Former advocate reaches out for help from government, opposition
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
A longtime former volunteer and advocate for low-income and seniors in Weyburn, Fred Sandeski, along with wife Teresa, reached out for help to the opposition and to government after finding themselves in a dire situation.
Fred had been placed in respite care at the Weyburn Special Care Home for a month, as Teresa prepared to undergo surgery for kidney stones. Once the month was up, he was then required to pay to stay in care, which the Sandeskis could not afford as they are both on a fixed income.
The cost for him to stay would be about $1,380 per month, or $50 a day. Fred is on a pension, and Teresa is on Old Age Security. She had been able to work for a while at the Wal-Mart to supplement their income, but she is no longer able to work.
Subsequently, Fred tried to reach the government, first attempting to call Dustin Duncan, but finding his number no longer in service, he tried to find a contact for newly-elected MLA Mike Weger, but was not able to reach him at first.
When contacted by email, Weger noted he is in the midst of having his phone and email set up for his constituency office, and he then reached out to the Sandeskis.
Meantime, the couple were visited by MLA Keith Jorgenson, who is the NDP’s shadow minister for Seniors, and they explained their situation to him.
Teresa is due to leave Friday for her surgery, leaving Fred alone. Due to Fred’s health issues, including COPD and blindness, he requires 24-hour care, which was why he was originally placed in respite care.
“It’s a shocking situation,” said Jorgenson, as he met the couple in their apartment on Tuesday.
“These are people who’ve worked hard all of their life, and who has been an advocate for people in Weyburn for many years.”
He noted he is sending a letter to the Health Minister, and planned to bring this issue up in Question Period in the Legislature on Wednesday to let people know of their plight.
When told he would have to pay $45 or $50 a day for continued care, Fred said, “We just didn’t
Weyburn couple requests help
Teresa and Fred Sandeski made a plea to the government for help, reaching NDP MLA Keith Jorgenson, and later MLA Mike Weger. Due to their limited income, they are unable to pay for the care Fred needs when Teresa goes for surgery later this week.
have that kind of money. That’s as simple as it gets.”
While he was in respite care, Fred said the care he received was excellent, and added, “I understand
Payak and Calla Hrynewich.
where they’re coming from. It’s just really sad when the almighty dollar gets in the way.”
MLA Weger was able to reach Fred and Teresa later on Tuesday, and said, “I was able to talk to Fred just after 4 p.m. and my constituency assistant is taking a consent form to their apartment for signature so that I can
open a case file and pass on Fred’s situation to the appropriate ministry. I also went to the Ministry of Health office … and briefed them on the situation, and they will be contacting Fred and Teresa as soon as I get their consent form handed in.”
The couple now awaits word on whether there will be any assistance for
them as Teresa will soon be leaving for her surgery. Sandeski founded and ran the Community Low Income Centre for about 20 years at the CMHA building in Weyburn, and worked as an advocate for people who needed housing, as well as providing a free service to do people’s income tax returns at no charge.
The provincial government will extend the carbon tax exemption on home heating for the coming winter.
Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for SaskEnergy, introduced The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2024, which will fulfill the government’s commitment in the recent provincial election to extend the carbon tax exemption on
home heating.
In response to the federal government’s decision to stop charging the carbon tax on home heating oil, which primarily benefits families in Atlantic Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan ensured fairness for Saskatchewan families by removing the carbon tax on home heating, effective January 1, 2024.
Due to the expected increase in the carbon tax on April 1, 2025, from
$80 to $95 per tonne, the continued removal of the federal carbon tax from residential SaskEnergy bills will save the average Saskatchewan family approximately $480 in 2025. The Bill proposes to amend The SaskEnergy Act and The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2023, to repeal a sunset clause which is set to take effect on December 20, 2024.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Spirit Singers sing about fruitcake Spirit Singers members gather around Tauren Jack protectively, as they sing about “Grandma’s Killer Fruitcake” at the Carol Festival last Sunday evening. The girls include, from left, Brinlee Klapak, Jyllian
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
COMMUNITY
Raising bids at the Tree Festival
Winston Bailey, front left, raised his hand in the hopes of getting more bids on a tree at the Festival of Trees auction on November 27. The trees auction, along with the silent auction, raised a record amount of over $93,000 for the Family Place resource centre.
Weyburn Chamber names top winners of Parade of Lights
The top two winners of the 2024 Parade of Lights were named by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
Over 50 brightly-lit decorated floats took part in the 30th annual parade, held on a chilly Thursday evening in downtown
Weyburn.
“Our hats go off to all our parade participants. The creativity and hard work that goes into each entry is amazing,” said Monica Osborn, executive director of the Weyburn Chamber.
“Each year, our parade
gets better and we thank everyone in attendance, especially in the frigid temperatures,” she added.
Although the judges had a difficult time determining a winner in each category, in the end they made their announcement.
The parade awards
winners in the two categories. In the business category, the winning float was from Minard’s Leisure World, and for the organization category, Mainil Farms was named the winner.
The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce extended
gratitude to all of the organizations, businesses and community members who entered the parade. They also thanked the Weyburn Police Service, the City of Weyburn, Don’s Plumbing and Heating, and the judges for their service.
“This year’s parade was a great event, as the community pride of our residents continues to be a driving force celebrating Weyburn’s activities and events,” said Osborn. “It was a lot of fun, and we hope to see you all in next year’s parade.”
Ministerial Message: Why Advent is important, and the purpose
By Pastor Brian Hopfe,
Generations Pastor Weyburn Free Methodist Church
Can you believe it? Here we are less than 20 days away from Christmas. That seems so crazy even to think about.
Every year it seems that the days go by more quickly than the year previously. And by the time this article is published, the season of Advent will have already begun.
In Christian circles,
Advent is what we call the four Sundays and the days leading up to December 25th.
Each Sunday in Advent we light a candle which emphasizes themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love. Why do we do this? What is the purpose of it? We set aside this period of time to help us to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas.
The word Advent comes from the Latin
word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.”
For Christians, Advent is an important part of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, which culminates on Christmas Day.
During this time many of us as Christians en -
gage in prayer and reflection of just what it means that the little Baby Jesus was born.
How amazing it is that God Almighty, the creator and sustainer of all things, would take on the form of a baby who is
totally dependent upon others for everything, that he would come to earth to be our Saviour and Redeemer.
So during this Advent season I encourage you to take some time and be amazed with me at just what it means that God Almighty came to earth. Be amazed with me that He who we look to as the little babe in the manger at Christmas time, in just a few short months at Easter we will look to as the Saviour of the world.
Wheatland Senior Centre holds activities
The Weyburn Wheatland Seniors Centre held a number of games and activities in the week of Nov. 25-29, with the following results.
The winners of Spades on Nov. 25 were, in first, Ernie Lokken; in second, Stan Hubick; and in third, Erskine Sandiford.
In military whist on Nov. 25, the team of Gerry Thompson, Garth White, Marie Marcotte and Ruth Boren won first; Cris Herlick, Phyllis Lindskog, Ione Schnell and Marlene Szczecinski placed second; and Jeanne Molnar and Elaine Frasz came in third.
The winners of Kaiser
on Nov. 26 were Marie Marcotte and Eva Morley in first; Jean Fahlman and Theresa Istace in second; and Brenda Paul and Marlene Szczecinski in third.
In Canasta on Nov. 27, the winners were Ione Schnell in first; Shirley Cherpin in second; Marlene Szczecinski in third; Marge Warnke in fourth; and Trena Maas in fifth.
The winners of HiLow Whist on Nov. 27 were, in first place, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson;
in second, Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum in second; Ray and Connie Boucher in third.
In cribbage on Nov. 28, Shirley Sparks and Dave Frayn were first; Sheila Greiner and Stan Hubick came second; and Cheryl Vogel and Emily Zyla placed third.
The winners of Friday bridge on Nov. 29 were, in first, Dave Frayn; in second, Erskine Sandiford; and in third, Lucie Nickel.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
GREEN ENERGY HYPE ISN’T BACKED BY THE DATA
Written by Denise Mullen and Jock Finlayson
A common narrative these days holds that the world is in the midst of an epic energy transition. However, the data don’t support this view.
Energy demand and supply patterns aren’t static, of course, and some change is certainly afoot. Yet the pace of change is best described as modest and incremental, not dramatic and transformative. The energy transition story favoured by many politicians and environmental groups is influenced by what psychologists call “availability bias” and “confirmation bias.”
Proponents of the rapid energy transition story want you to believe that an extraordinary shift is taking place, in some cases because they see this as a way to bolster public support for an agenda focused on raising taxes, redistributing taxpayers’ money, subsidizing new technologies, and expanding the size and role of government in the economy.
Many accept the arguments of proponents of a dramatic energy transition without reservation. But the raw data on worldwide energy supply and demand are inconsistent with these claims.
For one thing, the demand for energy is increasing almost in a straight line as the world’s population and economic output grow – and as lower and middle-income economies seek to climb the ladder to greater prosperity. Globally, consumption of traditional forms of energy –coal, oil and natural gas – for use in industrial processes, transportation, electricity generation, and the heating and cooling of buildings is rising, particularly in China, India and other developing nations that are now the main drivers of the growth of energy consumption.
Importantly, all fuels – primarily non-
renewables – underpin modern societies and economies. The ubiquitous mover of people and goods, the internal combustion engine, continues to dominate worldwide, even if some stories suggest otherwise. It is striking that in 2023, fourfifths of global energy demand was still being met with fossil fuels, a share that’s little changed from two or three decades ago. Greenhouse gas emissions also continue to increase, particularly in transportation and in many emerging market economies.
To be clear, when talking about “the energy transition,” we are talking about greenhouse gas emissions and electricity generation. There is a belief in some quarters that adding more “clean” electricity will quickly reshape the global energy system and cause emissions to plunge. Innumerable media stories, press releases from governments, and reports from advocacy organizations suggest a tipping point in global energy use has been reached or is close at hand.
But, once again, the data say otherwise. That’s partly because electricity – a sector poised to grow as countries strive to reduce reliance on fossil fuels – makes up less than 20 per cent of overall global energy output. Non-traditional renewable energy – wind and solar, biomass and “other” – provide only three per cent of the world’s energy. Biofuels supply less than half a per cent.
While these less emissions-intensive forms of energy are becoming more popular and demand for them is climbing, in absolute terms, they are simply too small a share of the worldwide energy mix for this to have much effect.
In any case, the conversation about “renewables” and biofuels conveniently overlooks some significant issues that complicate the energy
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transition story.
The first issue is the energy needed to manufacture machines and run energy systems and processes. “Renewable” energy is not emissionsfree from a life-cycle perspective, considering the raw materials and other inputs required to build renewable generation facilities and the supporting transmission infrastructure.
Second, “renewables” and biofuels require significant amounts of land to produce or generate energy. Communities are becoming increasingly aware of these impacts and saying no to the loss of land and landscape effects caused by alternative energy development. In many countries, this resistance is likely to slow the pace of any broader energy transition.
Despite concerns over emissions, the world continues to demand and use more energy. This is a fact. The data show no detectable signs of a rapid shift toward a fundamentally different energy mix. Without groundbreaking new technology, the steady increase in energy demand is expected to persist.
Remarkably, despite much doomsday messaging, the world now uses less energy per person and per unit of economic output than in the past. This is good news, pointing to some decoupling of energy consumption from emissions. However, this positive development does not indicate that a historic global energy transition is imminent or already underway.
• Denise Mullen is Director of Environment, Sustainability and Indigenous Relations at the Business Council of British Columbia.
• Jock Finlayson is Chief Economist at the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), which is Canada’s largest construction industry association.
Tips on balancing family, career and anxieties
By Stan Popovich
It can be difficult for adults to take care of their families, careers, and stresses at the same time. Many times, worry and fear can get the best of you when your overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done.
As a result, here are some work life balance tips on how to take care of your family and your career without getting overly stressed.
1. Set goals: An important way to remove stress is to set goals for yourself when you manage your family or career. When you get up in the mornings, try to set some daily goals for you to accomplish. When you accomplish these goals, you will feel happier and more confident to do more things.
2. Delegate: When taking care of your family, get your spouse to help you out. If your kids are older, get them to assist you. If you are at work, only take on what you can handle. Don’t try to do everything all at once. Learn to delegate and work with other people.
3. Evaluate your situation: If you try to do everything, you will get stressed out and anxious. A person can only do so much in a given day. Learn to manage your responsibilities. If you feel like you are doing too much, then take a break and evaluate your situation.
4. Learn to calm down: Take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get your mind off of your anxieties and stresses. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, watch TV, play on the computer, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. This will distract you from your current worries.
5. Prioritize: Try to do things in terms of their importance. Let’s say that you have to clean the living room, go to the supermarket, and wash the dishes. You decide to go to the supermarket since that is the most important thing that needs to be accomplished. You make the choice to do the other two tasks later on. Determine what needs done right away and do those things first.
Telling Santa about her family
Starr quietly shared with Santa Claus what she wanted for Christmas, and talked some about her family. Her siblings and parents came in for the sensory-friendly time with Santa, hosted by Inclusion Weyburn at Zion Lutheran Church last Saturday.
SGI provides alternatives for customers with mailing addresses
SGI is asking customers with P.O. box mailing addresses to provide alternative contact information to minimize service interruptions during the Canada Post strike. While high-priority mail is being sent via courier to reduce disruptions, couriers cannot deliver to P.O. boxes.
If your mailing address is a P.O. box and you’re
concerned about missing important documents, please contact your motor licence issuer or our Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1844-855-2744) to provide alternative contact details. They also encourage customers to visit their issuer or use MySGI to update their contact information and select email as
their preferred communication method.
Local residents can also check with a motor licence issuer or a Customer Service Centre to see when a driver’s licence or vehicle registration expires. Please renew your vehicle registration and driver’s licence before expiry to ensure your insurance coverage remains active.
Sask. RCMP officers to begin wearing body-worn cameras
Beginning this month, the Saskatchewan RCMP will start the roll out of body-worn cameras throughout their jurisdiction in the province.
RCMP police officers in Fort Qu’Appelle detachment started using body-worn cameras on November 19,. This was followed by roll outs over the next four weeks at RCMP detachments in the communities of Black Lake, Fond du Lac, Pelican Narrows, Onion Lake and Punnichy.
The roll out to all remaining RCMP Detachments will take place in a phased approach over the next eight to 12 months.
Body-worn cameras are part of the RCMP’s ongoing efforts to be transparent and accountable to the communities we serve. The video evidence collected on body-worn cameras will provide an independent, unbiased and objective way to capture interactions between the public and police officers.
The cameras will be worn by front line uniformed RCMP officers who will only activate their camera while in the lawful execution of their duties. An example of this is when contact is initiated with a member of the public for the purpose of a
police investigation or to record police statements that would normally be taken out in the field as part of their duties.
In situations where there are concerns for police or public safety, or the video has investigational value, RCMP policy requires police officers to keep their body-worn camera on and recording.
The use of these cameras will be complemented by a digital evidence management system that will be used to store and manage body-worn video. Body-worn cameras and the digital evidence man -
agement system will become the new national standard for general duty RCMP police officers.
“As we continue to modernize as Saskatchewan’s provincial police service, body-worn cameras will have a role in our ongoing trust-building with the communities and people we serve,” said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP. “Body-worn cameras are one more tool we can use as police officers in our daily duties and in being accountable to the public.”
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
A body camera worn by an RCMP officer.
SPORTS
Team Sask takes a selfie
The members of Team Streifel, representing Saskatchewan at the Senior Women’s National Curling Championship in Moncton, N.B., posed for a selfie by Weyburn curler Danette Tracey, with their volunteer team driver. The team includes includes skip Tracy Streifel, third Candace Newkirk, second Danette Tracey of Weyburn, and lead Julie Vandenameele.
Weyburn Gold Wings drop pair to Swift Current Wildcats
The Weyburn U18 Gold Wings suffered a pair of losses to the Swift Current Wildcats over the weekend, with the games played in Radville due Weyburn’s rink closure.
They were doubled 4-2 on Saturday night, and then lost 4-0 on Sunday.
In Saturday’s game, Weyburn’s first goal was scored by Peyton Halayka from Julia Durr in the second period.
The second was scored by Halayka on an assist by Liv Peck in the third period, briefly tying the game.
Swift Current scored then, and sealed the game with an empty-net goal with three seconds on the clock.
Amy Swayze was the goaltender for the full game, making 29 saves on 32 shots on net.
In the second game, Tila Boyd was the goalie for the
game, and made 36 saves on 40 shots on net.
The girls will be on the road this weekend, as they travel to Saskatoon for a pair of league games on Dec. 7 and 8.
They are scheduled to host Regina on Dec. 11, but it is unknown if Crescent Point Place will be reopened by that point. Weyburn’s ice rinks are closed currently due to a minor ammonia leak.
Weyburn curler on Sask team at senior curling nationals
Weyburn curler Danette Tracey is part of Saskatchewan’s women’s representative at the 2024 Everest Canadian Senior Curling Championships in Moncton, N.B, which runs from Dec. 2-7.
She plays second on Team Streifel Nutana Curling Club, which includes skip Tracy Streifel, third Candace Newkirk, and lead Julie Vandenameele.
Team Streifel was
second in Pool A as of Wednesday morning, with a 3-1 record.
They won their first game, which was against Team Newfoundland-Labrador, by the score of 7-4.
The second game was a 9-4 victory over Team Quebec on Monday, and they then had their first loss on Monday evening, as they were edged out 6-5 by Team New Brunswick.
Their fourth game was a 9-3 win over Northern
Ontario, and on Wednesday they had two games on the schedule, past press time. The first was against Manitoba, and the second against Nova Scotia. The men’s provincial champions, Team Bryden of the Callie Curling Club, is also at the national championship, and is comprised of skip Randy Bryden, third Troy Robinson, second Russ Bryden and lead Chris Semenchuk.
Hockey Weyburn to host first Outdoor Winter Classic
While City of Weyburn crews work to reinstall ice in the city’s skating rinks, the City is partnering with Hockey Weyburn to host a U9 hockey tournament at the outdoor rink at the Credit Union Spark Centre this weekend.
The forecast is calling for nice weather, and with the exceptional quality of the outdoor rink, predic -
tions are this event may become a winter classic in Weyburn.
The tournament will feature 16 teams and nearly 190 hockey players.
Playing under open skies offers unique opportunities for these young players and their families, creating unforgettable memories of the game in a special setting.
“This collaboration highlights the City’s resilience and dedication to supporting community groups, ensuring events continue even during challenging times,” said Andrew Crowe, director of leisure services. “We’re thrilled to be part of this memorable moment and proud of the community’s ability to adapt and thrive.”
City completes ice plant repairs
The City of Weyburn recently shared progress on the situation at Crescent Point Place and Tom Zandee Sports Arena.
Repairs to the ice plant have been completed, and the plant will be restarted once final safety tests are approved.
Due to the extended downtime of the refrigeration system, both sheets of ice were lost and have been removed by City crews.
Preparations are now underway to rebuild the ice surfaces. The ice-making
process will begin once the floor slabs reach the necessary temperature, a step that is already in progress.
To streamline the process and expedite installation, the City has developed a collaborative plan that brings together City staff, volunteers from the Weyburn Red Wings, and the expertise of Canadian Arena Services, a third-party contractor.
“We are optimistic that the ice-making process can start before the end of this week,” said Andrew Crowe, Director of Leisure Services. “We appreciate the patience of our user groups and the community as we work diligently to bring the facilities back into full operation.”
A more definitive timeline will be shared with user groups and the public later this week as the ice installation progresses.
Happy to score a goal
A member of Team Pink turned with a smile after scoring on the boys team, in a U7 game held last Saturday at the Credit Union Spark Centre. A number of games were held throughout the day for all age levels by the Weyburn Soccer Association.
Photo – courtesy Danette Tracey
Photo – Greg Nikkel,
A Parade of Lights and Colours
Singing carols in the parade
A number of pastors and ministers made up the singers on the float for the Weyburn Ministerial Association, singing carols in the Parade of Lights.
In the shed for Mainil Farms float
Part of the large group on the Mainil Farms float were in this shed to huddle together in the chill air. From left to right are Emily Erasmus, and Lexie, Gracie and Elias Mainil. This float won the award for the best float by an organization.
A farm for Christmas trees
The Barber Motors float had a “Tree Farm” theme, in the Parade of Lights, with the trees already sporting Christmas lights as they grow up to be tall for a future Christmas.
Kids ride in giant
A large sled on the Dart Services float was filled with kids who had fun riding in the Parade of Lights held last Thursday night.
The CMHA float had some giant gingerbread cookies going, with the theme of “Baking Spirits Bright”, in the Parade of Lights.
Fire
passengers
at spectators
sleigh
CMHA is ‘Baking Spirits Bright’
engine passengers in the parade
Two young
waved
watching the Parade of Lights, as they got to ride in Engine 51 from the Weyburn Fire Department.
Craft sale held at Knox Hall
Vendors from Weyburn and surrounding areas filled Knox Hall held last Saturday for a Christmas craft and baking sale. Many area residents came to do some Christmas shopping and check out the various products available.
Seven St ars Energy Project Town hall & open house
Weyburn schools prepare for music, drama in December
Weyburn’s schools have a full calendar of concerts and presentations in December in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Legacy Park Elementary is planning to present four concerts for their families, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 17 and 18, with two musicals performed twice each day.
On Dec. 17, The Littlest Reindeer will be performed at 9:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., featuring Kindergarten, and Grades 1-3 and 5-6.
‘Twas One Crazy Night Before Christmas will be the second musical, to be presented at 10:35 a.m. and 7:15p.m., with students from Grades 2-6 taking part.
On Dec. 18, the Holly Jolly Jalopy will be performed at 9:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., with K-6 students. Then, The Greatest Snowman play will be performed at 10:35 a.m. and 7:15 p.m., with Grades 1-6 students taking part.
At Assiniboia Park
School, their concerts will be presented on Dec. 18 and 19, also with four productions to be put on.
On Dec. 18, the English Kindergarten and Grade 1 classes will present “Christmas Celebration” at 10:30 a.m. “North Pole’s Got Talent” will be performed at 1:30 and 7 p.m., with Grades 2-5 students putting it on.
On Dec. 19, “Christmas Celebration” will be performed by French Immersion Kindergarten and Grade 1 students at 10:30 a.m. “Peter Pan Christmas” will be performed at 1:30 and 7 p.m., with Grades 2, 4 and 6 students taking part.
St. Michael School will have a number of concerts and a musical play in December.
The junior high grades had an art show and band concert on Dec. 4.
Coming up on Dec. 10, the Pre-K to Grade 1s will have a concert at 2 p.m., and the Grades 2-3 students
will perform at 6:30 p.m. On Dec. 17, the Grades 4-6 will put on a concert at 6:30 p.m.
Meantime, the musical
“The Magical Land of Oz” will be performed twice, on Dec. 11 and 13, at 7 p.m. both nights.
Tickets for the musical are $10 each, and are available at the St. Michael School office. Proceeds from the tickets will go towards the costs of the scripts and set design for the musical.
The Weyburn Comprehensive School will have two nights of holiday music, on Dec. 11 and 12, starting at 7 p.m. both nights.
The junior concert, on Dec. 11, will feature the Grade 7, 8 and 9 bands and the Junior Jazz Band. The senior concert on Dec. 12 will include the WCS Senior Choir, RISE Choir, Senior Band and Senior Jazz Band. Admission both nights will be by donation at the door.
Enbridge to reveal changes to wind turbine project at meeting
There will be changes and updates in the proposed wind turbine project by Enbridge, which representatives said will be revealed at their town hall meeting slated for Wednesday, Dec. 11 at McKenna Hall.
The evening will go from 6 to 8 p.m., with an open house slated for the first hour, and then a presentation will be made at 7 p.m. with a question-andanswer period afterward.
representatives in attendance for a meeting held by the RM of Weyburn on Nov. 14, and while they wouldn’t reveal what the changes were, they promised there will be differences from what they initially proposed for the project.
As part of our commitment to keeping communities informed about our work, Enbridge is pleased to invite you to a Town Hall to learn more about the proposed Seven Stars Energy Project within the Rural Municipalities of Griffin No 66 and Weyburn No 67 The 200-megawatt wind project will be operated by Enbridge and provide a stable source of renewable power for the people of Saskatchewan. Final design will be determined through public engagement, environmental and regulatory reviews, and requirements set out by SaskPower.
Please join us—your feedback is important as it helps guide project development.
Agenda
6 – 7 p.m. Open House
An opportunity to review updated project information, including a revised project layout and schedule, and to speak to project team members and industry experts.
7 – 8 p.m. Town Hall presentation followed by Q&A We’ll deliver a short presentation, leaving time afterward for your questions
Please join us:
Wednesday, Dec. 11
6 – 8 p.m.
McKenna Hall, Upper Auditorium
317 3rd St NE Weyburn, SK
To learn more about the Seven Stars Energy Project, scan this QR code or visit enbridge.com/sevenstarsenergy
The company is proposing to build and operate a 200-megawatt wind turbine project in the RMs of Griffin and Weyburn. They asked for a pause in the project a couple of months ago, after receiving an angry backlash from many residents of the two RMs about what was proposed.
Enbridge had three
In a statement issued by Enbridge after the meeting, the company said, “At the town hall, we plan to share a new project schedule that will allow more time for community engagement and a revised wind turbine layout that incorporates larger minimum residential setback distances, among other design considerations. In the meantime, Enbridge remains committed to having conversations with Weyburn-area residents, gathering input and working with the commun-
ity to help shape what we believe will be a beneficial project for the area and the local economy.”
Among the promised changes will be adjustments to the timeline and to the proposed setbacks, based on the feedback they have been getting from RM area residents, the RM meeting was told.
The proposed setbacks have been a hot bone of contention since it was revealed they were going to request a reduction of setbacks from 1,000 metres to 750 metres, for the distance a wind turbine can be from an RM residence.
The request to the RM was part of what the company put on pause, and the project update will apparently address this issue, among others.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
the Crokicurl
City staff flooded the ice for the outdoor Crokicurl sheet by the Credit Union Spark Centre, ready for games over the winter.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Music of Christmas at Carol Festival
Youth Choir sings of love
The St. Vincent de Paul Youth Choir clapped along as they sang “Put a Little Love In Your Heart”. They took part in the Carol Festival held last Sunday afternoon and also performed “African Noel” and “Come On Ring Those Bells”.
Singing ‘A Holiday Road’ of carols
The Weyburn Comp Senior Choir clapped as they sang a medley in the
Road of Carols”at the Carol Festival on Sunday evening. The
‘Here We Come A-Carolling’
The Weyburn Free Methodist Church Choir sang “Here We Come A-Carolling”, as well as a medley of Christmas carols. They were joined by Rotary members to finish the afternoon session by singing “Silent Night”.
Harmonies of ‘Angels We Have Heard on High’
Members of the Christian Mennonite Church of Yellow Grass sang a cappella, as they performed “Angels We Have Heard on High”, along with “God Rest Ye Gentlemen” at the Carol Festival on Sunday afternoon.
Rotary Club leads community singing
Members of the Weyburn Rotary Club helped to lead the community singing to start off the evening performances of the Carol Festival. The Rotary Club took over organizing the festival from the Quota Club when they dissolved a few years ago.
“Holiday
choir then joined the Rotary Club members to sing “Silent Night” by candlelight.
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SE Cornerstone: human resources play vital roles in education
By Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD
Education you might say, begins with content. How that can be delivered to young minds in an educational system is a vital component of a school division’s human resources sector.
The role of the HR superintendent is not just restricted to educators, but includes all elements of support and outreach to students and their families.
Nathan Johnson, superintendent of human resources for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division gave a presentation to the board of trustees on Nov. 20 on the HR activities over the past several months.
After briefly referring to that sector’s organizational chart, Johnson, by means of a verbal report aided by some video charts, posted information for the members regarding such matters as staffing levels, employee agreements, risk management and a few projects, some recently launched and others on the horizon.
Beginning with the core group of teachers, Johnson said SECPSD supports 563 teachers and 648 support staff members who work within the division’s 35 schools plus other facilities, such as the head office.
Going into more detail, Johnson said the teaching group included 482.5 full time equivalent teaching
positions plus 32.93 FTE response to intervention (RTI) teachers and 37.62 FTE Learning Support Teachers.
Recruitment continues as a crucial aspect of the human resources teams as they are responsible for acquiring the services of, not only teachers, but also administrators, substitute teachers, support staffers that include bus drivers and division office leaders.
Obtaining educators in difficult-to-fill roles such as French immersion instructors, practical and applied arts educators, teachers ready to educate learners in smaller rural schools as well as learning support teachers, and bus drivers, all come under the HR banner.
Currently SECPSD includes 230 educational assistants within its system as well as 46 administrative assistants, 78 caretakers and technicians, 158 bus drivers, 28 library technicians and 17 counsellors all within the support staff environments.
As far as union elements are concerned, Johnson said current agreements with CUPE and SEIU are in effect until August of next year while a local agreement with other professionals expires at the end of July 2027. The out-of-scope handbook was last reviewed two years ago, in mid-February, he said.
In addressing the need for substitute teachers, Johnson said, “we are meeting the challenge.”
Other areas of focus for human resources includes occupational health and safety and the division is reaching the conclusion of their three-year plan and project.
Referring to other recent projects, Johnson noted the Atrieve online booking system for substitute teachers has been deployed since February and it will be used to book other support staff soon so the system can be more fully utilized. There have been some challenges such as “ensuring the right people are being called and calls to be made after 4 p.m.” have been smoothed out and appreciated. Currently there are no major legal actions to meet, but there are always some elements of risk management to be addressed on a regular basis. Accessing recruitment opportunities on a quicker response plan is being implemented and HR was ready to negotiate temporary contracts on a regular basis.
The Administrator Recruitment/Selection/Support Program launched in February is out and in place and will be used to find at least two administrators to fill roles in the next academic year due to retirements. “We have an administration information night planned for early January,” he said. Items such as grievances from employees also comes under the HR banner as well as reactions to the current teacher collective bargaining campaign and pending agreement.
Finding professionals to fill roles is a challenge, Johnson said, so they attend university hiring fairs, plus hold interviews. HR also uses the Apply to Education service to attract candidates from across Canada and, naturally, they continue to access the current employee base to assist in the recruitment of candidates for employment in SECPSD.
A social media presence is also important, as is a healthy internship program within the division that allows young educators emerging from university to explore the system to get a feel for the environments and opportunities that exist in southeast Saskatchewan. Johnson wrapped up his presentation with words of thanks for the support of the governing board and they, in turn, thanked him for the role he is playing
Several Weyburn area groups receive charitable gaming grants
Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) provided $2.8 million in charitable gaming grants in the second quarter of 2024-25, benefiting more than 1,400 groups and organizations across the province, including several in the Weyburn region.
“Our government is committed to ensuring that communities across Saskatchewan share in the benefits from gaming,” Minister Responsible for LGS Jeremy Harrison said.
Grants were paid to charitable groups and organizations in Weyburn and in several communities in the surrounding area.
In Weyburn, the groups included Color My World Child Care Inc., which receives $806.58; Legacy Park’s school community council, $1,792.23; Little Discoveries Early Learning Co-op, $5,899.68; Sunrise Early Learn and Teen Parent Support Centre, $4,026.31; U13 AA Youngfellows Wings, $409.50; U15 A Weyburn Creekside Gold Wings,$473.38, and the U15 A Weyburn Dodge Wings, $226.25.
Other groups include the Weyburn Lacrosse Association, which received $2,544.83;
Weyburn Oilwomen Association, $2,075.54; Weyburn Razorbacks Junior Lacrosse, $42.88; Weyburn Soccer Association, $180; Weyburn branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, $5,448.36; and the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation, $3,110.50.
The Weyburn groups also included The Family Place, $3,891.88; Weyburn AAA U18 Gold Wings, $815.22; Weyburn Gymnastics Club, $4,218.68; Weyburn Senior Beavers Baseball Club, $209.80; and Weyburn Wheatland Seniors Centre, $1,180.36.
In Ceylon, the U13AA Weyburn Beavers received $625; the Ceylon Gap Swim Committee received $233.75; and the U11 Weyburn Wild received $500.
In Creelman, the Creelman Community Complex received $371.25, and in Fillmore, the Fillmore Public Library received $294.50; the Prairie Memories Museum received $25.63; and the Fillmore Rec Centre received $187.50.
The Gladmar Rec Board received $350, and in Khedive, the Khedive Heritage Recreation Club received $535. Two groups in Midale received funds, including the MORE 2000
Organization, $456.25, and the Souris Valley Antique Association, $88.75.
In Osage, the St. Michaels’ Ukrainian Orthodox Church received $152.50, and in Stoughton, the Tecumseh branch of the Royal Canadian Legion received $1,723.38, and the Stoughton Lions Club received $480.
Five groups received funds in Radville, including the Radville Laurier Regional Park Authority, $329.50; the Radville Marian Health Care Auxiliary, $800; Radville Minor Ball, $204.75; Radville Minor Hockey Association, $1,832; and the Radville Public Library, $200.
These quarterly grants are paid to groups and organizations in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities. The grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event, up to a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually.
The amount of each grant paid by LGS to each charity is calculated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority based on financial reports and other information submitted by the group or organization.
Buddying up to Santa Claus
Lane Chinski had a chat with Santa Claus, while visiting him as part of the “sensory-friendly” times Santa had available to families on Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church. He had a full day of booked appointments where kids could visit one-on-one without any crowds around to see, and there was a drop-in time added this year, all hosted by Inclusion Weyburn.
SGI warns residents of scam emails
SGI is aware that scammers are targeting Saskatchewan residents with emails claiming to be from SGI. The subject line and text of the emails is ever changing but they’ve cov-
Santa helps load the fire truck
Santa Claus lent a hand to fire fighters Kelsey Arnott and Chuck Hignett, and fire chief Trent Lee, as they loaded up the fire truck with donated toys as part of the Fire Department’s Toy Drive held last Saturday in front of Canadian Tire. The fire fighters also had a truck in front of Wal-Mart, and at the end of their drive, the toys were all delivered to the Family Place.
ered subjects like residency confirmation and registration requests. SGI does not contact customers via email to receive this kind of information.
If you’re unsure if an email claiming to be from SGI is legitimate, contact your local licence issuer or the SGI Customer Service Centre at 1-844-TLK2SGI (855-2744). Don’t use the phone number or email address included in the suspect email. These emails can be very convincing, so approach any email claiming to be from SGI with a skeptical eye and never click on a link until you are 100-per-cent confident it’s
a legitimate email. If you’ve discovered that the email is fraudulent, don’t click on any links. Report the email as spam through your email provider and delete the email. If you did click on links in a fraudulent email or provided your personal information to someone who shouldn’t have it, contact the police and take the steps suggested by the Canadian AntiFraud Centre.
Please also notify SGI of the potential issue. There are steps you can take to have your SGI information password protected. You can do this at any SGI motor licence issuing office.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
