Members of the ‘Red’ team get hyped for a Gym Blast activity, held at St. Michael School last week. The Junior High classes were divided up into four different teams, and competed in a number of fun events.
John Cairns
SaskToday.ca
Saskatchewan will become a carbon tax free province on April 1, but how that move will impact the province’s finances remains to be seen.
Premier Scott Moe confirmed the news that was leaked out on social media the previous day: that the province’s industrial car-
bon tax will be removed.
Moe justified the move by again pointing to the commitments by the major parties remove the carbon tax. He also pointed at the pressures the province was facing from the tariff threat from the USA and China, among others.
“What we’re doing as a province is we’re taking very decisive steps to ensure
that our industries in Saskatchewan are more competitive and to protect the jobs today in those industries and protect the jobs that we want to attract in those industries into the future.”
But how removing the “hidden” industrial carbon tax will impact the Saskatchewan provincial budget and its $12 million surplus was a major question.
When asked why this was not included in the budget Moe said what they were doing was “deferring the OBPS program,” or output based pricing system on emitters.
That raised questions from reporters who pointed to the line item for OBPS under electricity sector revenues in the budget at $346.6 million. But Moe
The 2025 Weyburn landfill coupon for one free residental drop off of household and yard waste will be available in the March 27 edition of ‘Weyburn This Week.’
The annual landfill coupons are not for business or commercial use; coupons may be used for a typical residential load in a half
ton truck or small trailer. Loads must be tarped and tires are not accepted.
The City is reminding landfill users of the compost pile located at the disposal grounds. Compost waste can be disposed of free of charge which includes leaves, grass clippings, garden waste, flowerbed waste
and sod. The landfill also has a wood pile where charges apply for disposal of clean lumber (no paint or varnish), trees (cut into small pieces), stumps and branches.
This insert also features City of Weyburn Landfill hours of operation and local recycling locations. Summer hours of operation
began on April 1; weekdays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and weekends/stat holidays 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
You can find more landfill information on the City of Weyburn Landfill website. The landfill is located south of Weyburn off Hwy 35 on 22nd Ave., near the Weyburn Livestock Exchange.
insisted at the news conference that the budget impact would be minimal.
“We feel it has an immaterial effect on the budget but we will have a consultation process with industry on how we would be able to exit that program. We have always stood from day one against this tax.”
He said it ultimately was “preventing in many ways investment and enhancing the inflationary costs that we are experiencing as Canadians.”
“We have always been against it and looking for ways including taking it to the Supreme Court of Canada supported by eight other provinces and one opposition party in our effort there. What we are doing here today is really taking our cue from federal leaders as we find our-
selves in a national election campaign. You have seen the two main parties. Both federal leaders have came out and made decisions with respect to reducing the consumer carbon tax and one party, the Conservative party, has went further and said that they would also reduce the OBPS tax. Taking that cue, what we are asking all leaders to do is to be clear on what they would do with the OBPS tax and ask them to put that in the provincial scope of regulations.”
As for how the money would be made up, Moe reiterated “I wouldn’t assume that there is money that needs to be made up. What I would say is that this is a deferral and we will consult with the industry on how we exit the program.”
More on the budget at SaskToday.ca
A flag raising ceremony was held on March 25, to mark Anti-Racism Day. This flag was designed by Jenny Nguyen, who is originally from Vietnam.
The Weyburn Wheatland Seniors Centre held a variety of games during the week of March 24 to 29, with the following results.
The winners of Spades on March 24 were Ernie Lokken in first; Gladys Lokken in second and Melba Bent in third.
In Kaiser on March 25, first went to Brenda Paul and Marlene Szczecinski; second was Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson; third was Betty Knibbs and Jean Knibbs; fourth was Marie Marcotte and Eva Morley;
and fifth was Jean Fahlman and Theresa Istace.
In Hi-Low Whist on March 26, first went to Ray Boucher and Connie Boucher; second went to Janet van Winkoop and Emily Zyla; third went to Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn; and fourth went to Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson.
The winners of Thursday crib on March 27 were Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson in first; Mary Lou Schultz and Tara Osbourn in second; and Ruth Boren and Marie Marcotte in third.
Oscar White, winner of the Babies of 2024 contest, posed with his Mom to receive the grand prize package.
Oscar was born in August to Stacey Cameron and Stephen White of Weyburn.
Thank you to our sponsors for this contest: Weyburn Credit Union, Weger Paradis Law Firm, Weyburn Co-op Pharmacy and Maurer’s Meats.
Congratulations to all of our growing families.
In Friday Bridge on March 28, first went to Erskine Sandiford; with Jeannie Molnar in second and Lucie Nickle in third.
The winners of Shuffleboard on March 28 were Willa Mae Donald and Ron Frayn in first; Jannette Tonn and Yvette Bauche in second and Bert Sanguin and Coral Schindel.
The winners of Fun Cribbage on March 29 were Marg Schultz in first; Marlene Szczecinski in second; Jean Fahlman in third; and Sheila Greiner in fourth..
Warmer weather is just around the corner, and it’s time to embrace the great outdoors!
Online booking is now open for the 2025 camping season at River Park Campground.
There are 28 double wide sites serviced with water and both 15 and 30 amp electrical in addition to tenting areas. The park
has numerous picnic and barbecue areas, perfect for large gatherings. Campground office hours are 8-10:30 a.m. and 5-8 p.m. The camping season at River Park runs until September 30. Reserve your River Park campsite or gazebo for all your summer adventures online at weyburn.ca/xplor.
Don’t miss out! The Weyburn Legion will be hosting their annual huge indoor garage sale from April 3-5 at the Legion hall, 150 3rd St. N.E.
Donations are being accepted from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting now, right up until April 5.
If you would like to donate any items but can’t bring them down yourself, call the Weyburn Legion office at 306-8424258 and someone will make arrangements to have your items picked up. Donations are gratefully accepted.
The Weyburn Police Service welcomed Matthew Sanders, who will be serving in his home city. Matthew worked for 17 years in policing before coming back to the city where he and his wife grew up. They have two daughters and when not working, residents just may see him on the golf course or at a hockey rink.
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday
Performing on the violin
Prairie Sky Co-operative ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 15 2025
Royal Canadian Legion (upstairs)
7:00 pm Call to Order
Prairie Sky Co-op Association Ltd. hasthree positions up for election.
All 3positions arefor 3-year terms.
DirectorsJim Linnell, Nick Coroluick and Brent Hansen arerunning for re-election.
At the AGM, you’llhearupdates on the work of our Co-op andhavethe chance to vote on some key decisions.
Everyone whoattends the meetingwill be entered to win 1of5 door prizes!
Stephanie Zoer Freelance Reporter
At last, it is spring, and it is a welcome feeling.
With March coming in like a lamb, I am sure Old Man Winter will still show his face during the last days of the month to show us that winter is not over until he says so.
I have heard so many people say, “Do not be fooled by the beautiful weather, because we will still get a dump of snow.”
At this time of year, the great part is we know that the snow will not be staying, unlike getting snow in October when we know very well it could be a long winter.
Remember that big snowstorm we had in 2011 at the end of April? It was a big one, so do not put your snow shovels away just yet, because that old guy likes to play around with us.
Regardless, the itch of spring is in the air, which means buying garden seed and this to me is exciting.
A couple of weeks ago I planned my seeding, went ahead and bought all my seeds. Oh, I was thrilled to have this task done.
I have a bag hanging in my laundry room where I keep the seeds I did not
use the year before.
Off to the laundry room I went to get this bag of gold so I could add my new seed purchase, and low and behold it was filled with seed.
At first, I was baffled as to why I had so much left over last year. I know I had a full garden, and it did very well, but why did I have all this seed?
It then dawned on me that I have turned into my mom, and I am becoming a little forgetful.
Last year we had a lot of rain and the water off the street ran into our yard, which flooded my garden. In fear of losing all my seedlings that had sprouted, I bought all the seeds I needed to replace the garden if necessary.
I had an abundance of garden-fresh produce, especially zucchini, as I thought that having 10 plants was only going to give me a few, but low and behold at one time I had 80 zucchinis on my plants.
Luckily for me, my whole garden survived, and the seeds were not needed. I forgot all about them and now I need a garden that is twice the size than last year.
It just so happens that last year we
ClicktheSoutheastcategory,andbookmarktheWeyburnReview
were at an auction. A rototiller came up and my husband bought it. We already have one, but he just could not leave it there as the price was right.
And it also just so happens that we bought a house in Arcola, and it has a large space for a garden, so problem solved, right?
Well, not really. I have enough seeds to feed the 5,000.
Us avid gardeners do not waste seeds as they are precious to us, but
it is also why we have vegetables all winter.
All I need now is the snow to leave so I can get planting, as I do not have space in my house to start it indoors.
So, this summer if I disappear for weeks on end, let it be known that I am most likely in my garden being swallowed up by produce.
Gardening is so relaxing. It is one of the easiest things to do and the end product is so amazing.
The federal election is now on in Saskatchewan, but not all of the campaigns are fully up and running yet.
Many ridings still do not have their full complement of candidates in place and the parties are busy scrambling to nominate candidates to fill full slates to run in the April 28 election.
So far, only the Conservatives have filled their full slate of candidates running in all 14 ridings, most of them returning incumbents.
While the Conservatives have a full slate in the province, other parties are still scrambling. Both the NDP and the Liberals had less than half of their candidates in place as of Sunday’s election call and the NDP still had only about half of their slots filled by midweek.
The Liberals had only confirmed about a half dozen candidates in Saskatchewan by midweek.
Announcements have been coming from the main parties at a fast clip about candidates being nominated and we expect should know within days who
will be running.
Of the minor parties, the Greens have 11 candidates in place throughout the province so far while the PPC has seven. There is also one Libertarian candidate running.
Souris-Moose Mountain
As of publication deadline, there were two candidates in Souris-Moose Mountain for the federal election.
Steven Bonk (Conservative Party of Canada) and Remi Rheault (Green Party) are the candidates declared by their respective parties for the southeast riding. Bonk is the only one confirmed by Elections Canada as of the afternoon of March 30.
The People’s Party of Canada had announced that Hannah Raketti would be their candidate for the election, but Raketti’s candidacy for the riding has been removed from the party’s website, and a new candidate has not been revealed.
The federal Liberal Party and New Democratic Party have yet to announce candidates for Souris-Moose Mountain. Nominations close on April 7.
Steven Bonk, Conservative candidate for Souris-Moose Mountain, filed his election paperwork at the Elections Canada office in Weyburn on March 26.
Kraft Weyburn Review
Conservative candidate Steven Bonk recently filed his papers to officially run in the Souris-Moose Mountain constituency in the 2025 federal election.
“I am hopeful for the possibility of us having a change in federal government in Ottawa,” said Bonk.
“That’s something I hear over and over again from the constituents of Souris-Moose Mountain is they just want us to have a complete change in government in Ottawa to get rid of some of the policies that we’ve seen in the last nine years and implement some common sense conservative policies.”
The new boundary for the Souris-Moose Mountain constituency will be a bit of a challenge.
“It’s a very large area now. It’s about the size
of the country of Croatia.
But you know, corner to corner, it’s full of good people who have the same common sense core values of family, hard work, and getting the job done,” said Bonk. “So far I have run into nothing but good people here.”
This election marks Bonk’s first foray into federal politics. He was the MLA for the Moosomin constituency from 2016-2024, and won the Conservative Party’s nomination last August. He is looking forward to working with Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, and the rest of the candidates chosen across the province and country.
“’I have known Pierre for quite a while and I had the privilege of being his co-captain for his leadership bid here in Saskatchewan,” said Bonk.
“There’s not too many things that he and I don’t
The Government of Saskatchewan announced changes to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) in response to the federal government’s reduction to the program.
The Government of Canada cut nomination allocations to all provincial nominee programs by 50 per cent earlier this year, leaving Saskatchewan with 3,625 nominations, the lowest since 2009 and added a requirement that 75 per cent of all nominees must already be living in Canada as temporary residents.
“We are disappointed with the federal government’s decision to cut provincial nominee program allocations,” said Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “The SINP has been essential for Saskatchewan employers seeking to hire international workers when qualified Can -
adians are unavailable.”
The previously announced pause to the intake of Job Approval Forms (JAFs) will end immediately.
To manage the constraints imposed by the federal government, the Government of Saskatchewan is implementing program changes to the SINP effective immediately.
These changes will ensure fair access across sectors while maintaining program integrity and aligning with Saskatchewan’s longterm labour market needs.
Changes to the SINP will focus on prioritizing growing the work force in health care, agriculture and the skilled trades.
The changes include:
• Nominations for the accommodation, food services, retail trade and trucking sectors will be capped at 25 per cent of total annual nominations;
• Spas, salons and pet care services (excluding veterinarians) are no longer eligible to recruit through SINP; and
• The Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator categories will be permanently closed.
The SINP is Saskatchewan’s immigration program that allows the province to nominate qualified candidates for permanent residence in Canada. Over 90 percent of Saskatchewan’s economic immigration is facilitated through the SINP with it playing a key role in supporting Saskatchewan’s growing economy and labour needs.
• Approvals for candidates overseas will be prioritized for Health, Agriculture and the skilled trades. Recruitment for all other sectors and occupations will only be supported for candidates who are already temporary residents in Canada on a valid temporary visa;
see eye to eye on. I really look forward to helping him implement his vision of just common sense where hard work pays, where you can have the promise of a good life in your own house in a safe neighbourhood and I just agree with what he’s putting forward.”
Bonk also feels he has the right experience to handle the current turbulent tariff with the States.
“I had the privilege of serving as the Minister of Economy and Trade for the province of Saskatchewan and I served as an MLA for the past eight years. I was also part of the team that helped negotiate the last USMCA agreement with the Donald Trump administration, which he called the greatest trade agreement to have ever been concluded. What is happening now highlights the importance of policy, and those policies matter.”
“When you neglect foreign policy for nine years, when you neglect your trade partners for nine years, this is what can happen and this is the result,” added Bonk. “I will endeavour to do my best to make sure that Canada and Saskatchewan have a voice at the table.”
“There’s no other part of the province that relies more on international trade than we do here,” said Bonk. “It’s extremely important. We export over 95 per cent of what we produce.”
“We have potash, oil and gas, coal mining, agriculture and agricultural manufacturing, and the list goes on. It’s an extremely important subject for us, the importance of international trade and diversifying our trading partnerships.”
Already after visiting communities in the riding, Bonk is hearing that
there is an overreach of the federal government that is a concern.
“There’s been a constant creep on our rights, and also a constant creep on the jurisdictions. So there’s a definite delineation between municipal, provincial and federal governments, and our current federal government has blurred those lines and has crossed over into provincial jurisdictions numerous times, and municipal jurisdictions numerous times. There needs to be a very clear outlining of whose responsibility is whose, and I know that Pierre’s platform will highlight that.”
There will be a meetand-greet with Conservative candidate Steven Bonk on Thursday, April 10 at the Weyburn Travelodge from 5:30 to 7 p.m. There will be additional meetings held throughout the constituency during the election campaign.
“I look forward to meeting as many people as I can, getting to know them, getting to know their concerns. We’re very lucky in this part of the world that we have good, common-sense, hard-working folks, and I sure hope that we can export some of that to the rest of Canada.”
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the RM OF TECUMSEH #65 for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday, March 28, 2025 to May 26, 2025
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required. All fees must be submitted to the local assessor at the RM OF TECUMSEH #65. All appeals must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Nicolle Hoskins, which can be sent electronically to: secretary@ westernmunicipal.ca, or via post/mail to RM OF TECUMSEH #65, Box 300, STOUGHTON, SK S0G 4T0, and forwarded to the Secretary of the Board of Revision.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the RM OF TECUMSEH #65, Box 300, STOUGHTON, SK S0G 4T0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $100.00 appeal fee, which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be submitted by 4 p.m. May 28, 2025.
Dated this 28 day of March, 2025.
Kellee Slimmon Assessor
The U18AA Gold Wings showed off their provincial banner after a game three win over Warman on March
to right: Coach Jesse Doud, Coach Presleigh Samenook-Runge, Trainer Megan LeBlanc, Hadley
Talyn Johnston, Samara Seghers, Brooke McKinnon, Brooke Allan, Elizabeth Gill, Emma Holzer, Alexis
Lasko and Head Coach Rodney Reid. Middle row: Bostyn Samenook-Runge, Natalie
Reid, Kaylin Willhelm and Tyra Kmita. In front: Myra Field and Kiera Barker.
The SE Female U18 AA Apex Distribution Gold Wings are provincial champions after a thrilling 4-2 game three win over the Warman Wildcats in Midale on Sunday.
The girls went into
game three after splitting the first two games in the series last week, 3-1 for Warman and 4-2 for the Gold Wings. Warman came out of the gate flying with a power play goal just 5:56
The Weyburn Gold Wings will be hosting a spring camp on Friday, April 18, finishing up on Saturday, April 19.
The camp will include skills ice sessions, goalie sessions, scrimmages and a training fitness session.
into the game followed by a late goal with 4:15 left in the period.
The Gold Wings responded with two power play goals in the second period. The first goal came at 6:49 into the period
when Brooke Allan passed it to Hadley Gerle to get the girls on the scoreboard. Just two minutes later, Elizabeth Gill brought the team even with the second power play goal from Samara Seghers.
The two teams battled hard in the third period but the Gold Wings pulled ahead with a game winning goal by Seghers from Brooke Allan with 7:52 left in the game. Ella Schenher sealed the deal with a late goal from Gerle.
The Wildcats took seven penalties, compared to the Gold Wings five. The Gold Wings outshot Warman 39-18 with Kiera Barker posting the win.
The cost of the camp is $100/player.
To register, download the form off the Weyburn Gold Wings Facebook page.
The camp is open to players born in 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008. The purpose of the camp is to identify prospective players for the 2025-2026 season and beyond.
New Gold Wings head coach Cassie Schlamp, centre, was announced as the new head coach for the U18AAA Weyburn Gold Wings.
The Weyburn Wrestling Club competed in the 2025 SAWA provincials in Swift Current last weekend. Coach Greg Kiraly, Coach Daric Pirlot, Coach Ray Leroux, Tommy Orr, Brysen Richaud, Rastyn Weiss, Brantley Schachtel-Pocha, Conner Pocha, Jep Furgason, Landon Leroux, Mirabelle Leroux, Coach Eric Flemming and Coach Shane Lanz. Front
Grady McLeod, Meagan Kerr and Hunter Wagner. Photo – Submitted
The Weyburn Wrestling Club ended their season by sending 16 wrestlers to the 2025 SAWA provincials in Swift Current on March 22. The club came home with 10 medals in the freshie, notice and pee divisions (U9-U13).
In the U9 19kg - 20kg division, Wattson Furgason finished in fourth place.
In the U9 19kg - 21kg division, Raef Pirlot fin -
ished in fourth place.
In the U9 26kg - 27 kg division, Madyx Weiss brought home a silver medal.
In the U9 29kg - 32kg division, Hunter Wagner earned a silver medal.
In the U9 37kg - 40kg division, Anna Lanz finished in fourth place and Brantley SchachtelPocha brought home a gold medal.
In the U11 24kg division, Lochlan Pirlot
earned a bronze medal and Grady McLeod finished in fourth place. In the U11 27kg - 31kg division, Meagan Kerr finished in fourth place.
In the U11 36kg37kg division, Mirabelle Leroux brought home a bronze medal.
In the U11 61kg - 67kg division, Brysen Richaud finished second, earning hime a silver medal.
In the U13 Male 41kg - 43kg division, Jep Fur-
gason brought home a silver medal.
In the U13 Male 42kg - 45kg division, Landon Leroux finished in first place, earning him a gold medal with Conner Pocha brining home silver. In the U13 Male 46kg - 50kg division, Tommy Orr finished in fourth place. In the U13 Male 50kg - 53kg division, Rastyn Weiss earned a bronze medal.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The United Way Estevan celebrated accomplishments from the past 12 months, as well as the generosity of the community, during the organization’s annual general
meeting on March 26 at the Beefeater Plaza.
United Way board members and staff were joined by representatives of the member agencies and community impact projects, and others, for the meeting. Reports were
provided, audited financial statements were released and numerous speeches were delivered. Audited financial statements released during the meeting show the United Way received $437,713 in donations in 2024. Total revenues were $454,866.
The United Way provided $301,500 in funding for its member agencies and $30,276 to the community impact projects last year, along with $7,692 through the special projects fund and $8,500 for designated donations. Total expenses came in at $385,691, and net income for the United Way was $18,075.
The United Way also elected its executive for 2025-26. Brittney Brokenshire will be the president. Lynn Trobert and Larry Elash will share the first vice-president role; they
are the two longest-serving members on the United Way board, with more than 70 years of experience between the two of them.
They will be the co-presidents when the United Way has its 50th annual telethon in 2026.
Trobert will also be the treasurer, and Becca Foord will be the second vice-president. Mark Pettitt is the past-president.
Also during the meeting, Wendy Gustafson and Shelly Veroba, who co-chair the Day of Caring committee, promoted the annual event, which is slated for May 28.
It was also announced
at the meeting that the late John Deadlock would be receiving a posthumous King Charles III Coronation Medal. Deadlock played a pivotal role in the United Way for much of its history, and at one time, was the host throughout the telethon back when it was a 36-hour event.
Deadlock also had five terms as an alderman on Estevan city council.
The meeting wrapped up with member agency and community impact project representatives addressing the crowd and explaining how the United Way helps them deliver services to the community.
The Estevan Wildlife Federation is hosting its 39th annual Fundraising Dinner, Auction and Raffle event on Saturday, April 12 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.
The evening is full of
great food, exciting auctions, raffles and community engagement, all in support of wildlife conservation.
Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the program and auction. Tickets are on sale now. Resident can purchase them by texting or calling Monica at (306) 461-6757 or message the Estevan Wildlife Federation Facebook page.
Anastasiia Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
The Together We Can: MRI for Estevan campaign has raised over $5.2 million towards its $6.5 million goal, marking a major step forward in efforts to bring an MRI scanner to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
The campaign, launched last year following the Saskatchewan government’s approval in its provincial budget, has seen overwhelming support from individuals, businesses and organizations across the southeast.
“We are getting close to the final stretch. We’re 80 per cent of the way there, and we’re still encouraging everybody to continue to support,” said Lori Gervais, executive director of the St. Joseph’s Hospital
Foundation.
A key factor in the campaign’s rapid success has been the generosity of local donors. The effort was initially propelled by a $2 million donation from Elaine Walkom, made in memory of her late husband Grant. Most recently, longtime supporter Ron Carson contributed an additional $150,000 to the project, bringing his total donation to $250,000.
“We had some big things coming in lately,” Gervais said. “Ron Carson and his family have been huge supporters of all of our projects over the years.”
Beyond large-scale contributions, grassroots efforts have also played a crucial role. Local businesses, real estate groups
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Roche Percee for the year of 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Fridays.
If you have any questions regarding your assessment, please contact Lyndon Stachoski at the Village of Roche Percee office located at 609 Birch Avenue Roche Percee, SK S0C 0M0 or by phone (306) 634-4661.
Any person who wishes to appeal against their assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal along with the applicable fee of $150.00 with: Nicole Hoskins, The Board of Revision, Box 149, Meota, Saskatchewan, S0M 1X0, by the 30th day of May 2025.
Dated this 28th day of March, 2025 Lyndon Stachoski Assessor
and community organizations have helped spread awareness and rally support.
“I have people stopping by daily really with donations, which always are accompanied by their very personal health-care journeys and their stories, which is why it is so important to everybody,” Gervais said.
The funds raised will not only cover the purchase and installation of the MRI scanner but also support renovations to the hospital’s diagnostic imaging centre and staff training.
“The impact of this MRI will be life-changing,” Gervais said. “It will really reduce wait times and allow patients a more timely diagnosis right in the community without the travel
... which is even more valuable in the wintertime, when the roads are bad and people are sick.”
She emphasized that the need for an MRI machine in Estevan has been widely recognized.
“It’s not a hard sell. Everybody agrees that this is an important project, and so we have really, really felt the support, and it shows because we are well on our way to hitting the goal.”
The campaign still needs to raise approximately $1.3 million to reach its final goal. Various fundraising initiatives continue to take place across the region.
“We have people that are out in the community spreading the word, asking people to participate, get-
R.M. of Benson No.35
Notice is hereby giventhatthe assessmentrollfor theR.M of Benson No.35for theyear2025 hasbeenpreparedand is open to inspection in theofficeofthe assessor from 8a.m.to 4p.m., on thefollowing days:Monday to Friday,April 4, 2025, to June 5, 2025,excluding holidays.
Abylaw pursuanttosection214 of TheMunicipalitiesAct hasbeenpassedand theassessmentnotices have been sent as required.
Anypersonwishing to discussthe notice of assessment or potentialappeal maycontactthe assessor at theR.M.of Benson No.35, Box69, Benson, SK S0C0L0.A notice of appeal,accompanied by a$50 appeal feewhich will be returned if theappeal is successful,mustbefiled with The Secretaryofthe BoardofRevision, WesternMunicipal Consulting Ltd.,Box 149,Meota,SKS0M 1X0, by the5th dayofJune,2025.
Datedthis28thday of March, 2025. ChantelWalsh,Assessor
ting our information into the right hands,” Gervais said.
Several community-led events have helped boost fundraising efforts. The Alida Curling Club is raffling off a quilt, the Elks are planning a golf tournament for July, and SaskPower is donating proceeds from a 50/50 draw at a safety event in the fall. Other organizations, including the Catholic Women’s League in Bienfait and many others, have also made contributions.
One of the big upcoming fundraising events is the 14th annual Radiothon for Life on May 21 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
“That’ll be another fantastic day of raising money,” Gervais said.
“We’ll be on the air from 7 to 7 on the 21st of May.”
With construction timelines being finalized and local contractors being contacted, Gervais hopes continued visibility and public awareness will drive further donations.
“We’re going to see things happening over here,” she said. “We’ll definitely advertise that, be transparent about that, keep that awareness for everybody that’s already contributed to see that their money is going to something real.”
Donations can be made online at sjhf.org, via etransfer to info@sjhf.org, by calling 306-637-2474, or in person at the foundation office. Tax receipts are issued for all donations.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The efforts and achievements of southeast agriculture producers were saluted March 28 in Estevan.
The Lafrentz family, which owns and operates Wheatland Cattle Co., located southeast of Bienfait
in the Souris River Valley, was presented with the prestigious Farm Family of the Year Award during a banquet at the Beefeater Plaza. Hundreds of people were present and applauded when the family was recognized. The family includes
Vernon, his wife Denise, and their two sons: Riley and his wife Maddy, and Cody-Ray and his wife Shayne.
In his acceptance speech, Vernon thanked everyone who put the event on.
“It is certainly an honour to receive this award, and [be] among so many people who have the same interest that we do,” Vernon Lafrentz said in his acceptance speech. “I guess the day-to-day things on the farm are what keep us all going. Some days it’s a challenge.”
Riley and Maddy are on the ranch full-time and are involved in all the day-today operations. Maddy also runs Compass Creative, which is her own graphic design business.
“Most of the spring bull sale catalogues that you see are designed by Maddy. Riley also does a little auctioneering,” a bio for the family stated.
Cody-Ray and Shayne make their home in Prague, Okla., where they own and operate Lafrentz Cattle. Even though there is some distance between Bienfait and Prague, they are able to work together in their breeding and marketing decisions.
Denise said it is “so rewarding” to have their children involved with the operation and keeping the family farming tradition alive.
“We work at it. The kids work at it, and now their spouses are working at it,” said Denise.
“They have that same passion,” added Vernon.
ations, but the focus now is livestock.
“It was a common goal that we had to do that, and raise the best cattle that we could raise,” said Vernon. Wheatland Cattle Co. was incorporated by Vernon and Denise.
They are involved as a seedstock producer. According to the family’s bio, breeding, raising and marketing purebred Simmental and Angus cattle is what they are best-known for. An annual bull sale is held the third Thursday in March on the ranch.
“Our family works relentlessly to build the best possible cowherd we can. Throughout this industry, we are truly blessed with the friendships that we have made.”
Members of the Lafrentz family gathered for a photo.
Agriculture has been in the family for generations. Vernon and Denise’s respective families, dating back to their great grandparents, were both involved with farming, typically in mixed oper-
The past year was a “super-exciting” and “memorable” year showing cattle, they said. Their bio states Wheatland Lady 211H and Wheatland Bull 4177M were crowned grand champion Simmental female at Agribition and then went on to be declared supreme champion female across all breeds, which they said is definitely a moment they will cherish and remember.
The national champion Angus bull at Farmfair International was also a bull they bred and raised, Mich Wheatland Coalfields 2177K, which was a past sale highlight.
Denise and Riley were judges at the Calgary Stampede steer show together last summer, while Riley and Cody-Ray did the prestigious Iowa Beef Expo.
“Agriculture runs deep in our roots and we are truly grateful and thankful to God in living where we live and doing what we love to do as a family,” the bio stated.
Agriculture has its challenges. When people ask him how things are going, he says he has to contend with the weather and the government.
“A lot of times, I’ll take my chances on the weather,” said Vernon to laughter from the crowd.
It’s great to do what they do, they love their work and it’s not a job at all. For this, they are truly grateful, and Denise said they enjoy everything.
“When the cows calve and the little baby first gets up and it looks at you, for us it is so rewarding. You can get lost in it. Where we live, we live in the valley, and we really don’t do anything else. It’s all we do is farm,” said Denise. Still, they’ve been involved with 4-H over the years, spreading their love of agriculture to future generations.
Ryan Young SaskAgToday.com
It seems that Canada’s Farm Show has found its spot on the calendar.
Last week’s event was the first time in its 48-year history that it was held in March, as it was held in June previously.
Show director Carla Vipond told reporters on the third and final day of the Farm Show that she heard a lot of positive feedback from exhibitors and attendees.
“My gauge of success is talking to farmers, exhibitors, and sponsors,” she said. “I’m certainly hearing from our exhibitors that they’ve had record sales – they’re writing lots of quotes, they’re hearing
words like, ‘we are absolutely surprised,’ and to me, from a Farm Show organizer standpoint, that’s exactly what we need to do. We’ve obviously been following what’s been happening on social (media) with a lot of our farmer guests because we listen to that and in addition to the conversations that we’ve had here, people are just so glad they came and so glad they took in the show and are already excited for 2026.”
During the morning of each day, there were groups of Grade 5 to 8 students touring REAL District as part of Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan’s ThinkAg Career Expo held Tuesday and Wednesday. Students also flocked to the
Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) Mobile Skills Lab to try their hand at operating various farm equipment via virtual reality.
There were a pair of pre-show events leading up to the Farm Show – the Jelly Roll concert on Sunday and the welcome reception on Monday night. A highlight of the welcome reception was the inaugural winners of the Innovators Recognition Program. The winners were:
• Emerging Innovator: Jeremy Matuszewki, President, Thunderstruck Sales and Marketing.
• Farmer Innovator Award: Colin Roosengren, Roosengren Farms & CoFounder of Campresso .
• Community Innovator
Award: Sara Shymko, Executive Director, Ag in the Classroom – Saskatchewan.
• Visionary Innovator Award: Wilf Degelman, Founder, Degelman Industries.
Another award handed out was the Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmer Award going to Brady and Lindsay Funk from Wymark.
The Launch Pad at Canada’s Farm Show was the site of, among other things, an address from Premier Scott Moe, a number of presentations related to technology, product launches, roundtable discussions of the provincial budget and the CanadaU.S. tariff situation, and announcements such as the
latest cohort of the AgTech Accelerator Program and a partnership between Startup TNT and Farm Credit
for next year’s Canada’s Farm Show: March 17-19, 2026.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the estate of FLOYD BRUCE HEMPHILL, late of Stoughton, in the province of Saskatchewan, deceased. All claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 9th day of May, 2025.
McGEOUGH ZEPICK LAW OFFICE 1222 - 5th Street
Estevan, Saskatchewan S4A 0Z6
Solicitors for the Executors 13/14
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy completeness truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements For greater information on advertising conditions please consult the Association's Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www swna com
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 com
Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
NOW HIRING:
Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy (road) construction camp this upcoming season. Current location is near Saskatoon, SK. Must have valid driver’s license and safe food handling ticket. Experience in camp setting with 20-30 crew, an asset. Send resume with two work references to: Bryden Construction, Box 100, Aroborfield, SK., S0E 0A0 brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844 www.bryden constructionand transport.ca
BARLEY
*New - AB StANdSwell* Smooth awn, high yielding, grain and forage great lodging reSiStance 1St NitrogeN uSe efficieNt cereAl iN cANAdA AttrActiNg JApANeSe iNtereSt cerveza cdc auStenSon, cdc maverick, Sundre wheAt Pintail forage or grain oAtS ac JuniPer, ac morgan, ac muStang, derby, cdc So1 SuPer oat peAS very early yellow Pea forage PeaS AlSo AvAilABle
The boards of education of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division and the South East Cornerstone Public School Division have approved the 2025-26 school year calendar.
Their decision is subject to approval by the Ministry of Education, based on compliance with Education Act regulations.
Calendars must ensure that a minimum of 950 hours of instructional time is provided to all students. These legislative and regulatory amendments were implemented to ensure there is a consistent minimum amount of instruction time.
The first day of classes is slated for September 2, which is after the Labour Day long weekend.
The last day of classes before the Christmas break will be December 19, and the first day back in 2026 will be January 5.
There will be a winter break from February 1620 (which includes Family Day), and a spring break will run from April 6-10, following the Good Friday and Easter Sunday long weekend. The final day of classes is June 26.
The full school calendar is available on both the Holy Family and South East Cornerstone websites for their school divisions.
Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD
A nine-member team of educational superintendents and co-ordinators descended on the conference room in the head office of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division on March 25 to deliver a walk through of data from the division. They had been invited to attend the board members’ monthly business meeting to go over a host of facts and figures in front of a friendly audience seeking the information they could impart.
The semi-regular wall walk has become a vital event within the school division as these co-ordinators and superintendents go over the details of the progress being made by making use of a wall covered with colourful graphs and charts used for tracking student progress at all levels.
In fact, director of education Keith Keating began the discussion by noting how the charts track class-
room actions, progress and tiers of students as well as individual levels of achievement.
Keating noted the array of details, tacked to the conference room’s wall, were models or examples of what teachers are doing and how the streaming methods track the progress “from our perspective at a system level, regardless of which schools are involved.”
Nathan Johnson, superintendent of human resources, was the first team member to hit the charts. He, along with Jacquelene Gibbs, co-ordinator of early learning, attacked the subject of student transitions.
Johnson spoke of tracking three-year graduation rates, enrolment data and referred to the “catch-up” tracks being used by students and their educators at various stages and how it was important for the teams to keep paying attention to the results being established.
Gibbs spoke about the early learning years, rates of
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Laurier No 38 for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open for inspection at the office of the Assessor during t he hour s of 8: 30 a. m. to 12: 00 p. m. and 1: 00 p. m. to 4: 30 p.m., Monday to Friday, from April 4 to June 3, 2025.
A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the R.M. of Laurier No 38, Box 219, Radville SK S0C 2G0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $50 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Nicolle Hoskins, Box 149, Meota SK S0M 1X0, by the 3rd day of June, 2025.
Dated this 4th day of April, 2025.
Sam Kalmbach, Assessor
progress and the challenges that ensued in the process of learning at this significant level. She also spoke of literacy levels for the entire division and how and why they are tracking complete caseloads.
Next up were Cathy Hiltz and Cheryl Anderson. Hiltz serves the division as superintendent of schools in Cornerstone’s southern sector and Anderson is the co-ordinator of student services.
These two team members spoke of learning and assessment processes, leaning into various grade groupings. For example, Hiltz noted, through the graphic examples, how the Grade 1-3 students are showing excellent growth patterns in terms of literary comprehension and vocabulary. In fact, she added, “there are some great things to celebrate here,” while pointing to the chart that gave truth to her statement.
Anderson pointed out
how the graphs and charts could be read in different ways and manners but still recognize the fact there was great growth and the use of the “maps” supports the statements.
Kevin Hengen, superintendent of schools for the eastern region, and Michael Graham, co-ordinator of curriculum, were up next to focus on growth patterns within the Indigenous education programs including First Nations and Métis areas of achievement.
They spoke of literacy levels, the successes being recorded and the areas where a cautionary approach was being recommended. Graham pointed out that since the enrolment numbers were fewer than other examples, such tracks such as attendance and results in particular areas could be skewered to some degree due to these lower enrolment numbers.
The final duo at the chart wall were Tracey Kiliwnik, co-ordinator of learning sup-
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Town of Milestone for the year of 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 8:30 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m on the following days: Monday to Friday, April 4 to June 4, 2025.
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment may contact the assessor at the Town of Milestone, Box 74 Milestone, SK S0G 3L0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $100 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be files with the Secretary of the board of Revision, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., Box 149, Meota SK S0M 1X0, by the 4th day of June, 2025.
Dated this 4th day of April, 2025
Stephen Schury Assessor
ports and Devon Dempsey, superintendent of schools for the western region. They spoke about mental health and well-being.
Kiliwnik addressed the social-emotional issues and how they are being addressed and why the key to successful intervention is done through early identification of a pending problem.
With the wall data in front of her, Kiliwnik talked about how counsellors dealt with mental health and emotional issues and that about five to eight per cent of the student body end up “in the red zone.”
Dempsey pointed out how the systems of intervention have improved compared with the previous year and how some issues such as lower attendance rates are often associated with unrelated facts such as poor weather conditions. She noted how last year attendance was affected 168 times by weather-related incidents
that caused bus route cancellations, while this school year there were 894 weather related incidents, so those could confuse the statistic readers.
She said there continues to be the need for a robust attendance system so that those on the assistance side or, “what the story is behind the absenteeism,” could be enveloped and reported accordingly.
She concluded by saying that it was an issue of “what can we do to help, and that’s not a judgment, it’s assistance.”
At various stages of the presentations, the team members answered queries from board members regarding specific areas of individual interest as well as broader questions on the data collection system.
The nine members then departed the conference room after being thanked by the board and chairwoman Audrey Trombley.
Sabrina Kraft Weyburn Review
The WCS Senior Theatre Club will spin a modern twist on a classic tale in “Alice @ Wonderland”, April 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., with a dessert matinee on April 13 at 2 p.m.
“This is just drama, so it’s just acting, which a lot of people don’t really see here in Weyburn because everything is usually a musical,” said Grade 11 student Harper Williams, who plays Alice.
“It’s very different in the sense where each scene is so creative and fun and there’s no really repeats of sets, and the charac -
ters are all big and bright and colourful, so it makes it very entertaining to watch.”
“It’s definitely an original take on a story that everyone knows, and you don’t see dramas much in Weyburn, so I think it’s fresh and new,” said Grade 12 student Maximus Kilback, who plays the King of Hearts.
There will be lots of fun secrets to discover during the play as well.
Of the title character, Alice, Williams said “she plays dumb, but she’s kind of cheeky in a way, where she kind of wants to mess with the characters a bit, so I feel like that would be
the secret I’d want them to kind of catch on to.
“I think it’s that King of Hearts has his own voice,” said Kilback. “It’s not just that he’s both meek, but when he needs to be, he’s demanding. He’s definitely subservient to his wife, but then also he has his own voice when he needs to.”
“I think it’s a really fun way to get away from the real world with everything that’s happening outside of our country and in our country,” said Grade 11 student Aralea Strubey-Lark, who plays the Caterpiller. “This will be a nice way for people to come in and celebrate being together and watching
The Flowers, Rose (Jersey Andrews), Lily (Chelsea MacNeil), Daisy (Princess Dumagat) and Violet (Elizabete Sirante) enjoyed a shared secret with Tweedledee (Daphne Asuncion) and Tweedledum (Xhannelle Ebol).
The Queen of Hearts (Hayden Black) and King of Hearts (Maximus Kilback) get their flamingos ready for a game of crochet.
something funny.”
“We worked very hard on this. We spent a lot of hours, and I think our talent is something that can be good for the community, and it’s fun,” said Hayden Black, who plays the Queen of Hearts.
One of the very fun elements is that both Gian Zagada and Niegel Zagada play the Cheshire Cat, allowing them to use their very similar appearance to make it look like the character is teleporting across the stage.
“So, you’ll see one of the cats appear at the other side of the stage and then one would go at the other end,” said Gian.
“He changes personality a bunch of times, where sometimes he’s like witty, like very playful, but then
he gets serious towards the end.,” said Niegel.
There are also friendships made, and new obstacles to face. Williams said, “Allce gets to meet everyone, but I feel like the person that she gets the most buddy-buddy with would probably have to be the Cheshire Cat, because both of their scenes are very witty, because he asks her a lot of questions.”
“She’s more vulnerable when it comes to that character, because she gets more upset and shows more emotion with that character, and gets less nervous around him, so I’d say that one.”
“She does have a lot of people who are kind of antagonists to her, just because they show her a lot of attitude. So I’d probably say pretty much everybody in
the Mad Hatter scene, during the Mad Tea Party, and definitely Humpty Dumpty, because he calls her stupid multiple times, which is funny,” said Williams.
The ironic thing for most of the other Wonderland characters, “is that Alice is perceived as the main villain for a lot of the characters,” said Strubey-Lark.
Even the Queen of Hearts has a softer side to her character. “I think her secret is that she’s very lonely, because she’s so angry all the time, probably doesn’t have a lot of friends, or they pretend to like her.”
Ticket prices for the evening shows are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. The dessert matinee is $15 per person. Tickets are available at the WCS office.
