer swim program, SE Regional College bursary, Weyburn Comprehensive School academic scholarships, and the Family Place.
“We are looking for groups and individuals to perform at the Carol Festival,” said Sidloski.
Any musician or group who is interested in contributing can contact Sidloski @ 306-861-2837 or by email at hsidloski@hotmail.com.
Weyburn Tourism is taking entries for this year’s Sparkles displays, to be set up in River Park from Dec. 2 to January 6, 2025.
Groups, businesses, churches or organizations can pick an available site and you will have free range to that site in River Park Campground to
decorate in the spirit of the holiday season. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. So if this is of interest to any individual, business, or organization, contact Weyburn Tourism immediately at (306) 8424738, or email weyburntourism@gmail.com.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Playing musical chairs
A group of children quickly sat down as the music ended, while they played a round of musical chairs at the PD day camp on Friday at
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Presentation to the War Mother
At the beginning of the War Mother Luncheon, held after the Remembrance Day service on Monday, Weyburn Legion president Brian Glass gave a special present to Betty Knibbs, to thank her for reprenting War Mothers.
Playing the ‘Last Post’
Bailey Roy, at right, played “The Last Post”, and after two minutes of silence,“Reveille”, as part of the Remembrance Day service on Monday morning. The trumpet she was playing was the same one her father
played when he was a student, and played at Remembrance Day.
Marching on the colours
The Weyburn Legion’s Colour Guard, led by sergeant-at-arms Owen White, marched up to the front of the auditorium at the start of the Remembrance Day service on Monday morning, as the standing-room only audience stood, and then sang O Canada.
Remembrance Day speaker
Former educator Denis Tremblay gave the main address at the Remembrance Day service on Monday at the Weyburn Legion, and his wife Laraine read a poem. They shared about their impressions after visiting Normandy in France, the memorials, cemeteries and the Juno Beach Centre.
Trumpeter given gift for playing
Bailey Roy was given a special gift from Legion president Brian Glass, in thanks for playing during the Remembrance Day service earlier on Monday.
as part
the
Singing of the ‘White Cliffs of Dover’
The Variations community choir, directed by Colleen Weimer at left, sang the World War Two popular song, “The White Cliffs of Dover”,
of
Remembrance Day service at the Weyburn Legion.
Richy
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca