Estevan Mercury 20200909

Make a COVID 19 care kit!

Cloth Masks

Disposable Masks

Hand Sanitizers

Thermometers

HENDERS DRUGS 1220 4th Street, Estevan 306-634-3666 Mon. - Fri. 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-6pm Sun. & Holidays 12pm-4pm

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Ludwig seeking a third term as mayor

The most exciting back to school day

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

Roy Ludwig wants one more term as Estevan’s mayor.

Ludwig submitted his nomination papers on Aug. 31, the day after the forms were first available. He was elected mayor for the first time in 2012 and was re-elected in 2016. Prior to becoming mayor, he had six terms as a city councillor from 1994-2012.

He said he has enjoyed working with council, city staff and the citizens to problemsolve as different types of issues have occurred.

It was a tougher decision this time as to whether he would run again, but he decided to after talking with his wife, whom Ludwig described as his closest ally.

“It is a big responsibility and one that I do not take lightly,” said Ludwig.

Ludwig is scheduled to retire from Westmoreland Mining LLC next year, after more than four decades in the mining industry. The extra time he will have factored into his decision.

“It’s quite onerous to have a full-time job and to be even a councillor, but definitely mayor, which is more duties, more involvement,” said Ludwig. “And even though, thank God, my health has stood up, and I’ve been able to do it with the two jobs, it’s a lot.”

During the past two terms, Ludwig is pleased the city has paid down the long-term debt and reduced the net debt – the excess of liabilities versus assets.

“To me, that was one of the more important things that we’ve done in all of my years on council, was to get the debt paid down to a manageable level,” said Ludwig.

He’s also pleased to see the completion of the new water intake project, which shifted the primary water source from Boundary Dam to Rafferty Dam, resulting in better water for the community.

The city has also been able to complete needed infrastructure, road revitalization and beautification projects.

The big challenge during the next term will be the shutdown of Unit 4 at the Boundary Dam Power Station at the end of next year, and preparing

Mayor Roy Ludwig for the retirement of Unit 5 at Boundary Dam at the end of 2024.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us on the economic development side,”said Ludwig.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with our economic development committee. We’ve got some great people on there from the business side of our community.

They’re all keeners, and they want to do the right thing for our city and surrounding area.”

The city will also continue to advocate for carbon capture and storage technology at Boundary Dam and at the Shand Power Station.

Ludwig has heard rumours that at least one other person is going to run, and he would welcome the challenge.

He was opposed by two other candidates in both 2012 and 2016.

And he looks forward to seeing some fresh faces on city council, with multiple members of the current council previously confirming to the Mercury that they wouldn’t be seeking another term.

“I’m looking forward to this election, and I’m hoping that we’ll get a lot of good involvement from people in our community who want to make a difference, who want to put in the efforts to make a difference and bring different perspectives to the table,” he said.

The civic election will occur Nov. 9. Nomination forms are available from city hall or the City of Estevan’s website for mayor and councillor with Estevan city council, as well as the two Estevan trustee positions on the South East Cornerstone Public School Division board and the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division board.

The deadline to submit papers is Oct. 9.

Spruce Ridge School students were grouping around their teachers on Tuesday morning, probably the most exciting back-to-school day in many years. Payton Mathieson, Ty Blackburn, Skyla Tessier, Miley Janecke, Patience Meyers and Teal Bramham were the first ones from Grades 2A and 2B to join their teachers Janet Baumann and Colleen Rohloff out on the field by the school.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Lawsuit seeks damages for dog bite

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

An Estevan man has filed a lawsuit against the E s t e v a n Po l i c e S e r v i c e (EPS), the City of Estevan and the Estevan board of police commissioners, stemming from a dog bite incident.

Kr istofer Donald is seeking $250,000 in damages after he was bit by police dog Max while Donald was being arrested on Aug. 18, 2019. His lawyer, Jonathan Goby, filed the lawsuit last month.

Goby, who operates the Goby Law Office in Estevan, said they opted for three defendants as opposed to just the EPS. “The police are the responsibility of the municipality, and are a function of the operations of the city, so that’s why the city’s named, and the board of police commissioners is the statutory body that’s in charge of police operations,” said Goby.

In a news release issued in August 2019, the EPS noted they were informed

Donald was at a residence in the central part of the city.

The EPS claimed Donald was wanted for failing to comply with his electronic monitoring conditions and had been at large for approximately one week.

Due to what they described as safety concerns, the EPS said its canine unit was called in for support.

After attempts to negotiate and have Donald surrender were unsuccessful, the EPS claimed Max was utilized to search the residence and located Donald hiding inside a small closet in a bedroom.

The EPS acknowledged at the time that Donald was transported to hospital for treatment of a wound to his forearm, which the EPS said was a dog bite. And they said Donald resisted arrest.

Goby disputed the resisting arrest claim.

“They arrested him, had him to go to his knees, and they handcuffed his hands behind his back,” said Goby.

“And during that procedure, he said that he was completely compliant and not resisting in any way, and the

word he used to describe himself was ‘submissive.’

“But after he was on his knees and hands cuffed behind his back, the police dog, who was in there – there were two officers and the police dog – but the dog had been on leash and was being restrained while he (Donald) was being arrested. But after he was on his knees and handcuffed, the police dog was released and allowed to attack and repeatedly bite him.”

Goby went on to say Donald now has scarring and nerve and tendon damage from that attack, and Goby said Donald has also suffered psychological impact.

“To have a dog come at him in that way when he’s in that vulnerable state, there are psychological issues that have arisen from that as well,” Goby said.

Donald is currently incarcerated at the provincial correctional centre in Regina. Goby said Donald was released with conditions after the August incident, but he was arrested for breaching his release conditions and

has been on remand at the provincial facility since that time.

Goby believes this incident fits in with recent incidents of racism in policing and calls to defund the police, because Donald is Indigenous. “ Pe o p l e h a v e h a d enough of inappropriate actions by the police, and I think this is another example of a situation that people have been speaking out against,” said Goby. “It’s that kind of hot topic and it shows us that it’s not just far away or other places.”

Police Chief Paul Ladouceur said Max and his handler, Const. Paul Chabot, remain on active duty. He said this case will be dealt with in court, and he has the utmost of confidence in the officers who responded to the call.

“As chief of police I do have every confidence in the officers who attended that day, and I do believe they were acting in good faith.”

A hearing has yet to take place to discuss the lawsuit.

F O R D R I CI N G EP E Y O W L ON NO EMP

*

$

I CE AL PR IN T OT TM E NT S^ ADJ U S D LI M IT E F -1 5 0 ed

0 0 0 , 6 1 020

V GET O

ER

ele c t EW 2 ures s O N A No pt io n al f e at wit h

FIND OUT MORE AT FINDYOURFORD.CA

Senchuk Ford Sales Ltd.

118 Souris Ave. N., Estevan 306-634-3696 www.senchuk.com

A2 September 9, 2020

www.estevanmercury.ca

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

FILL UP YOUR TANK

September 15th, and the Federated Co-op will donate $.05 per litre sold and the Southern Plains Co-op will donate $0.05 per litre sold to a local charity.

Oxbow - Oxbow Emergency Support Carlyle - Cornerstone Family Youth Estevan - Southeast Search and Rescue

Thank You For Your Support HAVE YOU DOWNLOADED THE APP YET? The apps gets you:

Special Offers • Coupons • Digital Flyer • Simple Grocery List • Recipe • And More

ESTEVAN • CARLYLE • OXBOW • ALAMEDA • GAINSBOROUGH

Your LocaL Hearing impaired Hearing SpeciaLiSt

Landon Woodruff

Community A3

g

g

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

g

Full Hearing Tests

g

Hearing Aids And Repairs 60 Day Trial Period

Batteries And Assistive Listening Devices

g

Third Party Billing

1-306-634-0193 #130-1175 Nicholson Road dunlophearing@gmail.com

Rafferty Marina may see significant changes on par roughly and maybe even a little higher than the last three-four years. It’s been good,” said Dies.

Dies started boating in 2008 and shortly after that, he got involved with the fishing board and then with the Rafferty Marina committee.

“In 2009 or 10, I started helping, look after the place a little bit, cleaning the bathrooms. And then I got more involved when a new group of people took over the lease,” recalled Dies.

Six volunteers have been improving and maintaining the Rafferty Marina boat launch for about 10 years now. As the current lease is coming to an end soon, the committee started looking for people who will be ready to take over.

“Our lease with the Water Security Agency expires at the end of 2021, and we may not renew our lease. So it would be up to another group to take over it,” said Dies.

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

The Rafferty Marina, an attraction that sees thousands of Canadian and American anglers and tourists every year, had probably even more traffic this summer.

Barry Dies, one of the dedicated team members who has committed a lot of time and physical labour into marina improvements and maintenance over the past decade, said he believes that the pandemic allowed people more time to spend out on the lake.

Even though American travellers, which count for about 10 per cent of the visitors, weren’t able to cross the border, there still were a lot of people enjoying the site.

“I think because of COVID a lot of people haven’t been working, so they had more time to fish. There is no way to gauge the usage other than donations, but they are

They plan to have a public meeting next spring to discuss the plans, but if there are no people willing to take over the lease, the marina, at least the way southeast has known it for the last 20 years, may become a notion of the past.

Dies added that he hopes people will step forward to keep the marina going, and he will help them at least during the first year.

Throughout the past years, for Dies the marina became an almost full-time job, as he comes out here almost every day.

“I’m retired, I’ve got the time and this is kind of my go-to place to get away from other issues and come out here, do my thing, drive the tractor, fix the roads, cut grass, whatever needs to be done.”

The marina committee has 15 acres of land to look after. The gravel road up to the main grid is their responsibility as well. The RM

The Rafferty lake is known for its gorgeous views and great fishing. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

grades it every so often, but the boulders that come out of the ground every spring have been hard to deal with.

“Grading this road is tough because of the amount of rocks in it. I’ve dug out some, but some you can’t.”

Usually, bathrooms upkeep is another regular duty for volunteers, however this summer with the pandemic it was decided to keep them closed.

The marina has been doing well, especially after they installed the security cameras and vandalism cases went down significantly. During their time the committee also acquired two sea can containers, two tractors that are used to maintain the property, and rebuilt the docks in 2012 and 2015. Dies improved the bigger dock adding metal skids, which allow the dock to stay in position.

“This system works fairly well, it’s fairly sturdy, but it has to be when you have an 80 km/h wind,” said Dies.

This spring Dies decided not to put the docks out as far as they usually go as. Even with the new system in place the strong winds that were shaking the area in late spring-early summer would badly damage them.

Being a non-profit organization, Rafferty Marina runs off donations. When the boat launch was constructed in the late 90s, the government set aside some money for maintenance, which was being used throughout the

Volunteer Barry Dies comes to the Rafferty Marina almost every day to maintain the area. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia years, but the committee has a lot of bills to pay.

“It costs us (about) $2,500 a year to do absolutely nothing, pay the power bills, pay insurance, (etc), it’s things that you have to do … And we want to cut grass, drag roads, it’s fuel.”

The lights stay on all year round, and there are a lot of other day-to-day expenses.

Dies said they are usually don’t have any fundraisers, but many businesses and individuals often land them the needed equipment and provide monetary donations. “ We are very blessed with the support we’ve had from Estevan, not just the business community but people too,” said Dies.

About five years ago they also set up the honest John donation box, which is located on the side of one

of the two donated sea can containers that house the equipment. Dies said that it seems to be working with many people putting money in there.

Sometimes they also remind those who launch boats at the marina that a small donation goes a long way. The volunteers put notes under windshield wipers, asking the public to consider a $4 donation and thanking the boaters who’ve already done so. Dies added that if the donation is significant volunteers can arrange for a tax receipt through the RM. They also recognize their biggest donors by displaying their names and logos at the marina.

Follow the Mercury for updates on the committee meeting and the destiny of the Rafferty Marina.

United Way Telethon will take place at the legion in a new format Plan B for the 33-hour fundraiser says no audience and a mixture of live and prerecorded entertainment. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, the board was sad to announce that no spectators will be allowed at the building, but safety comes first, and they were still thrilled to be able to go forward with the 2020 Telethon.

Graham said they still will have great entertainment.

“O ur enter tainment group is working hard to have a lineup. We will have some pre-recorded entertainment, no doubt. But I think schools and teachers will get creative and maybe provide us an art parade or math challenges or science experiments. It’s really a creative year, no doubt. And we will have the entertainment to fill the Telethon period,” promised Graham.

Due to crowd restrictions, there won’t be large groups of entertainers with over six participants, and only up to 30 people will be able to be at the main hall at the same time, out of which about 20 board members and volunteers will working behind the scenes and the other 10 will be performers or people coming for interviews or to make a donation on behalf of their organization.

The volunteers will be

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

The 44th United Way Estevan Telethon is a go and it will take place at the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in October.

The theme for this year is United We Stand.

“It’s very fitting for this year. The community comes together at this time to help others and truly you will be helping someone you know,” said United Way Estevan board president Melanie Graham.

The goal for this year is $320,000, which is a bit lower than last year, but that’s due to the state of the economy.

“I’m a bit nervous (about the goal), but it’s a group effort. And the community in the past has supported us and I feel no different this year. It’s a unique year and just during the last four to five months we’ve stood together, we help each other, it’s evident. And I think we’ll be good in the end.”

The United Way Estevan board discussed plans Sept. 2 during their first weekly meeting after the summer break.

“We had lots to discuss as Telethon will take place on October 16 and 17 at the legion. Our Plan B will be put into place,” said Graham.

monitoring the situation throughout the entire event.

The closing band is slated to perform live on Oct. 17, but Graham kept the name of the band a secret for now.

Because of the pre-recording addition, some of the performers may come from a greater distance. The full entertainment schedule will come out closer to the Telethon, but Graham is confident that it will be great. “ The enter tainment committee was on fire. They showed great enthusiasm and working with the new restrictions to make it happen.

Where there is a will, there is a way.”

The inter views with member agencies will also remain a part of the program and will be aired along with entertainment.

The United Way will also have a traditional raffle and a silent auction with a bit of a twist to their format.

The quilt for the raffle was donated by Hearts and Hands Quilting Guild and it’s on display at Henders Drugs, where people can also purchase tickets ahead of time.

Tickets will also be available at the Legion the days of Telethon.

Graham said that the community members also al-

ready started donating homemade items and gift certificates for baking and other items for the silent auction. The items will be shown during the Telethon and pictures will also be posted on their website at unitedwayestevan.ca for online bidding. If people don’t have access to the Internet to participate in the auction, they will be able to place their bids over the phone.

“It’s going to be exciting to have all these items on display at Telethon not for people to truly be looking at but to get camera time and promote that these items are available to bid on,” said Graham.

Those who will prefer to make a donation in person will still be able to do so at the legion. A volunteer will be outside to ensure that the number of people inside the building remains within the allowed limit.

“It’s going to work out and the public will be able to come and make a donation in person,” said Graham.

She also pointed out that they received approval from the Government of Saskatchewan Business Response Centre and will be following the guidelines set out to them.

There will be hand sanitizers available, and they will be regularly cleaning the high

Stock up on toner & ink

touch surfaces and bathrooms.

Masks will be provided, and the arrows on the floor will direct the traffic.

“It’s going to look pretty different from what we are used to, but again, Telethon is going to happen,” said Graham. “It’s exciting. We’ll overcome the hurdle and be ready for the Telethon.”

If businesses are willing to host a fundraiser to benefit the United Way Estevan Telethon, they can call the office at 306-634-7375 or email their executive director Sheila Guenther at sheila@ unitedwayestevan.com.

Graham noted a couple of fundraisers happening in the community. The first is the Estevan Mercury’s coupon book, with part proceeds going to the United Way. The books can be purchased at the Mercury office, at Henders or the A&W restaurant.

The other is the second annual Oil-a-Thon at the Great Canadian Oil Change on Oct. 1, when part proceeds from each oil change will go to the United Way. The Mercury will have more details about plans for the 44th United Way Estevan Telethon in the weeks to come.

FIVE STAR BINDERS IN STOCK!

and

SAVE % 20 with the

United Way president Melanie Graham

1217 4th Street, Estevan, SK TOLL FREE: 888-936-2222 or

306-634-3613

Serving ServingEstevan Estevan&&SE SESask Saskfor for30 30years. years.

Put the knowledge and experience to work for you!

Editorial A4

Call/Text Terry for all of your Text/Talk To Terry for all of your real estate real estate needs. needs.

Terry L. Terry L.Germain Germain 306.421.2021 306.421.2021

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Each office independently owned & operated

Each office independently owned & operated

Staff SERVING CANADA’S SUNSHINE CAPITAL Publisher / Marketing Specialist

Deanna Tarnes - dtarnes@estevanmercury.ca

Editor

David Willberg - dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

Editorial Staff: Ana Bykhovskaia - abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

Production:

Ana Villarreal - avillarreal@estevanmercury.ca

Administration:

Vaila Lindenbach - vlindenbach@estevanmercury.ca Fay Bonthoux - fbonthoux@estevanmercury.ca

EDITORIAL

Volume 115 Issue 23 Contact us: (306) 634-2654 68 Souris Avenue N. Estevan, SK S4A 2M3 www.estevanmercury.ca @Estevan_Mercury facebook.com/EstevanMercury

Subscription Rates:

In Saskatchewan - $80.75 In Canada - $90.75

Member Canadian Community Newspapers Association.

Member Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association.

Audited by Alliance for Audited Media.

Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, 68 Souris Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2M3.The Estevan Mercury is owned and operated

by Prairie Newspaper Group Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Glacier Media Inc. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change without notice.

Conditions of editorial and advertising content: The Estevan Mercury attempts to be accurate in Editorial and Advertising content; however, no guarantee is given or implied. The Estevan Mercury reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors.

The Estevan Mercury will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for possible publication.

All of the Estevan Mercury’s content is protected

by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that The Estevan Mercury receives credit.

Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisement produced by The Estevan Mercury, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.

We acknowledge financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

We want a little electoral competition At some point in the next three weeks, the writ will be dropped and a provincial election will be called for Saskatchewan.

As of publication time, we have two candidates to choose from in the Estevan constituency: incumbent MLA Lori Carr for the Saskatchewan Party, and newcomer Linda Sopp for the Progressive Conservatives.

Over in Cannington, the only candidate thus far is the Sask. Party’s Daryl Harrison.

Dan D’Autremont, the long-time Sask. Party MLA for Cannington, has announced he’ll be retiring at the end of this term.

The provincial and federal elections in southeast Saskatchewan have been short on suspense and long on margins of victory for most of the 21st century. In Souris-Moose Mountain in the last federal election, Robert Kitchen of the Conservative Party had nearly 85 per cent of the popular vote, in a riding that had the second-highest voter turnout of any constituency in the last election.

Shifting the attention back to provincial politics, since Doreen Eagles was elected as Estevan’s MLA in 1999 for the Sask. Party, the question entering the provincial elections hasn’t been whether the Sask. Party would win, it’s been about the margin of victory for the Sask.

Party candidate, whether it be Eagles or Carr.

We’ve seen provincial elections in which

there have been good candidates. Tim Seipp was a strong candidate for the Liberals in 2003 and 2007. David Pattyson worked hard for the New Democratic Party in 2003.

Even with the last provincial election, we saw Paul Carroll do far more than just the bare minimum for a candidate’s level of work for the Progressive Conservative Party, while Cameron Robock was working hard for the NDP until the party turfed his nomination.

And that’s what we want to see in this election: candidates should do more than the workload expected of them.

Obviously a candidate who opposes the Sask. Party is going to face long odds in Estevan or Cannington, or most other rural ridings in the province. It will be especially tough for a candidate who represents the NDP or the Green Party, given their stance on such issues as the future of coal mining and the carbon tax.

But if you’re going to represent a party on the ballot in this election, regardless of whether it’s the Sask. Party, the NDP, the Progressive Conservatives, the Greens, the Buffalo Party or the Liberals, then it’s up to you to do the work that one would expect of a candidate.

Don’t be a space filler. Don’t be a phantom, a token candidate or a candidate who becomes a punch line.

Don’t be like the Liberal candidate in

Souris-Moose Mountain in the last federal election who did absolutely nothing, but still gets to put on his resumé that he represented a national party in a federal election.

Answer the phone calls. Participate in interviews with the media. Be part of the debates. Articulate your party’s platform with conviction. Meet people. Knock on doors. Get out into the different communities in your riding, regardless of whether it’s a city or a hamlet, and show people that if you are elected, you will be there for them.

That’s what a good candidate does.

And to the electorate: be classy and considerate. If a candidate comes to your door, show that person respect. They’re taking the time to talk to you. Don’t slam the door in their face immediately.

We’re pretty confident that Sopp will do her part in the Estevan riding as the Progressive Conservative candidate. She’s already had party leader Ken Grey in this riding. She’s not going to have a large amount of money to spend locally, but it appears she’ll do her best.

Hopefully the other candidates do the same, which will translate to a good election with good debates and some interesting discussion.

The people of this constituency, and every riding, in this province deserve good candidates.

If nature takes a break, shouldn’t we?

The raindrops were falling on my windshield as I was driving through endless Manitoba fields coming back into Saskatchewan.

Parked combines and tractors with grain carts were following me with their sad, turned-off lights as if they knew that a few more weeks and then they will be put away again for a long and cold break.

Golden and almost shining from within straw bales were greeting me with the last sun touches of the summer along the highway. Playful, light greenish hay bales were shameless, but pitiful reminders of how bright these fields used to be not that long ago. Fluffy canola swaths, cozy and soft, were almost inviting me to come closer, sit down and sink in what looked like long comfy couches, weaving on the sides of the road.

Dark-brown cleaned lentil and peas fields appeared here and there, serving as a proof of the harvest progress. A few more weeks and nothing but corn and sunflowers will remain standing. A bit longer, and all crops will be gone. And the gorgeous Prairie landscapes will once again turn into a dead, plain desert waiting to be covered with a white indifferent blanket.

Clouds, heavy and low, soon turned into an endless mercury river floating over my head. In that grey world, the first yellow leaves on the trees all of a sudden became unbearably bright.

Instantly the picture came together in my head. I realised, that’s it. Summer is over.

It’s this time of the year again. The pause time. It is almost here. A few more weeks and the fields will be completely naked, awfully empty and done. A little bit

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… more and here and there will be cow herds heading home for winter. The pumpkins will appear in the yards, serving as catchy reminders of the Day of the Dead and the time of the year around it. And then the snow will come.

I know, it is weird to think about winter at the beginning of September, but that’s when I actually start sensing it. It’s the time when nature around us slows down, freezes and then stops completely. The fall comes as an overture for winter, which gradually claims its rights. First, nights get colder, then mornings and evenings claim more hours filled with chilly dew and deceitful twilights. And finally, mornings pretty much start meeting nights in the middle of the day.

It’s the time when nature takes a break.

It hibernates, refuels, gains energy to start over in the spring.

We learned how to cheat the world around us. We have electricity to stay up even when it’s dark and to be able to work days and nights. We have fuel to keep us warm despite the time of the year. We figured out the ways to be anywhere we need to be despite the weather (snowstorms and tornadoes still close airports and highways sometimes, but it’s so minor). We live our lives the way we want it, often ignoring the natural circles that existed way before innovations. And

that’s awesome. But the little reminders of how we used to be are still here.

So, while I was driving, I started thinking about how often when the fall comes, I hear that people around me feel different.

Work sometimes becomes unbearable, and the evenings turn into little personal escapes when many of us try to cuddle with a good book or a movie, or just a cup of tea or cocoa and do nothing. Some people just keep going without their regular enthusiasm, others become a victim to a morbid devil, but one way or the other most of us sense that something is different.

I often feel unusually slow throughout late fall into winter. When fall comes, I feel like it’s time for a break. I want to slow down and hibernate until spring. I want to do less, talk less, think more and write more. I want to put my life on pause and just sleep.

Usually, when it’s cold outside, I never feel like coming there and catching those cold wind kisses, those mortifying hugs and freezing touches. Wake up, look around, eat something and go back to sleep. Doesn’t it sound like the best plan for the fall slash winter season? Not that any one of us can actually do this in the world the way we built it, but it still sounds so sweet.

And as I was looking at nature around, reading its first fall accords getting almost lulled by this calm symphony, I thought that the feelings I had about the world around actually were a reflection of it. It was almost like an instinct or common sense, suggesting that sometimes it is priceless to slow down, take a break and regain forces to start over fresh when the time comes.

Delivering the Gold Standard in real estate & property management services

Op-Ed

LYNN CHIPLEY, Broker/Owner Cell 306.421.0100

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

A5

Willberg’s World

Twenty years later, thanks again Estevan.

I didn’t know what I was getting into on Sept. 4, 2000.

My family loaded up all of my worldly possessions that we could fit into a couple of vehicles and departed Langley B.C. at 5 a.m. The following afternoon, we reached Estevan.

For most of my life, the first weekend of September meant the end of summer vacation and the pending resumption of school, whether it be elementary school, high school or university. Not in 2000. I was about to embark on an education of a completely different kind.

I had been hired by Teresa Howie a few weeks earlier to work for Estevan Lifestyles – a paper that was just 18 months old at the time.

I knew where Estevan was. Mom’s family farms near Fillmore, so I’ve spent time in the southeast, but had never been to the Energy City. Didn’t know anyone here. Found out upon arriving in Estevan that mom and dad spent the first night of their honeymoon at Estevan’s Beefeater Inn (now the Days Inn) following their wedding in Weyburn in 1974.

Having family nearby was a big drawing card. I knew I could always mooch a drumstick for Thanksgiving dinner.

And since I was 13 years old, I wanted to be a news person.

I didn’t have the looks for television or the voice for radio, so newspaper was the perfect fit. And as we all know, the most talented people go into print.

But I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. And I certainly didn’t imagine when I arrived that Estevan would become home.

Those first few weeks weren’t easy. I remember driving home from work on several occasions, no mountains in the background, and asking myself “What am I doing here?” I never had that meltdown moment in which I considered giving up and driving all the way back to B.C., but I wouldn’t say I was thrilled to be here, either.

About two months after I moved here, there was more than a foot of snow on the ground, thanks to two mid-fall snow storms. Yeah, that wasn’t in the brochure.

I thought I would be here for 18-24 months, tops. I’d find a job back in B.C. and begin my path towards a big city daily paper, where I’d land my dream job covering an NHL team.

Twenty years? No way would I last that long here.

But I found out that this is a pretty incredible city, a fantastic region and a wonderful province. The people here are incredible. We’ve seen the generosity of the people of Estevan on so many occasions.

This job gives you the opportunity to see and do and experience things that you normally wouldn’t get. You get to know people you would have never encountered. And so many people trust you to share their stories, because they believe you’ll get it right.

There’s so much to do here, even during a pandemic. (The Mercury’s 101 Things to Do in Estevan earlier this summer is a testament to that). There truly is something for everyone.

A lot has changed in Estevan. So much has been added to the community, from new homes to schools to Affinity Place.

I’ve witnessed an oil boom and a construction boom, and been through a crash in the price of oil. We’re now experiencing a time of great change, but I’m confident we’ll emerge from it with new opportunities.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the enjoyment of Estevan.

Yes, there are the long days associated with a job that requires you to work evenings and weekends, and there’s the stress associated with deadlines and searching for scoops and social media warriors and people who aren’t always going to be happy with what you write.

But the good far outweighs the bad. It’s kind of like the people – there’s a lot more good people out there than bad people.

I’ve never sought out opportunities elsewhere. I likely could have moved to a paper in a larger market, that would have brought forward new challenges. But I wouldn’t have been as happy as I am in Estevan.

Sure, I still miss the mountains in the background, the trees, the ocean and those dreary but above zero January days in B.C. But if I left Estevan tomorrow, there’d be so much that I’d miss here.

I’ll remain forever grateful for the opportunity to come here, and yeah, I’m happy that I was smart enough to take that job in 2000.

So thanks for 20 years, Estevan. And thanks to the surrounding communities as well. Hopefully we have many more years ahead of us together.

By Ana Bykhovskaia abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

Estevan firefighters responded to two emergencies last week.

Fire crews were called out to a combine and a subsequent field fire occurring southwest of the city in the Outram area at about 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 1.

“Crews arrived on scene to find a fully engulfed combine that was located on the land, as well as ground fire,” said Fire Chief Dale Feser.

The first unit to arrive was assigned to suppress the combine fire, and all other units were tasked with the extinguishment of the ground fire.

“This was a fairly unique situation, as the farmers and producers in this particular area have a really, really good sense of community and quite honestly I can’t thank them enough for assisting in suppressing this fire,” said Feser.

He added that farmers have a text group in the area, and when an emergency occurred and a message was sent out, they all left what they were doing and rushed to the scene with tractors, double-discers and water trucks to ensure that the fire didn’t spread.

“They are such a huge help for us,” said Feser. “That local area really comes together and really has a good sense of community, and they are helping each other out any chance that they get.”

After the investigation, it was found that the fire occurred because of a mechanical failure, in which the hydraulic steering line broke and hot oil was spraying over other hot parts, which started on fire and spread over to the rest of the combine.

“No matter how prepared or how proactive you are, which these guys out there and farmers out there really are proactive, a fire can still

Fireifghters were called to a combine fire west of Estevan on Sept. 1. Photo by Jason LeBlanc get away. And it was key for them to jump at the action and call 911 right away so we were alerted and could get out there in a timely manner.”

The combine was a total loss. Nobody was injured as a result of the fire.

Jason LeBlanc, whose daughter was operating the combine, noted that the combine was destroyed in less than the 30 seconds from when his hired hand, Jake Fast, to spot the first little bit of smoke.

LeBlanc’s daughter was running her machine like normal when the bearing failed.

“We quickly told her on the radio to jump out and it was instantly engulfed.”

LeBlanc said they are very fortunate to live in this community, and it showed in the quick response from the farmers and the fire departments from Estevan and Torquay.

Also last week, on Aug. 31 at about 1:30 p.m., the fire crews were called to a report of a motor vehicle fire that occurred on Highway 39 west, about five kilometres east of Macoun. The vehicle was a camper.

35 MEAL DEAL

The call came from the construction zone, so with the assistance of the RCMP providing additional traffic control, fire crews made it to the location.

“When they arrived on the scene, they found that the lone female occupant of the vehicle has escaped without injuries. She didn’t suffer from any smoke inhalation; the fire was still relatively small at this time,” said Feser.

The fire was located in the engine compartment but was progressing into the cabin.

“The crews were able to keep it at bay and prevent it from spreading inside the camper van,” said Feser. “There are always some additional hazards when we are responding to this type of engine.

The Prairie Winds Motorcycle Club has announced they will be hosting their 22nd annual Ronald McDonald House Motorcycle Ride later this month.

The event will happen Sept. 13, with participants meeting at the Estevan McDonalds parking lot for registration from 1-2 p.m., and then the ride will begin. The cost is $20 per person.

They will ride from Estevan to Stoughton where the CrossRoads Inn will provide a beef on a bun meal at a nominal fee.

A variety of items will also be available through a raffle.

Proceeds will be directed to the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon, which has provided a place to stay for many local families over the years while those families have had a child receive medical treatment.

Pam Currie with the Prairie Winds said this is the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon’s 35th anniversary so even though 2020 has been a crazy year, the Prairie Winds would like to try to help the house out as much as possible.

She also noted that they will be respecting social distancing throughout the event, and riders will be encouraged to wear masks.

There is propane on board as well for the cooking and heating appliances. So we quickly isolated the hose and were able to extinguish the fire.”

Feser added the driver was from out of province, and the contents of the camper were all she had.

“We were very happy to be able to put out the fire and to actually keep it from destroying her personal belongings and contents. She was very grateful for that,” said Feser.

The scene was then turned over to the RCMP. A tow truck had to recover the vehicle, and the RCMP assisted the driver with finding a place to stay until she would figure out what was going to happen with the vehicle insurance.

DR. REBECCA HOLMAN

IS BACK!

Chiropractor Acupuncture Provider She will be accepting patients Tuesdays and Fridays 8:30am-4:00pm

Prairie Winds will host annual ride

Call King Street Chiropractic & Health Centre at 306-634-2918 to book an appt.

2-421 King Street • Estevan, SK S4A 1K6

Dr. Peeace Dr. Erdie

Dr. Holman Dr. Tracey

2-421 King Street • 306-634-2918

THE

$

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Fast response by farmers helped firefighters with combine fire

David Willberg

p r e b m e Se t

1339 Fourth St., Estevan, SK S4A 0X1 Office 306.634.1020 lynn.chipley@c21.ca www.century21.ca/lynn.chipley

10” - 2 Topping Pizza

Chicken wings

Lasagna

Order online at firedupgrill.ca

306-636-2323

Home of the original $35 meal deal

Salad

Pop

A6 September 9, 2020

www.estevanmercury.ca

Same benches at Soldier Tree, but with a new look Beautiful, c ar ved cedar benches took their rightful place by the courthouse in downtown Estevan Thursday afternoon.

The pieces had been gone for refurbishment since April.

During these months, sculptor Darren Jones completely rebuilt the face of one of the soldiers since it degraded quite badly.

He also painted four sculptures, polyurethaned the benches and covered the soldiers with a clear coat. All was done to ensure the historical pieces will last longer.

Capt. Robert Rooks from the No. 2901 Estevan Army Cadet Corps, who was Jones’ advisor when it came to historical elements, spoke about what the soldiers represent.

On the very right is a First World War (WWI) soldier of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian

Light Infantry (PPCLI), which was the first to face the enemy.

Beside him is a poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian battlefield physician, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrea.

On the same bench on the left is a Royal Canadian Navy petty officer of the times of the Second World War (WWII) that stayed in service after the war and sailed aboard the HMCS Saskatchewan. Beside him is a verse from the hymn For Those in Peril on the Sea by J. B. Dykes.

On the other bench on the left is a WWII flying officer from the Royal Canadian Air Force. Beside him is a poem High Flights by RCAF fighter pilot J. G. Magee Jr. The fourth statue is of Master Warrant Officer Ivan Finstad. He served with PPCLI as a career soldier and participated in

many deployments in the Middle East and Europe. He was raised and attended school in Estevan.

His last posting was as a detachment sergeant major at Canadian Forces Detachment Dundurn.

Finstad represents the soldiers of today. Beside him is a poem I Saw the Soldiers Marching by Canadian Poet A.L. Vaincourt.

All statues are holding poppies in their hands, inviting the guests to admire the monument, think about different military missions Canada was involved in and remember the people who fought for the best for generations to come.

Jones is going to be in Estevan sometime doing touch-ups on his other projects and also starting on the new ones. Follow the Mercury for more art emerging in the Energy City.

The benches are back at the Estevan Soldiers’ Tree monument, after some restoration work by Darren Jones.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

City Hall: 1102 4th Street 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1800 Leisure Office: 701 Souris Avenue 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880

CITY

Message From

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE COMI

- Attendees arrive through the West entrance. (Affinity Place doors) - Please use provided hand sanitizer. Masks are recommended but not required.

- Continue your way to the Power Dodge Ice Centre. (signage will direct traffic flow) - Once inside Power Dodge Ice Centre there will be a one way counter clockwise loop to follow you are interested in. Line up in waiting spots marked on the floor.

- Keep visiting to a minimum.

- Print any paperwork that the organization has available prior to coming.

- Exit through hallway near dressing room 2 and 4, follow signage.

- Please help us keep numbers to a minimum. Please bring one household membe registration process.

WIDE

The Mayor

Activities are back.

REGISTRATION Please look into Citywide RegistrationTHURSDAY, and enroll in these fine programs.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 5:30PM-8:30PM

CITY

WIDE CITY CITY

SHARKS WATER POLO

New this year! 2 sessions Oct- Dec and Jan - Mar 10U Minis | 2012 and younger | 13U Atom | 2008-2011 | 15U Bantam | 2006/2007 | Open | 2005 and older | - Attendees arrive through the West entrance. (Affinity Place16+doors) For more information email Hctober@gmail.com

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE COMING:

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE

- Please use provided hand sanitizer. Masks are recommended but not required.

- Continue your way to the Power Dodge Ice Centre. (signage will direct traffic flow) ESTEVAN CURLING CLUB - Once inside Power Dodge Ice Centre there will be a one way counter clockwise loop to follow.

Stop at vendor table Coop Kids Curling | Grades K - 2 | Nov1 - Dec 20 | Sundays 1-2pm | $60 you are interested in. Line up in waiting spots marked on the fl oor.

Coop Kids Curling | Grades 3 - 5 | Nov 1 - Dec 20 | Sundays 2-3pm | $60 U15 & U18 | Grades 6 -12 | Oct 27 - Feb 16 | Tuesdays 6-7pm | $185 - Keeparrive visiting a West minimum.

- Attendees throughtothe entrance. (Affinity Place doors) For more information email estevancurling@accesscomm.ca - Please use provided hand sanitizer.

Masks are recommended but not required.

- Print any paperwork that the organization has available prior to coming.

- Continue your way to the Power Dodge Ice Centre. (signage will direct traffic flow) Exit through hallway 2 andclockwise 4, follow - Once- inside Power Dodge Ice Centrenear theredressing will be a oneroom way counter loopsignage. to follow. Stop at vendor table VALLEYmember MUSEUM CAMPS - Please numbers toonatheminimum.

PleaseSOURIS bring one household to complete you are interestedhelp in. Lineus up keep in waiting spots marked floor.

No School Day Workshops | Oct 5, Nov 6, 27 & 30, Jan 29, Mar 19 & 22, May 31 - Keepregistration visiting to a minimum. process.

- Attendees arrive through the West entrance. (Affinity Place doors)

WIDE REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION

WIDE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 REGISTRATION 5:30PM-8:30PM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 5:30PM-8:30PM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 5:30PM-8:30PM

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE COMING: - Please use provided hand sanitizer. Masks are recommended but not requi

- Continue your way to the Power Dodge Ice Centre. (signage will direct traffi - Once inside Power Dodge Ice Centre there will be a one way counter clockw Am Series | Oct 16, Nov 13, Dec 11, Jan 15, Feb 5, Mar 12, Apr 16, May 14 - Print any paperwork that the organization has available prior to coming. youhallway arenearinterested marked onCamptheof Curiosity floor.

Fall Camps spots | Museum Curator Camp, Dirty Jobs, - Exit through dressing room 2 and 4,in. followLine signage. up in waiting Winter Camps | Fairy Tale Adventure, Ice! - Please help us keep numbers to a minimum. Please bring one household member to complete To register online at www.sourisvalleymuseum.com registration process.visiting - Keep to a minimum.

SHARKS WATER POLO New this year! 2 sessions Oct- Dec and Jan - Mar - Print| any paperwork that the organization has available SHARKS 10U MinisWATER 2012 andPOLO younger | ESTEVAN SKATING CLUBprior to coming.

New this year!

2 sessions OctDec and Jan Mar For more information email estevanskatingclub@gmail.com 13U Atomthrough | 2008-2011 | - Exit 10U Minis | 2012 and younger | hallway near dressing room 2 and 4, follow signage.

15U Bantam 13U Atom | 2008-2011||2006/2007 | - Please help us|keep numbers JUNIOR to a minimum.

Please bring one hou 15U Bantam | 2006/2007 | and older ROLLER DERBY 16+ Open | 2005 16+ Open | 2005 and older | September 13 For more information email Hctober@gmail.com For moreregistration information email Hctober@gmail.com Grades 4-12 | Roller derby is an inclusive sport, promoting diversity and process.

ESTEVAN CURLING CLUB CLUB ESTEVAN CURLING

self-expression amongst girls, while learning skills and rules of the sport.

For more information email wcn157@hotmail.com

ESTEVAN YOUTH BOWLING

Coop Kids Curling | Grades K - 2 | Nov1 - Dec 20 | Sundays 1-2pm | $60 Kids |Curling K -202 ||Sundays Nov1 2-3pm - Dec |20 CoopCoop Kids Curling Grades 3 -|5Grades | Nov 1 - Dec $60| Sundays 1-2pm | $60 Season runs September 12, 2020 - April 17, 2021 U15 &Coop U18 | Kids GradesCurling 6 -12 | Oct|27 - Feb 163| Tuesdays 6-7pm $185 20 | Sundays 2-3pm | $60 Grades - 5 | Nov 1 -| Dec Ages 6 -21 | Saturday Mornings 10:00am | For more information email estevancurling@accesscomm.ca U15 & U18 | Grades 6 -12 | Oct 27 - Feb 16 | Tuesdays 6-7pm $185 fee plus $12 weekly fee. $25.00| registration For more information email blaineb@sasktel.net For more information email estevancurling@accesscomm.ca

SHARKS WATER POLO

New this year! 2 sessions Oct- Dec and Jan - Mar No School Day Workshops 6, 27 & 30,and Jan 29, Mar 19 & 22, May 31 |ESTEVAN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION 10U Minis| Oct |5, Nov 2012 younger Am Series | Oct 16, Nov 13, Dec 11, Jan 15, Feb 5, Mar 12, Apr 16, May 14 For more information email jmholman@sasktel.net SOURIS CAMPS Fall Camps | Museum CuratorVALLEY Camp, Dirty Jobs, CampMUSEUM of Curiosity 13U Atom | 2008-2011 | Winter | Fairy Tale Workshops Adventure, Ice! | Oct 5, Nov 6, 27 & 30, Jan 29, Mar 19 & 22, May 31 NoCamps School Day To register online at www.sourisvalleymuseum.com Am Series | Oct 16, Nov 13, Dec 11, Jan 15, Feb 5,| Mar 12, Apr 16, May 14 15U Bantam | 2006/2007 Fall Camps | Museum Curator Camp, Dirty Jobs, Camp of Curiosity 16+Camps Open 2005 andIce!older | ESTEVAN SKATING CLUB Winter | Fairy| Tale Adventure, For more information email estevanskatingclub@gmail.com To register online at www.sourisvalleymuseum.com The Estevan Police Service is seeking applications for For more information email Hctober@gmail.com ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE -2020 SOURIS VALLEY MUSEUM CAMPS

FITNESS SCHEDULE MONDAY SPIN 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM GRIT 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM EASY STRETCH 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM SPIN 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM POWER BLAST 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM SPIN/CORE 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM AQUA STEP 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM TUESDAY SPIN 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM SPIN 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM CARDIO BLAST 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM SPIN 5:30 PM - 6:10 PM WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM WEDNESDAY GRIT 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM CORE BARRE ABOVE 9:10 AM - 10:15 AM FOAM ROLLER 10:30 AM - 11:10 AM CARDIO BLAST 1:10 PM - 2:00 PM BARRE ABOVE 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM AQUA STEP 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY

EFFECTIVE -SEPTEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 24, 2020

the position of Police Constable.

ESTEVAN SKATING CLUB

September 13 The Estevan Police Service offers a competitive Grades 4-12 | Roller derby is an inclusive sport, promoting diversity and benefit salary package along with ongoing professional self-expression girls, while learning skills and rules of the sport.

For moreamongst information email estevanskatingclub@gmail.com development and a range of career wopportunities.

For more information email wcn157@hotmail.com

ESTEVAN CURLING CLUB

THURSDAY SPIN 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM Currently serving and trained Canadian police officers AQUA AWE 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM are encouraged to apply.

SPIN 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM Season runs September 12, 2020 - April 17, 2021 CARDIO BLAST 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM Ages September 6 -21 | Saturday13 Mornings 10:00am | HEAD TO TOE MOBILITY 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM $25.00 registration fee plus $12 weekly fee. All other candidates must possess the minimum qualifications: Grades 4-12 | Roller derby is an inclusive sport, promoting diversity and For more information email blaineb@sasktel.net SPIN 5:30 PM - 6:10 PM self-expression amongst girls, WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM • while 18learning years of skills age and rules of the sport.

ESTEVAN YOUTH BOWLING JUNIOR ROLLER DERBYK - 2 | Nov1 - Dec 20 | Sundays 1-2pm | $60 Coop Kids Curling | Grades

Coop Kids Curling | Grades 3 - 5 | Nov 1 - Dec 20 | Sundays 2-3pm | $60 U15 & U18 | Grades 6 -12 | Oct 27 - Feb 16 | Tuesdays 6-7pm | $185 For more information email•wcn157@hotmail.com Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent ESTEVAN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION For more information For more information email jmholman@sasktel.net email estevancurling@accesscomm.ca • Excellent physical condition is essential

FRIDAY GRIT 6:10 AM - 6:50 AM AQUA AWE 9:10 AM - 10:00 AM • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident (Landed Immigrant) GRIT 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM Season runs September 12, 2020 - April 17, 2021 • Valid driver’s license (unrestricted for a minimum of one year) EASY STRETCH 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (virtual class) Ages 6 -21 | Saturday Mornings 10:00am | driving record WEIGHT ROOM 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

ESTEVAN YOUTH BOWLING

SATURDAY WEIGHT ROOM 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM SUNDAY SPIN 9:10 AM - 9:50 AM DEEP WATER POWER 8:00 PM - 8:45 PM WEIGHT ROOM 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

and good

SOURIS VALLEY MUSEUM CAMPS

$25.00 registration fee plus •$12 weekly Good fee. moral character. Recent illegal drug use and/or other criminal activity, For more information email blaineb@sasktel.net either detected or undetected by police, will result in a deferral. No criminal convictions or pending criminal charges before the Courts (copy of Pardon required).

• Exemplary employment record For more information email jmholman@sasktel.net • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral • Computer skills

No School Day Workshops | Oct 5, Nov 6, 27 & 30, Jan 29, Mar 19 & 22, M ESTEVAN Am SeriesBASKETBALL | Oct 16, Nov 13,ASSOCIATION Dec 11, Jan 15, Feb 5, Mar 12, Apr 16, May 14 Fall Camps | Museum Curator Camp, Dirty Jobs, Camp of Curiosity Winter Camps | Fairy Tale Adventure, Ice! information on the requirements, selection process, and the To register onlineForatmore www.sourisvalleymuseum.com application package, please visit our website, www.estevanpolice.ca (Employment Opportunities). You will also need to complete the Personal Disclosure Form.

Please return completed package including an up-to-date resume in a sealed envelope to:

ESTEVAN SKATING CLUB

PLEASE NOTE - Due to the pandemic-related protocols registration has moved to a PRE-Registration process. Users must pre-register online or by calling the Information Desk. Patrons will be screened upon arrival and asked a few questions as per the Operational Health and Safety Guidelines. Space between workout stations have either ncreased or a machine has been put into 'not in use.' Drinking fountains and change rooms will be closed.

Memberships that were bought previously were put on hold; the days remaining on memberships have been applied to your accounts starting June 8th, 2020. If you need a new membership, please either book online at www.estevan.ca or call the Information Desk for contactless payment.

Chief of Police - Estevan Police Service - 301-11th Ave. - Estevan, Sask.- S4A 1C7 We thank you for your interest in the Estevan Police Service. Only successful

candidatesemail will be contacted.

No phone calls, please. Closing date is September For more information estevanskatingclub@gmail.com 22, 2020.

Business

Each office independently owned and operated

IT TAKES MORE THAN A SIGN!

Josh LeBlanc

REALTOR® (PART-TIME)

306-421-6778

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

A7

www.joshleblanc.ca

Estevan’s Orpheum Theatre set to open again One of Estevan’s longest-standing and most iconic businesses is looking for ward to opening once again.

The Orpheum Theatre has been closed since midMarch due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the business announced last week it would return with its hotbuttered popcorn and the action thriller Unhinged, starring Russel Crowe, on Sept. 11.

“We have missed you,” the business said in a news release. “All of us at the Orpheum Theatre are so excited to reopen and fire up the projector. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”

The Orpheum will initially be open Fridays, Satur-

days, Sundays and Tuesdays.

People are asked to call 306634-2321, or check their website or social media feed for show times.

Jocelyn Dougherty, who owns the business with her husband Alan, said they are initially opening Cinema 2, the newer and smaller cinema, and they can have 50 people per show.

The aisle seats will be blocked as well as every other row. People are asked to leave a few seats between them and others who aren't in their party. An air to air exchanger will circulate the indoor air for fresh outdoor air.

Staff members will be wearing masks and/or face shields and will be frequently washing hands. Masks for

customers are encouraged, but not mandatory. They will take temperatures at the door.

The box office will be at the concession so there will be more room to line people up with physical distancing.

A Plexiglas partition will be set up in the concession area, and hand sanitizing stations will be in the front lobby and the entranceway.

Auditoriums, seating surfaces, washrooms and high touch areas will be disinfected with Vital Oxide, which Dougherty said is completely odorless, 100 per cent biodegradable, and approved by Health Canada.

Future movies will include Christopher Nolan's Tenet and the SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.

“The film companies will be watching closely as to how these movies are received. If all goes well, more new movies will be released this year.

It will be a wait and see approach,” said Dougherty. “If

we run out of new movies, we will bring in some classics at a reduced admission.”

The Orpheum will also be promoting private theatre rentals for both movies and video games on the big

screen. They can also serve alcohol at the private shows if no minors are present.

There is limited seating so people are asked come early. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.

New lunch and learn initiative begins A new program was launched last week in Estevan to help those who are looking to start a business or grow an existing program.

The Lunch and Learn Program was held Sept. 2 at the Southeast Business Startup business resource centre in the 900 block of Fourth Street.

A project of the resource centre and Community Futures Sunrise, the session focused on How to Start a Business.

Nine people attended the session, one short of the 10 they could accommodate due to social distancing restrictions.

“We had such a great cross-section of people,” said Jeff Taylor, the manager of Southeast Business Startup.

“We had people of all ages and all stages of their businesses.

We had men and women. We had people in their early 20s and some people in their 60s.”

For some in attendance, it was a first step in getting

their business going.

Two speakers from Community Futures Sunrise –regional economic development co-ordinator Andria Brady and general manager Verna O’Neill – addressed the crowd on how to start a business.

“It was the initial step in the series on providing people with basic information on starting a business, on where to look to different resources, how to work on licensing permits and how to put together a business plan,” said Taylor.

Future events will be Creating an Online Store (One Entrepreneur's Accidental Start in Online Sales) with Jackie Wall on Sept. 16.

She will discuss her experiences with her digital art studio.

Additional lunch and learn gatherings will happen in October.

Taylor expects this will be the format for the next few events, at least until the

social distancing rules are more relaxed.

“Everyone seemed to quite like the format that we had, so I think we’ll continue using it for the time being,” said Taylor.

Taylor said they are looking forward to when they can attract more people to the lunch and learn sessions, so that more people can have the opportunity to hear from the speakers.

People have been coming into the Southeast Business Startup, with questions about starting a business, or buying or selling a business.

Now that their first event has been held there, he hopes it will drive even more traffic to the location.

“I think it has a lot of services and a lot of things that it can offer to people who either have a business, or are looking to get involved in starting a business in Estevan and the surrounding areas.”

The Orpheum Theatre in Estevan will open again on Sept. 11.

weekly crossword puzzle presented by:

306.634.3244 #3-421 King Street www.scotsburndental.com

CLUES ACROSS 1. They look out for kids 4. Play 7. Water (French) 8. Prayer leader 10. Small constellation 12. __ Carta: influential royal charter 13. Pressure unit 14. Extrasensory perception 16. A symbol of “Aloha” 17. Portion of the small intestine 19. Psychedelic amphetamine 20. Very long period of time 21. British overseas territory 25. Cereal grain 26. Car mechanics group 27. Wish harm upon 29. At a specific prior time 30. Peyton’s younger brother 31. UK firefighters’ union 32. Carroll O’Connor’s screen partner 39. Popular show honoring musicians 41. Basics 42. Honk 43. Trent Reznor’s band 44. Patti Hearst’s captors 45. Long-legged wading bird 46. Specialized biological grouping 48. A coin goes in it 49. Of the wind 50. One-time measure of length 51. A very large body of water 52. River in NE Scotland

CLUES DOWN 1. Boston hoopster 2. A type of bribe 3. SE England county 4. Returned material authorization (abbr.)

5. “Hotel California” rockers 6. Italian province 8. Mischievous child 9. Popular street name 11. Boxing promoter Bob 14. Snakelike fish 15. Break into pieces 18. The Bay State 19. Time zone 20. Port city in Yemen 22. In name only 23. 007’s creator 24. No (Scottish) 27. Baseball’s Gordon and rock’s Snider are two 28. Pie _ __ mode 29. Don’t know when yet 31. Supervises interstate commerce 32. Make a ringing metallic sound 33. Helps little firms 34. Pound 35. Lilly and Manning are two 36. Put on the back burner 37. Baltimore ballplayer 38. Cuddle 39. Poker stake 40. Drinks to celebrate a birth (Spanish) 44. Pouch 47. Not around

A8 September 9, 2020

www.estevanmercury.ca

NATIONAL TRUCKING WEEK SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2020

Sask. Trucking Association promoting the industry The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) continues to be a champion for the industry in Saskatchewan.

Jordan Ewart, a policy analyst at the STA, said Saskatchewan is a land-locked province, so it is extremely dependent on heavy trucks to move its goods, and to make the economy go.

The STA advocates the provincial and federal government on behalf of its members and works diligently to encourage more individuals to enter the industry, especially as drivers.

“There’s a well-documented dr iver shor tage across Canada, so we’ve really worked to modernize recruitment and retention practices for HR managers and such at trucking companies,” said Ewart.

The organization also stresses training and safety, as they just introduced a certificate of recognition (COR) program that is the first of its kind for the transportation sector in Saskatchewan.

The emphasis on safety is constantly growing. In March 2019, the province introduced mandatory entry level training with 121 1/2 hours.

“From our point of view, it is a good step for our province as far as developing safe drivers for our province,” said Ewart. “Now it’s not a perfect program, and we would like to see safety go a lot further in our province. But considering that nothing like this existed before 2019, I think our province is doing a fairly good job at making safe roads.”

The STA has been trying to ramp up its efforts to deliver professional driver improvement courses and long combination vehicle courses.

The STA has also announced a new program for women to enter the industry to get a Class 1A licence.

Ewart described it as a preemployment, work experience style program, and the goal is to help unemployed and underemployed women earn a job in the transportation industry and get an opportunity to obtain a Class 1A licence.

A new venture was to introduce a Professional Driver of the Month recognition program a few months ago in which a dedicated, respected driver is saluted.

“That was created, basically, for the different men and women behind the wheels who make our industry what

The Saskatchewan Trucking Association wants people to remember the value of the trucking industry. it is. We wanted to highlight the passion that exists in the trucking industry. We talked to all sorts of drivers and there’s always one common theme in those conversations, and that’s just how passionate these people are.”

These are the people who have kept working in the midst of a global pandemic,

and they do so with a sense of professionalism and without complaint. Of course, the STA could recognize more than just one a month.

“The drivers that we do have now are safe drivers,” Ewart said. “Some of the drivers that get recognized have more than a million and a half safe miles of driving, so

that just kind of speaks to the dedication and commitment and skill of some of these drivers on the road.”

The people who have been recognized will receive a couple of awards and a hat. “ We’ve had multiple companies reach out to us and we’re starting to get a bit of a demand for highlighting

their drivers as the Professional Driver of the Month, so we’re excited about this, and I think it’s something that we’ll continue to do.”

At the end of the year, the STA will announce a Driver of the Year, which could be anybody, and not just someone who won Driver of the Month.

Prairie Hotshot has grown since it opened three years ago It hasn’t been easy, but Prairie Hotshot has had a pretty good three years in business.

The company opened in August 2017 and recently celebrated its three-year anniversary. Dustin Mack and Alyshia Mantei started the business and each brings their unique experiences.

Mantei came from another trucking business and Mack had about 15 years of experience in the oilfield.

“I was on the rig end and ran downhole tools, and then I got tied up in this, and here we are today,” said Mack.

A third partner was part of the company when it incorporated, but now it’s just Mantei and Mack running the business.

Five people work at Prairie Hot Shot, including the two owners, and they have occasional help who assist when necessary.

“Things are fairly steady,”

said Mack. “We started thinking we’d be exclusive to the oilfield, but as the downturn has come around, we’ve had to evolve and look at different areas in order to keep the wheels turning. We’ve done quite a bit in the agriculture area, hauling ag stuff for auction sales this summer, and it helped fill the void, but it definitely doesn’t replace what has been lost due to the downturn.”

At this time, Mack believes if you have an avenue of any sort, outside of the oilpatch, to keep your business running, then it’s something to look into. But the energy sector is obviously still a big part of their success.

Prairie Hotshot won the award for the Best Hotshot Service through the Estevan Mercury Publications Best of Estevan Awards for 2020.

It’s a source of pride for Mack and Mantei, especially when they’re running a relatively

small operation.

“There’s quite a few businesses out there in the same line of work as us. When you hear something like that, you think we must be doing something right,” said Mack.

He hopes the business can keep growing. They aren’t afraid to look into different industries for expansion or create a more versatile company.

Hotshot services are all that they do at this time, but they do think of expanding into other areas where they can bring their skills.

Mack said it’s hard to believe they’ve been in business for three years already.

He wishes it was an easier time to have a business, but they’re grateful for the support they received.

“Our customers are great and we wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them and the guys we got working for us,” he said.

Prairie Hotshot is an award-winning company in Estevan that has added agriculture to the list of industries that it serves. Photo courtesy of Prairie Hot Shot Facebook page.

THANK YOU

to the Trucking Industry.

Moving the Oil & Gas Industry in Saskatchewan for over 60 years

Authorized Sales & Service & Warranty Centre for:

Troye Carson • 306-421-3603

tcarsonsafety@sasktel.net

Box 833, 84 Highway 39E Estevan

Preston Majeran • 306-421-6609 pmajeransafety@sasktel.net

306.634.7567

Highway 361 West (South Yard), P.O. Box 518, Lampman, SK, S0C 1N0

General Oilfield Hauling

30 & 45 ton pickers • Winch + Texas Bed Truck 24 Hour Hot Shot Services • Short & Long Hauls HOT SHOT & PICKER SERVICES

Bryon (Dispatch): 306-461-6742 | Travis: 306-471-7671 cslpickerservices@gmail.com

Box 700 Carnduff, SK • 306-482-3244 www.fasttruckingservice.com

SERVING THE OILPATCH OF WESTERN CANADA -SINCE 1957Long Hauls Canada/US

301 Kensington Ave. Estevan, SK. (306) 634-3616

• Full Service Trucking Company • Top Quality Rig Moving Experience

3902 - 75th Ave. Leduc, AB. (888) 835-0541

88 Devonian Street, Estevan, SK. Ph: 634-4041 (24 hr) Fax: 634-4040 Trucking Estevan Ltd. www.samstrucking.ca

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 9, 2020 A9

NATIONAL TRUCKING WEEK SEPTEMBER 6 - 12, 2020

Fast Trucking Service keeps moving Saskatchewan Based in Carnduff, Fast Trucking Service has been providing service to the oil and gas sector for more than 60 years, but this year has probably been one of the most challenging so far.

While it picked up a little bit in summer, president Dennis Day, whose family operates Fast Trucking, said it’s nowhere close to how it used to be.

“We are doing alright, not too much work at all. We mainly move rigs. Last year in June and July we had 140 rig moves, and this year we had zero. We had a total of five just in the last month,” said Day. The company specializes in moving drilling rigs, frac equipment hauling, recovery winching and picker service.

With oil prices still low, there is hardly any drilling happening in the province up to this day.

“There is a little bit of work coming in the fall, but not a lot,” said Day. “I predict

we might move 50 rigs till Christmas. I hope it’s more.”

Day added that it’s going to pick up a little bit, but not in the drilling. The service side became a bit busier, so Fast Trucking has been moving service rigs lately. But drilling remains really slow.

A lot of the equipment used for rig moving is very specific and can’t be used for other types of jobs, so to get back to work the company needs to see some positive changes in the oil industry.

In March of this year, when the oil prices sank to the record minimums and the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Saskatchewan, Fast Trucking Service had to lay off many employees. With millions of people going on unemployment at the same time, Day wanted to make sure that their employees would had at least some help before the government support kicked in. The company purchased $50,000

in Co-op gift cards, and Day wrote a letter to each employee from his family.

Since then some employees were able to come back.

“We’ve hired some guys back because of government programs. We laid off 60 at Fast, and we hired 30 of them back, so half of them are back working. They are not working a lot of hours, but they all are getting probably 30-40 hours a week,” said Day. He added that they are doing a lot of sandblasting, cleaning and woodwork projects. They are trying to take any work they can get.

“We are just trying to keep people employed.”

For Fast Trucking the times are definitely challenging, other trucking companies may have a different experience, with highway trucks and heavy haul trucks staying busy, and harvest also creating a lot of work for grain haulers.

“I think the trucking in-

dustry, in general, is not too, too bad,” said Day. But for trucking companies to see more work, either oil needs to cross the $50 line,

If you’re looking for a secure, well-paying, accessible job, you should consider driving a big rig. Here are some things to keep in mind when determining whether it’s the right career for you.

Do you mind working alone?

As a truck driver, you need to be able to keep yourself company. For some people, spending so much time alone can be a challenge. Others are lone wolves who enjoy

solitude. It really comes down to your personality.

At the same time, there’s a strong sense of community among truck drivers. You won’t be short on opportunities to form lasting friendships with fellow truckers.

Do you enjoy freedom and adventure?

If you want to escape the nine-to-five workday and basically be your own boss, trucking may be a great option.

Most truck drivers enjoy flex-

ible schedules and get to meet new people and see new places every day. In other words, you get to travel and be paid for it.

Moreover, many truck drivers can choose the number of hours they work. This makes it a popular part-time gig for previously retired individuals returning to the job market.

Are you looking for a career change?

Truck driving represents a seamless transition for many people who are changing jobs

or re-entering the job market.

It involves only a short training period, offers high job security and boasts solid pay.

The median income for truck drivers in 2019 was $45,250 a year, or $21.76 an hour, with more experienced drivers annually earning as much as $66,840.

Can you see yourself behind the wheel of a semi? Chat with truckers online or in your community to learn more about life on the open road.

Fast Trucking Service moved a few service rigs later this summer. Photo courtesy of fasttruckingservice.com and/or the federal government would need to bring in some programs that require drilling.

Day said he hopes to see some more work starting in

Would you make a good truck driver?

THANK YOU TRUCKERS percy h. davis limited

Custom Brokers Forwarders & Consultants Import Specialists Head Office | North Portal (306) 927-2165

Estevan (306) 634-3434

Recognizing the importance of the trucking industry.

January and continuing in the first quarter of 2021.

“I’m not anticipating much work at least until then, and it might be longer.”

THANK YOU to the

TRUCKING INDUSTRY.

Lori Carr, MLA

Estevan Constituency Office 306.634.7311 loricarrmla@sasktel.net

#200 Hwy. 18 West | Estevan, SK

306-500-5660 | www.shelterhomes.ca

Proud to be in the trucking industry Saluting National Trucking Week 306.634.5555 www.skyliftservices.com

Oxbow (306) 483-2848 • Pipestone (204) 854-2231 • Waskada (204) 673-2284 • Halbrite (306) 458-2344

For all your local news and stories.

Energy

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

A10

• Gasoline • Diesel • Bulk Fuel • Propane • Fuel Tanks & Pumps • Lubricants & Grease • Lubrication Storage & Equipment Solutions • DEF • Solvent www.girardbulk.ca • (306) 637-4370

Projects now happening through abandoned well program

By David Willberg dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca

Projects are now underway in all oil and gas-producing regions of the province through the Accelerated Site Closure Program (ASCP) that was announced by the provincial government earlier this year.

The program was revealed in May for the abandonment and reclamation of inactive oil and gas wells and facilities, as part of the provincial government’s plan to get Saskatchewan people back to work. The federal government contributed $400 million for the project, which will run over two years.

Bronwyn Eyre, the Minister of Energy of Resources in Saskatchewan, said the first $100 million was allocated to approximately 205 eligible operators back in June. The first bundle of projects was then issued July 16, with a total value of $12 million.

“For the first tranche, there were six producers, and they’re all now in operation with this, and that constitutes … more than $12 million, and then an additional $3 million in work has been packaged and is ready to go, and that adds up to $15 million in operational work to date.”

Several million dollars more worth of work was is-

sued last week.

When the first $100 million was allocated in June, it meant those operators knew the amount that they’re eligible for, she said.

“We feel that that’s been really important, that they have that funding certainty, and that gives them the ability to plan and avoid the first come, first serve approach, which has led to a bit of frustration in some of the other jurisdictions. So we’re glad that we took the time to engage with the sector right from the beginning.”

Under the ASCP, eligible licensees (operators) will use the Integrated Resource Information System (IRIS) to nominate inactive wells and facilities into the program.

Each licensee will be assigned a portion of planned expenditures, based on their share of total provincial liabilities for inactive wells and facilities.

Eyre believes the program has been very well received, and she believes it is having a broad, positive impact on the energy sector.

The flexibility gives operators the ability to select the types of projects that make sense for their businesses.

The Saskatchewan Research Council, which is administering the program, has received about $1 million in invoices from the service

Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre.

File photo sector for the $12 million worth of work.

The amount of time that it takes to complete one of these projects will vary from well to well, based on components or issues.

• • • • • Serving Southeast Saskatchewan for 38 years • • •

“Certainly, even before COVID and before this program, we had a very good record here in Saskatchewan, and there were new regulations that we had put in place as the Ministry of Energy

and Resources and the government to streamline this kind of work, and operators had done a lot of work on abandonment despite the economic downturn,” said Eyre.

She pointed out that about 2,000 wells were cleaned up in 2019, which she said was up 40 per cent since 2018.

Saskatchewan has around 40,000 inactive wells, but only about 165 wells are orphaned. Those are wells in which the company has gone bankrupt. Inactive wells are those that could theoretically be brought back online.

“Contrary to what the prime minister suggested when he announced this program back in May, leaking wells don’t dot the landscape here in Saskatchewan and they didn’t dot the landscape here in Saskatchewan,” said Eyre.

The $400 million in fed-

CRANES & TRUCKING

eral funding was appreciated, and Eyre believes it’s sufficient for the accelerated well program.

The provincial government estimates that 2,100 jobs will be created through the program. Only Saskatchewan-based companies are eligible to do the work.

“Obviously the COVID period was a very difficult time. I remember talking to service sector people throughout those months, and they were telling me that if something didn’t give, they would have to be laying off people, or more people.

Obviously it wasn’t a very happy time for the sector and it was difficult to hear some of the stories coming out of the sector.

“We really wanted to get the abandonment program right, which was the big summer to do project, and get those service sector people back to work.”

CANADA’S

1

#

All types of hoisting-tip heights to 350’ 15 – 245 Ton Mobile & R.T. Cranes 27 – 45 Ton Pickers 15 Ton Carrydeck - 3.2 Ton Mini Crawler Tractor Trailer Units Pile Drivers, Telehandler Office Trailer Rentals Manbaskets & Concrete Buckets

FINANCIAL

CANADA’S #1 PLAN

SLOW DOWN

FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CHAMBERPLAN.CA

IN SCHOOL ZONES!

REYNOLD BERT CORY CASEMORE

www.skyliftservices.com

403B 9TH AVENUE, ESTEVAN, SK S4A 2V4 PH: (306) 634-7979 TOLL FREE: (877) 770-0948 INFO@SPECTRAFINANCIAL.CA

FORM H [Section 66 of the Act]

Form H [Section 66 of the Act]

Frontier Place, Estevan

306-634-5555

Notice of Call for Nominations

Notice of Call for Nominations

This message is brought to you by

Serving SE Sask.

Your experienced, local asphalt company. gencoasphalt.ca ♦ 306.634.8001

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the offices of: Mayor: Village of Roche Percee Number to Be Elected: 1 Councillor: Village of Roche Percee Number to be Elected: 2 will be received by the undersigned on the 7th day of October, 2020, from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Village Office, 609 Birch Ave, Roche Percee, Saskatchewan and during regular business hours Wednesdays and Thursdays on September 16th, 2020 to October 1st, 2020, at the Village Office, 609 Birch Ave, Roche Percee Saskatchewan.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the following location: Village Office of Roche Percee, 609 Birch Avenue, Roche Percee, Saskatchewan Dated this 9th day of September, 2020 Sherry Quirk, Returning Officer

THE ESTEVAN MERCURY DRILLING REPORT We specialize in moving drilling rigs and other oil rig related equipment.

Carnduff, SK

306-482-3244

www.fasttruckingservice.com MOVING THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY IN SASKATCHEWAN

Drilling Licenses 1 new licenses issued to Monday, September7

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ESTEVAN NO. 5 PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the offices of: Reeve, Councillor for Division No. 1, Councillor for Division No. 3, Councillor for Division No. 5, Will be received by the undersigned on the 7th day of October, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Municipal Office, #1 – 322 4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan. and; during regular business hours on September 9th until nomination day, October 7th, 2020.

Nomination forms may be obtained from the municipal office or at www.rmestevan.ca Dated this 4th day of September, 2020.

Michelle Dickie, Returning Officer

B&A HOLDINGS LTD. • Rubberstone • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

(Cover your ugly concrete)

Tree Removal, Cutting & Stump Grinding Industrial & Residential Hedge Trimming Farm yard wind row restoration Landscaping Demolition (cabins, garages) Cement take out and hauling Dump Runs Light Carpentry Deck Building Brick Driveways; Fireplaces Lot sweeping Skidsteer work Auger holes (4” to 24”-13” deep) Screw piles Asphalt sealing & crack filling (Commercial & Residential)

163741.....................................................................Vermilion Energy Hz...............................................................5-5-6-33

Rig Report No Rig Activity to report.

PHONE BILL

(306)577-1643

Sports A11

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020

DOUBLE H ELECTRIC LTD. Brad Harris - owner

Don’t Cuss! Call US

P: 306.634.8190 | C: 306.421.1862 

Residential  

Commercial 

Renovations 

5TH STREET AUTOBODY

Farm

306-634-7101

Free Estimates!

601 - 5th St. • Estevan, SK

Priced to compete with service that can’t be beat.

Curling club encouraged by CurlSask document Estevan Curling Club manager Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud believes the return to curling guidelines released by CurlSask in late August were a “good news story.”

The document includes the protocol for the game to resume, with an emphasis on physical distancing, efficient contact tracing in the event of an outbreak, implementing safety measures and enhanced cleaning protocols.

In addition, CurlSask will follow the gathering size guidelines as recommended by the Saskatchewan Health Authority for the 2020-21 season. “ We have been communicating with CurlSask since the pandemic started, and there were not a lot of surprises in the document that came out,” said Ziehl Grimsrud. “I really appreciate all of the work that CurlSask put into it, because there’s certainly some helpful things that we will be pulling out of that document and using in Estevan.”

There has been a lot of

The Estevan Curling Club is looking forward to games being played this fall. thought put into how to play and how to do so safely this season.

She believes the biggest change will be where people stand on the ice for four-person teams. She heard

some concerns, but they were eased when they saw illustrations and videos provided by CurlSask.

Another big change is that only one person will sweep instead of two on four-

person teams.

“In the past two weeks, I’ve actually had a number of members either approach me or give me a phone call, and they were just wondering where we were at, and I said

‘We’re a go. We will be curling this season.’”

The curling club will be able to have all six sheets of curling ice in use at the Power Dodge Ice Centre. And they expect to accommodate all teams who want to curl in their leagues.

Curling is a sport that is well-suited to social distancing, and the curling club is well-designed for changes that might be needed, too.

“There is adequate room out on a sheet of ice, and especially in our rink. We have adequate backboards, too, so we are very, very fortunate at our club that we have lots of room, and our sheets don’t go to the wall, so we actually have extra room there. We are fortunate that we have a lot of space out there to accommodate the curlers.”

Their youth program is also going to be back. It will be the same times as what they have had in the past, with Sunday Co-op Kids Curl and Tuesday night youth curling, but how it is rolled out will be

slightly different, with changes for how many children they have per sheet, and how many sheets they use.

The way in which people register and pay will shift to a more touchless system.

“There will be changes, but we will be curling, so that’s good news for our community.”

Also, the 2021 Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts women’s provincial curling championships and the SaskTel Tankard men’s provincial tournament, slated for late January and early February of next year, are still a go.

The curling club will be looking at their schedule to determine when the season will start. She doesn’t anticipate there will be a lot of changes to their schedule, but their plans need to be in sync with CurlSask and Curling Canada.

Ziehl Grimsrud noted there will be some upgrades in the rink before the start of the season, and they hope to have ice in place by mid-October.

Tennis clinic attracts players of all skill levels Local tennis players had the opportunity to work on their skills on Aug. 29 and 30 as part of a clinic that was held at the tennis courts at the Estevan Leisure Centre.

Sessions on the first day saw 13 kids between the ages six to 12, six adult beginner players and 14 intermediate adult players work on their skills. The clinic was a partnership between the Estevan Tennis Club and Tennis Saskatchewan, and Ro Euraoba came to Estevan to guide the clinic.

“He was very good,” said Estevan Tennis Club president Angela Wiebe. “He’s with Tennis Saskatchewan, who partnered with us to get a good instructor.”

Euraoba was the coach of a Team Southeast entry that won gold at the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan.

Part of the reason that the clinic was held in Estevan, according to Wiebe, was an effort

to recruit young players for Team Southeast for the next Saskatchewan Summer Games in 2021 in Lloydminster.

Everybody who participated in the camp learned a lot, she said, and they enjoyed hearing from a different instructor.

On the final day of the clinic, the kids went indoors for extra instruction and games, and then they had some games. Adults played on the outdoor tennis courts near the Estevan Leisure Centre. The games played on Aug. 30 were just for fun, because they had to rotate people in and out, and they didn’t want to have people sitting and waiting for too long between games.

The cost of the clinic was included in membership this year, with $10 for one person or $20 for a family. The club had a lower membership fee this year because they weren’t able to start their season until June due to COVID-19.

Wiebe also pointed out that local tennis player Arnold Betzema held some beginner instruction on Friday nights throughout the summer to help them get going.

Monday nights have been for women’s play.

The club had 91 members this year, which would be up about 10 from 2019.

“It’s been a good year. We’ve got lots of playing in,” she said.

People seem to be more eager to play sports like tennis because it’s something they can do even with the restrictions in place for COVID-19. There has been activity on the courts almost every night.

Wiebe noted that club members will pay the membership fee and can book the tennis courts at any time at no extra cost. She also noted that Diane Wenham, the events manager for the City of Estevan, has been great to work with this year.

A tennis clinic in Estevan in late August was an opportunity for people to learn the sport. Photo submitted

Bass fishing competition coming to Boundary Dam format for this tournament is it’s a 10-day tournament, and it’s your best five fish throughout those 10 days based on (cumulative) length in centimetres,” said Kirkpatrick.

Somebody from Anglers Atlas will review the picture of the fish before it’s approved.

People can catch as many fish as they want, but they can only enter the top five fish.

Once somebody signs up and pays the entry fee, they will be sent an information package, which includes details on the MyCatch app. “ The photo must be taken in real time. You don’t have the option to load an existing photo from your gallery, because when you

take a photo with the app, that photo is time and date and GPS stamped, so you can verify when that photo was taken and where it was taken, so in this case, it has to be on Boundary Dam,” said Kirkpatrick.

The tournament has a maximum of 100 entries, and the payout will be based on the number of competitors.

If it’s full, the payout for top spot will be $5,000. The top 10 finishers will receive a payout. Kirkpatrick said they have received some entries already, with some from outside of the community coming to participate.

Competitors will enter individually rather than in teams, but participants can fish from the same boat.

Since it is a catch photo

release tournament, no fish will be kept in live wells, and all fish will be released live.

Kirkpatrick noted that the MyCatch app has existed for about 2 1/2 years, and it was originally designed to be a personal log book for tournaments. People could record their own catches and keep the information for themselves.

He’s been involved with Walleye Wars fishing tournaments, and took steps in the past year to include capabilities within the app to be a tournament platform.

It was redesigned, with new features, and they have been running tournaments since the start of this season.

Catch photo release derbies have been around for a while, but they are

growing in popularity amid the current pandemic. The development of MyCatch was fast-tracked due to COVID-19.

“So many of our existing tournaments in Saskatchewan, and all across Canada, were cancelled, especially in the first half of the season.

We had put our plans into

overdrive to make it possible and make it so that we could run events this year.

Originally we would have been looking at the following season, but we fast-tracked our development so we could be where we’re at today in our development.”

To register for the event, visit www.bassbattles.ca.

CROSSWORD ANSWER

A bass fishing event is coming to Boundary Dam this month, but it will be different from what people are used to.

Bass Battles, sponsored by Tourism Estevan, is a catch photo release event that will be held from Sept.

18-27.

Event organizer Dallas Kirkpatrick said participants will use the MyCatch mobile app, which is a product of Anglers’ Atlas, the company that Kirkpatrick works for.

When someone catches a fish, they take a photo of it, and the app will indicate the length in inches or centimetres.

“Basically you catch a fish, you take a photo of it on a measure board, and you release the fish. And the

VEHICLE MAKING NOISE? DENT TO FIX? • Auto Collision, Body Repair and Painting, SGI Accredited Elite Bodyshop • Factory Scheduled Maintenance • Tune Ups & Oil Changes • Servicing all makes & models.

• SGI Appraisals • Courtesy Vehicles Available

118 Souris Ave. N. Estevan 306-634-3696 | www.senchuk.com

Offering free pick up and delivery of your vehicle!

Cheers & Jeers

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

A12

Flooring Paint • Blinds • Backsplash Accent Walls 306-634-5588 104 - Hwy. 47 S. Estevan, SK

www.floorstoreestevan.ca

306-453-2519 Bay #1 - Hwy. 13 Carlyle, SK

Flashback – Wednesday, Aug. 31, 1994

Cheers Cheers to the Southern Plains Co-op and Sobeys for not forcing their customers to wear masks. Please don’t follow No Frills and Walmart’s lead.

Cheers to the City of Estevan for having a playpark season for the kids this year. They had a great time enjoying the crafts and the swimming, and the play leaders were terrific.

Cheers to the Estevan Bible Camp for bringing back Corn Cob Junction for another year. The corn maze was lots of fun and kids still love the rock climbing wall.

Cheers to the road construction projects completed in Estevan this year. King Street, Souris Avenue South and Veterans Crescent are now much smoother and better to drive. Can Fifth Street be completed next year?

In 1994 kids went back to school in late August. Many mothers escorted their children to the classrooms in the morning. Stacey Lawrence, right, and her son Jordan accompanied her other sons Dustin and Avery to the classrooms while Cathy Silversides (holding her two-and-half-year-old son Kelly) escorted her daughter Amanda to Hillcrest School. Amanda was in Grade 1 that year.

Jeers Jeers to those making the push for 5G wireless networks. Do your research on how harmful this is on people’s health.

Jeers to those who constantly complain but do nothing to offer alternatives or create about change. There’s a civic election this fall; maybe it’s time to see if you can do a better job.

ESTEVAN MOTORS

Family Owned Since 1937 Great Products....Great Service Our Sales Team is dedicated to your satisfaction

Dustin Sands Sales Manager

Mike Keating Sales Consultant

The good and bad of ruts Unless you’ve always lived a well-established routine that’s more closely resembled a rut than a schedule, you’ve probably created one in the past six months. I know I have.

While I already had a fairly organized lifestyle, since this COVID thing, my mornings now consist of going for my walk at the nearby track, heading into town for a cup of tea involving chats with new as well as long-time friends, a stop at the local grocery store a few times a week, then home to do crossword puzzles before making lunch.

Afternoons can range from totally lazy to regularly accomplishing chores such as laundry, weeding or writing

Linda Wegner Words of Worth these articles. Oh yes, I also have daily phone conversations with our daughter-in-law and several friends. Talk about ruts…those were the last things I ever thought I’d have in my life.

I recently read this quote: “Great things never come from comfort zones” and along with a very familiar verse of Scripture, it got me thinking: being in a rut definitely has its good and bad points.

For me, the bad parts include a slide toward inertia, as in becoming lazy. It really is easier to crawl up on the chesterfield with pencil and eraser in hand than it is to get outside and weed or do a bit more walking. The good

points: I spend less money since I don’t go shopping and I keep in touch with friends on a more regular basis.

The writer of Proverbs admonishes us with these words: “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Don’t assume that you know it all.” (Proverbs 3) Enjoy, then make use of ruts.

What’s that boy?

You want to go play at All Creatures?!

• Fenced play yards • Close & Convenient • Socialize your dog • Enrichment activities • Structured, interactive play time • Air conditioned/heated indoor play spaces

306.421.3669

1437 4th Street | 306-634-9228

y Sit, The place the Play & Stay!

306.461.6457

SALES | SERVICE | FLEET | AUTOBODY | PARTS EXPERT SERVICE & REPAIR | AUTOBODY SERVICE QUALITY PRE-OWNED CARS & TRUCKS | RV PARTS

Weekdays 8 am - 5:30 pm | Saturdays 9 am - 3 pm

Training & Boarding

306-421-6155

Weber Barbeques

Debit now available

TOP QUALITY NATURAL GAS GRILLS DURABLE & EFFICIENT

53

YEARS Since 1967

Corner of 4th & Souris

166 Years Experience

JOHNSON PLUMBING & HEATING LTD.

1037 - 5th St., Estevan, SK

(306) 634-5172

kids speak What was the best thing this summer?

Mckenna Bohn

Mackenzie

Age: 13

Age: 12

“Got to go visit my uncle that we never get to see that much in Vancouver.”

Saunder

“I got to visit some family and friends.”

421 King St #3, Estevan, SK I 306-634-3244

www.scotsburndental.com

Classifieds

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

A13

Announcements

STICK YOUR NOSE IN YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS Advertise Local shines a spotlight on local businesses.

Newspaper advertisers can submit their business for free.

Join the Local Advertiser List and help keep your community thriving.

Visit advertiselocal.ca

Notices / NomiNatioNs

LAND FOR SALE

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

In Loving Memory of Bob Efford Passed away September 15, 2018 Always remembered, Always loved.

Sadly missed by Debbie and Susan Byers

Feed & Seed

Career OppOrtunities

Town of Davidson, an active community of 1048 in Central, SK is seeking an ADMINISTRATOR Qualifications include: - Minimum Class “C” Certificate in Local Government Administration

(Standard Urban Certificate)

- Experience working in a municipal office - Familiar with Munisoft software.

HealtH ServiceS GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more.

ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL SASKATCHEWAN BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 or Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to 306-992-5527 for your FREE benefits package.

The successful applicant must be willing to live in Davidson

Thank You

A special thank-you to Dr. Peters and staff at Lewis Estates in Edmonton, AB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Parkinson’s Society of Canada.

Career OppOrtunities

Town of Davidson Box 340 Davidson, SK., S0G 1A0 townofdavidson@ sasktel.net

Thank you to the person who turned in my hearing aid at Walmart.

Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m Wed. Sept 30, 2020

Auctions Life time collection David Moe, Parkside General Store, 2 day auction, BID NOW. Sept 19 & 20 live on line. Schmalz Auctions, PA, SK. PL 911509

Obituaries

Pauline Sophie Gregory (nee Dutka) 1937-2020 Born on August 4, 1937, in Bienfait Saskatchewan, Pauline passed away peacefully on August 13, 2020, age 83 with her husband by her side. She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Caroline, brother Edward. Pauline is survived by her loving family, husband Arnold, her steadfast partner of 63 years, children Joy, Carol (Dwayne) and Allan; grandchildren Garrett (Lindsay) Brittany (Jason), Jack and Ella, great grandchildren Kaison, Emmerson and Sloan - all of whom brought great pride and joy to her life; sisters Rosemarie, Lucy, brother Ron, and their families as well as many nieces and nephews who she was very fond of. Pauline was very involved in the communities of Birch Island and Clearwater B.C. for more than 50 years. She was a tireless worker for her fellow citizen, never taking no for an answer when requesting help from various community partners for the greater good of all. Actively participating in numerous committees, including the Birch Island and Clearwater Women’s Auxiliary (Institute), Clearwater United Church and she was a founding member of the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was a long-time volunteer co-coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society and served as a school trustee in the 1980's. In recognition of her longstanding volunteer work and service to her community, Pauline was the recipient of the Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce (Rotary) ‘Citizen of the Year’ and was later awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 2012. An avid gardener, Pauline was also a talent in the kitchen whether it was baking bread, the traditional Ukrainian staples or a holiday dinner with family and friends at the table. She was also well known for her potato doughnuts, a big seller at community events.

Anyone was always welcome at the Gregory house and the kitchen was always open. A providing wife, mother and grandmother, family was extremely important to Pauline. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her but fondly remembered for her contribution to community and the importance that she placed on family and friends. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, a service will be held at a later date.

Please forward a detailed resume including qualifications, experience and wage expectations by mail or email to:

Card of Thanks

Stay up to date BREAKING

NEWS

ESTEVAN MERCURY.CA

Heavy Duty Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Operators and 1A Drivers required: Late model, clean CAT, JD equip: winch, dump, gravel trucks and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided.

Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

Olga Madeline Kingdon 1934 – 2020 With heavy hearts the family wishes to announce that Olga Kingdon, late of Lampman, SK and formerly of Bienfait, SK passed away at the Lampman Community Health Centre on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at the age of 85 years.

Olga will be greatly missed by her sons, Miles (Kathryn Anne) Kingdon and their daughters, Shannon Kingdon and Emily Kingdon (Jacob Cable) and George Kingdon. Precious memories will remain with Olga’s seven great grandchildren and her sister Jean (Mel) Tompkins.

Olga was predeceased by her parents, George and Mary Moskaluk; husband Stanley Kingdon; sisters, Annie (Steve) Ciepliski, Ethyl (Mike) Chymycz, Mary (Carl) Orabko, Barbara (Alex) Fahlman, Irene (John) Lucky, Stella (Mike) Romanack and Victoria (Marion) Rohatyn and grandchildren Jesse, Adam and Riley Kingdon.

A public Graveside Service was held on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bienfait Cemetery, Bienfait, SK with the Venerable Wilma Woods presiding.

Those so wishing may make donations in memory of Olga to a charity of choice.

Hall Funeral Services, in Estevan is caring for the Kingdon family – Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

BUSINESS SERVICES LEGAL Barristers & Solicitors

Paul Elash Q.C. Aaron Ludwig, B.Sc., LL.B. Genevieve Schrader, B. Mgt., J.D. Gainsborough: Thursday a.m.

Carnduff: Thursday p.m.

1312- 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0X2

P. 306-634-3631 • F. (306) 634-6901 • www.kohalyelash.com

#printlocal

friends.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, Alice and Allen Marklinger; brother Lloyd; sister Gail; sister Marie (Henrie) Tessier and her second parents, Elizabeth and John Geisel.

Carol worked alongside her husband Leslie after marriage on the farm and did things she thought she could never do. Carol would sometimes say “I can’t do that” and Leslie would say “how do you know if you don’t try?”. She would give it a try and always succeeded!! After leaving the farm Carol worked in long term care at Lampman and also in Estevan before finishing her career doing the sterilization of surgical equipment at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan. Carol retired from her paying job in 2007 and started a new chapter of her life.

Carol loved her flowers, doing crafts, playing games, playing golf, but mostly spending time with friends and family. Carol was very proud of her family and would do anything she could for them.

Carol’s pride always showed through when she could spend time with her grandsons, Finn and Archer whom she absolutely adored. Carol also had several special friends that she loved spending time with. Carol and Les spent the last 10 winters or so in the sunny south where she won the hearts of many people she met through her kindness, sincere love and compassion for everyone. The world was a much better place with her in it.

A Visitation was held Friday, August 28, 2020 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan. A Private Funeral Mass was held with Rev. Sathiadas Antony presiding.

Rest in peace Carol.

In lieu of flowers donations may to made in memory of Carol to a charity of your choice.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Carol’s family – Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

Farm ServiceS

HealtH ServiceS

graphicpress.ca

Carol Lee Geisel (nee Marklinger) 1959 – 2020 With tremendous sadness the family wishes to announce that Carol Geisel, late of Estevan, SK passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at the age of 60 years.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Leslie Geisel; daughter Amanda (Mike) Welsh; son Jeremy (Kerri) Geisel and their two beautiful children Finn and Archer. Also left with precious memories are Carol’s siblings, Wayne (Nancy) Marklinger, Gary Marklinger, Mary Jane Davie (Frank Young) and Linda (Jim) Choquette. Carol will be greatly missed by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gary Sandhoff, Lindsay Marklinger, Martha (Russ) Timmons, John (Rose) Geisel, Ken (Darlene) Geisel, Elora Shandler, Jean (Brian) Mathieson, Donna (Norman) Klatt and Lawrence (Robin) Geisel. Carol is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and many, many special

In MeMorIaM

Shannon Dechief (nee Ledingham) June 15, 1964 - Sept 13, 2013 Who suddenly left us seven years ago, In loving memory of a mother and a partner We think you left us too soon.

We miss: your smile, your laugh, your gentleness, Generosity and consideration and love of animals.

A wonderful mother, woman and partner, You are with us still, through memories, During daily activities, holidays, sad times and Celebrations.

We remember you - on so many small and Unexpected occasions.

Though you are not with us here on earth any longer, we know you are still with us in spirit and heart.

Loved by your friends and all whom you knew.

There is a sad but sweet remembrance.

You are not forgotten, dear Shannon.

Your loving daughters Taylor and Madison,and husband Dale.

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.

Evelyn Josephine Boire June 12, 1932 September 7, 1980 Forty years ago, your wings were ready but our hearts were not.

Never forgotten Always remembered Forever loved Albert, Lynette, Rhonda, Valerie, Alane, Natalie and Families

business cards envelopes forms labels cheques tickets postcards tags notepads book binding brochures invoices letterhead menus safety manuals gift certificates

AUDIOLOGIST

POLITICIAN

“Your ears deserve an audiologist” #5 - 418 Kensington Ave. (Across from Walmart)

306-636-EARS (3277)

Lori Carr, MLA JACQUIE MVULA M.S., R. Aud. Audiologist/Owner

www.suncountryhearing.com

Estevan Constituency Office

306.634.7311 loricarrmla@sasktel.net

A14 September 9, 2020

www.estevanmercury.ca

KFC in Estevan is treating customers with delightful bestsellers and unique fall promo

By Ana Bykhovskaia

abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

Estevan’s KFC has been serving the Energy City since 1961, delivering amazing meals and great service to the community.

Restaurant manager Robert Hazzard has been with KFC in Estevan since 2003, all these years doing his best to ensure the unique recipes and service standards are followed to perfection.

“Everything is good, and KFC is still busy,” said Hazzard.

KFC always has their classic bestsellers on the menu, and brings in exciting limited time offers to change things up.

Some of the most popular KFC items include the Big Crunch sandwich and, of course, their world-famous chicken.

This time, to make the fall a bit brighter, the brand came up with a new mouth-watering special.

“It ’s called the Famous Chicken Sandwich. It has a buttermilk marinated extra crispy chicken sandwich with sweet pickle and mayo,” said Hazzard.

KFC launched the fall promotion sandwich on Sept. 7, and it will be available in the restaurants throughout the next six weeks.

In August KFC Canada also added a plant-based chicken sandwich to their menu.

Since Aug. 10, the fried “chicken” sandwich, which is made with Lightlife vegan chicken, became a permanent item in all KFC restaurants across Canada.

“We always have our drivethru and take out and are now re-open for dine-in guests. All of your favourite meals can also be ordered online at www.kfc. ca and delivered right to your door.” said Hazzard.

“Over the years some of the recipes have changed to continuously improve our product. Even the equipment and technology has changes as everything is now computerized.” said Hazzard.

Estevan KFC currently has 16 employees on staff, which at this time is a full team.

The traditional home-style fast food restaurant serves world famous chicken and other delicious meals that many have known and loved for decades.

While KFC traditionally slows down a bit when kids go back to school, their family meals remain a great option for a tasty and easy supper after a long day at work.

Estevan KFC saw some changes to their hours and operation during the first months of the pandemic, but now with enhanced cleaning and other precautionary measures in place, they are back to usual hours and operation.

Estevan’s KFC has been serving the community for almost 60 years.

KFC offers a great variety of tasty meals and options for a company of any size.

Rec. Dance Club found a way to have a recital The Estevan Recreational Dance Club will have a recital for its members, although it won’t be what they’ve had in the past.

The club’s annual celebration was scheduled for March 14, but it was called off after the COVID-19 pandemic hit Saskatchewan right before the event. “ We were a day out from performing, the kids were ready to go, we were all excited, but we knew it couldn’t go on. So we have decided to have about three weeks of practising with the kids … get them back up to

performance quality and do a little recording of them,” said owner Brooke Wilson.

A performance DVD will be recorded at the end of September at the Estevan Church of God. It will showcase the talents of the 190 members of the club, who range from age three to adult.

The adults will be part of the video as well.

“Each routine will get a time slot to come in. They’ll come in with costumes, and with hair and makeup done, and they’ll all be regulated for COVID standards, of

RM OF COALFIELDS No. 4 PO Box 190, Bienfait SK S0C 0M0 Phone 306.388.2323 Fax 306.388.2330 www.rmofcoalfields.com Email: rm.04@myaccess.ca

course, but they’ll come in, they’ll do their routine, and get it videotaped, and they will head out and we’ll bring in the next routine.”

The video will be edited in the order they were supposed to perform in six months ago, and then the videos will be distributed to the families.

Wilson is confident the three weeks of practice will be enough to get the members back to the level they were at previously. “ They will get their 45-minute or half an hour class time three times a week, and honestl y you would be surprised with how well kids do with their musc le memor y and remembering our routines,”

Board Member:

For more information please contact RM Administrator, Holley Odgers, at 306-388-2323 Ext. 4.

Will be received by the undersigned on the 7th day of October, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Weyburn School Division Board Office, and during regular business hours on September 22nd to October 6th, 2020, at the Weyburn School Division

Request for Quotes Opening

Quotes will be opened at the RM Office, 423 Main Street in Bienfait on September 16th, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

Request for Quotes Acceptance

Lowest or any quote may not necessarily be awarded. Council reserves the right to reject any and all quotes if they so choose.

Please address all Request for Quotes to: Rural Municipality of Coalfields No. 4 Attn: RFQ – Exterior Concrete Work – RM Office PO Box 190 Bienfait, SK S0C 0M0 or Email: rm.04@myaccess.ca Subject Line: RFQ-Exterior Concrete Work-RM Office or Fax: (306) 388-2330 Attention: RFQ-Exterior Concrete Work-RM Office

U-

AUCTION

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the office(s) of:

• Remove and dispose of existing 6 metre x 7 metre concrete apron at office back entrance.

• Installation of 11 metre x 7 metre concrete apron at office back entrance. Concrete must be at least 100 mm (4” thick).

• Quoted price to include all labour and materials necessary to complete the job.

Closing Date RFQ’s must be received by 4 p.m. on September 16th, 2020.

Tenders will be accepted by mail, email, fax or hand-delivery to the RM Office, 423 Main Street in Bienfait, SK.

on those timelines, Wilson hopes this year it can be ready for Christmas.

W ilson said she has missed working with the kids, and she looks forward to seeing them again. They are looking at options for their 2020-21 season, including a location to host in-person classes, but online sessions also be an option as a backup choice.

Notice of Call for Nominations

Request for Quotes

Scope of the Work

was postponed, after they worked so hard towards the culmination of the season.

But they knew this had to happen because of how quickly everything was progressing.

Wilson’s not sure how long it will take for the video to be ready. When the dance club did their video of the 2019 recital, it took a few months to prepare. Based

Form H [Subsection 66 of the Act]

September 1, 2020 The Rural Municipality of Coalfields No. 4, located in Southeast Saskatchewan, invites quotes for exterior concrete work at the RM Office located at 423 Main Street, Bienfait, SK.

she said.

Once they’re back in the dance space with their friends and the music playing, Wilson is confident the routines will be as good as they were before.

Prior to the recital’s cancellation, the kids were doing great work. She was proud of their progress, and she was confident it was going to be their best recital yet. “ We were so excited to get on stage and show everybody what we’ve been working on, so it was really, really tough to postpone that recital, for me especially, having worked with pretty much all of the kids.”

The members were heartbroken when the recital

CAREER

Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division No.140 Number of elected: one (1) member for each Subdivision Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

SRI HOMES’ Estevan Facility SHELTER HOME SYSTEMS is currently accepting applications for

PRODUCTION WORKERS

Board Office.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the following location(s): The Board Website: www.holyfamilyrcssd.ca The Board Office at: Dominic Place #103-433 4th Street N.E., Weyburn Please note that Calls for Nomination for school board members to represent the subdivisions within the City of Estevan and the City of Weyburn are done in conjunction with those municipalities. If you require further information, please contact the City of Weyburn or the City of Estevan.

Dated this 31st day of August, 2020.

• Required Immediately

Duties include:

• Assembling and installing modular components Send, fax, e-mail or drop off resume to:

H

O

M

E

S

SHELTER

LISA WONSIAK RETURNING OFFICER

Box 845 #200 Hwy. 18 West, Estevan, SK S4A 2A7 Fax: 306-634-7597 jobs.shelter@gmail.com www.shelterhomes.ca

‘Em WE mEnd ‘Em Owners - Lance Mack & Yancey Hagel

Call 306-634-6060

Support your hospital today at

www.sjhf.org

FEATURING PACKAGES & ITEMS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT:

BID NOW!

Congratulations to our August winner!

Marja, Bailey and Bentley Stang won $1000 in our August draw!

10

O SHOP IN REASONS T

ESTEVAN

ing fees.

1) No shipp es. ing packag try ay.

2) No track t home tod an feel it, i c e u k o a y t , g g n n re getti 3) No waiti what you a y l t c buy it. a x e ize efore you 4) Know b t i g n ho special i w s e u l e p s o i e t p c dge from it on, pra e & knowle c i v d a t r e 5) Exp ducts. er in the pro n, plus oth w o t . f e o m t i u t l velling o 6) No trave by not tra y e n o m s a g.

7) Save g and dinin s l e t o h e k i ople. expenses l , teams & to real pe g n i k charities l t a r t o y p p jo u n s E n )Â 8 ey ca them so th 9) Support clubs! n $1000! nter to wi e n a c u o Y 10)

Thank you to everyone that entered, shopped local and to our participating businesses.

contest proudly brought to you by Estevan's source for local news