Natalie gets a closer look at fish eggs, that were delivered to the Kindergarten class at St. Michael School for the Fish in Schools program. The class will feed and raise the eggs into fingerlings, and they will be released into a pond at Mainprize Regional Park in early June.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Results from the November 2024 civic election for Division 1 in the RM of Weyburn have been overturned.
The decision was handed down Jan. 29 by Justice C.L. Dawson in Court of King’s Bench in Weyburn. It states the election of Doug Dembiczak as Division 1 councillor was invalid and he had to be removed as Division 1 councillor.
The RM of Weyburn’s website now lists the Division 1 councillor seat as being vacant.
See page 2
Dr. Robert Kitchen, MP for Souris-Moose Mountain, presented King Charles III Coronation Medals to deserving citizens of the Southeast Saskatchewan region on Feb. 1. The ceremony took place in the afternoon at the Stoughton Legion.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada, their province, or their community, or who have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
“This is an opportunity to recognize and thank those who selflessly give their time and
energy to make their communities better, and I am truly honoured to have a chance to highlight these individuals who have been nominated by their peers to receive this medal,” said Dr. Kitchen.
The medals were presented to Alice Abrahamson (Moosomin), Ross Apperley (Carnduff), Donald Dechief (Estevan), Jordan Ethier (Wawota), Debbie Hagel (Estevan), Robert Jordens (Weyburn), Troy LeBlanc (Estevan), Albert Petrash (Estevan), Peter Piper (Stoughton), Robert Rooks (Estevan), Dr. Edward Tsoi (Estevan), Kenneth Turner (Midale), Harold Whiteoak (Weyburn), and
John [Jack] Wilson (Carlyle).
Not in attendance but receiving a medal are Patricia Anderson (Carlyle), William Baryluk (Estevan), Peter Broccolo (Weyburn), Marie Donais Calder (Estevan), Jennifer EliasWhite (Weyburn), Patricia Jackson (Kipling), and Mona Lynn Stender (Kipling).
“I extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to all of the medal recipients for their service to our country, to Saskatchewan, and to their communities. Their efforts and achievements deserve to be celebrated as they make this country a better place, now and into the future,” concluded Kitchen.
The Weyburn Leisure Services Department received approval from City Council to modify their ‘senior’ category for fees and prices, and it will now be called ‘Active 55+’. All rates associated with the category will remain as currently posted. Andrew Crowe, director of Leisure Services, explained that the Leisure Services Department is continuously reviewing operations, user trends, requests and inquiries received through engagement with facility users and community members. See page 11
This notice from the City of Weyburn in the Province of Saskatchewan is hereby given under the Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs added opposite the land described in the following list are fully paid before 1:00 p.m Monday, March 31, 2025, a Tax Lien will be registered against the land and associated costs to register the Lien will be added to the roll.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Abby Gerry, City Assessor for the City of Weyburn at: City Hall: 157-3rd Street N.E. (Finance Department) Call: 306.848.3201 Email: propertytax@weyburn.ca
MP Dr. Robert Kitchen presented the King Charles III Coronation Medals to several individuals at a ceremony held on Feb. 1 at the Stoughton Legion Hall. In the back row from left are Ken Turner, Albert Petrash, Peter Piper, Robert Jordens, Robert Rooks, Troy LeBlanc, Don Dechief, Ross Apperley and Harold Whiteoak. In front are Dr. Robert Kitchen MP, Alice Abrahamson, Debbie Hagel, Jordan Ethier, John Wilson, Dr. Edward Tsoi. Missing medal recipients include Patricia Anderson, William Baryluk, Peter Broccolo, Marie Donais Calder, Jennifer Elias-White, Patricia Jackson and Mona Lynn Stender.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Results from the November 2024 civic election for Division 1 in the RM of Weyburn have been overturned.
The decision was handed down Jan. 29 by Justice C.L. Dawson in Court of King’s Bench in Weyburn. It states the election of Doug Dembiczak as Division 1 councillor was invalid and he had to be removed as Division 1
councillor. The RM of Weyburn’s website now lists the Division 1 councillor seat as being vacant.
According to the results posted on the RM of Weyburn’s Facebook page, Dembiczak defeated Michael Dorsch 32-31 in the division. The RM’s report said there weren’t any rejected or spoiled ballots, and no ballots were objected to.
Dorsch sought to have the results overturned.
In a message posted to its Facebook page, the RM said there were a number of ineligible voters who cast ballots in Division 1, and those voters might have influenced the Division 1 results.
“In accordance with the Local Government Election Act, 2015, the RM will be working diligently to organize a byelection in the coming months to fill the vacancy,” the Facebook message stated.
A date for the by-election has not been set. Details regarding the nomination process, election dates and voting procedures will be shared with the public as they become available. In an interview with SaskToday, Dembiczak confirmed there were votes cast by people not eligible to vote in Division 1. Dembiczak said he brought forward concerns about voter eligibility when he was previously the councillor for Division 4.
“This just brings some of these problems to light. We definitely need election reform to make this process work properly. If the system is not fixed, we’re just going to keep having these problems,” Dembiczak said.
He encourages RM residents to contact their councillors to take action to make the election system work properly.
He said he would run in the byelection when it happens.
It’s not just the Weyburn RM that has issues with its elections, Dembiczak said, it’s a problem for the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.
“It wouldn’t take that much, I don’t think, to fix it, but it’s got to be done right,” said Dembiczak. Both Dembiczak and RM Reeve James (Bud) Grohn said they don’t plan to appeal the ruling. Dorsch was not immediately available for comment.
The Weyburn Police Service responded to 83 calls for service for the week of Jan. 26 to Feb. 2, resulting in 15 charges, including a number of investigations of break-andenters.
Police responded to a break-in to a building on the south side of Weyburn on Jan. 28, where some items were stolen. Investigation is ongoing.
A break-and-enter was reported at a compound on Jan. 30 where the fence was cut and entry made to the business. Investigation is ongoing.
An attempted theft of vehicles occurred on Jan. 30, with a complaint of damage to a truck parked at a local hotel. A person or persons had broken into the truck and caused extensive damage in an attempt to steal the vehicle. The same night an attempt was made on another vehicle on the north side of the city causing damage to the steering column, but again the suspect was unsuccessful in the theft. Investigation is ongoing.
Police responded to a break-and-enter to a local business on Jan. 30. Investigation began, and the
police discovered a local suspect who was later arrested and charged with the break-and-enter as well as breach of a probation order.
Police responded to an apartment complex for a report of theft of a slip tank from a vehicle on Feb. 2. Investigation revealed a suspect, who was later arrested and charged with the theft as well as breach of probation. The slip tank was recovered. Investigation is ongoing and more charges may be pending.
Police responded to an accident at the corner of Coteau Avenue and Seventh Street on Jan. 29. No injuries were reported, one vehicle was towed from the scene, and a ticket for proceeding before it was safe was given to one driver.
Over the week police responded to seven checks, where they assisted with proper resources or transported the person in distress directly to the hospital.
Police also responded to multiple mental health calls from care homes, the hospital and the mental health unit. Police attended and assisted staff with either violent or volatile patients.
On numerous occasions, police had to apprehend a distressed person in public under the mental health act and transport them to the hospital for further assessment.
Police received a report of a suspicious person walking on Highway 39 on Jan. 30. An adult male was found to be heavily intoxicated, and was arrested for outstanding warrants, causing mischief to a vehicle from an earlier incident and for being drunk in public. The person was held until sober and later released for a future court date.
Police responded to a domestic disturbance with multiple people on Feb. 1. Police were not able to mediate the situation due to alcohol intoxication and one adult male was arrested for breach of the peace and placed in custody until sober.
*Anyone with information regarding any one of these matters, or any other matter of a criminal nature, is encouraged to contact the Weyburn Police Service at (306) 8483250, the local RCMP Detachment at 310-RCMP (7267), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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We create loc al jobs, support loc al business es, and invest in what strengthens the community. In 2023 alone, we contributed over $500 million to Saskatchewan’s economy.
From powering homes and vehicles to fuelling local business es, Enbridge is proud to be part of Saskatchewan’s grow th.
An Indigenous Action Plan being set in motion by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) aims to engage and advance the participation of Indigenous Peoples within the organization and communities across Saskatchewan.
SRC launched a new Indigenous Action Plan that centers on Indigenous Peoples, communities and businesses to help achieve shared goals. Continuing to build trust and strong relationships with Indigenous communities is a hallmark of this plan.
“The Saskatchewan Research Council has a long
history of collaboration with First Nations and Métis communities, spanning more than 40 years in areas such as ecological studies, student enrichment and job training opportunities, and longer-term initiatives including remediation of former mine and mill sites in northern Saskatchewan,”
Minister Responsible for SRC Warren Kaeding said.
“The new Indigenous Action Plan further builds upon these relationships to ensure continued Indigenous participation in Saskatchewan’s
key economic sectors and growing workforce.”
SRC’s Indigenous Action Plan has been built to align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Call to Action 92 and will be lifted by four integral pillars: Employment, Leadership, Indigenous Community Relationships and Business Development.
“Continuing to build trust and strong relationships with Indigenous communities is a hallmark of this plan,” said president and CEO of SRC Mike
Crabtree. “Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is not only the right thing to do, it is simply good business. We encourage all our staff, collaborators and clients to embrace reconciliation each and every day.”
Of particular importance within the Plan will be two new programs supported by the Employment pillar: an Indigenous Workforce Program and an Indigenous Summer Student Program, Kiskiyihta (Kiskee ih-taah), which is a Cree word mean-
ing to learn or to know.
Together, these programs will help SRC increase recruitment and hiring of Indigenous Peoples by collaborating with Indigenous educational institutions and training entities to develop strategies for the retention and advancement of Indigenous employees. The collaborating organizations will also support SRC in finding potential candidates for SRC job openings and for the Indigenous Summer Student Program.
Other important initia-
tives within the Plan include the formation of an Indigenous Advisory Committee, increasing Indigenous procurement via SRC’s Indigenous Procurement Policy, growing the number of Indigenous learning opportunities for SRC employees, and strengthening meaningful engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities and Tribal Councils.
SRC would like to recognize and thank Saskatchewan-based Indigenous artist Arnold Isbister for his valuable contributions to the Plan. Isbister provided much of the document’s original artwork, helping bring the Plan’s holistic approach to life with his colourful interpretations of its four Pillars and its symbolic cover pages.
SRC is Canada’s second largest research and technology organization with 1,400 clients in 22 countries around the world. With more than 350 employees, SRC has been helping clients solve technology problems, make improvements, increase productivity and develop new markets for more than 77 years. More details about SRC’s Indigenous Action Plan can be found at src.sk.ca/IAP.
The single biggest trading partner of the United States, namely Canada, is facing a huge fight ahead as newly-elected President Donald Trump looks to flex his muscles and make us pay 25-per-cent tariffs.
He’s paused those tariffs for 30 days now, like he did with Mexico – but don’t be fooled into believing there won’t be any.
We can certainly take those 30 days to breathe in and out, and try to work out something better, but Trump isn’t going to give up a cash cow like this.
Canadians may be forgiven for feeling like this is an unfair fight (which it is), but for the simple reason we have one hand (or possibly both) tied behind our backs.
This tied-up feeling is courtesy of our own prime minister, Justin Trudeau, who resigned and pro-rogued Parliament, and is mulling over tariffs we could be levying to retaliate if and when those tariffs come calling for our dollars.
By refusing to bring Parliament back when Canada is facing such a crisis is bad enough, but he’s going to make major decisions that will affect our economy while being in limbo, as it were.
Trump, in his zeal to steal millions of our dollars, is of course overlooking how much his country needs of our products and resources, including our oil and gas. He’s also going to hurt the economies of many of his own states, as a number of governors have been trying to tell him.
Canada could overcome this issue around oil and gas, if we had actual leaders who supported an important industry like our energy sector, instead of openly trying to kill it and penalize Western Canada.
But no, instead we have no means of moving our oil to be shipped to countries other than the U.S., so we have a major disadvantage right there.
Gas prices in the U.S. are set to jump significantly if we do end up getting tariffs on our oil and gas – but Canadians will hardly have sympathy when we’re facing our own completely ridiculous and unjustified price jump, due to the carbon tax hike coming on April 1.
Trump’s reign, Part 2, has only begun, while (we hope) Trudeau & Co. are on their way out, so the next few years could get really interesting.
– Greg Nikkel
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Greg Nikkel gnikkel@sasktoday.ca
A musical oasis appeared in the midst of all the Trump-tariff madness – and no, I don’t mean the travesty known as the Grammy awards.
When an awful performance, hated equally by country and noncountry fans alike, wins as Country Album and a pile of other awards, there is something truly wrong with that show and whoever judges for them.
No, I refer to the Fire Aid concert held in LA to help out those affected by the recent devastation cause by the wildfires.
There was over five hours of live music plus interviews with victims and First Responders, and it was well worth watching, even just a part of it.
I grant you, many people would find it difficult to put in that kind of
time to watch all of that, but the good news is, Disney+ has it available, and you can watch just how much or how little you’d like.
Billy Crystal was one of the first announcers on stage, and told how he and his wife lost the house they’ve lived in for the last 46 years. He compared this incident with 9/11, in terms of the impact of that event, and the selflessness of the First Responders.
Indeed, a large part of the Fire Aid concert was a tribute to the First Responders, who put in long, long hours of hard work to do whatever they could.
Many hundreds of homes and businesses, schools and churches were burned to the ground in this fire, and it’s going to take many long years and mounds of money to rebuild and rebound from this catastrophic disaster.
Hopefully, the monies gathered in
through this concert will actually go to help those who need it both shortterm and in the long term, but only time will tell if that is the case.
Some of the performances were really good, and a number of the performers scaled their songs back to acoustic versions, like Lady Gaga and Pink, and musicians like Sting and John Mayer showed how really talented they are.
Rod Stewart performed a few songs, and told the audience the reason why this British person was on stage is he lived there for 50 years, so LA meant a lot to him.
Canadians Joni Mitchell and Alannis Morrissette performed also, which was nice to see, and the night opened with Green Day.
Overall, this was a worthwhile concert and is worth taking in if you’re able.
Leslie Coulter lcoulter@glaciermedia.ca
When I was growing up, we were always told that our ancestors were English, Irish, Scottish… and Pennsylvania Dutch.
My sister received a DNA kit for Christmas and recently received the results, which she shared in our sibling group chat.
The results were a big surprise to us!
The breakdown they determined was German, 52.2 per cent; English, 16.7 per cent; Italian, 9.6 per cent; Scandinavian, 8.2 per cent; Spanish, 7 per cent, and French, 6.3 per cent.
We share lineage with Coperni -
cus, Napoleon Bonaparte, Queen Victoria, Warren Buffett, Susan Sarandon and Dr. Oz.
They went back 60 generations to match various general areas. Most recently, the results were Northern Europe and British Isles, but way back there is some Iberian and Chinese.
My mother always claimed that her mother was related to Irma Douglas, wife of T.C. Douglas and grandmother of actor Kiefer Sutherland.
We have yet to prove it, but it’s a great conversation topic!
I was a little saddened to find out that our main ethnic identity was not part of our family traditions. We did
have English meals, as my mother’s family immigrated from England to Canada via the United States.
After some research, we discovered that Pennsylvania Dutch are an ethnic group of people who are descendants of early German immigrants to Pennsylvania. They are also known as Pennsylvania Germans or Pennsylvania Deutsch.
How I wish I had known this years ago!
I would have loved to have learned how to make German dishes in addition to English ones.
I’d love to hear your favourite recipes! From streusel to strudel, I want to hear them all.
Wings player Ethan Dekay skated in close to get a shot on the Estevan Bruins net on Saturday night. The Red Wings split their two games against the Bruins, winning 3-2 in overtime, and losing 5-2 on Saturday evening.
The Weyburn Wrestling Club had 16 wrestlers participate in the 2025 Ascendant Wrestling Invitational tournament in Regina and came home with 12 medals, including three gold, six silver and three bronze.
In the Freshie co-ed 18kg category, Raeford Pirlot won a silver medal, and Wattson Furgason placed fourth.
In the Freshie co-ed 27kg category, Madyx
Weiss won a bronze medal, and Hunter Wagner placed fifth.
For the Freshie co-ed 36kg category, Brantley Schachtel-Pocha won a silver medal, and Anna Lanz won a bronze medal.
For Novice co-ed 24kg category, Lochlan Pirlot won a silver medal, and Grady McLeod placed fourth; for Novice co-ed 30kg category, Meagan Kerr
placed seventh.
For Novice co-ed, in the 36kg category, Mirabelle Leroux won a silver medal.
In Peewee co-ed, in the 44kg category, Conner Pocha won a gold medal, and Jep Furgason won a bronze medal.
In the Peewee co-ed 48kg category, Landon Leroux won a gold medal; and for Peewee coed 52kg, Rastyn Weiss won a silver medal. In
The battle for the Highway 39 Cup heated up over the weekend, as the Weyburn Red Wings won 3-2 in overtime in Estevan on Friday night, but then dropped a 5-2 loss at home on Saturday night.
With three games left in the Cup Series this year, the Red Wings lead seven points to five.
In Friday’s game at Affinity Place, each team scored twice, with Weyburn’s two regulation-time goals coming from Cyprus Smith-Davis in the second period, and from Blake Betson in the third.
Smith-Davis was assisted by Lucas Schmid and Josh Karman, and Betson was assisted by Karman and Josh Sale.
the Bantam Female 80kg+ category, Lily Forseth won a gold medal, and Danika Tocher won a silver medal. Weyburn’s next tournament is on Feb. 9 in Moose Jaw.
Luke Dekay scored the game winner 53 seconds into overtime, assisted by his brother Ethan and Max Chakrabarti.
Weyburn’s goal was guarded by Ty Matonovich, who made 32 saves on 34 shots on net. He was also named the visiting team’s star for the Red Wings.
As the series returned to Weyburn on Satur -
day night, the Red Wings hosted Parents’ Night, honouring the parents of the players, along with the billets, and a live and silent auction was held for team jerseys.
Attendance was the highest of the year so far, with about 1,348 fans filling stands, including a number with glow-sticks as the team was introduced with the lights turned out.
Jerome Maharaj scored the game’s first goal for Weyburn, assisted by Luke Schraeder, tying the game at 1-1 in the first period.
The Red Wings’ second goal came in the second period, as Jaxson Ruthven scored, assisted by Maharaj and Chakrabarti.
Angelo Zol was in net for most of the game, and was pulled for the extra attacker in the third, but the Bruins scored with 20 seconds left to cement the win.
Altogether Zol made 26 saves on 30 shots on net.
The Red Wings will be on the road for the next few games, including Feb. 5, in Melfort, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8 in La Ronge, and then back in Melfort on Thursday, Feb. 13.
A total of 24 Weyburn and area oil company teams took part in the 66th Weyburn Oilmens Bonspiel over the weekend at the Weyburn Curling Club, and the following are the event winning teams.
For the A Event, sponsored by Spearing Ser -
vices, the winner was StreamTech, including Steven Hansen, Nichol Thomson, Jeff Lunde and Adrian Miller.
The B event, sponsored by Jerry Mainil Ltd., was won by Team Vortex Plumbing & Heating, including Ryan Skjer-
the team from DK Energy #1, including Danette Tracey, Darren Woodard, Brittni Skjerdal and Lianne Cretin.
the ice. Weyburn leads in points, 7-5, with three games still to go this season.
Several non-profit organizations received funding grants from the OTS Bonspiel, awarded during the opening ceremonies held at the Weyburn Curling Rink on January 31. From left: True Grit Award winner Kristin Loroff who received $500; the Salvation Army Food bank received $5,000, accepted by board member Andria Brady; Tatagwa Kidz Care received $500, accepted by Cora-Lynn Sexton, executive director and Kelly Kekich, board member; Radville Community Grown Childcare received $500, accepted by Amy Poppe; and Junior Curling received $1,000, and was accepted by board member, Lianne Cretin.
The Weyburn 4-H Beef Club club speeches will be held on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Weyburn Credit Union Community Room.
The winners from club speeches will go on to compete at 4-H District Speeches on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Weyburn Leisure Centre’s Sun Room.
The club started to hold their steer weigh days in January and began fundraising for the year. The club is hoping to fundraise enough money to buy an enclosed trailer to store
and transport their tack. A bottle drive afternoon kicked off a successful season. Looking forward to more fundraising in the spring with Mom’s Pantry and the annual beef raffle tickets.
The 4-H Club held their organization meeting in October of 2024, when they voted in their executive for the 2024-2025 season.
The club has 32 members, under the leadership of Mike and Carla Fellner and Co-General Leaders Erin Bell and Tina Clay. The executive this year
is comprised of president Jyllian Payak, vice-president Charlotte Kosior, secretary Lydia Bell, treasurer Ryder Fellner, and club reporter Kade Gordon. The club meets on the first Tuesday of every month for general meetings.
The club organized a Christmas Party at the Spark Centre in December. Continuing on with the Christmas spirit the club sent senior members shopping and donated toys to the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Store and participated in the 24-in24 Challenge.
The top winners for the 18th annual YouthBiz competition have been named, and a total of $3,800 in sponsored cash prizes was awarded to students in southeast Saskatchewan for their innovative business ideas, financial literacy skills, and creativity in developing websites and other digital materials.
The contest was open to students in the Grades 6-8 and 9-12 categories from traditional, home school or alternative programs. There were a total of 279 students from across the region who took part from 14 educational programs in 11 communities.
Over its 18 years of competition, YouthBiz has introduced over 4,000 young people in southeast Saskatchewan to the world of small business.
The winners in the Grades 6-8 category are,
in first place, Tanner’s Chicken Barn (Tanner, Weyburn); second place, Cozy Craze (Caylee and Sara, Carievale); and in third place, Tumbling Time (McKenna, Redvers).
For Grades 9-12, the winners are, in first place, Busybee Teez (Rory, Moosomin).
The Blueprint for Excellence Award goes to Pet Parade (Landry and Tamryn, Carnduff).
The Excellence in Enterprise Award went to Kipton’s Worm Farm (Kip-
ton, Weyburn), while the Digital Innovator Award went to Camp Wires (Nova and Nola, Weyburn).
The Next Big Thing Award went to Summer Skills Camp (Mackenzie, Carievale).
The Dare to Dream Award had two recipients: 24-7 Vet Clinic (Asha and Penelope, Radville), and Laporshe (Nixon and Lincoln, Carnduff).
The Profit Dynamo Award went to TwentyTwelve Fits (Vanessa and Emma, Carievale).
Ryan Kiedrowski Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is expressing concern over the proposed changes to capital gains tax regulations and calling for a pause on them.
With parliament’s recent prorogation, many people are left wondering how the proposed changes to capital gains tax rules are allowed to continue. While the changes are left in limbo, the Canada Revenue Agency will continue to collect new charges in the coming tax season.
In last year’s federal
budget, an increase to the capital gains inclusion rate was proposed on any gains realized on or after June 25, 2024. Instead of the previous 50 per cent, the inclusion rate rose to 66.67 per cent—except for individuals and certain trusts (graduated real estate and qualified disability trusts), who still fall under the old rate on the first $250,000. Corporations and the majority of family trusts are affected by the new rate, and for individuals, the increase in the top tax rate on capital gains above $250,000 is approximately nine percentage points.
Meanwhile, agricultural producers are also left wondering exactly how the proposed changes will affect their operations, especially those with succession planning at top of mind.
“The majority of producers who do retire use the revenue from the sale of their land as their retirement fund,” explained APAS president Bill Prybylski. “The uncertainty of not knowing what are the tax rules right now? What are the capital gains rules? Is CRA going to enforce the rules, even though that they haven’t actually been passed through Parliament?
So the biggest thing is the is the uncertainty.”
Since much of farm value is linked to land assets, the changes can have a huge impact on the family farm.
“It’s not a small amount of dollars we’re talking about anymore,” Prybylski said. “So it is very significant, the tax implications. How do producers plan but they don’t know what rules they have to follow?”
APAS is looking for a clearer picture on what the tax changes mean for farmers, requesting a meeting with the federal minister of national revenue, MarieClaude Bibeau, but no answer has been forthcoming.
“We’ve sent her a letter requesting a meeting with her,” Prybylski said. “I will be in Ottawa for some other
things, so I was hoping for a chance to meet with her while I’m in Ottawa, but we have, as of yet not heard back from her office.”
In addition to detailed information, APAS wants to see a pause in the changes until more in-depth talks can take place.
“We’re not optimistic a whole lot will happen, but we would like to see the changes paused until there can be some consultation and some some clarity from the government as to what the actual rules are going to be,” Prybylski says. “Even going forward from there, we’re not sure what the government is going to look like if there’s going to be an election call shortly after.
There will be a non-confidence vote to call an election, there’s just so much
uncertainty, and we would like to see things just put on hold until we can clarify.”
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce agrees with APAS, noting that the CRA “lacks clear legislative authority to implement this tax,” lauding an early campaign promise from the Conservatives to nix the change.
“Reversing this tax increase will help to bolster investment and entrepreneurship, and signal to the world that Canada is open for business,” said Jessica Brandon-Jepp, Senior Director, Fiscal and Financial Services Policy with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage the federal government and other political parties to also commit to not implementing this tax.”
Ryan Kiedrowski Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In this province, conversations about the weather aren’t just an excuse for small talk, it’s a downright crucial topic for many people’s livelihoods across Saskatchewan. That’s why the provincial Ministry of Agriculture is looking for more volunteer crop reporters this season — it’s a small way to make a large impact.
“We send out a survey each week during the growing season, between April and October,” explained Tyce Masich, a crop extension specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture. “The survey only takes about five minutes to do, and reporters only have to answer the questions that they have an answer for. So we ask both crop and livestock-related questions. The only requirement we have is to give us the rainfall data that you collected from the week.”
Currently, there are 220 crop reporters across the
province, but 131 rural municipalities (44 per cent) are without someone to represent their area.
“We really promoted the crop report at Agronomy Research Update, which is a conference we hosted in December, and then at Crop Production Show,” Masich said. “Since then, I’ve had a few more people email me, interested in being a crop reporter.”
Many RMs in the southeast are in need of volunteers, including Moosomin, Hazelwood, Wawken, Walpole, Maryfield, Moose Mountain, Brock, Willowdale, Spy Hill, Montmartre, Wellington, Grayson and McLeod.
“Any time is a good time to sign up to be a crop reporter,” Masich said. “But now is a great time because it’s slower in the ag industry right now. Farmers, agronomists, anyone interested in being a reporter, they can sign up. We can get them a rain gauge and survey booklet in good time.”
Information gathered
from volunteer crop reporters is utilized every week during the growing season through the provincial crop report, detailing rainfall, topsoil moisture conditions, seeding and harvest progress, crop development and damage, livestock feed supplies, and pasture conditions.
“We would like reporters more in the south, especially in the RMs along the U.S. border,” Masich said. “We don’t have a ton of reporters down there, and then in central areas, there’s a couple pockets that don’t have reporters.”
Given how conditions can change quickly within a small area, Masich encourages people interested in volunteering who might already have a reporter in their RM to apply regardless.
“We still highly encourage you to sign up, because crop conditions can vary within an RM and rainfall as well,” he said. “So it’s good to have two sources of information for each RM. We welcome everyone, and we value everyone’s data
equally.”
Some reporters have been around since the provincial crop report was in its infancy, a milestone that does receive recognition.
“The crop report has been out for close to 50 years, and this year is the first year we have a reporter hitting 45 years,” said Masich. “Each year, we put on an appreciation event for long-term reporters that hit milestones, so 25 years, 30 years, etc. and this year was the first year we have somebody hitting 45 years. So that’s quite the milestone, quite the achievement, and we sure appreciate the dedication from our reporters.”
Over the years, thanks to all the data collected by dedicated reporters, the crop report has come to be relied on and looked forward to each week.
“It’s got a very significant impact,” Masich pointed out. “it’s one of the most — if not the most — popular publication we put out, just because it’s viewed by so many each week.”
Masich says with a laugh that on some Thursdays during the growing season if the report is late by even five
minutes, public panic tends to set in.
“I have a flood of emails from people wondering where it is because they’re just anticipating it and wanting to know what’s going on,” he said, adding that the report’s audience reaches beyond Saskatchewan borders as well. “Not even just within the province, but worldwide
as well. Producers and agrologists read it to assess risk, moisture conditions and predict crop yields in their areas. Also, policymakers, marketers, investors, and trading partners all around the world read the report because they want to know how our grain and commodities are being produced and conditions in production.”
Weyburn This Week is in search of farm photos for our annual ON THE FARM edition coming out in March! Receive the credit you deserve for the beautiful photos you have taken around your farm Email your pictures to acorrigan@glaciermedia.ca by February 27th, along with a description and your name Your pictures could very well be chosen for our next edition of ON THE FARM! Please send photos as a high resolution jpg or pdf.
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Deadline for classified ad submissions is Mondays at 12:00 noon.
Lloyd Hofmeister
October 8, 1926 –January 26, 2025 Lloyd Hofmeister, late of Regina SK previously of Fillmore SK passed away peacefully on Sunday January 26 2025 at the age of 98 years Predeceased by his wife Dwila; parents Adolf and Eva; and brothers Vernon and Dale Lloyd will be lovingly remembered by his children, Hal (Brenda) Hofmeister, Darrol (Marianne) Hofmeister and Marla Toth; grandchildren, Dara, Kali, Nicole and Morgan; great grandchildren, Kaia, Lukas, Vienna, Josie and Winnie; sister, Alverna Hart; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and all of the past and present family members of the Griffin Cubs Ball Team Respecting Lloyd’s wishes there will be no funeral service Friends and family so wishing may make donations in Lloyd’s memory to the Fillmore Legion #299 Box 299 Fillmore SK S0G 1N0 (E-Transfer: fillmorelegion@sasktel net) To leave an online message of condolence please visit www speersfuneralchapel com
In loving memory of Dolly Scrupps Oct 21 1937 - Feb 4 2016
You're gone but not forgotten We'll never be apart Your memory is a treasure We keep within our hearts
Loving you always, Annie & Nettie
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Oh Holy St Jude Apostle and Martyr great in virtue and rich in miracles Near Kinsmen of Jesus Christ Faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need To You I have Recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such Great power to come to my Assistance and help me in my present urgent position In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be evoked St Jude Pray for us and all who invoke your aide Amen Thank you for our Prayers Answered Thank you for a life spared Thank you for the miracles C M
NEWTEC IRRIGATION
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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@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844
The Weyburn Leisure Services Department received approval from City Council to modify their ‘senior’ category for fees and prices, and it will now be called ‘Active 55+’. All rates associated with the category will remain as currently posted.
Andrew Crowe, director of Leisure Services, explained that the Leisure Services Department is continuously reviewing operations, user trends, requests and inquiries received through engagement with facility users and community members.
A consistent discussion over the past year has been the ‘senior’ age category currently used while establishing user rates and offering programs.
requesting the changes are typically retirees on fixed incomes and feel that the full ‘adult rate’ is too costly to include within their lifestyle. Due to the costs, many of the individuals who would be still within the ‘adult’ category, who are 55+ are not purchasing memberships.”
“There has been an ongoing trend across service providers and communities across the province to adjust ‘senior’ rate categories from 65+ to 55+,” added Crowe.
eration,” added Crowe. “It is expected that by modifying the age category to Active 55+ the City will see an increase in the number of membership holders, assisting in the facility cost recovery which is targeted at 50 per cent.”
A full review of rates and fees as part of the three-year rate review will be completed in the spring, with the proposed changes coming into effect as of September 1, 2025.
A change to the rate category would support the City of Weyburn’s vision statement of “Community for All” as it will assist in breaking down financial barriers resulting in a higher quality of life for City residents, supporting increased access to health and wellness opportunities.
The Government of Saskatchewan is requiring that all school divisions develop, implement, and make publicly available a policy on changeroom usage that upholds the privacy, dignity and comfort of all students.
The Ministry of Education has been working with school divisions to ensure the safety and privacy of all students remain a top priority in Saskatchewan. School divisions have a critical role in the development and implementation of administra-
tive procedures. It is government’s expectation that school divisions will develop and implement these administrative procedures in consultation with parents/guardians and students.
All divisions must ensure that by June 30, 2025, their policy is publicly available on their website and clearly communicated to staff, parents, students and members of the public to maintain a sufficient level of transparency across the province.
Photo
Dale Paslawski from Weyburn Wildlife Federation sent most of the morning with the Little Learner classes at the Family Place showing them some of his many animal furs and skulls. He took his time answering many questions from the children.
“We have received numerous requests over the previous calendar year from our regular facility users and prospective users advocating for the ‘senior’ rate applied on membership and admissions to be adjusted to a lower age category,” explained Crowe. “Those
“Due to the number of individuals within the adult age category who are 55+ currently not purchasing memberships due to costs, we are experiencing negative impacts on revenue gen -
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