Pink and Blue team players chased after the soccer ball during a match at the Credit Union Spark Centre’s Mainil Field on January 18. These were some fun house matches for Weyburn Soccer’s U5 and U7 soccer players.
By Scott Boulton
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) held a general meeting recently as a way to connect with members and the industry on a number of topics.
APAS President Bill Prybylski says the event addressed several important issues, beginning with the province’s rail lines.
“One of the topics brought up was the railroad issues. That’s something that we’ve been dealing
with for many, many years.
The gist of the presentation was that rail freight rates, it’s been suggested, are some of the lowest in the world. Perhaps they are, but there’s reasons for that. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.”
Prybylski compared Canada’s figures to other regions like Europe, where shorter hauls are the norm. He expressed that the first and last miles of the journey are the most expensive.
“Once it’s on the train, it
doesn’t cost a whole lot to travel a further distance. That’s what kind of skews those numbers.”
Keeping with foreign issues, Prybylski says they also chatted about foreign ownership in Saskatchewan, coinciding with a recent report from the provincial auditor.
“I guess the timing of that was really good. It wasn’t intentional, but it worked out to be very well. It was the same day that the auditor released her report
on foreign ownership of farmland and the farmland ownership board. So that was very timely and relevant information.”
The meeting also discussed some new items from other farm groups operating in the country. The general meeting featured a presentation from the Canadian Grain Commission about their longterm goals. Scott Ross, the chief executive officer of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, presented
Technology Fund doubled for second intake
The Government of Saskatchewan announces the second intake of the Technology Fund, with more than $50 million available to help Saskatchewan industries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
“On the heels of the success of the first intake, I am proud to announce that the second intake of the Saskatchewan Technology Fund will see double the amount of funding available,” said Environment Minister Travis Keisig. “This significant increase reflects our government’s dedication to supporting Saskatchewan industries as they lead the way in emissions reduction and innovation.”
During the first intake, the Technology Fund provided more than $25 million to 13 projects, which are projected to reduce more than 4.5 million tonnes of CO2e emissions, attract approximately $277 million in privatesector investment, and unlock nearly five million gigajoules of energy savings. Successful proposals from the first intake included projects from Whitecap Resources Inc. and Batex.
The second intake will provide even more opportunities for industries
what their organization will be working towards and their collaborative work with APAS.
APAS will continue to work on key issues affecting producers in the new year, particularly the ones concerning rail, Prybylski noted. The group is hoping to see the rail carbon surcharge eliminated. “We know that as producers, we’re paying a significant amount of carbon tax on behalf of the railroads that’s worked into their
to take advantage of the program to implement cutting-edge projects that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and ensure industries and jobs stay in Saskatchewan.
Successful applicants who pass the expressions of interest phase will be invited to submit full project proposals. The project proposals will be evaluated by third-party technical and financial experts for emissions reductions, technical and financial feasibility and potential environmental and socio-economic benefits. Projects selected for funding will be announced later in 2025. Regulated emitters interested in applying can visit Saskatchewan. ca/Tech-Fund for details on eligibility and application guidelines.
The Saskatchewan Technology Fund is a key component of the province’s Output-Based Performance Standards (OBPS) program, a madein-Saskatchewan solution designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while protecting jobs, families and businesses. The fund supports industry-driven projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen Saskatchewan’s economic competitiveness.
freight rate. We don’t feel that that’s fair for producers to be paying the carbon tax on behalf of the railroad.”
Prybylski says they’ll also look to make grain fees and contracts fair for the producers in the coming year.
The meeting featured appearances from the province’s Minister of Crown Investments Jeremy Harrison, and the official opposition leader Carla Beck of the Saskatchewan NDP.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
COMMUNITY
Games & activites held at the Wheatland Centre
A number of card games and other activities were held at the Wheatland Senior Centre from January 13 to January 17. Results are as follows.
During a game of spades on January 13, Marge Schultz finished first, Kim Bent won second and Shirley Sparks took third.
In kaiser on January 14, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, followed by Elaine Frasz and Jeanne Molnar in second, and Marie Marcotte and Eva Morley in third.
A canasta tournament was held on January 15. Sheila Wendel took first, Ione Schnell placed second, Marie Marcotte took third, Shirley Cherpin placed fourth, and Trina Maas finished fifth.
During hi-low whist held on January 15, Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul took first place, followed by Marie Marcotte and Ruth Boren in second, and
Yvonne Von Hagen and Willa-Mae Donald in third.
During the Thursday crib game, first palce was won by Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson, with second taken by Stan Hubick and Sheila Greiner, and third placed by Cris Herlick and Phyllis Lindskog.
In a bridge tournament held January 17, Jeannie Molnar took first place, Mildren Sandiford won second, and Dave Creurer finished in third place.
A shuffleboard game was held on January 17. First was won by Ron Frayn and June Irvine, with second taken by Bert Sanquin and Willa-Mae Donald, and third won by Belva Fleck and Jannette Tonn.
There are a number of card games, activities, and even Old Tyme Dances held at the Wheatland Senior Centre every week. For more information, residents can follow their Facebook page.
Wheatland receives $10,000 for facility upgrades
Kingston Midstream, through the Richardson Foundation, donated $10,000 to the Wheatland Senior Centre towards their facility upgrades. Kingston Midstream provides funding opportunities three times a year to organizations that provise services in the communities where they live and work. In the back row, from left, are Wheatland board members Terry Bendickson, Dave Rennie and Mel Schindel, and Kingston Midstream representatives Darren Istace, Trevor Hughes and Dena Bachorcick. In the front row, from left, are Wheatland board members Jean Knibbs, Willa-Mae Donald, Bev johnston and Theresa Istace.
APAS weighs in on gov’t approval on Bunge-Viterra merger
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan voiced its views and concerns following the government’s approval of the Bunge-Viterra merger.
While some steps have been taken, more focused action is needed to address its original concerns regarding industry competitiveness and sustainability.
The decision to approve the merger between Viterra Limited and Bunge Global SA by the federal government seems to partially address farmers concerns about the negative impacts of the merger. However, the effectiveness of the imposed measures will need to be evaluated over time to ensure they address the concerns.
“While we acknowledge the government’s efforts in addressing the concerns raised by Saskatchewan farmers in its decision, it is essential that these conditions are more than just words on paper,” said Bill Prybylski, APAS president.
“Farmers need real action that translate into enhanced competitiveness and sustainability in the grain industry.”
He emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure the policy truly benefits those it intends to serve.
“The government’s decision has begun to address critical issues we’ve raised, particularly around the need for enhanced competitiveness and sus -
tainability for farmers. However, achieving real progress requires these policies to move beyond initial promises towards practical and impactful outcomes,” he said.
The decision does not directly tackle the projected $800 million financial loss to farmers, or control over 45 per cent of Vancouver Port’s capacity, opting instead for conditions like independent director nominations to mitigate anticompetitive risks.
Key details about Bunge’s involvement in the Regina canola crush project were omitted, focusing on general competition and operational measures. Furthermore, by implementing strategies to enhance competition in the canola sector and limit Bunge’s dominance in grain operations in G3, the decision indirectly seeks to safeguard farmers against fluctuating margins, high input costs, and ensure a competitive, transparent supply chain.
APAS calls on all stakeholders to stay engaged and provide feedback on the practical impacts of these policy changes as they unfold. The association is committed to ensuring that Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector remains vibrant and competitive on both a national and global scale.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Throwing a pottery bowl
EDITORIAL
A TOUGH YEAR FOR THE ECONOMY
Written by Dr. Roslyn Kunin
The start of a new year always invites us to dust off the old crystal ball and try to peer into it to see what the year has in store. Predicting how an economy will perform, however, is always tricky because so many external, uncontrollable factors can throw off even the best forecasts. Weather events and politics are two big ones that can quickly change the game.
Still, the basic pillars that support an economy are well-known and can provide some clues about what’s to come. Consumption, investment, government spending, and foreign trade are the four key components. Understanding their likely trends or directions gives us a good sense of how the year might unfold.
Consumption is the spending we all do on goods and services, from cups of coffee to haircuts. It’s the largest part of an economy like Canada’s and reflects the standard of living it provides. But this year, consumer spending is unlikely to drive growth. Canadians are too concerned about their finances to indulge in “shop ‘til you drop” behaviour. For years, our standard of living has been slowly eroding when adjusted for population growth.
Even though inflation is no longer as alarming as it was a few years ago, it still lingers in our minds. Prices continue to rise in grocery stores and elsewhere, leaving many feeling the financial pinch. Canadians are budgeting carefully and cutting back wherever they can. Media outlets are packed with advice on how to save, a clear sign that spending restraint will be the norm this year.
Investment, or capital spending by businesses, is also unlikely to revive the economy in 2025. Businesses can find ways to invest in good times and bad, but one thing that always stops them in their tracks is uncertainty. And right now, uncertainty is everywhere. Entrepreneurs are full of questions without answers. Will consumers spend enough to buy their products? Will governments adjust taxes, tariffs, or policies that affect businesses? Can inflation remain under control? Will there be enough skilled workers at affordable wages? What will happen to interest rates?
Even though borrowing costs are falling, which often encourages investment, businesses are hesitant. No one wants to take on more risk until at least some of these uncertainties are resolved.
Government spending could stimulate the economy, but only if it sparks more consumption and private-sector investment. Unfortunately, ongoing deficits and growing debt leave little room for big spending initiatives. Rising debt is already hurting Canada’s credit rating and pushing up the interest we pay on government borrowing. As more tax dollars go toward interest payments, there’s less left for essential services like health care or meaningful economic stimulus. The brief tax holiday over the holiday period had little impact and isn’t expected to move the needle much this year.
Canada’s trade future is another significant unknown, particularly given global uncertainties. In the United States, the incoming president has threatened a barrage of
tariffs that, if enacted, could throw the global economy into chaos. While it’s unlikely all these threats will materialize, even a partial rollout could dampen international trade and hurt economies everywhere, including Canada. Historically, tariffs have been as damaging to the imposing country as to its trading partners, but the possibility of trade restrictions is already fuelling anxiety.
One silver lining in this otherwise cloudy forecast is the weakening of the Canadian dollar. A lower dollar makes Canadian exports cheaper and more attractive on the global market, which could boost foreign trade. However, this comes with its own set of challenges. Importing goods becomes more expensive, and travelling abroad feels like a bigger financial stretch. Whether the benefits of increased exports will outweigh these drawbacks depends on how trade barriers and global demand play out.
Don’t expect 2025 to be a standout year for Canada’s economy. Consumer caution, business hesitation, government constraints, and trade uncertainties combine to paint a challenging picture. Still, with a bit of luck, co-operative weather, and sound decisions from governments and policymakers (always a stretch), we might avoid a major downturn. And, as always, there’s hope that 2026 will bring better days.
Dr. Roslyn Kunin is a respected Canadian economist known for her extensive work in economic forecasting, public policy, and labour market analysis. Dr. Kunin is also recognized for her contributions to economic development, particularly in Western Canada.
Achieve mindfulness with meditation
By Stan Popovich
Meditation is the first step toward mindfulness. Monks are known for waking up early and meditating for one to three hours and doing the same at night, which some researchers say can alter the brain’s chemistry. But even sitting in silence for ten minutes a day can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul. Here’s a guide on achieving mindful meditation.
1. Find a comfortable place. First and foremost, you’ll want to find a comfortable seat in a relaxed and stress-free environment. I recommend sitting on a meditation cushion or chair with your feet on the ground. Allow your head and shoulders to rest comfortably; place your hands on the tops of your legs with upper arms at your side. Put your upper arms parallel to your upper body. Rest the palms of your hands on your legs wherever it feels most natural.
2. Focus on your breathing. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax. Keep your attention on the sensation of breathing in and out. Focus on the air moving through your nose or the rising and falling of your stomach and chest. Many people worry
about whether they’re breathing the right way. I recommend breathing in whatever way feels comfortable to you. Just be mindful if you stop breathing.
3. Reduce wandering thoughts. It’s normal to have wandering thoughts or distractions, so don’t judge yourself if you start becoming distracted. Instead of wrestling with your thoughts, just let them pass by, without focusing on any particular thought. Thoughts will try to pull your attention away from your breathing. Notice them, but don’t pass judgment. Gently return your focus to your breath. Some people count their breaths as a way to stay focused.
4. Be kind to yourself. Do not be harsh or judgmental if you find your mind wandering. Mindfulness is also about accepting yourself and treating yourself with compassion. Show yourself the same compassion and understanding that you would to a close friend. Once you’ve finished, gently open your eyes and be conscious of your thoughts and feelings. Think about how you want to spend the rest of your day to bring you inner peace.
SERT year in review report warns of increased violent crimes
Saskatchewan RCMP data shows there are more victims of violent crime in the province and those victims are experiencing more severe forms of violence.
To help keep residents across the province safe, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforce -
ment Response Teams (SERT) work with RCMP detachments and frontline officers to suppress criminal activity.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT – which includes Crime Reduction Teams (CRT), the Human Trafficking and Counter Ex -
ploitation Unit (HTCEU), Offender Management Unit (OMU), Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams (STRT) and Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams (WEST) – targets criminal groups and offenders who threaten the well-being of Saskatch-
ewan people.
As a result of criminal investigations across the province last year, Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT: made 827 arrests; executed 392 judicial authorizations and search warrants; and laid 1,015 Criminal Code and Con -
Snow drifts over highway on windy day
A snow-covered highway stretches out, with signs of a snowmobile tracks in the ditch, creating a serene landscape.
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 Cullen, 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 in-
surance 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,
SALE
BY
here are a few tips to avoid getting into 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.
“Following these safe driving practices can greatly reduce the risk of costly and dangerous collisions,” said Cullen.
TENDER
NE 11-1-15 W2 in RM of Souris Valley #7
- Approx 155 cultivated acres - 5 acres slough
- Tenders to be received on the above property until February 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
- Highest or any offer not necessarily accepted.
- Deposit by certified cheque required in the amount of 5% of the offer payable to: Mountain & Mountain - Trust
- Balance of the purchase price shall be due 30 days after acceptance.
- Bidders are responsible to do their own research and inspection of the property
SEND OR DELIVER TENDERS TO: MOUNTAIN & MOUNTAIN LAW FIRM 101-4th Ave. West Box 459, Assiniboia, SK SOH OBO Please mark envelope “FREDERICK TENDER”
trolled Drug and Substances Act charges in 2024.
Aiming to curb criminal activity, Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT conducts targeted enforcement activities informed by intelligence, evidence-based policing, analysis of community crime trends and consultation with local leadership. Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT also works hand-in-hand with frontline RCMP officers at detachments to combat crime in the communities they serve.
Investigation uncovers firearm trafficking in Hudson Bay area
Early in 2024, RCMP officers with the Prince Albert CRT, in collaboration with Hudson Bay Detachment, began an investigation into firearms trafficking in the Hudson Bay area.
As a result of continued investigation, Prince Albert CRT and Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the Veillardville, SK area in March 2024.
Officers located and seized: 40 rifles; two handguns; approximately 20 additional firearms in various states of disassemble; more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition; powder and rifle casings used to reload shells; boxes of prohibited high capacity rifle magazines; two crates of illegal cigarettes; mint coins and gold jewelry investigators believe are stolen; and small amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine, and other drug trafficking
paraphernalia.
An individual was arrested and charged with multiple firearms offences including trafficking and possession of prohibited firearms. The suspect was also charged with possession of stolen property and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine.
RCMP teamwork keeps communities safe
“By removing dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition from the illicit market, our teams prevented these weapons from potentially falling into the hands of criminals and gang members who could use them to harm and intimidate community members,” says Insp. Jeff Smoliak, Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT Senior Investigative Officer.
“This is a prime example of how Saskatchewan RCMP SERT and local detachments work together as the provincial police force to enhance community safety in Saskatchewan.”
What is SERT?
Saskatchewan RCMP SERT is made up of 108 RCMP officers and 31 civilian support staff. With different teams located in 10 Saskatchewan communities, SERT is readily mobile and able to quickly deploy to surrounding areas. Teams are also assisted every single day by over 1,500 RCMP employees, including more than 1,000 sworn officers at 80 plus detachments across the province.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
SPORTS
Seven Red Wings chosen for SJHL/MJHL Showcase
Seven players from the Weyburn Red Wings will represent Saskatchewan in the SJHL/MJHL Showcase at the end of January.
Selected for Team Gold are Max Chakrabarti,
Ethan Dekay, Angelo Zol, Jaxson Ruthven, and Jerome Maharaj. Selected for Team Blue are Simon Martin and Turner McIntyre. The 2025 SJHL/MJHL Showcase will take place
in Winnipeg from January 27 to January 29. It will welcome 60 elite players from each league, and three teams from each league will be formed to compete against each other during
the event. This will be the sixth SJMJ Showcase, and the SJHL has a 20-9-1 record over that span. The SJHL Squads are split up into Team Gold (U20), Team White (U20) and
Attempting a wrap-around pass
Red Wings player Turner McIntyre, No. 34, attempted to wrap around a pass from behind the net, as teammate Cyrus Smith-Davis was being shoved out of the area by a La Ronge defender, in this play on Saturday night at Crescent Point Place. Weyburn scored three goals in a just over a minute in the first period on the way to an 8-2 home win over the Ice Wolves.
Gold Wings drop road games to Prince Albert
The Weyburn Gold Wings dropped two road games in Prince Albert over the weekend.
The Prince Albert Mann-Northway Northern Bears won 2-0 in the first game, held January 18. The first goal was scored in the opening period and the second into an empty net during the last seconds of the third period.
Goaltender Amy Swayze of Weyburn received a game star. During the 59 minutes and 11 seconds of goaltending, Swayze stopped 43 out of 44 shots on net.
In the second game, Prince Albert won 4-3, Prince Albert opened the scoring in the first period. A powerplay goal from Gold Wing Hannah Guttormson in the last few seconds brought Weyburn
Kiah Shields scored the second goal for the Gold Wings, followed by Prince Albert scoring a power play goal. The Bears pulled ahead in the last few seconds of the period.
Prince Albert added to their lead early in the third period, with Julia Durr scoring the Wing’s third goal of the night. Durr received game star recognition for her effort.
Tila Boyd was in net for the entire game for the Gold Wings, and stopped 37 out of 41 shots.
The Gold Wings will host Regina at Crescent Point Place tonight, January 22, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m.
They will then face Regina with two away games on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26.
Team Blue(U18).
Regular Season Games
The Weyburn Red Wings split a pair of games over the weekend, losing to Melville on Friday night, before winning over LaRonge on Saturday.
Melville claimed a 3-1 win over the Red Wings on January 17. They scored once in the first period, and twice in the second period. The lone Weyburn goal was scored by Ryder Rommalaere in the third period, with an assist by Drew Molde. Rommalaere received a game star.
Angelo Zol was in net for the Red Wings, and stopped 23 out of 25 shots on net.
The Red Wings dominated over the La Ronge Ice Wolves, winning 8-2 on January 18. In the first period, goals from Lucas Schmid, Drew Molde and Cyprus Smith-Davis gave the Red Wings a decisive lead. A lone powerplay goal from the Ice Wolves was scored in the last few
minutes of the game.
In the second period, the Red Wings continued to add to their lead, with goals from Dallen Oxelgren, Max Chakrabarti and Jerome Maharaj. In the third period, Chakrabarti added another goal to his tally. The Ice Wolves scored their second of the night, and in response Turner McIntyre scored a powerplay goal for Weyburn.
Once again, Zol was in net for the Red Wings, stopping 23 out of 25 shots on net.
The Red Wings hosted the Notre Dame Hounds on Tuesday night. They will face Flin Flon at Crescent Point Place on Friday, January 24 at 7 p.m.
The Wings will have two road games to finish up January, traveling to Yorkton on Saturday, January 25. The SJHL season Showcase will be held, before regular season games return with the Red Wings travelling to Estevan on Friday, January 31.
OTS bonspiel to be held next weekend
The Weyburn Oilfield Technical bonspiel will be hosted at the Weyburn Curling Rink on January 31 and February 1.
Team registration is available at www.weyburnotscurling.com.
Team registration is $280. Interested individuals can purchase extra
banquet tickets for $25. First draw is Friday, January 31 at 1 pm with an opening ceremonies to follow at 2:45 p.m. where the Weyburn OTS will be donating funds to many local groups. For more information, email weyburnotscurling@ gmail.com.
Grabbing the rebound on the play
Weyburn Comp Eagles player Cody
up to grab the rebound on this shot on the
during the intermediate
basketball tournament on Jan. 17.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Goski jumped
Yorkton basket,
boys
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Panther Drilling Wings compete in 56th annual George Watson Classic
The Weyburn U11 AA Panther Dirlling Wings competed with 32 other teams in the 56th annual George
Classic. They won second place, losing to the Saskatoon Wild Lighting in the gold medal game.
Weyburn U11 minor hockey teams host tournaments
Two U11 minor hockey tournaments were hosted by the Weyburn Minor Hockey Association during the weekend.
The U11 girls teams competed in the “No Guts, No Glory” tournament. The female tournament had four teams: Weyburn AtoMc Gold, Weyburn AtoMc DQ Blizzards (bronze), Moose Jaw Mavericks (silver), and Battlefords Sharks (gold).
The U11 B teams hosted the Great Goal Post Challenge, with eight teams in total competing.
The B final teams were the Assiniboia Rebels and Weyburn AtoMc Black (bronze winners). The A final teams were Weyburn AtoMc Red (silver winners) and the Swift Current Rangers (gold winners).
In other minor hockey news, the U13 East Wey Wings travelled to Melita, Manitoba for a two day
The D final teams were the Estevan Stream Flo Bears and Weyburn AtoMc Blue (D side winner). The C final teams were the Regina Mustangs and Quad Town Rebels (C side winners).
tournament where they secured their spot in the A Final game. Although they battled hard, they ended with a 4-3 loss to Melita.
The U11 AA Panther Drilling Wings competed with 32 other U11 Tier I teams at the 56th annual George Watson Classic. They gave it their all throughout the tournament - winning five consecutive games, getting them to the ‘A’ Final.
The Panther Drilling Wings fell short to the Saskatoon Wild Lightning, ending up winning second place.
East Wey Wings compete in Melita
The Weyburn U13 East Wey Wings competed in a two-day tournament in Melita, Manitoba last week. They won silver, after losing 4-3 to Melita in the A Final Game.
We’reseeking innovativeand forward-thinkingmembersto join our Board of Directors—members whoare passionate about making adifferenceand contributing to the success of Weyburn CreditUnion
This year,four seats areopen forelection:
•Three seats with three-year terms
•One seatwith aone-year term
•Incumbents Angie Hastings and Duane Walkeden will be seeking re-election
If you’reamember of Weyburn Credit Unionand meet the directorqualifications, youare welcome to apply! Each year, the Boardevaluatesits futureneeds to identify theskills, knowledge, experience, and attributesthatwillstrengthen our team. This year,we’re particularlylookingfor candidates whobring:
•Expertise in technology
•Diversity,and
•Strong representation for the Lang, Weyburn and Yellow Grasscommunities
Join us in shaping thefuture ofWeyburn CreditUnion
Visitweyburncu.ca to learn more.
Watson
Photo – Courtesy Weyburn
We hope you enjoyed this HUGE crossword puzzle and were able to answer most of the questions without using the internet.
If you missed the January 16th edition of the Weyburn This Week with the puzzle and clues, they are still available at our office, 904 East Avenue, Weyburn, Saskatchewan.
Helping out mom and dad in painting class
Adult programmer Krista Klemmer had some pointers for her dad, Bob, as her mom, Sherry, listened during a watercolour painting class, held at the Weyburn Public Library on January 16.
Hunters requested to submit harvest surveys
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 and determine management strategies.
“We want to keep excellent hunting opportunities available for the people of Saskatchewan, and the hunter harvest survey pro-
vides valuable information for quota and season setting for the upcoming year,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. “As a hunter, I know it is my duty to fill out my hunter harvest survey every year, and as the Minister, I can tell you this data helps manage game in Saskatchewan and provides valuable information for quota and season setting.”
The deadline for the Big Game and Game Bird hunter harvest surveys is Monday, Jan. 20; and the Fur Bearer survey dead -
line 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. Hunters answer a series of questions about their hunting experiences, and the collected data is analyzed over multiple years to iden-
tify long-term trends. The results help set harvest quotas, assess recent management strategy changes, and pinpoint areas where different management approaches may be needed.
For more information on the hunter harvest survey, or to access previous survey results, visit: Hunter Harvest Survey | Hunting | Government of Saskatchewan.
SE 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.
The RM of Wellington received a grant of $9,282 towards a speed awareness project in the RM.
“These grants are extremely beneficial because they fund safety improvements directly identified by each community,” said Minister for SGI Jeremy Harrison 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 Sask. Urban Municipalities Association, the Sask. Association of Rural Municipalities, the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Sask. 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.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Student Services in SE Cornerstone can get complicated
By Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD
The title appears more than modest. The sign on the office door would simply state, Student Services.
But knock on that door, enter, and you’ll get a good take on the deep dive, the digging and the pursuit of positive outcomes that exist in the working world of Cheryl Anderson, Pat Podjan and Jessica Deringer and their compatriots. They work within that simply stated but rather complex environment of Student Services in the SE Cornerstone School Division.
As with all sectors and departments within this school division, it is data driven and Anderson, the coordinator of Student Services for SECPSD, began a presentation to the board of trustees on Jan. 15, with a solid outline of what goes into the data collection process and what the professionals can do with it on a group as well as individual basis.
Anderson was joined by Pat Podjan, a registered psychologist who works within the Cornerstone system and Jessica Deringer, a psychometrist within the system, which she later told board members, required some ex -
planation regarding her position in the process of becoming a psychologist.
Dare to utter the words that Cornerstone doesn’t really care what happens to their students, and you are almost certain to receive a fierce debate from these education professionals and their teammates.
Student Services may be a vanilla sounding department, but the plethora of professional services they offer allows SECPSD students to reach for and attain the stated vision statement the public school division holds up for scrutiny, “success for every student.”
During the school board’s afternoon business session, Anderson pointed out through the visual and verbal presentation, the importance of data gathering to arrive at points where services can be provided to individual students requiring this assistance, as well as to small and large groups of young learners.
“I’ll focus on the data, these other two will go into their roles and how they got there,” Anderson explained.
The education plan calls for what is referred to as Star Screens for literacy and mathematics proficiency including the deliv-
ery of reading knowledge skills and assessments, comprehension strategies and numbers and operations when it comes to the math portions.
Interventions in the educational process is often needed and Response to Intervention (RTI) practises are found within the Cornerstone system to support plans and to fill in learning gaps through trained coaches who may deliver to individuals or small groups or within class settings.
All processes are documented, Anderson noted. Besides practices such as one-minute reading fluency tests, and the rollout of intervention plans, the department also provides support for the 371 students who are being home-schooled within the division.
A section known as Review 360 records incident reports, universal behaviour screening for students in Grades 4 to 12, behaviour tracking plans and professional development modules.
Data is collected from counsellors in the system and violent threat risk assessments are also regularly evaluated to reduce violent incidents.
Anderson said 605
teachers in Cornerstone have been trained in violent threat risk assessment, with five staff members currently credited as Level 1 trainers.
Deringer was next on the presentation platform and she began by explaining just what a Psychometrist is, since it is not a familiar word for the general public to absorb. Basically, she explained, using a series of pathway charts, it describes a person who is on the road to becoming a registered psychologist after having completed the formal training processes and undergoing supervision and experiences at a graduate level program in psychology.
The work is conducted under the direct oversight of a registered psychologist and that is where Podjan comes into the picture.
“Applicants who have not met the requirements for a full independent practice may be registered as provisional practice members subject to the approval of the registration committee,” Deringer pointed out to the board members.
To become a registered psychologist in Saskatchewan, she said, a candidate must have earned a Mas -
Student Services team update SE Cornerstone board
From left, Jessica Deringer,
ters or Doctoral degree in psychology classes from a recognized educational institution, passed required examinations, have completed at least 1,500 hours of post-masters experience under supervision and submitted a criminal record and vulnerable sector screening check when filing an application to become a psychologist.
The initial registration process requires 18 steps, Deringer pointed out, so the path to attain that title is not easy, but understandably involves several steps and check points.
The final step is an oral review by three psychologists with special attention paid to performance, ethics, and jurisprudence relevant to Saskatchewan psychologists, she explained.
Podjan noted she has been involved in various roles within the Cornerstone system. She shared the process involved in completing a student’s psycho-educational assessment, including being a member of the collaborative team that involves student(s) parents and staff members to see what needs to be addressed within each referral. She explained it’s a detailed preparation for assess -
ments before, during and after. It all helps to support students and diagnose any disorders.
There is “screening for emotional, behavioural and attention factors that may be impeding the learning process and affecting students’ availability to learn,” she said.
Interpreting test results, writing comprehensive reports and providing recommendations is all part of the “after” action plan, she explained.
Forming a liaison with outside agencies to provide comprehensive services is also within the spectrum.
Providing supports for academics and mental health, such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions are part of the key elements implemented by the Student Services counsellors and their coprofessionals.
A lively discussion as well as a few direct questions were lobbed at the presenters following the presentation with thanks being offered by board chairwoman Audrey Trombley for their dedicated offering and additional commentary and explanation brought forward by Director of Education, Keith Keating.
Pat
delivered information regarding a number of student services found within the SECPSD.
