Vol.115 No. 03 - Weyburn, Saskatchewan
weyburnreview
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 16 Pages
Do you know the artist?
This painting of TC Douglas is in the city’s permanent art collection. Help find the artist. Page 2
Test your skills with our Mammoth Crossword Puzzle on pages 7-10!
Year in Review
July - December
Enjoy a look back at the news makers from 2024.
Pages 12-16
On the firing line
Participants in the 3D archery shoot competition lined up to take aim at their chosen targets on Saturday, for the annual event hosted by the Weyburn Wildlife Federation at the Goodwater Community Rink. There were 25 participants on Saturday and 21 on Sunday, with more youth taking part. The scores depended on hitting the target area on each animal, each set at particular distances from the firing line.
Concerns raised at Leg. about finances of Weyburn couple with health issues
By John Cairns and Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Concerns are being raised again at the Legislature about the financial situation facing Weyburn resident Fred and Teresa Sandeski.
The New Democrats had been calling on the Sask Party government to step up to address the situation of Fred Sandeski, a longtime volunteer and advocate in Weyburn who has raised concerns about the mounting bills for his end of life care.
Sandeski, who is not expected to have a lot of time left to live, is in respite care at a cost of $45 a day — an amount that raised concerns from the Sandeskis about their ability to afford rent.
On social media, a video was posted recently by the NDP in which their Seniors critic Keith Jorgenson was shown meeting with Fred Sandeski. In that video, Jorgenson reviewed a letter Sandeski received from the province.
But instead of that envelope containing an offer from the health ministry to help, it contained a bill. Jorgenson spoke more about that meeting, and what he learned of Sandeski’s situation, at a news conference at the Legislature Friday.
“The only official cor-
respondence that Fred has received from this provincial government is a bill,” said Jorgenson.
“In fact, rather than help him, someone first suggested medical assistance in dying, and now they have asked Fred and his wife to involuntarily separate to get a small government benefit. Can you imagine asking somebody at the end of their life... to separate from their spouse in order to pay their bills? This is cruel and unnecessary.”
Weyburn-Bengough
MLA Mike Weger took issue with some of the assertions made by Jorgenson, pointing out, “At no time did the Government of Saskatchewan suggest that Mr. Sandeski separate from his wife.”
He provided an explanation of the process used by the Sask Health Authority.
“For married persons who reside in separate homes for reasons beyond their control, they may choose to complete an Optional Designation form, which may assist with the monthly charge. With this form, only the resident’s income is considered when calculating the monthly resident charge. Choosing the Optional Designation does not change a couple’s marital status.” In terms of the level
of care for Fred and Teresa, Weger said, “The Ministry, along with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, works with patients to help determine the most appropriate level of care. Care and services are planned and provided according to the needs of the individual. This could include respite care for people who normally live at home but are dependent on family for support, palliative care for those in the end-of-life stage and longterm care.”
Jorgenson said the minister “could solve this problem today. They should have solved it over a month ago. Saskatchewan seniors like Fred helped build this province. They deserve to age and die with dignity. Instead,
Fred is having to spend his last days trying to get ahold of Sask Party ministers. Our parents, our grandparents deserve better.”
Weger added that clients are assessed “endof-life stage” by a health care team within the SHA using a standard guide and checklist.
“Clients assessed as needing end-of-life care do not pay a monthly resident charge at special-care homes,” he said.
In regard to the bill sent to the Sandeskis, MLA Weger said he will continue to communicate concerns to the Ministers of Health, and specifically he will raise the issues around the bill directly with the Ministers’ Offices.
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn city council approved the preliminary budget on Monday evening, with a proposed tax increase of 6.2 per cent and a $50 increase in the base tax.
For an “average” home owner, for a home assessed at $300,000, the increase will add about $65 to the annual property tax bill, plus the base tax increase will be a total increase of about $115 to the tax bill or around $10 a month, said director of finance Laura Missal. These increases will bring the municipal tax from $1,145 to $1,210, and the base tax goes up from $845 in 2024 to $895 per residential property. (These taxes do not include the provincial education tax, which last year was around $1,362 for a property at this assessment level.)
The City will now hold two open houses, on Thursday, Jan. 16 and Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 5-7 p.m. both days in the Sun Room at the Weyburn Leisure Centre.
Department heads will be present to answer questions, along with the police and fire chiefs, and members of city council, as council seeks to find out what suggestions or comments the public has to make on the proposed budget before the finalized version is voted on.
The last opportunity for input will be on Monday, Jan. 27, when delegations can appear before council to make their points or comments on the budget, and coun -
cil will vote on the final version of the budget.
The net operating budget for 2025 will total $26,226,575, which includes $23,341,075 for the operating budget, and $2,885,500 for the capital budget. Of this amount, 48.78 per cent goes to wages and benefits; 21.16 per cent to maintenance, material and supplies; 9.47 per cent to professional and contractual costs; 6.44 per cent in transfers to the capital fund; 4.72 per cent to utilities; 2.57 per cent for internal loans; 3.21 per cent for grants, and1.33 per cent for interest costs.
The capital budget includes $110,000 to the police department for new fleet; $12,000 to the fire department for a hose adapter and fittings; $73,500 for the boardwalk replacement, and $200,000 for phase 1 of Young Fellows Park (on the Haig School grounds); $725,000 to repair the roof on the police station; and for public works, $15,000 for asphalt, $300,000 for new traffic lights, $600,000 for a new culvert on Highway 39, and $85,000 for stormwater-sanitary system modeling. There is also $240,000 for a tandem dump truck, and $25,000 for a cold planer skid steer attachment.
Among the initiatives for the Weyburn Police Service is switching over to next generation 911, which police chief Brent VanDeSype noted has been mandated to take place across Canada.
Continued on page 3
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Signs of a bitterly cold winter day
A sundog formed around the sun on Sunday morning in Weyburn, one of the signs that the temperatures were a bit on the frosty side, including a high wind chill as winds whipped up ice crystals in the air.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Enbridge
In early September, Enbridge committed to engaging more deeply with landowners and the Weyburn community regarding their proposed 200-megawatt Seven Stars Energy Project.
“The valuable input we have received led us to redesign our project layout to account for existing requirements in applicable bylaws. At our Town Hall in Weyburn in December, we provided the community with a full update of our revised project plan,” said David Coll, senior communications advisor for Enbridge.
“As we continue to make progress with the community on those matters, Enbridge is requesting the RM of Weyburn amend a 12-year-old wind turbine height restriction, under Zoning Bylaw 6-2013, to clearly allow for modern turbine technology and to align with bylaws in neighbouring RM of Griffin as well as other southern Saskatchewan municipalities where wind energy projects have recently been developed.”
He noted that today’s commercial wind turbines are typically in the range of 160-220 metres (525720 feet) tall, and there are no commercial-scale
The identity of who created two works in the City of Weyburn’s Permament Art Collection remains a mystery, in spite of the images being circulated throughout the province.
The two works include a painting of Tommy Douglas, former premier of Saskatchewan, and an old drawing of a man from the early 1900s.
turbines on the market today that would comply with the 45-metre (147.6ft) height restriction referenced in the RM of Weyburn’s existing zoning bylaw.
“We look forward to further dialogue with the RM on our amendment request,” said Coll.
As a company with more than seven decades of experience in working collaboratively with their neighbours in southern Saskatchewan, Enbridge will continue to engage with the community on all aspects of our project, which will create significant and sustained benefits for the RM of Weyburn, the RM of Griffin and the City of Weyburn – including employment, contracting and business opportunities, annual tax revenues, lease payments to landowners, sponsorship of community-driven programs and initiatives, spinoffs from spending locally, and rural road upgrading.
Over its anticipated 30-year lifespan, the project is expected to generate more than $100 million in estimated economic benefits for the Weyburn region while providing clean power for 100,000 Saskatchewan homes annually.
Both works are currently on display at the Weyburn Art Gallery, on the upper level.
The Douglas painting is signed only “Robin”, and there are no records of who created it or when it became part of the Permanent Art Collection.
It was found in 2020 by photographer Christopher Borshowa, as he had been commissioned
The Weyburn Police Service received 75 calls for service during the period of Jan. 5-12, 2025.
Police responded to a report of a break and enter to a business on Jan. 6. Investigation found that some items were stolen from the business, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police responded to a report of a vehicle accident on Sims Avenue on Jan. 5. There were no injuries, and one subject was charged with failing to yield to on-
to photograph each of the pieces of the
The painting was rolled up on top of a pile of art works, and he and curator Regan Lanning took it down to unroll it.
A CTV News crew did a piece on the mystery art work, and since it was broadcast, Lanning
coming traffic.
In the early morning hours on Jan. 8, police observed a vehicle with no lights. Police activated their emergency lights but the vehicle sped away at a dangerously high rate of speed. Through an investigation, a suspect has now been identified and charges are pending.
Police received a complaint of an adult female not following her probation order on Jan. 8. Charges were laid and the woman
said she had a couple of calls, but neither one panned out.
She checked on artists with “Robin” in their names, first or last, and has not been able to find the artist who did this painting.
Apparently the painting hung outside of the
was released for court at a later date. On the same date an adult male was also found to not be in compliance with his probation order. A charge was laid and the man was released for court on a later date.
Throughout the week, police were very busy with mental health calls and wellbeing checks, and some of these calls ended with the subject in distress taken to Weyburn General Hospital for assessments.
Police were also busy
T.C. Douglas Centre when the former Calvary Baptist Church building was moved up to South Hill, to its current location.
with domestic disturbances, and officers were able to mediate those occurrences in all cases but one where a subject was arrested and held in cells until sober. 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).
Lanning said she’s talked to many long-time artists and residents to find out if anyone remembers who provided the painting, and so far has drawn a blank. As for the old drawing, which is in an ornate frame, Lanning noted that due to the way it’s framed, she cannot separate it from the frame, and again there is no information provided as to the artist’s name or how it ended up in the art collection.
Source of drawing is a mystery
NOTICE
Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Griffin No 66 has passed an Interim Development Control Bylaw with approval from the Ministry of Government Relations
INTENT The Interim Development Control Bylaw was passed with the intent of providing development guidance during the development of an Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw for the Rural Municipality of Griffin No 66.
REASON As more development has come to the Rural Municipality of Griffin No 66 is has become apparent to council the need for an OCP and Zoning Bylaw.
Issued at Griffin Saskatchewan, this 8th day of January, 2025.
Tawnya Moore Administrator
The artist and subject of this drawing, likely done early in the 1900s, is a mystery, as no information was included with the work, found as part of the City of Weyburn’s Permanent Art Collection. Due to how it was put together, it cannot be separated from the frame.
than the name “Robin”.The painting may have hung on the exterior of the Tommy Douglas Centre for a little while after it was moved into place on the South Hill.
New Youth Council appointed
The youth council for 2025 was appointed by Weyburn city council on Monday evening in council chambers. From left are council advisor Coun. Kellie Sidloski, youth mayor Jackson Stadnek, secretary Yuan Presto, Bailey Roy, Mariesa Erasmus, Harper Williams and Mayor Jeff Richards.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photos – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Unique pieces emerge from Great Weyburn Pottery Throwdown
A summer exhibition of unique pottery pieces is in the works, with an ongoing competition challenging the members to stretch their creativity.
The Great Weyburn Pottery Throwdown has been running since September and will conclude at the end of June.
Weyburn Pottery Club members are submitting themed works every couple months to be judged by Casey Kievits, Marilyn Nelson and Chris Borshowa.
Themes have included Hometown Tribute, Self Representational Sculpture and Ying/Yang.
Upcoming challenges include a teapot and two cups, a creative lidded vessel and an animal sculpture. Regan Lanning participated in one of the challenges, and enjoyed the process.
“I love the challenges! They push participants to try new techniques, shapes and concepts. The creativity the competition has engendered amongst club members has been delightful to witness,” she said of the contest. An exhibition will run at the Weyburn Art Gallery from July 4 to September 26, with an opening reception to be held on Friday, July 4 at 7 p.m.
Judging
in the Great Weyburn Pottery Throwdown
Judges Christopher Borshowa, Marilyn Nelson and Casey Kievits looked over the entries in the Great Weyburn Pottery Throwdown. These pieces are currently on display in the case in front of the pottery studio. The best results of the Throwdown contest will comprise a summer pottery exhibit in the Weyburn Art Gallery.
SGI advises drivers to be alert and avoid costly collisions
January often means a return to our regular routines. And after the magic of the holidays, it can be hard to bring our focus back to business as usual. But when you’re driving, you can’t afford to linger in holiday mode. For January’s Traffic Safety Spotlight, SGI reminds drivers to stay alert on the roads to avoid collisions.
Speeding, following too closely, lack of care executing turns, use of cell phones and failure to adjust driving to road conditions are some of the main behaviours contributing to collisions in Saskatchewan. When drivers fail to follow basic rules of the road, the risk of a collision increases significantly.
“Collisions are dangerous, and our number one priority is keeping everyone safe on the roads,” said JP Cul -
len, Chief Operating Officer of the Auto Fund. “There’s also a financial cost to collisions, and no one wants to deal with the added expense of a collision, especially right after the holidays.”
If you’re responsible for a vehicle collision, you must pay a deductible, and deal with demerit points that could reduce your insurance discount or prompt a financial penalty. You may have to pay a ticket if a traffic offence resulted in the collision, which could also come with demerit points. Then there’s the hassle (and potential added cost) of being without a vehicle if yours is in the shop for repairs or gets written off entirely.
To keep yourself and others safe, and save money, here are a few tips to avoid getting into
Southeast area communities receive traffic safety grants
Close to $1.6 million has been awarded to support vital traffic safety improvement projects in 79 communities, thanks to the latest round of grants from the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund.
A total of 82 applications were approved for those communities. Nearly three-quarters of the projects focus on speed reduction measures.
The projects include the RM and Town of Francis, with the town receiving a grant of $4,163 for a speed display project, and the RM received$3,938 for speed management signs. The Town of Midale received $7,754 for solar speed signs adjacent to the Midale Daycare. The Town of Ogema received a grant of $12,719 for speed and intersection safety in the town.
The RM of Wellington received a grant of $9,282 towards a speed awareness project in the RM.
“There are hundreds of municipalities in Saskatchewan, and every community has specific needs,” Minister Responsible for SGI Jeremy Harrison said. “These grants are extremely beneficial because they fund safety improvements directly identified by each community. Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply for these grants and for working to make your communities
safer.”
Grants in this round of funding range from $197 to $100,000. The maximum amount of funding municipalities and Indigenous lands or territories can apply for is $100,000.
Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grants are given to communities twice a year, using proceeds from Photo Speed Enforcement. Since the program was established in 2019, $13.1 million has been provided for 870 projects in Saskatchewan.
Eligible projects must focus on one of the following traffic safety issues: speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, occupant protection, intersection safety, aggressive driving, vulnerable road users, or medically-at-risk drivers.
Applications are reviewed by a committee made up of representatives from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Highways and SGI. The Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant committee is accepting applications for the next round of funding. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2025.
a collision:
• Give driving your full attention. That means eliminating all distractions and making sure passengers know that your focus needs to stay
on getting everyone to their destination safely.
• Be a defensive driver when approaching and proceeding through intersections. Nearly half of all collisions occur at
intersections, so make sure you’re scanning for hazards and yielding the right of way.
• Adjust your driving for road and weather conditions. Increase your fol -
lowing distance and slow down when necessary.
“Following these safe driving practices can greatly reduce the risk of costly and dangerous collisions,” said Cullen.
Increase in Leisure and Parks initatives for City
Continued from front page
This change will see all 911 calls routed through the Provincial Emergency Call Centre in Prince Albert, bringing some changes to the police department’s operations.
The police also have some recruitment challenges, as the department ended 2024 with four vacancies,
to be filled by mid-2025 to maintain service levels. There is also a focus on health and wellness, and on training and equipment for Weyburn’s police officers.
For Leisure and Parks, the initiatives include an increase in per-capita funding for the library to $37.24, an increase in major maintenance work at Crescent Point
Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena, an appraisal of the City of Weyburn’s art collection, and beginning development of Young Fellows Park.
In public works, the City plans to replace the traffic lights for Fifth Street and First Avenue, and will cost-share with Highways to replace a culvert on
Compiling archery scores from targets
Highway 39.
There will also be paving on Fifth Avenue North, from King Street over to Fifth Street, and paving of King Street from First to Fifth Avenues, depending on provincial funding.
Participants in the 3D Archery Shoot retrieved their arrows from their targets, and marked down how many points they earned. This was part of the action at the Weyburn Wildlife Federation’s archery shoot held at the Goodwater Community Rink on Saturday and Sunday.
SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel,
4 agriculture, oil &business
WEYBEX Awards launched for 2025
Sponsors of some of the award categories for the WEYBEX Awards gathered at the launch of the ceremonies on Monday morning at the Credit Union’s Community Room. From left are Brittany Kerr and Ashley Ziegler of Doane Grant Thornton; April McMillan, SaskEnergy; Melissa Swayze, MNP; Tana Torkelson, Weyburn Credit Union; and Monica Osborn, manager of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. Missing were representatives of Community Futures Sunrise and Saskatchewan Blue Cross.
December real estate sales down in Weyburn
Saskatchewan reported 776 sales in December, up three per cent year-overyear and nearly 15 per cent above long-term, 10-year averages. Above-average December sales capped off the second-strongest year on record for resale housing activity in Saskatchewan, with 16,119 sales across the province in 2024, up nearly nine per cent from 2023.
In Weyburn, there were eight sales made in December, which is down by 20 per cent from a year ago, but is up 2.5 per cent for the year-to-date. Compared to the10-year average, this month was up 8.1 per cent, and up 18.9 per cent for year-to-date.
For the end of 2024, there were 167 sales in Weyburn, which is up two per cent from 2023. The December sales included six detached homes and one apartment. For the year-end total, there were
122 detached homes sold, two semi-detached, five townhouses, 12 apartments and six mobile homes.
Strong demand throughout 2024 was consistently met with declining new listings, resulting in record inventory lows at various points throughout the year. In December, new listings decreased by 16 per cent year-overyear, down nearly 30 per cent from 10-year averages and two per cent below 2023.
For Weyburn, there were seven new listings, which is up 16.7 per cent from a year ago but down 34 per cent from the 10-year average. The inventory is at 65 properties in Weyburn, which is down 24.4 per cent from a year ago, and down 51.8 per cent from the 10-year average.
“Our province closed 2024 with an 18th consecutive month of
above-average sales, an incredible statistic when you consider the significant inventory challenges we’ve faced throughout the year,” noted Association CEO, Chris Guérette. “This lack of available inventory, specifically in the more affordable segment of the market, is very likely preventing even stronger 2024 sales figures.”
Seasonal sales trends allowed the provincial months of supply to reach nearly five months in December, up from below four months in November. However, inventory levels decreased by 20 per cent compared to December 2023 and continue to sit over 40 per cent below the 10-year average – with even tighter conditions reported in Regina and Saskatoon.
The months of supply in Weyburn is 8.13, which is down 5.5 per cent from a year ago, and is down
68.7 per cent compared to the 10-year average.
The province’s residential benchmark price stood at $337,800 in December, down slightly from 338,400 in November, consistent with seasonal trends. Despite the slight month-over-month decrease, Saskatchewan’s residential benchmark price grew by nearly seven per cent compared to December 2023.
In Weyburn, the benchmark price is $221,800, which is up 8.2 per cent from a year ago.
This is for a threebedroom home with two baths, an attached garage and 1,162 sq. ft. of gross living area.
The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce launched the 2025 WEYBEX Awards on Monday, opening nominations for the awards to be presented on May 9, 2025, at McKenna Hall.
The awards in five categories are held every second year to celebrate business excellence in the city and surrounding area. They began in 2004 as a way to recognize celebrate business excellence in the city and area.
The 11th annual WEYBEX Awards will be a part of the 85th anniversary of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce being celebrated in 2025.
Chamber manager Monica Osborn noted the awards are aligned with the ABEX Awards presented by the Sask. Chamber of Commerce, which a number of Weyburn area businesses have won in past years.
The WEYBEX Awards are open to businesses, organizations and individuals in the City of Weyburn and immediate area.
The patron sponsor for the awards is the Weyburn Credit Union, which also sponsors the Business of the Year award.
Tana Torkelson of the Credit Union said, “Our role in supporting the WEYBEX Awards reflects our commitment to enhancing growth, celebrating success and recognizing the incredible dedication that drives the community forward. The celebration of stories and achievements is what makes Weyburn vibrant and dynamic. It’s an honour for us to help highlight these successes and stand alongside so many inspiring individuals who make our businesses thrive.”
satisfaction that consistently demonstrates excellence in the delivery of its products and services.
Melissa Swayze of MNP noted that in considering the nominees for this award, they take into consideration the relative size of the business, staff training, and the overall dedication to customer service. She said such a business takes time to listen, to understand and to address the unique needs of their client, and she urged people to consider nominating those businesses that have made an impression on them.
The Community Involvement award, sponsored by SaskEnergy, is awarded to a business demonstrating outstanding performance in contributing to recreation, amateur sports, arts and culture, health care, education and charitable or non-profit groups.
April McMillan of SaskEnergy noted that those who are nominated for this award are the dedicated members of the businesses who help the community to stay strong.
The New and-or Expanded Business, sponsored by Community Futures Sunrise, is awarded to a business established or expanded in the past three years and demonstrating exceptional performance in terms of expansion into a new product, service, line of business, or in the creation of new markets and/ or jobs.
“Saskatchewan’s resale housing market continues to benefit from record population figures, employment growth, and the recent Bank of Canada interest rate cuts,” said Guérette. “As we look ahead to 2025, we expect supply challenges to continue as a dominant theme. If this increased demand continues in the new year, we will likely see prices continue to trend upward across the province.”
It’s the time of year when the Ministry of Environment needs help from hunters: please complete your hunter harvest surveys before the deadline on your licences.
The results of the survey provide critical information to help wildlife biologists better understand game populations
This award winner is chosen from the winners in the categories of Golden Service, New or Expanded Business and Community Involvement.
The Leadership Excellence Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross, is awarded to a person who exemplifies leadership qualities within the business.
The Golden Service award, sponsored by MNP, recognizes a local business dedicated to customer
The Business Hall of Fame, sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton, recognizes pioneer and cornerstone business leaders demonstrating long-term excellence and contributing to the economic well-being of Weyburn and area.
The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2025. Nominations can be submitted through the Weyburn Chamber’s WEYBEX Awards website at https://weyburncc. awardify.io/ or click onto the link on the Weyburn Chamber’s website. For more information, contact the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce at 306-842-4738, or visit their office at 11 Third Street, Weyburn.
and determine management strategies. The deadline for the Big Game and Game Bird hunter harvest surveys is Monday, Jan. 20; the Fur Bearer survey deadline is April 30.
Hunters are required to complete a survey for each licence they purchase, regardless of if they hunted or not. To fill out a survey, visit your HAL account, use the SK Hunt and Fish App or call 1-888-773-8450. The ministry has conducted the hunter harvest surveys in various forms for more than 50 years. For more information, visit: Hunter Harvest Survey | Hunting | Government of Saskatchewan.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
&
weyburn
editorial opinion review
EDITORIAL
Make your views known to city council
Residents and property owners in the City of Weyburn have a chance to voice their opinions, whether positive or negative, about the proposed budget brought forward on Monday evening by council.
There will be two open houses held by the City to gauge public input on the budget, on Thursday, Jan. 16 and Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 5-7 p.m. both evenings, in the Sun Room at the Weyburn Leisure Centre.
The preliminary budget is proposing a 6.2 per cent tax increase, along with an increase of $50 on the base tax, which brings that tax up to $895 for every residential property in Weyburn.
The base tax covers everything from snow removal to fire and police services, and is mandatory on every property, regardless of what value it’s assessed at.
For a home assessed at $300,000 in Weyburn, this tax increase will equate to about $65, and when combined with the higher base tax, this year’s tax bill will be up by around $115, from $1,990 to $2,105.
This varies, of course, depending on the assessed value of one’s residential property, and the total may be more than that. Also, the tax total does not include the provincial education tax, which is set by the provincial government for the funding of K-12 education in the province.
To find out how and why the city’s increase amount was arrived at, one will have to carefully read the preliminary budget presentation that was made to council, and which can be found on the City of Weyburn’s website, at https://weyburn.ca/budget/ where every department’s needs and plans for 2025 are laid out.
It may be difficult for an average resident to read through the documents to formulate an opinion, such as cutting this proposal or increasing another one.
Thus, at the two open houses there will be department heads, and members of city council and administration, along with fire and police chiefs. They all had input as to what should or should not be in the budget, and they can answer anyone’s questions as to why certain initiatives are being proposed for this budget.
This is an opportunity where one’s questions or opinions about what is being proposed can be taken into consideration, and could conceivably lead to changes and tweaks to the budget before council passes it on Jan. 27.
At that meeting, too, there will be an opportunity for delegations to come and speak to council about the budget before it goes to a final vote.
If one peruses the budget and doesn’t see anything of concern, then the input may not necessarily be neededbut, if there are things that a resident feels strongly should not be in the budget, they need to speak up and be heard before the vote finalizes the budget. — Greg Nikkel
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Letters to the Editor
RM resident disputes claims made by Enbridge
Letter to the Editor
Re: Enbridge Open House, December 11, 2024
– Part 2
If you read my letter last week, you will know I had a lot more to say on my thoughts around the claims Enbridge is making regarding their proposed wind project. Well here are some more of my thoughts.
Supporting the Community Claim
The claim: “Your neighbor in energy and community”. Now this is easy to say but harder to prove. I’ve been looking these last few weeks in both Weyburn and Griffin, and I don’t see one sign anywhere showing local sponsorship –not the hockey rinks, the ball field, the curling rink. Not the food bank, the family place or any other local non profit organization, community group or sports team trying to raise funds in this tough economy. Nowhere could I find evidence of Enbridge “supporting” the community. I found hundreds of other examples of local businesses who do, but not Enbridge. So to them I would say “prove it”. Lets see a list of what you’ve done. Or is this just some slick marketing created by someone in the Calgary office who’s likely never spent any time in our communities??
Respecting the Bylaws Claim There’s no shortage of emails from Enbridge showing they knew about the bylaws in the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin before they bought the project from EDF Renewables. That evening, they said things like, “Our role is to follow the local bylaw guidelines that the RMs have put in place. We believe that the project we have now meets those local bylaws.” And “We will respect the local government policies and procedures.” But here’s where things get tricky…
- They’ve already refused to follow the RM of Weyburn’s requirement for a 5km notification distance – instead, they’ve gone with their own 2km distance. One of their reps even said they weren’t aware of the 5km setback. So even within their own team, they can’t seem to keep their story straight.
- They tried to change the setback from 1500 meters to just 750 meters.
- And now they have this “neighbor” contract where people can sign off on having turbines as close as 500 meters from their homes – all for the low price of $2,500 a year. This would have to be approved by the RMs in order to fly.
- The RM of Weyburn also has a height restriction of 45 meters – yet Enbridge says they’re “following the local bylaw guidelines,” but in the
next breath, they stated they would be asking for that to change right away in January; which they have now done. So, here’s my question: Are they “respecting local government rules” or not? Sure seems like NOT to me…
Migrating Birds Claim – now that supposed “professional” biologist who answered the questions about geese and ducks migrating. Her statement that waterfowl such as snow geese or Canada geese “they migrate at very high heights” … “migrating at much higher heights than the turbines will be spinning at… only during the day”. Yes the height comment is correct when they actually are migrating; however ANYONE who lives around here, whether right in the city or out in the country knows darn well that ducks and geese spend WEEKS here feeding in the fields, in the Spring and Fall, sitting on Nickle Lake and local sloughs and dugouts, and they fly so low that they at times almost seem to touch the tops of our houses. They also fly AT NIGHT and are attracted to lights! So a turbine with blinking lights would be a beacon for them – one that will lead them to fly to their death. Them and the other 400 odd species of birds that migrate through here as we are in the Central Flyway. Sure doesn’t put much faith in her claims that there are in depth studies going on. And folks… These studies only take place on land that has been signed onto the project. Some of our neighbors have protected things like whooping cranes and burrowing owls on their lands, but since they didn’t sign on, no studies will take place on their lands. Now I don’t know about you, but that sure doesn’t seem like a very thorough study. To me it feels like they just don’t care – they will go through the motions of these studies and then pay a ‘dead bird tax’ after the fact once the turbines are shown to kill birds. That sounds about effective as the carbon tax to me…
And there is still more, but as I have said before, the bottom line is, don’t just take Enbridge’s word for it – or anyone else’s for that matter –especially those who stand to financially gain if this project proceeds.
Do your research and make them prove their claims. Anyone can spew any sort of information about financial or other benefits, but proving it might be a different story. Keep those emails going to power.operations@enbridge.com folks! Make them prove their claims and provide real answers.
Kim Brady, RM of Weyburn
Former candidate wants council’s feet to the fire
To the Editor, (The following short poem was submitted to the Weyburn Review as a letter from Dana Pretzer:) And now a short poem. Another year has come and gone Weyburn had some ups but there are still some downs. Our pool is broken and the city is vague, Keep council’s feet to the fire, Repairs need to be made!
Yes I lost the election, A new council we have, But actually, besides two It’s the same group we had. Low taxes are important, Emergency services are a must; Ask the tough questions, Because enough Is enough. Happy 2025 Weyburn! Dana Pretzer, Weyburn
Going around the defence
Weyburn Comp Eagles player Hanna Pierce drove with the ball around an Estevan defender in an attempt to shoot a basket. This was part of the action in the intermediate girls basketball tournament, held Friday and Saturday at the WCS Eagle gym. The Eagles lost this game 57-24 to the Elecs, and on Saturday, lost 48-32 to the Swift Current Ardens.
Weyburn hockey teams take in weekend tournies
A number of Weyburn minor hockey teams travelled to take part in tournaments over the Jan. 11 weekend.
The U11 Female Silver Wings took in a oneday tournament in the Hague. They lost their first game 2-1 to the Saskatoon Comets, then won 7-0 over the Warman Bearcats, sending them to the A final, where they lost 3-2 to the Regina Rebels.
The U9 Female Silver Wings played their first
game as a team at a tournament in Allen, Sask., and the girls went 3-0-1, scoring 39 goals with 14 goals against, and ended up in first place for the tournament.
The U9Female Gold Wings also went to Allen, and ended up winning the B side, scoring 24 goals with 22 goals against over four games.
The U13 Kinsmen Wings took part in a tournament in Humboldt, at the Hudson Mutimer Memorial Tournament.
Former Red Wing
goalie Dazza Mitchell gave them a tour of the Broncos dressing room, and the team watched him play his first game as a Bronco.
Later, he sat on the bench with the team in the A final, where they won 4-2 over Saskatoon.
Meanwhile, some Weyburn U15 hockey players took part in the Sask First Top 160 Tournament in Regina.
Goalie Rylen Daviduk and defenceman Reid
Spagrud were chosen as part of the Top 80 players, and now they will play in the Top 80 tournament in Balgonie on the Feb. 14-16 weekend as the players pursue a position on Team Sask for the 2025 WHL Cup.
Hockey Weyburn also learned that three teams will be part of the provincial playoffs in the coming months, including the U18A Provincial Wings, U15A Provincial Wings and the U13A Provincial Wings.
Watching a goal go in Weyburn Gold Wings captain Kiah Shields watched as the puck shot by her teammate
ended up in the net to give Weyburn the first goal of the game on Saturday afternoon versus the Battleford Sharks. The Gold Wings were doubled 4-2 by the Sharks, and lost 5-3 on Sunday afternoon.
Weyburn Red Wings pull out win over Notre Dame
The Weyburn Red Wings posted a home-ice win over the Notre Dame Hounds on Saturday evening, after they rallied in the third period to score four goals and take a 6-4 victory, including a hattrick by Ethan Dekay. This followed a 7-4 win over the Yorkton Terriers on Jan. 8, with forward Jaxson Ruthven notching a hattrick.
In Saturday’s game, the first period ended with the score 2-1 for Notre Dame, with Ethan Dekay scoring the goal, assisted by Josh Karman and Luke Schraeder.
In the second period, Drew Molde scored in between two Notre Dame goals to make the score 4-2. He was assisted by Jerome Maharaj.
In the third period, Dekay scored his second of the night, assisted by Liam Fitzgerald and Lucas Schmid.
Turner McIntyre then tied the game up, assisted by Max Chakrabarti and Maharaj, and Simon Martin scored the go-ahead goal, assisted by Cyprus Smith-Davis and Maharaj. Dekay then scored a hattrick with 57 seconds left in the game, assisted by Chad Lebeau. Preston Patenaude
was in net for about 35 minutes altogether, making 13 saves on 17 shots, then Angelo Zol took over, stopping all 10 shots on net.
In Wednesday’s game, Ruthven got the Red Wings on the scoreboard first, assisted by McIntyre and Chakrabarti. Ruthven then scored unassisted in the second period, followed by a goal from Blake Betson, assisted by Luke Dekay and Josh Sale, and Fitzgerald scored, assisted by Ethan Dekay.
Smith-Davis added a score late in the second period, assisted by Maharaj and Schraeder. Luke Dekay scored in the third period, assisted by Betson and Jonah Bierd, and Ruthven notched his hattrick with a goal 49 seconds before the end of the game, assisted by Maharaj and Chakrabarti.
Zol was in net for the full game, and made 41 saves on 45 shots on goal.
Weyburn hosted the La Ronge Ice Wolves on Tuesday night, after press deadlines, and will be in Melville on Friday, Jan. 17. They will then host the Ice Wolves on Saturday, Jan. 18, and Notre Dame on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Weyburn Gold Wings drop weekend games
The Weyburn U18 AAA Gold Wings hosted the Battlefords Sharks for a pair of games over the weekend, and lost by scores of 4-2 on Saturday, and 5-3 on Sunday at Crescent Point Place.
In Saturday’s game, Weyburn was first on the scoreboard as Kamryn Kish scored in the first period, assisted by Kiah Shields and Kadence Dansereau.
The Sharks then scored three unanswered goals in the second period, plus one more in the third, before Jade Olszewski scored on the power play, assisted by Kaitlyn Mah and Madelyn Sittler.
Amy Swayze was the goaltender for the full game, and made 46 saves on 50 shots on net.
Weyburn’s goal came on the power play, scored by Peyton Halayka, assisted by Julia Durr and Olszewski.
Weyburn had the only goal of the second period, scored by Mah on the power play, assisted by Kish and Shields.
Weyburn added one more goal in the third after the Sharks scored on the power play, scored by Kish from Durr, to end the game at 5-3.
Tila Boyd was in net for the Gold Wings, and made 33 saves on 38 shots.
Coming up for the Gold Wings are two road games in Prince Albert, on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18 and 19, before they are at home to host the Regina Rebels on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, much of the game’s scoring was in the first period, which ended 4-1, with the Sharks in the lead.
The Weyburn Wrestling Club had seven wrestlers go to Winnipeg for their tournament on Jan. 11, 2025, and they came back with five medals, including two gold and three silver. The results are as follows: Conner Pocha and Brysen Richaud won first for gold.
Raeford Pirlot, Lachlan Pirlot and Eric Flemming won second for silver, and Cassius Henning won fourth.
Ephraim Henning didn’t place in the tournament.
The next tournament for the Weyburn Wrestling Club is on Jan.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Kamryn Kish
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Close chance at the net
Red Wings player Cyprus Smith-Davis had a close chance for a goal on the Notre Dame Hounds net in this play on Saturday evening at Crescent Point Place. The Red Wings scored four goals in the third period to come away with the 6-4 win over the Hounds.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Mammoth Crossword
With 2024 quickly coming to a close, it’s a perfect time to look back at the pop culture high points and, at times, low points of the
There was no shortage of celebrations, awards, anniversaries and antics throughout the year. If you want an early glimpse at some hints for the
or perhaps just a review of some memorable moments, read on for a quick stroll down 2024’s memory lane. Watch for answers to this puzzle on January 22, 2025.
ACROSS
1 Parts of N. America saw a total ___ ___ as moon passed between Earth and sun (5,7)
7 Actor Leonardo ___ turned 50 (8)
12 More than 40 of these animals escaped from a research lab (7)
16 Mega-popular singer won Grammy for album of the year (6,5)
24 Eureka! (3)
25 Relative of an ostrich (3)
27 Belonging to us (3)
28 Tesla boss became a father for 12th time (4,4)
29 She broke NCAA basketball scoring record (7,5)
32 Plastic kitchenware giant filed for bankruptcy (10)
37 Author (6)
38 ___ Romano said he’d be in Ice Age 6 (3)
39 Poet __ cummings (2)
40 Greatest common factor; abbr. (3)
41 Singer ___ DiFranco made Broadway debut (3)
42 Invisible (6)
45 Not bold (4)
47 Sales of this boy doll skyrocketed after last year’s Barbie movie (3)
48 Late night talk show has been on NBC for 70 yrs (3,7,4)
51 Actress ___ Spelling filed for divorce (4)
53 Afternoon or evening, on a clock (2)
54 William Byron won the ___ 500 (7)
55 Capital of Senegal set to host huge off-road rally (5)
56 Cheese, milk and butter are this type of product (5)
57 Original equipment; abbr. (2)
58 Droop (3)
60 A Japanese kana (2)
62 Golden Girl ___ Arthur died 15 yrs ago (3)
64 Animal used to pull wagons (2)
65 Iconic comic actor ___Newhart died at age 94 in July (3)
68 Maroon 5’s ___ Levine announced a return to The Voice (4)
71 __ ___ Dodgers took the World Series in five games (3,7)
74 Post office; abbr. (2)
75 Feline (3)
76 Godfather star born 100 yrs ago; died 20 yrs ago (6,6)
79 Thieves stole 24,240 bottles of this alcohol (of a brand Sammy Hagar owns) (7)
81 Chemical formula for carbon monoxide (2)
82 Patrick Swayze movie remade this year (4,5)
85 To converse (4)
87 Happy Days alum and star director ___ Howard turned 70 (3)
88 A common conjunction (3)
89 Party game: truth or ___ (4)
91 The Mount Rushmore state; abbr. (2)
92 Tyke (3)
94 What we breathe (3)
96 Hawaiian dish (3)
97 Not now, in texting (2)
98 Cellist Yo-Yo __ played for bison, to promote conservation (2)
99 The ___ Bachelor married but divorced 3 months later (6)
100 A legendary sword available in the Blox Fruits online game (5)
103 Called someone (10)
106 ___ Light won an Emmy for guest actress in a comedy (6)
107 ___ Springsteen turned 75 (5)
108 LeBron & Bronny ___ became 1st NBA dad-son duo (5)
110 Cool __ a cucumber (2)
111 Radio system popular with truckers (2)
113 U.S., Mexico and ___ will host 2026 FIFA World Cup (6)
115 Black, Red or Caspian (3)
116 Asner, Sullivan and McMahon (3)
118 ___ in the Family ended 45 yrs ago (3)
120 The top-level domain code for Sierra Leone (2)
122 I’m on __ (2)
123 Symbol for the chemical element Bromine (2)
124 Swedish car maker that produced its 1st auto 75 yrs ago (4)
126 Slang for yes (2)
127 A marketing message, urging a purchase (2)
128 Baby talk for thanks (2)
131 Regan ___ broke 100-metre women’s backstroke record (5)
133 Acquiesce (5)
135 Female sheep (3)
137 Ex-heavyweight champ beat by Jake Paul (4,5)
141 Officials in sports such as football and basketball (4) 143 12 of this unit make a foot (4) 146 To make beer (4)
149 Texting abbr. for ‘sorry, late reply’ (3)
150 Men’s cologne brand that turned 60 (4)
151 Wedding vow: I __ (2)
153 A hospital’s emergency department (2)
154 User equipment; abbr. (2)
155 Monkey bread tree (6)
157 Skiing star Lindsey ___ announced a comeback (4)
158 Life story, in brief (3)
160 Catchphrase started 40 yrs ago: Where’s the ___? (4)
162 Monet liked painting these (6)
164 ___ released Inside Out 2, grossing over $1.6 billion (6)
166 To rapidly change pitch back and forth while singing (5)
169 Hermes introduced this ultimate handbag 40 yrs ago (6)
170 British princess diagnosed with cancer (4)
171 Piano man ___ Joel performed at Grammys for 1st time in 22 yrs (5)
172 Former One Direction singer ___ Payne, 31, died after a balcony fall (4)
174 Surrounding glow (4)
176 Early cowboy hero Hopalong ___ created 120 yrs ago (7)
178 Spike ___ is making a movie about Viagra’s origins (3) 179 Actress ___ Rowlands died in Aug. at age 94 (4)
181 Gosh! (3)
183 Violent disturbance by a crowd (4)
185 Texting abbr. for group chat (2)
186 Florida ___ won hockey’s Stanley Cup (8)
190 Nothing to sneeze __ (2)
191 Face masks are an example of this (3)
192 Honey, bumble or queen (3)
193 Actor Nicolas ___ turned 60 (4)
194 ___ Maria liqueur (3)
196 ___ Francisco 49ers lost in Super Bowl (3)
198 Train track (4)
200 A usual greeting (5)
202 This alien first called home 42 yrs ago (2)
203 Symbol for chemical element Neon (2)
204 Ace, King or Queen (4)
206 Soft, spongy ground areas (4)
207 Five charged in death of actor Matthew ___ (5)
208 French capital that hosted Olympics (5)
209 Over 12 but under 20 (4)
211 Modus operandi; abbr. (2)
212 Popstar Justin ___ turned 30 & became a dad (6)
214 Luke Combs released version of ___ Chapman’s Fast Car (5)
216 Negative answer (2)
217 Agency continuing with plans to return to the moon (4)
219 Butterfly catcher (3)
221 The middle of a peach or plum (3)
223 Opposite of go (4)
225 Whiz (3)
227 Prince Harry is also the ___ of Sussex (4)
228 American Idol finalist Clay ___ appeared on The Masked Singer (5)
230 Pepper’s partner (4)
231 Everything (3)
233 Once around the track (3)
235 Eccentric (3)
237 Catch a wave (4)
239 Perimeter (4)
240 Opposite of NW on a compass (2)
241 A genus of pond frogs (4)
243 Dirt (4)
244 Rapper ___ Dogg joined The Voice (5)
245 Comedian ___ Seinfeld turned 70 (5)
246 July heat___ led to deaths of over 160 in U.S. (5)
247 Cambodian currency (4)
248 H.G. Wells occasionally used these unrelated initials as a pseudonym (2)
250 A full-length album (2)
253 Slog (4)
255 Explosive (3)
257 Consumed food (3)
259 Flipper (3)
260 What a watch tells (4)
263 It __ what it is (2)
264 Egg dish which often includes fillings (8)
268 Starsky & Hutch actor David ___ died at 80 in Jan. (4)
270 Actor ___ Lowe turned 60 and began hosting gameshow The Floor (3)
272 The ___ Gala theme was Sleeping Beauties (3)
274 City with leaning tower (4)
275 Chemistry lab container (6)
279 Small breed of horse (4)
280 Initials of Pussycat Doll now making Broadway debut (2)
282 Close by (4)
284 UK-based brother band reformed and will tour (5)
285 Hall & ___ broke up, amidst a legal fight (5)
286 Sex therapist Dr. ___ Westheimer died in July at age 96 (4)
287 These Housewives premiered 20 yrs ago (9)
289 ___ Celtics captured NBA Championship (6)
291 Fit to be ___ (4)
293 Blokes (3)
295 ___ Flanders lives next to The Simpsons (3)
296 Quash (4)
297 Come to mind (5)
298 Able to see right through something: ‘I’m ___ you’ (4)
299 Large bird of prey (5)
300 Improvised explosive device; abbr. (3)
302 Prince released Purple ___ 40 yrs ago (4)
304 Transgression (3)
306 Actress ___ Remini announced her divorce (4)
307 Mary J. ___ was inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (5)
308 This singer got married and did Super Bowl halftime show (5)
309 Mobster drama The ___ debuted 25 yrs ago (8)
312 Minnow kin (4)
314 European country with massive flooding (5)
315 ___ deGrasse Tyson updated and re-released his 1st book (4)
316 To __ or not to be (2)
317 The chemical symbol for iron (2)
318 A healthcare professional (2)
319 Benedict Cumberbatch took on this classic Shakespeare role (6)
320 Top level Internet domain for Spain (2)
321 Symbol for chemical element arsenic (2)
323 Whizzes around (4)
325 Rock concert equipment (3)
326 Huckleberry ___ 1st published 140 yrs ago (4)
327 The Tsuchinshan-Atlas ___ made a close pass by Earth (5)
329 On the wrong ___ of the law (4)
330 A first-person singular pronoun (2)
331 Standard definition; abbr. (2)
332 Country singer Toby ___ died of cancer at 62 in Feb. (5)
334 Sediment (4)
336 Snakelike fish; plural (4)
338 Carpet (3)
339 Initials of ‘Golden Bear’ who won lawsuit over golf course design (2)
340 A wing of a building, in architecture (3)
341 I would __ I could (2)
344 Initials of Beyonce’s younger sister (2)
345 Singer Frankie ___ turned 90 (5)
347 Autos (4)
349 Shrek, for one (4)
350 Deep-voiced actor James Earl ___ died at age 93 (5)
352 Actress___ Doherty died of cancer at age 53 (7)
354 Flowers singer won Grammy for record of the year (5,5)
355 Shock jock Howard ___ turned 70 (5)
357 Sony portable audio player introduced 45 yrs ago (7)
359 Comedian Trevor ___ hosted Grammys for 4th time (4)
360 Wolf down (3)
362 Edgar Allan ___ died 175 yrs ago (3)
363 City with more billionaires than any other; abbr. (3)
364 Former partner (2)
365 American English; abbr. (2)
366 London’s Heathrow airport code (3)
367 The loneliest number (3) 369 Longed for (5)
Sprinted (3)
California city that saw office vacancy mushroom (2)
373 Rye, multi-grain or banana (5)
375 Gold’s chemical symbol (2)
377 Augmented reality; abbr. (2)
378 Once a huge electronics and TV maker, this company was founded in 1919 (3)
379 A rodent-shaped sidewalk indentation in this Windy City gained social media fame (7)
382 2,000 pounds (3)
383 It’s 25 yrs since hockey great ___ Gretzky retired (5)
385 ___ De Niro appeared in his, roughly, 128th movie (6)
387 Lord of the ___ by William Golding was 1st published 70 yrs ago (5)
389 Rubik’s ___ turned 50 (4)
391 Deep-pile Scandinavian rug (3)
392 A protein found on the surface of red blood cells (2)
393 Nintendo __ was released 20 yrs ago (2)
394 Purge (3)
397 Goldman Sachs stock symbol (2)
398 It’s 40 yrs since ___ Jackson’s hair caught fire in Pepsi commercial (7)
400 Girl’s name meaning industrious or prosperous (3)
401 Time mag put this English/Albanian singer on its influential people list (3,4)
403 A shiny reflective monolith was discovered in this state’s desert (6)
405 Excavation find (5)
407 In a ___; annoyed (4) 408 ___ Schumer built luxury treehouse in her yard (3) 410 Savory jelly (5)
413 Rural route; abbr. (2)
415 Pronoun for a man or boy (2)
417 Log home in the woods (5)
418 Things went wrong (4)
421 Sacred hymn (5)
424 A fight-ending, winning event in boxing (2)
425 First three letters of our alphabet (3)
427 Bequeath an income or property (5)
429 Kiss (6) 431 Higher concentration of pixels results in hi-___ (3)
432 Actress Dame ___ Smith died in Sept. at age 89 (6) 434 Apollo Creed actor ___ Weathers died in Feb. at age 76 (4) 435 ‘Threequel’ planned for movie based on ABBA music (5,3)
437 Frequently, in poetry (3)
439 An expression of disappointment (2)
440 __ Comics, one of the biggest such publishers, turned 87 (2) 441 Concerning (2)
442 Actor ___ Elliott turned 80 (3)
443 Fedora, sombrero or pillbox (3)
444 Highest cards (4)
446 Queen of the talk show turned 70 (5,7)
448 New documentary released on this Mona Lisa painter (2,5)
449 Dodgers’ Shohei ___ was 1st MLB player to steal 50 bases and hit 50 home runs (6)
450 Population boosters (6)
452 A serious request to the public (6)
453 Three, in Roman numberals (3)
454 Someone who gives secret info to police (2)
455 Large coffee maker (3)
456 Run away (4)
458 Matriarch of The Partridge Family turned 90 (7,5)
459 Sitcom with Monica, Ross and the gang ended 20 yrs ago (7)
460 The Kinder ___ egg turned 50 (8)
461 Disney film about perfect nanny released 60 yrs ago (4,7) DOWN
1 Vintage Mickey Mouse character ___ Willie entered public domain (9)
2 Appeared on the horizon (6)
3 Concerns arose over mock gladiator battles in this Italian city (4)
4 A new TV series about this friendly ghost is in the works (6)
5 How fluids are given in a hospital (2)
6 Country duo Dan + ___ released a Christmas album (4)
8 Numbskulls (6)
9 A way of speaking characteristic of a specific country or region (6)
10 DNA’s partner (3)
11 Furniture wood (3)
12 Nadal played his last pro tennis ___ in Nov. (5)
Short snooze (3) 14 A happening (5) 15 Make a seam (3) 16 Go left or right (4) 17 Rocky Balboa’s greeting (2)
18 ___ Bryan hosted the CMAs for the 4th time (4)
19 Where surgeons work (2)
20 Wanders off course (6)
21 Emcees’ opening lines (6)
22 More than 240 of these violent wind events devastated states in May (9)
23 The feeling of wanting to scratch your skin (5)
26 New report showed broken power lines caused this island’s fire (4)
29 Bogart/Bergman classic was Oscar’s best picture 80 yrs ago (10)
30 Hawaiian garland (3)
31 To rewarm dinner (6)
33 Alien spaceships (4)
34 Ma’s partner (2)
35 It’s read to the unruly (4,3)
36 Paranormal ability (3)
40 Retired MMA great Georges St-Pierre is also known by these initials (3)
43 Fire remnant (5)
44 A legal contract that restricts the sharing of confidential
crosswordpuzzle
(4)
158 The term ‘___ Bang’ was coined 75 yrs ago (3)
159 Bullring cheer (3)
161 Impartial (4)
163 Haul around (3)
165 A maiden name before marriage (3)
167 Cereal grain (3)
168 In particular (10)
169 A good time was had __ all (2)
170 They’re tapped for beer (4)
173 A water-filled ditch around a castle (4)
175 Amigo (3)
177 It comes after Nov. (3)
179 This Lady released one song from her upcoming 7th album (4)
180 July wild___ led to massive California evacuations (5)
182 Socialite Hilton who launched handbag line for Walmart (5)
184 Bolo, bow and skinny (4)
186 To sit down with force (4)
187 Not a soul (6)
188 Followed the advice of (6)
189 Stinks (5)
192 Modern twist on buddy (3)
193 The price of an item (4)
194 Gymnast’s scoring goal (3)
195 A painting or sculpture (3)
196 Tree juice (3)
197 To point out flaws, or ___pick (3)
199 Allows (4)
201 A typesetting measurement (2)
203 Indian bread (4)
205 Heart singer ___ Wilson was diagnosed with cancer (3)
206 This can be filled with helium (7)
210 To feed and strengthen (7)
213 Business unit; abbr. (2)
215 You know, when texting (2)
217 Manicurist’s concern (5)
218 Rugby star ___ Maher joined Dancing With the Stars (5)
220 Toaster pastry Pop-___ invented 60 yrs ago (5)
222 Pain reliever 1st sold 40 yrs ago (5)
224 The female lead opera singer is the ___ donna (5)
226 Do, __, mi, fa (2)
229 __ Sheeran won a Creative Arts Emmy (2)
230 Soak up (3)
231 Pesky picnic insect (3)
232 Auction unit (3)
233 Glee star ___ Michele had a second baby (3)
234 Beforehand (3)
235 Buffoon (3)
236 Animal cave (3)
238 Service charge (3)
242 Bullets and such (4)
249 Fearsome fish (7)
251 Another name for gym class (2)
252 Initials of NSYNC breakout star, who released 6th album (2)
254 A piano piece for two people (4)
256 TV’s The Biggest ___ debuted 20 yrs ago (5)
258 ___ Frampton inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (5)
260 Jackson 5 brother who died at age 70 in Sept. (4)
261 State where Frankfurt is located (5)
262 Informal name for stringed instrument, originally from Hawaii (3)
264 Film about 1st nuclear weapon won Oscar’s best picture (11)
265 Final stage, in chess (7)
266 Low card (3)
267 Walked into a room (7)
269 Animal’s shelter or retreat (4)
270 Ewe’s mate (3)
271 Coal container (3)
272 Chico and the ___ premiered on TV 50 yrs ago (3)
273 ___ Lasso will likely have a fourth season (3)
274 Singer Charlie ___ tied the knot this year (4)
275 Neutral shade (5)
276 Gibbon or orangutan (3)
277 Greek god of love (4)
278 Star Wars creator turned 80 (6,5)
281 Bubbly drinks (5)
283 Absorbed words on a page (4)
286 The ___ Housewives franchise announced it will soon include London (4)
287 To be carried slowly by a current (5)
288 Texting shorthand for ‘time to eat’ (3)
289 Threatened persistently (5)
290 A small mouthful of liquid (3)
292 Actress Cameron ___ had second child (4)
294 Cop show ___ Vice debuted 40 yrs ago (5)
296 Blood vessel (4)
297 Weatherman __ Roker released a new cookbook (2)
301 From soup __ nuts (2)
303 Military police procedural show renewed for 22nd season (4)
304 Health resort (3)
305 Puppy’s bite (3)
306 A contact ___ corrects vision (4)
307 Bewilder (6)
308 Something that isn’t finished (6)
310 What often occurs when a game is tied (2)
311 Moves smoothly through water or life (5)
313 Sweeping story (4)
315 World’s longest river (4)
316 Yawner (4)
318 The smallest American state; abbr. (2)
322 Live action remake of Lilo & ___is being filmed (6)
324 Picnic side dish: cole___ (4)
326 Terrarium plant (4)
328 Example; abbr. (2)
329 Be short with (4,2)
330 A tiny metric measurement of fluid; abbr. (2)
331 Scotland’s Isle of ___ is famous for its dramatic landscapes (4)
332 Buckwheat cereal (5)
333 __ Chapo’s sons want plea deal (2)
335 Snare (4)
336 Good grief! (4)
337 Feathery scarf (3)
339 Initials of Mad Men actor who got Emmy nom. this year for Fargo (2)
340 A feeling of listlessness (5)
342 Repair (3)
343 __ Lobster filed for bankruptcy protection (3)
344 A mark left on skin after surgery (4)
345 The real life town of ___ auctioned a grave plot to Mr. Spock fans (6)
346 Comfy clog-looking shoes, made of foam, continued to be popular (5)
348 Narrow opening (4)
349 Sign from above (4)
350 Young ___ is a Nigerian singer and songwriter making waves (4)
351 Salt Lake City got a hockey team in this league (3)
352 Roads (7)
353 To move your head in agreement (3)
356 Need not apply; abbr. (3)
358 Clove hitch, square or bowline (4)
374 Emergency response location; abbr. (3)
375 It became a state 65 yrs ago (6)
376 Sine ___ non (3) 377 The first three vowels (3)
378 Musician __ Cooder is known for his slide guitar prowess (2)
379 Great
more (3)
388 Electronic fuel injection; abbr. (3) 389 ___ Your Enthusiasm ended after 12 seasons (4) 390 Popular sandwich (3) 391 Egypt’s sun god (2)
392 A camper or motorhome (2)
395 Andrew ___ Clay is working on
406 Ali changed his name from ___ Clay 60 yrs ago (7) 407 Exercise guru Richard ___ died at age 76 in July (7)
408 ___ we having fun yet? (3)
409 Word of woe (4)
411 New research occurred at Italian city destroyed by volcano (7)
412 This UK king battled cancer (7)
414 An evening dress (4)
416 Cream-filled, oblong-shaped pastry (6)
419 A hotdog (6)
420 Swimmer ___ Ledecky won four more Olympic medals (5)
421 Plan or map out an area, especially for construction (4)
Cathy ___ is main antagonist in East of Eden (4) 423 The number 2000 in Roman numerals (2) 426 New statue of Queen Elizabeth, with this type of dog, unveiled (5)
Type of alcohol also used as a gas additive (5)
428 ___ Jones & the Six got three Golden Globe nominations (5)
429 The place where a crime occurs (5)
430 Things are satisfactory (2)
431 Enzyme produced by kidneys (5)
433 Colloquial term for a large swamp reptile (5)
434 A monthly TV-related bill (5)
436 Clean up a spill (3,2)
438 The fourth note of a major scale (2)
440 Physician; abbr. (2)
441 Basmati, jasmine or arborio (4)
445 Singer/actress known by one name, she released autobiography (4)
447 __ Fighters extended their tour started last year (3)
448 Informal word for difference (3)
451 Sleep stage (3)
456 Initials of Ol’ Blue Eyes who received Grammy’s Legend Award 30 yrs ago (2)
457 Above (2)
Remember that time when Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser?
Remember when Facebook bought a case of Girl Guide cookies to support your daughter?
Remember when Google provided free pizza to your child’s soccer team when they won the championship?
Neither do we!
Local businesses live here. They play here. They invest here. They need our support, now more than ever.
SK; Derek (Tova) Rude of Lake Alma, SK and their children Freya and Everly; brother Kenneth (Grace) Hagen; sister Sheila (Keith) Tysdal; in-laws Dennis and Ceta Rude; brothers-in-law Martin (Michele) Rude and Tyler (Shelly) Rude as well as numerous nieces nephews other relatives and friends Verna Louise Hagen was born on April 26 1958 to Herbert and Emma Hagen of Lake Alma SK joining her older siblings, Ken and Sheila She cherished growing up on the family farm where memories of outdoor adventures and the love of family shaped her early years Verna loved sharing stories about family gatherings farm life and the close bond she had with her cousins from the Olaf Hagen family, who felt more like siblings than cousins Verna attended local schools before finishing her high school years at LCBI in Outlook Her church family at Lake Alma Lutheran was an integral part of her life where she sang played the piano and volunteered with various groups She had a special passion for children and music, whether directing Sunday School programs or caring for her neighbours kids Verna made everyone around her feel valued, safe and loved Verna had many friends but her dearest was Chris Chris and Verna began dating around the age of 17 They married in June 1981 and spent 43 wonderful years together growing in love and companionship Whether walking the farm sharing quiet moments or traveling they cherished time together Over the years they enjoyed trips to Hawaii and Mexico, as well as Winter months spent in Arizona and Vancouver Island They also enjoyed attending bluegrass festivals and spending time with family and friends Verna was a dedicated caregiver After the passing of her parents she became like a daughter to her in-laws and poured her heart into caring for her children and everyone around her As the CEO of the family farm she managed everything from cooking and housekeeping to driving trucks and tractors She was also a school bus driver for 10 years Her home was a haven for family and friends, a place where everyone felt welcome and loved Verna embraced her role as Nana with joy creating countless cherished memories with her grandchildren From swimming and camping trips to baking and adventures in the tree tunnels at her farm, she poured love into every moment Her grandchildren remember her for her playful spirit and her unwavering love Faith was the cornerstone of Verna s life She had a deep personal relationship with God and spent much of her life in prayer offering words of encouragement and support to others A final prayer, shared in August, was that she would extend God's love and grace to everyone she met Verna will be remembered for her kindness, her laughter, and the way she made everyone feel at home Her legacy of love and service to God and others will continue to inspire us all A Viewing was held on Thursday January 2 2025 from 11:00 a m - 12:00 p m at McKenna Hall Weyburn SK The Funeral Service was held on Thursday January 2 2025 at 1:30 p m at McKenna Hall Weyburn SK with officiant Pastor Brian Tysdal Lunch and fellowship followed the Funeral Service at the McKenna Hall Interment took place on Friday January 3 2025 at 11:00 a m at Dovre Lutheran Cemetery, Lake Alma, SK For family and friends so wishing charitable donations in memory of Verna may be made to Radville Marian Health Care Auxiliary, Box 459, Radville SK S0C 2G0 Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium Weyburn SK (848-0333 1-888-848-0333) Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at: www rdfuneralchapel com Honouring Life and Celebrating Memories
AGPRO SEEDS - BUYING HEATED CANOLA, FEED BARLEY & FEED GRAIN #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! For Bids Call/Text: 306873-0481, Email: sales@agproseeds
In loving memory of our parents Anna Koszman Sept 11 1930 - Jan 14 2019 and William Koszman Sept 22 1923 - Jan 15 2019
Deep in our hearts your memories are kept To love to cherish to never forget Today, tomorrow our whole life through We will always love and remember you Love forever and always Cathy, Rosanne, Maurice and their families Private mortgage lender All real estate types considered No credit checks done Deal direct with lender and get quick approval Toll free 1866-405-1228 www firstand secondmortgages ca
NOW HIRING: Bryden Construction & Transport Co. requires SHOP LABORERS
Duties involve cleaning the shop and equipment, assisting in the service/ maintenance area, and general laborer duties. Clean driver’s abstract required. Job location is Arborfield, Sask. Room and board provided. Send resume with work references to: brydenconstruct@
Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. is a growing Canadian energy company focused on generating positive shareholder returns through the continued responsible development of high-quality, light oil weighted assets, supported by an acquisition strategy that targets highly accretive, complementary opportunities. Saturn has assembled an attractive portfolio of free-cash flowing, low-decline operated assets in Central Alberta, Southeastern Saskatchewan and West Central Saskatchewan that provide a deep inventory of long-term economic drilling opportunities across multiple zones. With an unwavering commitment to building an ESG-focused culture, Saturn’s goal is to increase reserves, production and cash flows at an attractive return on invested capital. Saturn integrates the protection of the environment, ethical and fair treatment of our employees and stakeholders, and strives to be at the forefront of what it means to be a good corporate citizen.
Saturn has opportunities for full time Operators based in the Weyburn/Estevan area. Reporting to the Foreman, some specific duties, and responsibilities of the Operator include, but are not limited to:
• Monitor and operate facilities and field equipment in an efficient and safe manner to optimize production while minimizing risk of downtime.
• Conduct daily well and equipment inspections and arrange for maintenance and repairs.
• Record and report various statistics related to oil production and equipment maintenance.
• Responsible for production tracking, fuel flare, and vent logs. Identify deficiencies and recommend corrections to existing procedures to ensure the assigned field meets performance standards.
• Participate and follow compliance initiatives.
• Communicate and collaborate with other departments to make improvements to processes and maximize productivity.
• Ensure operations are carried out in a cost-effective manner.
• Support and initiate safe work practices, following all Saturn policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the team achievement of meeting business, environmental, health and safety targets.
Candidates for this position will possess the following qualifications and competencies:
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preference for 2+ years of operating experience but is not necessary.
• Valid H 2 S and First Aid certifications are preferred but not necessary.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License with clean drivers abstract.
• Self-starter and able to work independently with minimal supervision, time management and organizational effectiveness are critical to this position.
• Positive attitude and a sense of teamwork Able to identify opportunities to improve operations production, activities, processes and procedures.
• A disciplined work ethic, self-motivated, positive attitude and strong desire to contribute is essential.
• Good working knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs is an asset.
• Must be able to learn, adhere and work with all Saturn based software programs.
• Will be required to work 9 day on 5 day off shift.
• Must be willing to work overtime when required. Must take part in on-call rotation.
If you are interested in joining our rapidly growing organization, please visit the Careers section of our website at www. saturnoil.com and apply online to submit your cover letter and resume.
Saturn’s people drive our success. We offer an inclusive work environment where we embrace a diversity of people, thinking and ideas and a culture that supports personal and professional development. We want to thank all applicants for their interest in this role, however, only those considered for interviews will be contacted.
The Weyburn Credit Union announced community grants totaling $68,000 to 11 community organizations at their annual community barbecue, held at the Weyburn Exhibition Hall –Past winners of the Edgar May Trophy for the Cymri 4-H Beef Club gathered at Parkway Lodge in Weyburn, to meet the trophy’s namesake, most for the first time – The Truco Trick Riders, including Weyburn rider Charlize Hallberg, performed in Weyburn for the first time at the Souris River Rodeo, a feature of the Weyburn Fair, on July 4 – The win -
ning floats for the 2024 Summer Parade were the Weyburn Credit Union for best business float, and CUPE 5430 for best organization float, organized by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce – Longtime golfer and volunteer Marie Grohn was named the recipient of the Perry Folk Fellowship Award, presented by Kevin Folk on behalf of the Folk family – The 115th edition of the Weyburn Fair had strong attendance totaling 7,800 people through the gates in July, up from the previous year – Reagan Martin of Midale received a $4,000
Youth Leadership Award from Conexus Credit Union – Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen announced he would not be running in the next federal election, and said it was “a great honour” to serve for the past 10 years – The Weyburn Travelodge held their final charity golf tournament, and donated $28,370, split between Envision Counselling and Inclusion Weyburn – Enbridge encountered anger from residents of the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin, at an open house on July 17 for their proposal to set up 46 wind turbines
Weyburn’s Brayden King and band had several people up for a dance for his cover of “Footloose”, at the Credit Union barbecue on Thursday evening. The event was moved to the exhibition hall, due to the weather conditions. In addition to the concert, there were announcements of community grants to 11 community groups, plus a barbecue and games for the children.
Weyburn Credit Union donates $68,000 to 11 local groups
– The Stanley Cup made a stop in Weyburn at Crescent Point Place on July 21, and people were able to get photos taken with the storied trophy with proceeds to Hockey Weyburn – The City of Weyburn partnered with Pickleball Weyburn to add four new pickleball courts on the outdoor rink at the Credit Union Spark Centre – A fire destroyed a Radville landmark structure, the Long Creek Saloon on Main Street on July 28 – Team Sask brought home 20 medals from the Sask Summer Games, including six gold, three silver and 11 bronze.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Many residents packed into a small meeting at the Ramada Hotel to get answers for concerns about a wind farm proposed by Enbridge for the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin. Kim Brady, at right, stood on a chair and brought the crowd to order to pose questions to Enbridge representatives, rather than just have an open house where people looked at information boards.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
RM residents urged to work together
Residents of the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin were encouraged to work together in their fight against Enbridge and their proposal to build some 46 wind turbines – Prairie Sky Co-op announced the hiring of CCR Construction as the main contractor to do extensive renovations to the food store in Weyburn, with completion by the summer of 2025 – Moosomin MLA Steven Bonk won the nomination to represent the Conservatives in Souris-Moose Mountain in the next federal election – Pitcher Jorde Chartrand and the SE Carnduff Steelers were back-to-back national champions of women’s softball, and Chartrand earned two MVP awards in the process – Weyburn police chief Jamie Blunden announced he was leaving the department to become the new police chief in Estevan, citing a poor relationship with the police commission board in Weyburn as the main reason he’s moving on –Southeast College named Jody Holzmiller as the interim president and CEO – The Bank of Montreal branch in Weyburn notified customers they would be closing the City Centre Mall location in March of 2025; a little while later, they moved the closure day up, angering many long-term clients as they moved accounts to the Estevan branch – Three Weyburn soccer players, Lexington Roy, Ethan Thiedig and Ranson Jordens, were chose to attend the REAL Madrid soccer academy in May of 2025.
Parks superintendent Curtis Block showed the proper way to plant a young tree, at the Tatagwa Tree Day on Aug. 10. There were 140 trees planted on the north side of the Souris River, including poplar, Manitoba maple, blue spruce and silverberry shrubs.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn pitcher Jorde Chartrand was named the MVP of the Canadian National Softball Championships, held at Blackfalds, Alta. Her team, the Carnduff Steelers, won the national championship over the Aug. 10 weekend.
Photo – courtesy Caroline Chartrand
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 Aug. 24 at the WWF’s clubhouse and grounds at the former South Weyburn school house.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn swears in new chief of police
The City of Weyburn held a swearing-in ceremony for their new police chief, Brent VanDeSype, at City Hall on Sept. 5 – Para-cyclist Keely Shaw of Midale, won a bronze medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris – The City of Weyburn unveiled long-term plans to develop park space on the former Haig School grounds on Coteau Avenue, including entering a partnership with the Young Fellows Club for the naming rights; the club committed to $220,000 over the next 20 years — Enbridge announced they would pause their application to the RM of Weyburn to amend the setback distances required for wind turbines as they looked to do more consultation with local residents – CUPE health care workers held a rally at the Weyburn General Hospital on Sept. 10, as union representatives were in Weyburn to hold their annual meeting at McKenna Hall – The City of Weyburn discovered a leak in the concrete basin of the indoor pool and delayed opening it, later deciding to keep the pool closed for the remainder of 2024 – The Weyburn Police Service received additional funding for two additional officers, which will see the force grow to 24 members by 2025 – The Color My World Child Care held a ground-breaking ceremony for a major expansion, which will see 90 more child care spaces added, along with 9,400 sq.ft. of space, almost tripling their current size of 3,400 sq.ft. – The City of Weyburn announced the appointment of Sgt. Shane St. John as the new deputy chief of police.
There was a wide variety of classic and vintage cars and trucks on display for the car show, held on the CN Station grounds as part of Radville Heritage Day. There was also children’s games and activities, a barbecue and live music for the day-long event.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Some of the children who attend the Color My World child care in Weyburn were all smiles as they held up the banner noting that construction is now underway on a major expansion to the day care. Completion of the project will be the fall of 2025, which will add another 90 spaces and 30 more staff once it’s done.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Members of the Weyburn Board of Police Commissioners attended the ceremony, swearing in Brent VanDeSype as Weyburn’s new police chief last Thursday. From left are Barclay Charlton, Mayor Marcel Roy, Krista Hubic, Police Chief Brent VanDeSype, and Dr. John Corrigan. Missing was board member Ron McCormick.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Ground-breaking held for Weyburn’s new theatre
A ground-breaking ceremony for Weyburn’s new theatre was held on Oct. 10 on the former site of the Soo Theatre beside the Legion Hall; in an update on the project, the theatre co-op board said construction costs will be more expensive than initially thought, possibly $1 million higher than the original estimate – Sandra LaRose shared the tragic story of her late daughter, Kailynn BursicPanchuk, who died from her injuries after her car was struck by a train near Weyburn; the students of the Weyburn Comp heard the story as part of Rail Safety Week – The City of Weyburn had a full slate of candidates as of the close of nominations on Oct. 9, for the election slated for Nov. 13 – Paracyclist Keely Shaw of Midale was named Athlete of the Month for the province for her performance at the Summer Olympics, along with para-swimmer Shelby Newkirk – The City of Weyburn’s Permanent Art Collection marked its 50th anniversary with a special exhibit at the Weyburn Art Gallery – Four of the five candidates running for WeyburnBengough in the provincial election took part in the Weyburn Chamber’s candidates forum on Oct. 9 – Weyburn actress Bernadette Mullen-Hennig won an award as “Best Actress in a Feature Film”, for her role in the movie “Welcome to Kittytown”, at a film festival in Montreal – The 2025 calendar for the Weyburn Credit Union features the work of Weyburn photographer Marianne Robillard, with scenes taken in and around Weyburn – SaskPower was fined a total of $840,000, after they were convicted in the wrongful deaths of two Weyburn linemen in 2020; the Crown later announced they would be appealing both the convictions and the fines from the incident – An all-candidates forum for the municipal election was held on Oct. 30 by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce – The Wey -
burn Communithon went off the air with a total of $91,955 on Oct. 25 for their member agencies – Weyburn lawyer Mike Weger won the riding of Weyburn-Bengough in the provincial election with a strong showing, garnering 5,595 votes, fol -
lowed by Seth Lendrum of the NDP with 1,490 votes – Over 1,200 people did some early trickor-treating at Pumpkin Lane, hosted by Weyburn Tourism, Southeast College and Prairie Sky Co-op on Oct. 27.
Harwinder Kaur and her daughter Sukhleen, along with Marie Barranco, worked together to create a Rangoli art piece on Sept. 28 for Culture Days. This was created in the rest space on the second floor of the Credit Union Spark Centre, and remained in place until the end of Culture Days on Oct. 12.The designs are created using different coloured sands.
The display of Northern Lights had a surprise visitor on Oct. 10, as a meteor streaked to the ground, in this view taken from the bridge on the Weyburn Golf Course road, looking towards the city. The meteor was near enough for the photographer to hear it crackling as it fell.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Members of the Weyburn Theatre Co-operative committee gathered with shovels in hand for a ground-breaking ceremony on Oct. 10 to officially start construction on Weyburn’s new theatre. From left are Laila Bader, Sean Purdue, Ryan Janke, Corey Morrissette and Brett Ferguson.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft, Weyburn Review
Weyburn centenarian marks 100th birthday
Weyburn resident Susan Mailhiot celebrated her 100th birthday on Nov. 10, with family and friends at the Wheatland Seniors Centre – Sask-based singer Jeffery Straker gained a new fan in King Charles, after His Majesty heard his CD while Straker was on a UK tour, and the King sent Straker a message thanking him for a song written for his coronation –Derek and Tannis Axten of Axten Farms Ltd. were recognized with the 2024 Golden Sheaf Award by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce at their annual Ag Appreciation Banquet on Nov. 5 – A standingroom only crowd packed the Weyburn Legion Hall for the Remembrance Day ceremonies on Nov. 11, with Betty Knibbs laying the first wreath on behalf of War Mothers – The RM of Weyburn held a public meeting to deal with questions arising around the proposed wind turbine project by Enbridge on Nov. 14, the day after the municipal elections – Jeff Richards was elected the new mayor of Weyburn in the election, along with councillors Todd Bedore, John Corrigan, Larry Heggs, Ryan Janke, Laura Morrissette and Kellie Sidloski – The Weyburn Comp hosted the 5A Provincial Girls Volleyball Championships at the Eagle gym and Cugnet Centre on Nov. 15-16 – Holy Family’s former education director, Gwen Keith, is to receive the Julian Paslawski Meritorious Service Award from the Sask. Catholic School Boards Association at their spring conference in Yorkton – Southeast Cornerstone school division board acclaimed Audrey Trombley as the chair once again, along with Weyburn trustee Megan Schick as the vice-chair, at the organizational meeting on Nov. 20 – The Weyburn Arts Council hosted 45 artists and craftspersons at the 11th annual Gifted winter art market on Nov. 16.
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Year in Review stories from around the province by visiting our website at SaskToday.ca
Mrs. Claus had smiles for everyone along the route for the Santa Parade in Midale on Nov. 16, as Santa drove the Town of Midale truck instead of riding in the back. The day was marked with wet, slushy snow, but everyone gathered afterward indoors in the 39ers Clubhouse on Main Street for hot dogs, treats and a photo with Santa.
Festival of Trees sets fundraising record for Family Place
The Festival of Trees fundraiser auction for the Family Place set a record, as the event brought in $93,027 from the live auction of donated decorated Christmas trees and a silent auction – The winners of the Weyburn Chamber’s Parade of Lights were Minard’s Leisure World for businesses, and Mainil Farms for organizations – Weyburn’s two indoor ice rinks had to close due to an ammonia leak, causing the Weyburn Red Wings to temporarily be based out of Assiniboia, until the rinks were able to reopen on Dec. 17-18; meantime, Weyburn hosted their first Outdoor Winter Classic on Dec. 7-8 at the Credit Union Spark Centre’s outdoor rink – The Weyburn Wrestling Club hosted the Barber Motors Wrestling Tournament, with 26 Weyburn wrestlers taking part and winning 13 medals in total – The City of Weyburn will close the Queen Street rail crossing to accommodate a new round-about to be constructed at the intersection of Highways 13 and 39 – A fundraiser for Weyburn couple Fred and Teresa Sandeski was organized and held at the Weyburn Legion Hall on Dec. 13 – Enbridge held an information meeting at McKenna Hall, with updates to their proposal for building 46 wind turbines in the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin, with around 200 people attending – The Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation received two $40,000 donations, from the John Deere Foundation and from South Country Equipment – The CPKC Holiday Train made their annual stop in Weyburn on Dec. 18 in the midst of a blizzard, with donations of $5,000 and $5,500 made by Weyburn OTS and the CPKC employees respectively, to the Salvation Army’s food bank.
Winston Bailey, far right, took bids from the audience as he auctioned one of the 27 decorated Christmas trees, at the Festival of Trees. The decorated trees, along with silent auction items, were set up in the Great Plains Ford auction building, and raised a record level of funds for the Family Place.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
WCS Eagles player Katherine Balog, with the mike, had team representatives introduce themselves before they all took an oath of sportsmanship, during the opening ceremonies for the 5A Girls Provincial Volleyball Championships on Nov. 15. There were 10 teams represented for the two-day tournament.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Guest performers Alana Springsteen and Mitch Thompson of Seaforth sang a Christmas song together on the stage of the CPKC Holiday Train, during its stop in Weyburn on Dec. 18. The crowd was small, due to the winter storm that was blowing hard, and the stage show had to be abbreviated due to the high wind chill. Weyburn was the final stop for the U.S. train route. Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca