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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2021

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Download the Joel McIsaac was working on his stick-handling skills at the Rusty Duce Playpark in Estevan last Tuesday. It was such a beautiful day outside that he could practise in a t-shirt. The temperatures changed dramatically the following day, and have remained frigid since then, making it difficult for people to enjoy the great outdoors in Estevan.

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Local musician joins mental health campaign.

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Alida man wins big on Riders draw.

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Some residents still under boil water order following large water break

By David Willberg Residents who reside south of the CP Rail tracks in Estevan were subject to a boil water order for the better part of three days last week, after what the City of Estevan described as a major water main break.

The city, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Water Security Agency issued the boil water order Wednesday afternoon due to the break that occurred beneath Perkins Street. The order was lifted for most affected residents Saturday afternoon after water samples came back clear.

The water main break also knocked out water to hundreds of residents who

reside along or south of Perkins Street. The water was out for about 24 hours on Wednesday and Thursday, and those residents are still subject to a boil water order.

“It was just a large break on one of our main lines, which causes a lot of water to spill out,” said Shane Bucsis, the manager of the city’s water and wastewater treatment plants. “From estimates, it was probably leaking around 150 to 200 litres per second.”

When you have weather like what Estevan has had this winter, in which the temperatures constantly shift between warm and cold, Bucsis said the ground rises and falls, which causes the breaks to happen.

The city issued an advi-

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sory last Wednesday, saying that Perkins would be closed between Fourth Avenue and First Street A due to the break. The stretch of road remained closed until Friday afternoon.

An hour later, the boil water order was issued for those who reside south of the tracks, because the city couldn’t guarantee the safety of the water at that point.

“The reason for the boil water (order) is because the line depressurized,” said Bucsis. “We have to make sure no contaminants got inside the water mains.”

City crews worked throughout the night Wednesday, despite the -35 C wind chill, to try to find the leak. At 6 a.m. Thursday,

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they managed to find the source, and set about repairing it. Water was restored by Thursday afternoon.

“It’s very cold and very time-consuming,” said Bucsis. “The machinery works slower. People, because it’s cold out, need warm-up breaks, and even moving in heavier clothing, everyone moves a little bit slower.

And you get sprayed with water, so your clothes are wet in -35.”

The city bought a new vac truck a couple of years ago, and it was put to good use for this operation because it was made to run in winter conditions.

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Police station expansion is almost completed

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The building expansion for the Estevan Police Service (EPS) successfully went through the substantial completion inspection last week and is now in the final stages of construction.

Police Chief Paul Ladouceur said there were some minor deficiencies that were pointed out during the inspection and will be corrected in the near future.

"Whenever you take on a project of this size and scope, there are going to be these little things, like small defects in a wall or a light that's flickering or something like that. There were no major deficiencies noted.

"Everything is ready to go.

We had the fire chief and the deputy fire chief in to do the fire inspection from their end.

And they were satisfied. We are working on fulfilling their recommendations."

Ladouceur added that they also already had MuniCode Services down to ensure that the building meets all codes.

"They are ready to sign off on occupancy. We have a couple of things that we have to complete before that, but other than those, we are ready to start occupying the facility."

The substantial completion inspection involved the consultant, the architect who designed the building, representatives of the contractor, Quorex

Construction, and a number of experts on various systems and controls in place at the police station expansion.

After the deficiencies are corrected, the EPS will start moving furniture, phone lines and record management system over to the new building, and after the physical move they will have an official opening with all health safety measures in place, presumably at the end of February or early March.

Ladouceur said that like with any project of this scale, there were some minor issues during the construction, which they were able to address through the process.

"There was nothing major.

Everybody worked very well together … I can't speak highly enough about Quorex when it comes to the work they did and the working relationship that we've had with them. I know that they tried to use a lot of local labour as well on the project, which is nice for the local economy as well."

The police station expansion will serve the community for many years, and Ladouceur pointed out that the need for the facility was determined by the professional committee, as the Estevan Police Service members for a long time were working in subpar conditions.

"We did an assessment.

This process started in 2015.

We had consultants come down from Toronto to do an assessment on our needs as a police

service and our safety and security, and what our building needed to provide adequate and effective policing well into the future for this community."

Ladouceur added that in the contemporary world, law enforcement agencies don't occupy buildings with too many windows due to safety reasons, and the expansion was built with all the realities in mind.

"We are following the professionals that make these assessments on the daily basis, and this is a good, long-term community investment."

With the results of the assessment on hand, the police board went on to try to find a solution to implement the recommendations at the lowest cost to the public and the community, keeping in mind the state of the economy the city is in. While Ladouceur said that they managed to keep the cost comparably low at $2,159,000; he also noted that no matter what state the economy is in, there are pros and cons to completing the necessary project of this kind and size.

"Good or bad economy, and it's certainly troubling with the pandemic now, the community still needs the police service. We have to function.

There are pros to building when the economy is good. But there are pros to building when the economy is not so good as well because you are keeping people employed, you are providing some local labour, you are prob-

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Ladouceur expects that once the expansion is in use, these changes will affect the general work atmosphere and consequently the quality of service provided to the community.

"Whenever you have a better work environment you often see things like morale increase, service delivery increase.

If you are in a comfortable work environment, proficiency naturally goes up," said Ladouceur, adding that the improvements to the filing system will also allow for faster processing.

"I think service will improve. I think speed will improve. Efficiency will improve.

And more importantly, safety will improve."

Ladouceur said that he was very grateful to all people and agencies involved with the project.

He also added that if the public has any questions about the facility, he always invites people to call him at the office and he will provide all the answers.

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City crews were out in the frigid temperatures, repairing a large water break that resulted in a boil water order for south Estevan.

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officer's rooms. Besides, all the administrative offices will be moved to the new part of the building along with the filing system, which is currently stored in boxes in the garage.

The main police building will remain the point of entry for the public, but it will also see some improvements to the quality of services provided.

The changes will allow space for a public washroom with an entrance from the lobby. Plus, there will be a public interview room with access from the front lobby.

"Up until this point, if we were interviewing people we had to bring them into the secure portion of our facility, which really shouldn't be happening in this day and age, both for the public's safety and the officers' safety. If someone had to use the washroom, we had to invite them into the facility, too," Ladouceur said.

Moreover, the expansion will allow for more decent conditions of work for all members.

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ably getting a better cost to the project … You can argue both sides. It's terrible times to build when the economy is bad, it's a terrible time to build when the economy is good," Ladouceur said.

"But at the end of the day, this is the building I think the community will be very proud of and it will serve the community well after I'm gone as chief and for many, many years to come."

The annex will house support services, which supplement frontline patrol officers and also provide support to the community. This includes the criminal investigation branch that is currently working out of a room in the basement, the drug intelligence office that's working out of a storage closet in the basement, the court services, which has two people occupying a one-person room, the deputy chief's office, which is currently too small to have a printer in there, and the social worker's and bylaw

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« A1 Wednesday and Thursday was Hillcrest School, so classes were cancelled Thursday.

Students returned to school Friday.

Bucsis was proud of how the city staff handled the situation on Wednesday night, because it was so cold. Some contractors were brought in Thursday to help speed up the process.

“They were working hard in really cold, windy conditions. It’s never easy working with water in -35,” said Bucsis.

City crews were able to restore pressure to the system and collected five water samples each of Thursday and Friday to prove the water is safe. They were sent to a third-party lab on Friday and came back clear Saturday, allowing the boil water order to be lifted for most of south Estevan.

“If we had a hiccup at all in that, meaning we had a positive sample, then we had to go to the area and flush it, and then restart the process,” said Bucsis.

As for those still affected by the boil water advisory, the city collected two samples each of Monday and Tuesday this week. Those have been sent to the lab, and if the city gets the all clear on those samples, then the order can be lifted.

If they don’t come back clear, then the time frame will restart.

“We’d do some flushing again, and then we’d start to do the samples again,” said Bucsis.

Since the repairs on the water main weren’t completed until Friday, the city couldn’t collect samples around the affected areas until Monday, and that’s why the boil water order is still in effect.

Water sampling is something that the city has to do weekly under their permit to operate. They grab samples from three locations in the city and send them away

for testing.

People were frustrated to not have water or to be forced to boil water, which is understandable, he said.

“It’s just one of those things that can potentially happen, when you have a system like this, and you have such a large break on one of our water lines,” said Bucsis.

He also noted this was not the same transmission line that had a large break in May 2017 that resulted in water being shut off to properties south of Perkins Street.

Buildings north of the CP Rail tracks were not affected by the boil water order.

When the city opened a north reservoir in 2013, it created separate pressure zones for those who are north and south of the tracks.

Residents who are still affected by the boil water order are asked to: •Boil water used for drinking purposes for at least one minute at a rolling boil prior to use; •Not drink from any public drinking fountains supplied with water from the public water supply; •Use an alternative water source known to be safe if they do not wish to boil the water; and •Boil water for at least one minute at a rolling boil when it is to be used for other activities where it may be ingested, including brushing teeth or soaking false teeth; using water in food or drink which will not be subsequently heated; dishwashing unless sanitized in another fashion; making ice cubes; and washing fruit and vegetables.

Under most circumstances, residents do not need to boil water used for other household purposes, such showering, bathing or washing with tap water, but should avoid swallowing the water. Laundry can be washed with tap water.

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Estevan family found a way to return kindness and invites other to do the same

By Ana Bykhovskaia The Harris family knows what hard times feel like firsthand, and once they had an opportunity, they found a way to help other local people.

About a year ago when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, Ryan Harris who works in the oilfield, was laid off, which put the family through difficult times.

"We were going through really tough times," said Ryan's wife Stephanie Harris.

"At that time Char Seeman and Jolie Bayda had reached out to us."

Seeman and Bayda with the Communit y Hamper Association were providing COVID relief hampers filled with groceries to struggling families. For the Harris family, with two little kids and expecting the third one at the time, that unforeseen and very needed help came as a blessing.

A few months later Ryan started working again but with fewer hours, so the times remained tough throughout the year. At the end of the trying 2020, the family received a Christmas hamper, which "really helped."

Fortunately, the new year brought good news. Ryan's work picked up, the situation improved and the family decided to return the favour.

"We wanted to return the kindness and find a family that could use it," Stephanie said.

"I wanted to help somebody else because I know how much it helped us, and I know how hard it is to ask for help."

They bought some nonper ishable grocer ies and Stephanie made a post on social media. It didn't attract much attention right away, but once she added some more items and reposted it on a different page, her messenger inbox was flooded. Now she had a new task – to choose the only recipient.

"Tonnes and tonnes of messages. I was having hard times going through them, but then I had a young mom message me, it just caught me, because she said, 'I'm not

worried about me, I'm worried about my kids. I'm worried about where my kids' next meal is coming from,'" recalled Stephanie.

The decision was made instantly. She stopped by the store to get some milk, fruits and a few other things a mom with kids could use and delivered them to the family.

"I wanted to return the act of kindness," Stephanie said. "I have three kids, they are five and seven, and my daughter just turned six months old. Last year when I was pregnant with her, when all this stuff happened, I couldn't imagine not having the help that we got."

While trying to choose a single family to help, Stephanie realized how many people in Estevan are having tough times.

"Some of these people that have messaged me, they are having hard times, they have to pick between their bills and their groceries, and it shouldn't be that way," Stephanie said.

Food insecurity often comes with layers of stigma, fear and sometimes pride, which sometimes may prevent people from asking for help.

Stephanie pointed out that for them it was Seeman and Bayda who offered them a helping hand just in time and helped them get where they are now.

W h i l e t h e S a l v a t i on Army is providing groceries to people in need on regular basis, and the Hamper Association also does food hampers on different occasions, all situations are different and that might not be enough.

Stephanie pointed out that until they experienced difficulties she didn't know that there were organizations doing something, and if Seeman didn’t reach out to her, she wouldn't have known about the options.

"I'm forever grateful for that, for Char and Jolie," Stephanie said. "Because of them, I did what I did. They showed me that I can return the kindness and it comes with no strings attached. You

can do something."

After realizing how many people in Estevan could have used some help these days, Stephanie updated her post, suggesting to people who can afford to buy some extra groceries, to consider offering those to others who might be struggling.

"I had a lot of people messaging me and I had people commenting on the post saying that they wanted to help. So lots of people that messaged me, I forwarded their names to other people that were offering help, and it actually resulted in four or five people getting help from other families that stepped up. It was like a chain reaction."

There is also a Facebook page called Pay It Forward Estevan, where private people can offer and receive help.

"I created this group and a helpful environment for families in need. Even the smallest amount of help and support is the best. This is for people to offer things to people in need. Not everyone is in the best place but we can help little steps at a time. It feels good, trust me," says the group description.

Stephanie added that she often buys extra groceries, especially when there are some deals and she often shared extras she had with people she knows. They also teach kids to share and often give them extra snacks to take to school and give to other kids who may need it. But the recent experience made Stephanie realize that it doesn't take much to help more people. And even if they don't personally know the receivers, that unforeseen help might be vital.

"I know in Estevan lots of people aren't working, but there are lots of people that do. To me, it's distinguishing between your needs and your wants. And, of course, it's nobody's job to take care of another family, but we are a community. Estevan used to take care of Estevan, and it should be that way. We are a small town and people need to be able to lean on each other."

From left, Kasey, Hailee, Riley Ann, Ryan and Stephanie Harris helped another family, paying it forward for help they received when they were in need. Photo submitted

Parents teach Kasey, Hailee and Riley Ann Harris about the importance of helping others since early years. Photo submitted

The Harris family bought a load of extra groceries to help someone in need in the community. Photo submitted

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Don’t take frustration out on others Volume 115 Issue 42 Contact us: (306) 634-2654 68 Souris Avenue N. Estevan, SK S4A 2M3 www.estevanmercury.ca @Estevan_Mercury facebook.com/EstevanMercury

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We hear a lot about COVID fatigue.

Frankly, most people were suffering from COVID fatigue back around March 31, less than three weeks after the virus was first diagnosed in Saskatchewan.

For most people, it seems that we’re at COVID frustration, and some have moved beyond the COVID frustration stage. Call it COVID rage.

And it seems that some people have been taking their frustration or their rage out on others who don’t deserve to be the subject of a temper tantrum.

We’ve heard the stories. A person was seen reaming out a City of Estevan staffer at the Estevan Leisure Centre a few weeks ago over COVID protocols. That person eventually left, but only after police were called in.

And more recently, police had to be called to a local store when a customer allegedly became belligerent towards employees when he was asked to wear a mask, and later, when asked to leave. In that case, that person received a $2,800 fine.

You have to wonder if someone really thinks it’s worth $2,800 to rant and complain and make a scene, all over a face covering.

Incidents have occurred elsewhere, too. A viral video at a Saskatoon Vietnamese restaurant showed a lowlife hurling racial slurs at a staff member due to mask requirements.

It’s one thing to be frustrated or angry or even furious with these restrictions. It’s another thing to take it out on others.

If you want to make a scene, well, that’s your prerogative. Don’t complain when you’re asked to put on a mask, when you’re mocked for not wearing a mask, when you’re asked to leave, when the police are called in due to your conduct, or if you’re issued a fine. The fine is usually a last resort, but some people do deserve it.

And it’s not like this is something new.

We’ve had mandatory masks for indoor places in Saskatchewan for almost three months now.

It’s a no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service proposition. It’s going to be this way for a few more months.

If you’re really that upset with having to wear a mask in public, then don’t go out in public. Stay home.

If you have a legitimate medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, then that’s understandable, and it has to be frustrating that you constantly have to explain why you’re not wearing that mask or that you’re showing a doctor’s note. People who have medical reasons for not wearing masks have a right to be out in public, too.

But “I don’t want to wear a mask” or “It goes against my rights” is not a valid excuse.

Nobody likes wearing a mask. They’re

an inconvenience and they’re annoying. Once we’re out of the COVID woods, most people will be eager to never wear them again. Some might keep them as a bizarre souvenir of the pandemic, and some might continue to wear a mask because they feel the need to have one.

But for most of us, we’re looking forward to a cathartic mask-burning ceremony in a backyard fire pit.

Most of us are looking forward to seeing the smile of the friend we encounter randomly in a store.

We have to remember that the opponents of wearing masks seem to be a vocal minority, and a very small minority at that.

However, it is completely inexcusable to rant against staff members who ask you to wear a mask. They aren’t the ones who came up with these masking policies. But they get enforcing the policy thrust upon them to go along with their other day to day responsibilities.

And if they don’t enforce the policy, they risk putting their business in a position of a pretty steep fine.

Treat these staff members with the respect they deserve.

We’ve all had to do things we don’t like in the past 11 months. Wearing a mask is one of them. But compared to some of the other hurdles and problems associated with COVID, wearing a mask is pretty minor.

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You know how in movies about cops, the FBI and any other types of law enforcement agencies, the characters always have a full floor, if not a few, where they have rows and rows of shelves with files?

I've never been to other police stations, but I know that's not how it is with the Estevan police building.

Their files are piled up in the garage, right where the vehicles are supposed to be, just because there is no room even for people in the main building, let alone papers. At least that's not how it was.

If you've ever taken a generous invitation to tour the station on one of their open-house days, you would see the conditions in which people there work. Not only do some parts of the building feel outdated and not complying with contemporary standards (I guess many organizations struggle with upkeeping the offices in the fast-changing world), but it obviously was too tight for the operation.

Once the police station expansion project was approved, many people raised concerns about the cost of the construction to the public. Many doubted the need for it, arguing that instead, it would be better to cut the police department.

Others just suggested that it wasn't needed, as the Estevan Police Service members could have kept working in the environment they had.

Some people suggested that times were too tough to build anything.

But unfortunately, crime doesn't go away because times are tough, it rather doubles if not triples. The police service is required at all times, and after all the scale of the organization reflects the situation and the needs of the particular community. If it's big, then that's how the community is (I bet the North Battleford's police service is way bigger than ours, and the population there

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… is not that huge).

I do my best to be as unbiased as I can at work. I'm usually friendly (if it ever looked different, my apologies, I probably got lost in translation), but I distinguish between work and friendship. Back at school we had a course on journalist ethics, the prof was one of the toughest ones, and I learned the lesson for life.

It doesn't matter how I feel about the Estevan Police Service and the people who work there, all I know is that the conditions they were working in are not right by all means and measures. How is it possible to complete an investigation when you don't have room to organize anything? How can you precisely interview anyone when there are people around? How can you focus and be productive when you sit back to back with another professional? Especially in critical situations, how can you justify the need to have all the stuff in different parts of the building because your office is too small to keep anything? And my personal concern: how can one remain a nice human being working out of a basement?

Despite all that, our police department has been catching those breaking laws and decreasing the crime rates in the community, making it safer for every one of us.

Workplaces look very different from company to company. Google's offices all over the world made millions of other professionals jealous.

There is no lack of either cafes and restaurants supplying food for employees or comfortable

rest areas where workers can relax their brains to become more productive after all.

There are a lot of open spaces, but also room for privacy if an employee chooses to work in their own environment. Some of the offices would have massage rooms to help staff get rid of stress.

But Google's workplace approach often pales before the Silicone Valley businesses, most of which religiously believe that the best and most innovative outcomes grow only in a perfect, most inspiring environment, where an employee doesn't get distracted by any kind of possible needs and focuses solely on their inventions.

Most workplaces, though, are nothing similar to the IT industry and are pretty simple and straightforward. However, it's been proven that work conditions significantly impact morale and productivity. Moreover, a healthy work environment improves and protects workers' well-being.

It also reduces the chances of workplace injuries, which means less financial problems and less time-off.

Work in the law enforcement industry is dangerous, stressful and tough to begin with. Add poor work conditions, and the outcomes may be pretty sad. To my knowledge, Estevan has been fortunate enough to have a fair and decent police service. But I'd say that it is that way, not because of but in spite of the existing conditions.

So I was pretty excited to learn that the annex for the Estevan police station is almost complete. I'm sincerely happy not only for the EPS members who finally will have a decent workplace and will be able to have room to do the job but also for the community. This project and this building will serve us for years, and it will also allow for a confident and sustainable police service through all the good and bad times that are to come.

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Local parents learn more about French immersion program

David Willberg Willberg’s World

By David Willberg

Parents who are interested in having their children study French immersion at Pleasantdale School had their chance to learn more about the program, and ask quesIt started innocuously enough: a press release from the city tions, during a Zoom meeting came out Wednesday, saying that Perkins Street would be closed on Feb. 2.

Representatives from from First Street A to Fourth Avenue.

At this time of year, it’s not uncommon to have a road closed the school and the South East due to a water main break. But Perkins is an arterial road, so it Cornerstone Public School had my attention more than a statement about a road closure Division explained the program to about 20 people who on a small, quiet residential street.

And the closure would be a block or two from my place. participated in the session.

The South East CornerNo big deal, it wasn’t right in front of my place.

Then we found out the water main break was on one of the stone Public School Divibig transmission lines in the city. A boil water order (we don’t get sion announced last year it one of those very often) was in effect for all of Estevan south of was looking to bring French the CP Rail tracks, and it would remain in effect for a few days. immersion to Pleasantdale Worst of all, from my perspective, no water for some prop- and to Weyburn’s Assiniboia erties south of Perkins Street. As it turned out, my condominium Park Elementary School, and building was one of them. (Of greater significance, though, now the division is moving Hillcrest School was also impacted. Students at Hillcrest were forward with the plan.

If it goes ahead, there out of school on Thursday). would be French immersion It would take about 24 hours before the water was restored to my building. When you spend that much time without such for kindergarten to Grade 2 a basic and essential service, you quickly realize how much you students at the two schools starting this fall. Another miss it.

I couldn’t have a shower Thursday morning. Thankfully, I grade would be added each didn’t have to cover a press conference or anything of the ilk year.

Currently French imThursday. If I would have, people would have been social distancmersion in Estevan is only ing away from me, trying to stay six feet away.

Water was restored Thursday afternoon, thanks to the ef- available at Sacred Heart forts of the City of Estevan’s staff, who spent the night trying to School/École Sacré Coeur, locate the exact source of the water main break, and then went which is part of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Septo work repairing it.

As you might remember, it was -30 C with the wind arate School Division.

“Every time we start chill Wednesday night. There wasn’t an extreme cold warning out, but when it’s cold with a strong wind outside, it sure feels something new that offers like extreme cold. You don’t need someone from Environment new opportunities, it’s really quite exciting,” said PleasCanada telling you to stay indoors.

I don’t know about you, but when it’s -30 C outside, with antdale School principal Mior without the wind chill, I can think of a lot of things I’d rather chelle Smart. “Right now, be doing. I’d rather sit back in my recliner, sip a nice dark beer we’re deep in the planning and read my book. At some point, it will be time to climb into stages, reaching out with information and trying to my nice, warm bed.

I would have no interest in trying to find the exact location collect some registrations, and we’re learning a lot along of a water break beneath the ground at 1 a.m.

Those who were at work that night certainly earned their the way.”

Shelley Sargent, a sukeep.

You didn’t see many people taking to social media to perintendent of schools with grumble about the amount of time it took to restore water. The South East Cornerstone, said comments I saw were very appreciative of the efforts of city staff. this will help them meet a The boil water advisory ended Saturday for most in south different need that has been Estevan, except for those who didn’t have water for 24 hours identified Lori Meyer, a long-time on Wednesday and Thursday. We still have to boil water if we French immersion teacher at want to use it for cooking, drinking, cleaning dishes or brushthe Estevan Comprehensive ing our teeth.

Of course, it’s a relatively minor inconvenience. We have to School who is a consultant boil water for a few days. I could still use the water for laundry, with Cornerstone on the mopping the floors, showering and a host of other household French immersion project, talked about her experiences tasks.

A friend of mine posted on Facebook on Thursday that so as a teacher and as a parent many communities in our country have had boil water advisories of kids in French immersion.

She noted that parents for years. Many people who are old enough to drive have had a do not have to speak French boil water advisory their entire lives.

The Neskantaga First Nation in Ontario has had such a warning for 25 years. In this country, or any leading nation for that matter, it’s inexcusable.

And we were subject to a boil water order. We didn’t have a do not use order, which would be much worse.

Taking the dishes into the office to clean them a few times, or using bottled water instead of tap water to brush my teeth, doesn’t seem like such a bad proposition.

A Lampman farmer has Most people in Estevan didn’t have a boil water order. For those that did, most were asked to boil water for 72 hours. In pleaded guilty to a charge a few days, we’ll have other things to worry about, and the boil under the Animal Protection Act. water order will seem like a distant memory.

Chad Mokelky pleaded And it’s not like most of us had to spend a night outside in guilty in late Januar y in the -30 C wind chill trying to get the water restored.

The joys of clean water

A Zoom meeting was held last week to discuss French immersion at Pleasantdale School. File photo to have their kids entered in French immersion. Her husband Darrell doesn’t speak French.

Meyer also emphasized the split classrooms that would be at Pleasantdale are often found in French immersion programs.

“When my kids went through the program, it was split, basically with double grades,” said Meyer.

The kindergarten to Grade 2 students would be in the same classroom, but Meyer pointed out they would be starting at the same level on the first day of school in September.

“In my mind, that’s an excellent way for these kids to feel more comfortable, and for them to start off kindergarten, Grade 1 and 2 all together, and then they can gain their confidence, get their vocabulary going,” said Meyer.

The introduction of French immersion at Pleasantdale wouldn’t impact the offering of English-based programs at Pleasantdale.

One of the goals for the school would be to eventually have French immersion for Grade 8 students, allowing them to graduate the school with years of immersion experience.

“French will be used for the majority of the school day and as the language of instruction for most courses,” a video stated. “Students who are in French Immersion become proficient in English while simultaneously developing a strong foundation in French.”

The video noted that the students in French Immersion perform as well as those in traditional English programs when it comes to English-language tests.

And it noted that English proficiency shouldn’t suffer, because the majority of households conduct their daily lives in English, ranging from conversation to reading to watching TV. The French immersion program will introduce English classes in Grade 3.

Several testimonials aired during the video from students who went through the French Immersion program at other schools.

Several questions were asked during the evening.

One was from a parent concerned who works with kindergarten and Grade 1 students regarding the split grades.

Meyer responded they want the kids to mimic the French they hear, so the vo-

cabulary will come to kindergartens through play, music and games.

And Meyer noted that kindergarten would be a full day every second day, so there would be a greater concentration on reading and higher level learning on the days in which kindergartens weren’t present.

Smart said five-yearolds are very adaptable and learn very quickly, and are usually up for what is thrown at them.

“It is so amazing to watch kindergartens, how fast they learn, how fast they catch on to new routines,” said Smart.

If someone relocates to a community where they don’t have French Immersion, the child would have to go into the English stream, but Meyer doesn’t expect it would be a tough transition.

Another Zoom meeting will be held Feb. 10 for those who couldn’t attend last week’s session.

Information on the French immersion program can be found on the South East Cornerstone and Pleasantdale School websites. A lot of the planning for French Immersion in Cornerstone will depend on the numbers that are registered.

Lampman farmer pleads guilty to animal welfare charge

DOUBLE BUCKET 8 pieces of Our Original Recipe Chicken 4 Tenders Popcorn Chick'N Large Fries Choice of Large Side 2 Dips

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Estevan Provincial Court for causing or permitting an animal to be in distress.

Two similar Criminal Code charges were stayed.

He was fined $7,200

and assessed a victim surcharge of $2,800.

Mokelky is also prohibited from having cattle or other livestock in his possession for five years.

Animal protection workers seized 131 animals from Mokelky ’s property in February 2019. Sixteen animals were also found dead.

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A6 February 10, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

Virtual Whiskers and Wine Gala exceeded expectations

By Ana Bykhovskaia The format was new, but the support remained the same.

The Estevan Humane Society hosted a successful, virtual Whiskers and Wine Gala last weekend. Even though many things were done differently for their biggest fundraiser of the year this time around, the board was more than satisfied with the outcomes.

Tayja Zimmerman, the president of the Estevan Humane Society, said that the event went really well, with over 75 per cent of the supper tickets sold.

"It was a way better turnout than we thought we would have. We didn't know how virtual would go over, but we actually had a lot of compliments, saying that people liked it and enjoyed being able to eat at home and watch the live auction from home from the comfort of their couch.

"Overall it went really well. We didn't know what we were going to do and how we were going it do that, but it worked."

A few businesses bought meals for their employees, but most participants were private families.

The suppers were cooked by EB's and then humane society board members delivered all of them, except for a couple that were for people from out of town who came to pick up their meals themselves. All together, they made about 100 deliveries that night.

Zimmerman said that this year's Whiskers and Wine Gala wasn't too difficult to organize, but it definitely was different.

"Usually, when we have it in a building, all food comes to us, we set it up, we set tables up. But here

21022ge0

This Antelope Valley Quilt donated by GypsySoulFabrics was sold during the online live auction. Photo submitted we were delivering food ourselves and logistics-wise making sure that everyone had their meal orders correct, making sure that we had the right number tallies to give to EB's for what we were getting delivered.

It was a different kind of logistics this year."

The supper portion of the virtual gala was preceded by a silent auction organized through Facebook, the results of which were announced on the night of the event. After supper all people who purchased tickets and those who didn't had a chance to join the shelter for the live auction part of the night.

Zimmerman added that the supper participation was about on par with the previous years, maybe a bit lower, but the openness of the live auction attracted more bidders than they had before.

"There was a lot more participation that way, bidding and people interacting,

but either way, it was successful."

The quilt they auction every year traditionally attracted a lot of attention, and general interest towards auction items was high.

The fundraiser brought in some money for the nokill shelter which will help them keep functioning throughout the year.

"The online (version) definitely turned out better than we expected. We are a bit under than doing our normal in-person gala, but for what we got out of the virtual one, we are really happy with how it turned out. It definitely exceeded our expectations for support that we got for doing it virtually," Zimmerman said.

She also thanked all those involved.

"We'd like to thank EB's for doing food for us.

It tuned out awesome. And all the board members that delivered food in the freezing cold."

BUSINESS A7

Each office independently owned and operated

IT TAKES MORE THAN A SIGN!

Josh LeBlanc

REALTOR® (PART-TIME)

306-421-6778

| Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

www.joshleblanc.ca

Saskatchewan real estate sales in January were up, way up over the previous year

By Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The whole economy changed with the advent of COVID-19 in March 2020.

But prior to that, things were, well, more normal.

And that’s why yearover-year realty sales figures in Saskatchewan for January stand out, because they are up – way up.

On Feb. 3, the Saskatchewan Realtors Association (SRA) said in a release: “Building off the momentum seen in 2020, the Saskatchewan real estate market started 2021 off strong. Across the province, sales were up over 49 per cent from last January (going from 616 to 919), new listings were down just over five per cent (going from 1,855 to 1,758). Inventories were also down in 18 of the 19 markets that the SRA tracks.”

“We haven’t seen a January like this since 2012,” said SRA economic analyst Chris Gbekorbu in the release.

With new listings down 10 per cent from their historical averages, there are fewer houses being put on the market. At the same time, the rising number of sales combined with falling inventory suggests strong demand for what housing is available. This could put upward pressure on prices and help to encourage

potential sellers, according to the SRA. “Although it is only one month and another COVID-like event could slow things down again like it did last March and April, this strong start should help us be optimistic for 2021,” said Gbekorbu.

The SRA noted that while some analysts have suggested that national housing numbers could suffer significantly this year, “most analysts project that home prices will rise and that the economy will see strong growth as we continue to recover from the effects of COVID. “Most consumers are also optimistic about real estate, expecting the market to continue to grow and be a good investment opportunity.”

Samantha Krahn, director of external and government relations with the SRA, said by phone from Saskatoon on Feb. 4, “What is going on is pretty much across the entire province. People are still looking for homes, and there's definitely less homes out there. So, the ones that are available, people are clamouring for.

“We saw a lot of pent-up demand that basically drove the market up and we had one of the best years ever, last year, in real estate probably the last five years in almost all of the

markets that we actually keep track of things for.

“So it's pretty extraordinary, considering the pandemic. You know, people really want to find a home and they're spending more time there.”

This is happening despite an economy that saw thousands in Saskatchewan lose their jobs and businesses fighting to stay alive due to pandemic restrictions. Asked how that squares with the current realty market, Krahn said, “We had the lockdown in March, April and May. We were pretty stagnant; pretty much almost everything was on hold, it felt like in the market. And then June rolled around and things kind of just slowly picked up from there and even this month again, there's definitely less stock on the market but there's people out there looking for it.”

She said in Saskatoon, in particular, they are seeing something called a “delayed presentation of offers.” That’s where five to as many as eight potential buyers may view a home, a number of offers are accepted and then at a certain time, they're all presented to the homeowner. Krahn said that hasn’t happened in probably 10 years, according to some of their members.

“It’s definitely a sellers’ market now,” Krahn said.

Southeast Saskatchewan

had some of the lowest numbers highlighted, but even they saw an increase, with sales up 13.3 per cent going from 30 in January 2020 to 34 in January 2021, up 27.8 per cent from the five-year average (and 12.2 per cent above the 10-year average).

The total number of sales in Estevan was flat at eight and fell 36.4 per cent in Weyburn, going from 11 to 7.

Sales in Estevan were 5.3 per cent above the five-year average and 22.3 per cent below the 10-year average, while they were 14.6 per cent below the five-year average and 20.5 per cent below the 10-year average in Weyburn.

The number of new listings in southeast Saskatchewan fell 1.1 per cent, going from 93 to 92.

Looking at commercial real estate more in depth in the fourth quarter of 2020, Krahn said their economist found that, “COVID has accelerated trends that were

Real estate sales are up substantially across Saskatchewan. Photo by Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter already happening; less need for retail space and way more need for warehouse space, things like that,” according to Krahn.

She added, “It's definitely, I think, accelerated a lot of the trends that we've been seeing.

“You look at the southeast part, like Weyburn, Estevan, obviously things are a little bit less rosy down there, I think, probably because of resources and some of that.

Same with Calgary, normally one of the hardest markets in Western Canada,” she said.

DOING BUSINESS IN ESTEVAN

Looking for Land? $1* Commercial/Industrial Lots Available

Now available: Commercial and industrial lots that are located within the city and ready to develop to suit. If you have a commercial business looking for a great location with ample space to develop or expand, look no further than Glen Peterson Industrial Park in Estevan! Located on Nesbitt Drive and Bourquin Road, these lots are for sale to eligible businesses for $1.

Through Economic Development Estevan, eligible businesses can fill out an application to see if they qualify to purchase a one-dollar lot. Situated in Estevan, these lots are fully serviced by city water and sewer and have access to high-speed Internet via fibre optics directly to the premises.

The proximity to Southeast College, local retail sector, and residential subdivisions, make these lots are ideal for light commercial businesses.

Estevan’s Economic Development and Coal Transition Coordinator Richard Sadick says this incentive provides a great opportunity for businesses in the city. “The Glen Peterson Industrial Park is an ideal location for commercial and light industrial businesses to build, with ample lot sizes ranging from 1.1 acres to 2.7 acres.” Sadick added that the incentive also focuses on key Economic Development initiatives including job creation, new construction and supporting local contractors.

New businesses that choose to build in the Glen Peterson Industrial Park, are also eligible for the new business tax incentive that can provide 3-5 years municipal tax exemption for qualifying business.

There are currently five lots of varying size are currently available. The full list can be found at www.estevaneconomicdevelopment.ca To apply for one of the Glen Peterson Business Park properties, please contact Estevan Economic Development at 306-634-1843 or by email at economicdevelopment@estevan.ca *Terms and conditions apply. All applications are subject to the approval of the Estevan Economic Development Board.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Hot meal 5. Razor clams 10. Blood-sucking African fly 12. Chauvinists 14. Windy City football player 16. An alternative 18. Federal Housing Administration 19. Styles hair 20. Arabic female name 22. Paddle 23. Area once separated from Germany 25. Marketplace 26. Gode Airport 27. Upset 28. Where wrestlers sweat 30. Garland 31. Robert __, poet 33. An iPad is one 35. Fruit of the oak tree 37. Della __, singer 38. Women’s clothing retailer 40. Mailed 41. Largest English dictionary (abbr.)

42. Pouch 44. Radioactivity unit 45. Month 48. Nanosecond 50. Domestic 52. What a boy becomes 53. Breezes (anc. Greek) 55. Jogged 56. At the stern 57. Lawrencium 58. Destructive to both sides 63. Arterias 65. Removes 66. Pretentious people 67. Tropical Asian plant

CLUES DOWN 1. Type of whale 2. Type of medication 3. Land of the free 4. Formed an opinion of 5. Logo 6. No (Scottish) 7. Leaves tissue 8. Sacred state to Muslims 9. Thus 10. African nation 11. Someone who has a stake in 13. Parties 15. Subsystem producers 17. Large, flightless birds 18. Compromises visibility 21. A ballet enthusiast 23. More (Spanish) 24. Skeletal muscle 27. Hands (Span.)

29. Weighed 32. Businessman 34. Famous clock Big __ 35. Unkeyed 36. Break between words 39. Ink (slang) 40. Disappointed 43. Stroke 44. Curdled milk 46. Restaurants 47. Explosive 49. Type of terrier 51. Disfigure 54. Innermost cell layers 59. Bar bill 60. Distinct period of history 61. Mode of transportation 62. Equal (prefix) 64. Operating system

A8 February 10, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

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

DROP IN RECREATION

SCHEDULE

ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE - FEBRUARY BREAK 2021

EFFECTIVE -February 15 - February 21, 2021 Monday, Feb. 15

Tuesday, Feb. 16 Wednesday, Feb. 17 Thursday, Feb. 18

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM

AQUA AWE

AQUA AWE

AQUA AWE

AQUA AWE

SURF & SWIM 10:30 am - 11:30 am

REGULAR PROGRAMMING

REGULAR PROGRAMMING

REGULAR PROGRAMMING

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM

AQUA AWE

AQUA AWE

AQUA AWE

AQUA AWE

FAMILY SWIM

FAMILY SWIM

FAMILY SWIM

FAMILY SWIM

RED CROSS LESSONS

RED CROSS LESSONS

RED CROSS LESSONS

RED CROSS LESSONS

REGULAR PROGRAMMING

LION’S FAMILY DAY SWIM

6:00 am - 6:45 am 7:00 am - 7:45 am 8:00 am - 8:45 am

CLOSED

6:00 am - 6:45 am 7:00 am - 7:45 am 8:00 am - 8:45 am

9:15 am - 10:00 am

LION’S FAMILY DAY SWIM 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm

9:15 am - 10:00 am

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

CLOSED

Friday, Feb. 19

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

LION’S FAMILY DAY SWIM

REGULAR PROGRAMMING

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm 7:45 pm - 8:45 pm

6:00 am - 6:45 am 7:00 am - 7:45 am 8:00 am - 8:45 am

9:15 am - 10:00 am

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

6:00 am - 6:45 am 7:00 am - 7:45 am 8:00 am - 8:45 am

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

WEIGHT ROOM

6 am - 9 pm

6 am - 9 pm

6 am - 9 pm

GRIT

FITNESS SCHEDULE

CORE BARRE ABOVE

SPIN

9:10 am - 10:15 am

FOAM ROLLER

CLOSED

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM

FAMILY SWIM

FAMILY SWIM

LANE SWIM

LANE SWIM

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

Tourism Estevan has proclaimed February as Pizza Month, to join in the fun go to #ExperienceEstevan #PizzaMonth2021 for all the details.

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

6 am - 9 pm

6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

FAMILY SWIM FAMILY SWIM 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm

7:15 pm - 9:00 pm

9 am - 9 pm

9 am - 9 pm

GRIT

6:10 am - 6:50 am

6:10 am - 6:50 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am 10:15 am - 10:55 am 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm 6:30 pm - 7:10 pm

CLOSED

A Message From The Mayor

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

9:00 pm - 9:45 pm

12 pm - 5 pm

Sunday, Feb. 21

9:15 am - 10:00 am

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm 7:45 pm - 8:45 pm

LANE SWIM

Saturday, Feb. 20

SPIN

6:10 am - 6:50 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am 10:15 am - 10:55 am 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm

10:30 am - 11:15 am

6:10 am - 6:50 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am

SPIN

9:10 am - 9:50 am 10:10 am - 10:50 am

Also everyone please stay warm !

EASY STRETCH 10:10 am - 10:50 am

SPIN

SKATING SCHEDULE

5:30 pm - 6:10 pm

PROGRAM RENTALS

PARENT & TOT SKATE

FAMILY SKATE

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

FAMILY SKATE

12:45 pm - 1:45 pm 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Don’t see what you are looking for?

Do you have an idea for something we should try?

Please contact the Program Manager at 306-634-1880.

We would love to hear your ideas!

PARENT & TOT SKATE FAMILY SKATE

FAMILY SKATE

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

PROGRAM RENTALS

PROGRAM RENTALS

12:45 pm - 1:45 pm 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

?

Schedule Subject to Change. Please visit www.estevan.ca for

updates on closures and cancellations. Proper footwear and Must be 16 years of age to participate in fitness and have a completed Par-Q exerciseclasses wear is required to participate.

Please note during schoolquestionnaire breaks, (Teachers Conventions, Spring Breaks and Questionnaire prior to participating in classes. The lets our fitness instructors Christmas Breaks) Fitness, Aquatic Centre and arena schedules determine abilities and needs of each participant. may vary. Please visit our live schedules at www.estevan.ca

PLEASE NOTE - Due to the pandemic-related protocols fitness 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. Drop in is available for the weight room. Space between workout stations have either increased or a machine has been put into 'not in use.' Water fountains are not available.

Don’t see what you are looking for?

Do you have an idea for something we should try?

Please contact the Program Manager at 306-634-1880.

We would love to hear your ideas!

?

Schedule Subject to Change. Please visit www.estevan.ca for updates on closures and cancellations. Proper footwear and exercise wear is required to participate. Please note during school breaks, (Teachers Convention, Spring Break and Christmas Break) Fitness, Aquatic Centre and Arena schedules may vary. Please visit our live schedules at www.estevan.ca

FITNESS SCHEDULE

THURSDAy SPIN 6:10 am - 6:50 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am • 10:15 am - 10:55 am 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm AQUA AWE 9:15 am - 10:00 am 9:15 am - 10:00 am • 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm WEIGHT RooM oPEN 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

MoNDAy SPIN AQUA AWE GRIT EASy STRETCH PoWER BLAST SPIN / CoRE WEIGHT RooM oPEN

FRIDAy GRIT 6:10 am - 6:50 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am AQUA AWE 9:15 am - 10:00 am EASy STRETCH 10:10 am - 10:50 am WEIGHT RooM oPEN 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

TUESDAy SPIN AQUA AWE

Bylaw

Please help keep our sidewalks safe so all citizens can enjoy a safe walk assage

Bylaw 2016-1963 The occupier of property in the City of Estevan shall remove any snow, ice or other obstruction from the public sidewalk adjacent to such property within twenty-four (24) hours of the time such snow, ice or other obstruction appears on such public sidewalk.

ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE - 2021 EFFECTIVE January 4 - February 14, 2021

WEIGHT RooM oPEN 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 PoWER BLAST 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm SPIN 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm WEIGHT RooM oPEN 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

SATURDAy WEIGHT RooM oPEN 9:00 am - 9:00 pm SUNDAy SPIN 9:10 am - 9:50 am 10:10 am - 10:50 am DEEP WATER PoWER 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm WEIGHT RooM oPEN 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

AQUATIC

PLEASE NoTE PRE-Registration process.

Users ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE - 2021 must pre-register online or by calling the Information Desk. Patrons will be screened upon arrival and asked a few questions EFFECTIVE as per the Operational Health and Safety Guidelines. Drop in is available for the weight room.

Space between workout stations have either increased or a machine has been put into 'not in use.' Water fountains are notJanurary available.

4-

SCHEDULE

Don’t see what you are looking for?

Do you have an idea for MoNDAywe should try? something LANEcontact SWIMthe 6:00 am - 6:45 am Please Program 7:00 amat - 7:45 am Manager 306-634-1880.

We8:00 would to hear amlove - 8:45 am your ideas!

?

AQUA AWE 9:15 am - 10:00 am A.I.S 11:15 am - 12:00 pm LANE SWIM 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm SURF & SWIM 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm LANE SWIM 9:00 pm - 9:45 pm

Schedule Subject to Change. Please visit 14, 2021 www.estevan.ca for updates on closuresFeburary and cancellations. Proper footwear and exercise wear is AQUArequired AWE 9:15 am - 10:00 amduring 1:15 to participate.

Please note school pm - 2:00 pm A.I.S 11:15 am - 12:00 pm Spring BreakSURF breaks, (Teachers Convention, and & SWIM 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm Aquaticpm Centre andFREE Arena SWIM 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm SPIN /Christmas CoRE Break) 5:00 Fitness, pm - 6:00 schedules may vary.

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Michigan approves permit for pipeline tunnel, still wants Enbridge Line 5 shut down

By Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In the wake of the cancellation of the Presidential Permit for the TC Energy Keystone XL pipeline project, all eyes have turned to Enbridge’s Line 5, which the Governor of Michigan has been moving to shut down.

Line 5, an existing pipeline in operation for 68 years, runs from Superior, Wisc., through the upper peninsula of Michigan, across the Straits of Mackinac (which joins Lake Superior and Lake Huron) to the lower peninsula. In addition to supplying Michigan and Ohio refineries with oil and natural gas liquids, the line crosses to Ontario at Sarnia and supplies southern On-

tario and Quebec.

That oil comes from Western Canadian, including Saskatchewan. Michigan Governor Gretchen W hitmer wants it shut down, citing a risk it could leak and irreparably damage the Great Lakes.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has expressed concerns that President Joe Biden’s cancellation of the permit for Keystone XL could lead to retroactive action on other, existing pipelines, including Line 5.

Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said by email Feb. 2: “Enbridge Line 5, which Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has ordered shut down by May, is critical energy infrastructure that connects Saskatch-

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ewan and Alberta producers to vital markets in Ontario, Q uebec and the United States, and supports tens of thousands of jobs.

“Line 5 supports about half the oil needs of Ontario and Quebec and ships oil refined in Sarnia into gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel, aviation fuel, and propane. The line has operated safely and reliably for more than 65 years. Michigan and Saskatchewan have a trading relationship, valued at over $200 million USD, in imports and exports combined. Why willfully jeopardize that? Enbridge Line 5 must remain operational.”

Enbridge had proposed digging a tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac, and installing a new pipeline in that tunnel to replace the two lake-bottom pipelines currently in place.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced Friday that it has approved Enbridge Energy’s application for certain permits required to build a utility tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. “ If constr ucted, the tunnel would house a proposed replacement for the 68-year-old Line 5 dual petroleum products pipelines currently lying on lakebed.

EGLE’s review of the permit applications concluded that the proposed construction of a tunnel beneath the lakebed can be done in compliance with the state environmental laws that

EGLE administers,” the EGLE release said.

“EGLE acknowledged public concerns about the existing oil pipeline and affirmed the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ conclusion that the current pipeline violates the Public Trust Doctrine and poses an unacceptable risk to the Great Lakes,” it added.

The permit approvals follow a nine-month review period and cover Enbridge’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Wastewater Permit (NPDES), bottomlands, and wetlands permit applications. EGLE’s permit review confirmed that the proposed tunneling project would have minimal impact on water quality in the Great Lakes and would not affect protected public uses of Michigan’s water resources.

“EGLE is obligated to review permit applications with the goal of protecting the environment and public health, but within the confines of Michigan law,” said Teresa Seidel, director of EGLE’s Water Resources Division. “During our review of this proposed project, our top priority has been protecting the Straits of Mackinac and the surrounding wetlands, aquatic life, and other natural and cultural resources from adverse environmental impacts.”

EGLE’s review determined that the proposed project would result in mini-

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of the process to authorize its construction. Permits from the Michigan Public Service Commission and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers are still required. “ The environmental permits issued today are related to various parts of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, the Clean Water Act and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

“The Great Lakes Tunnel will encase a replacement section of Line 5 well below the lakebed, eliminating the risk of an anchor strike and virtually eliminating the potential of any release from Line 5 into the Straits.

Survey research has shown that a majority of Michigan residents favor construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel, which is why Enbridge is investing approximatel y $500 million to construct the tunnel.”

Prior to making its permitting decision, EGLE said it held four public information sessions, four public hearings and four tribal consultations. EGLE’s decision-making also included input from the State Historic Preservation Office and a report from an independent civil engineering firm specializing in complex tunneling projects. EGLE also reviewed more than 2,600 comments from the public on the permit applications and devoted more than 2,000 staff-hours to its consideration, EGLE said.

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mal impact to wetlands, estimating wetlands affected to be 0.13 acres – an area roughly one-tenth the size of a football field. Enbridge will be required to protect 1.3 acres of existing Great Lakes coastal wetlands and purchase wetlands credits from a state wetlands mitigation bank to address this impact.

In response to the approval, Enbridge issued a release on Jan. 29.

"These approvals bring us a step closer to building the Great Lakes Tunnel," said Vern Yu, Enbridge executive vice-president and president, liquid pipelines.

"Line 5, encased in a tunnel below the lakebed, is the best way to safeguard the precious waters of the Great Lakes and ensures that low cost, safe and reliable energy keeps flowing to Michigan, neighboring states and Canada's two largest provinces."

The Enbridge release noted, “ The permits issued today do not resolve Governor Whitmer's effort to shut down Line 5's current operations. Enbridge is challenging those efforts in federal court. Such a shutdown before the completion of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project would lead to major energy shortages in the region and severe economic consequences for Michigan, neighboring states and Canada.”

Enbridge added, “The EGLE permits are an important milestone for the tunnel project and are part

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Students celebrate French language and history French immersion and core French students and staff from Sacred Heart School-École Sacré Coeur celebrated French Second Language Week from Feb. 1-5.

This province-wide occasion is created by Canadian Parents for French, a national organization dedicated to the promotion and creation of French as a second language learning opportunities for young Canadians.

This year’s theme at Sacred Heart/Sacré Coeur was Les Voyageurs. Students learned about the French voyageurs, the fur trade and the Festival du Voyageur winter festival in Winnipeg.

Various activities were offered during the week.

One of them was lights off at lunch and no microwave usage.

During the fur trade, voyageurs had no electricity and often ate cold food. Students found a way to emulate this experience.

Another was to find the voyageur: Jean Batitste le Voyageur (a wooden spoon puppet) was hiding in the school. Students were asked to find him and snap a picture with him.

Beard growing was in recog-

nition of the Festival du Voyageur winter celebration in Winnipeg, where the beard growing contest attracts lots of attention. Students were invited to come to school with homemade bearded facemasks.

Staff and students also experienced a 360 virtual tour of Fort Gibraltar in Winnipeg.

People were also encouraged to wear a red tuque, just like a voyageur.

The Fransaskois flag was displayed under the Canada flag at the school.

French music was played at the first bell in the morning and at the last bell of the day. O Canada was sung in French all week by various staff and student guest singers.

Classrooms met through virtual Google Meet sessions and played French games together.

Snowshoes were available for those who wanted to get some outdoor activity. Students were also able to try the wooden spoons, a common musical activity back in the time of the voyageurs and the fur trade.

The French Language Monitor played an integral part in organizing and assisting in all events.

This poster could be found hanging at Sacred Heart School-École Sacré Coeur. Photo submitted

Pleasantdale students excited to be Cupid’s Cuties

The Grades 3 and 4 students at Pleasantdale School were excited to be part of this year’s Cupid’s Cuties Valentine’s Day promotion that appears in this week’s edition of the Estevan Mercury.

A total of 37 students, between the ages of nine and 11, were involved this year. Each student was asked four questions, and the Mercury selected an answer for each student.

The questions were “What does Cupid do,” “What is the best Valentine’s Day gift,” “How do you show someone you love them,” and “How old should you be when you get married.”

The kids will have their name

and photo in the paper, and will have their answer sponsored by a business.

Pleasantdale principal Michelle Smart said the kids were really excited to answer the questions, and the teachers were laughing at some of the answers.

“I think they’re going to be super excited when it all comes out in the paper, and they see their pictures in the paper, because they love that,” said Smart.

She thought the best answers were for the question about marriage. She noted that one kid said “Never, because I don’t want to get married,” while another said “I don’t think I can ever get married because

that’s what my Dad says.”

“I like to see that most of them were thinking ‘Don’t get married until at least 25. Most of them were around 28, 29 or 30. Lots of time. Or never,” she said, laughing.

Smart believes you’ll get some unique answers when you ask kids questions that are out of the ordinary, but she is pleased the questions had them thinking about love and Valentine’s Day. A Wall of Fame is located next to the school’s office, with photos of students who wind up in the paper.

Most years, it’s filled with different things kids are doing, and most years, the wall would be packed with news-

paper clippings by mid-February.

But due to COVID-19, it’s been tougher to find things. Smart is looking forward to adding to the Wall of Fame now with Cupid’s Cuties.

“It’s exciting when we get to have our pictures and our thoughts in the paper, and everybody can see them,” said Smart.

The school will have activities for Valentine’s this year, but like anything else they’ve done during the school year, it takes more creative thinking by their staff.

“We are still going to allow them to bring Valentines … but we’re having them bring their Valentines to school by February 10, and we

can put them into a little Valentines quarantine, and so they’ll be able to bring them home on the 12th,” said Smart.

In the afternoon of Feb. 12, which is also the final day of school before the winter break, the younger children will have games and activities in the classroom, and the teachers will be supplying treats. Students can’t bring and share treats with each other.

Cupid’s Cuties can be found throughout this week’s edition of the Mercury. Thanks to Pleasantdale School for their eager participation, and to the businesses for their support.

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How old should you be when you get married?

What does Cupid do?

He can make people fall in love.

25-30 because that’s what my dad said.

Mya Farr

What is the best Valentine’s Day gift?

Karissa Fee

Having your family.

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www.estevanmercury.ca

February 10, 2021 A11

Country singer Chris Henderson is part of a new mental health awareness campaign

By Ana Bykhovskaia Popular Saskatchewan country music artist Chris Henderson will help raise awareness about mental health.

The edited version of his song Point of View, from his latest album, can now be heard in a commercial on CTV. "Back when Steve Mitchell and I wrote Point of View for my latest record, we immediately started talking about how we wanted to 'do some good' with this song," recalled Henderson in a Facebook post.

"A few months ago I jumped on a Zoom call with the Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatchewan Division and with Bell Canada/CTV to discuss how we could use this song to build a campaign in support of mental health initiatives. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that the need is greater now than it's ever been."

The first commercial of a new campaign aired on Feb. 3 on CTV for the first time, and Henderson said there will be at least one more in April and potentially more later in the year.

"They want to follow on Bell Let's Talk, and … keep the conversation going," noted Henderson.

Henderson wrote the song Point of View for his latest record, which he introduced to Estevan fans during his concert at Art Concepts Custom Framing in October 2019. The radio

Chris Henderson was in Estevan to release his latest record Point of View at the end of 2019. File photo release of the song happened last week.

Pont of View deals with mental health and was inspired by a story that happened to Henderson's friend, who ended up in the hospital.

"The whole idea of the song is celebrating silver linings or looking for something positive to hold on to," Henderson explained.

The Canadian Mental Health Association has been doing a Dave Batters campaign for years, and Henderson said they were looking to funnel that energy into a new idea. Batters was born and raised in Estevan, and was a member of Parliament for the Palliser constituency. He committed

suicide in 2009.

"It was great to be able to revive the campaign that's going to have television commercials coming all the time.

"And in February we are going to be doing an online concert as well.

We are still hammering out final dates because I have a couple of special guests that are going to join us, but before the end of the month we are going to do an online concert, and 100 per cent of funds raised through that will go to the Canadian Mental Health Association," Henderson said.

The concert will be broadcasted on Facebook and YouTube. Once the

dates are finalized, all information will be published at chrishendersonmusic. com and on his social media pages.

"People will be able to watch from home, and there will be a virtual tip jar. Proceeds will be going to the Mental Health Association, and it's going to be myself and a handful of artists that are just volunteering their time for a cause we believe in," Henderson said.

He said that right now more than ever people are struggling with stress, anxiety, isolation and mental health issues, and that is something that motivated him to join the campaign. But the original push to raise mental health awareness came from his friend's experience. Besides, he's seen a lot of other people around him going through difficult times.

"The music industry has a lot of people that struggle with mental health. It's something that seems to be coming up in my life over and over again. My father had some struggles, lots of people in my life had some struggles," Henderson said.

All these experiences motivated him to do more to support the cause.

The partnership with Bell and the Canadian Mental Health Association has gone really well, and they already started talking about the possibility of a live concert when the situation allows again.

Henderson and his wife have been advocates for mental health for a

while, and he noted that besides other things they do to support the cause, they also both have semicolon tattoos on their wrists, which are symbols of mental health awareness.

There is still a lot of work for the current campaign, but Henderson said that he plans that he will continue raising awareness beyond the current project.

"It's been an extremely difficult last year for many of us. Let's keep the conversation going," Henderson said.

Henderson also is a big supporter of Telemiracle and Humane Society.

Despite all the challenges the pandemic posed on the music industry, Henderson is starting to work on the new project.

"It's been different times to record music, but people really stepped up their technological game and right now I'm recording a song. My producer lives in Calgary, the drummer is in Vancouver, the guitar player is in Winnipeg and the bass player is in Edmonton. They all send tracks to the producer and the mixer, and I'm on the phone and Zoom calls telling them what I want and what I'm looking for.

"It's definitely a different way to work, but we are still finding ways to get it done."

The song will come out later this spring, and Henderson plans to keep recording new material throughout the year.

Fire departments recognized for co-operation Two rural municipalities in southeast Saskatchewan have been recognized for their efforts to co-operate, and in the process, enhance the safety of their residents.

The 737 Volunteer Fire Department, comprised of the RM of Souris Valley No. 7 and RM of Lomond No. 37, was the runner-up for the Saskatchewan Municipal Awards.

The grand opening for the fire department came in June 2018, with the fire hall located in Tribune.

The two RMs teamed up to establish a volunteer fire department to provide wildland firefighting services to residents and ratepayers of both municipalities, in addition to mutual aid to neighbouring areas.

Erica Peterson, the chief administration officer for the RM of Souris Valley, said it was a long process to establish the fire department, but they work

together to cover the large area.

“In 2019 we had so many more calls than 2020, because 2019 was so much drier,’ said Peterson. “We’ve had everything from pasture fires to combine fires to vehicle fires on the highway. We’ve had a little bit of everything.”

About 60 people are part of the fire department, with a few more people from the Lomond side. Glenn Walkeden from the RM of Souris Valley is the fire chief, and each RM – Kyle Ashworth of Souris Valley and Brian Woodard of Lomond – supplies a deputy fire chief.

Alesha Underwood, the administrator for the RM of Lomond, said a portion of Lomond and a portion of the RM of Souris Valley were covered by Weyburn’s fire department at one time, but changes that were coming to that arrangement led to the councils for both RMs

to discuss services, and they thought they could do a better job of providing services.

“There would be a quicker response time … for our ratepayers,” said Underwood. “We did have fire protection services before, but this is a better situation.”

Residents are happy to have a fire department in the community.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the ratepayers in both municipalities. The response time for any incidents that we’ve attended has been very, very minimal. We’ve been to a lot of incidents where had we had to wait half an hour or 45 minutes for fire services to get there, I think they could have been a lot worse,” said Underwood.

The 737 Fire Department has also been to the RMs of Lake Alma and Cambria for mutual aid calls.

What does Cupid do?

Cupid shoots arrows to make people fall in love.

Kersey Willis

Jaycee Malaryk

It’s been a lot of hard work to get the fire department up and running, so it’s nice to be recognized.

“The point of us applying for the award was not to win.

It was a point to let other RMs know that by working together, it’s much easier. Not every RM needs to have its own fire hall,” said Peterson.

Underwood added that it was exciting to be recognized for their efforts.

“It’s a big job to be able to work with another municipality to collaborate … and it’s very rewarding and fulfilling that we can provide this now, we can provide better … fire protection services for the residents of our municipalities,” Underwood said.

The 737 Volunteer Fire Department has equipment necessary to provide service for residents. At the main Tribune hall, they have two 2019 Ford

The 737 Volunteer Fire Department has been recognized by the Saskatchewan Municipal Awards.

Photo submitted F-550 four-wheel drives with wildfire skid units, a 2004 Sterling water tender truck, and a 1998 Ford Louisville 9000 water tender truck.

Walkeden noted that the Ford Louisville was donated by a department in Grenora, N.D. The two 2019 F-550s were equipped in-house, at the cost it would have been to have one

truck factory-made.

At their Oungre hall, they also have a 2012 Ford F-350 with a wildland skid unit, and at their Goodwater building, they have a 2016 Ford F-550 with a wildland skid unit.

All trucks are wellequipped. Two have first responder kits and two have AEDs.

What is the best Valentine’s Day gift?

How old should you be when you get married?

Chocolates and stuffed animals.

25 because that’s how old my parents were.

Levi Garagan

It shouldn’t be about killing an industry.

It should be about killing emissions.

International Prayer & Fasting from February 17 to March 28.

SUBSCRIBE to 40daysforlife.com CHANGING HEARTS AND MINDS Join the 40 Days for Life campaign today. Sign up for breaking news, devotionals, and prayers from 40 Days for Life. Knowing that “with God, all things are possible,” people of faith and conscience unite in 40 days of prayer and fasting.

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Pro-Life Estevan and Area, Inc. PO Box 1829, Stn. M, Estevan, SK S4A 2X8. • 306-461-4611 Pregnant? Call 1-800-842-7752 • Options Pregnancy 1-866-870-3344 • Birthright of Regina 1-800-550-4900 Sask Pro Life Association » www.saskprolife.com • Donations welcome via cheque, cash or auto-deposit.

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A12 February 10, 2021

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Vaccinations for COVID began at White Bear

By David Willberg

Residents of the White Bear First Nation have started to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

A vaccination clinic started Monday at the Four Nations Care Lodge. The clinic was by appointment only, and for onreserve members.

It’s one of the first vaccination clinics to be held for a community in South East Zone 4, which includes Estevan and other communities in the southeast corner of the province.

Numbers posted on the White Bear Health Facebook page on Saturday show that there were eight active cases of COVID on the reserve, and there had been 43 cases at White Bear since Jan. 1. Thirtyfive people are considered to be recovered.

A total of 227 COVID tests had been administered at White Bear this year.

The number of active cases was down from 13 on Feb. 1.

Chief Nathan Pasap said the reserve has shut down its administrative office, the day care, arena, fitness centre and most of its operations on-reserve.

The White Bear Education Complex has shifted to online learning. People are working remotely and attending meetings virtually.

“All of our students have been given virtual equipment to work with our teaching staff, so they’ve been working from home,” said Pasap.

If there are connectivity issues, the reserve makes sure people get Internet for their devices.

Food security for the community as a whole has been assured.

“Once a house has been deemed to be self-isolating, we provide food security and hampers to those houses during

White Bear First Nations Chief Nathan Pasap.

Photo submitted their isolation period. If there’s any prescription needs, we get those as well.”

And if there are babies in a household, diapers, formula and foods are looked after.

A pandemic co-ordinator and a health manager have done a lot of work, Pasap said.

“We’ve become pretty good at being able to address the needs of our community and the isolation measures. We’ve had a couple of outbreaks in

the last couple of months here,” said Pasap.

Federal funding has helped White Bear meet financial needs that have occurred in the last couple of months.

White Bear Health has been posting the updated COVID numbers a few times a week because they want to be transparent and offer information to the community.

“I believe that transparency and good communication are paramount to putting people’s minds to rest. In regards to the confidentiality of the patients or the people who have contracted the virus, we do our best to maintain that as we can, and guiding the community forward.”

It lets them know about the virus and how it is moving through the community.

But if someone is sick, Pasap asked them to let the reserve know, because then they

can provide assistance.

“We’re seeing a lot of mental health suffering going on.

Obviously we have restrictions in place regionally, and people aren’t able to do the things that they would like to do, such as having a meal with your mom or your family members or your friends, or inviting people into your household visiting,” said Pasap.

If one person with the virus has a gathering in their home, that’s how the virus can spread.

The vaccine clinic will see those 80 years of age and up vaccinated first. Then the priority will shift to those 70-79, health staff and those who are immune-compromised.

“If there are still numbers left over beyond that, it will be distributed to 60 years old and up,” said Pasap.

A total of 100 vaccines arrived Friday and were placed in storage in vaccine fridges.

The secondary batch of 100 doses is being scheduled for 28 days later.

The vaccine is optional, but it’s recommended that people receive it. If people are hesitant about receiving it, the reserve will explain why it’s beneficial.

While there are eight active cases on the reserve, Pasap said he hopes that before too long, there can be zero active cases.

Pasap said people who test positive almost seem to feel like they should be alienated from society or their families. They might feel shame, but Pasap encourages those who test positive to let family and friends know, so that people can provide support in any way possible.

“Any type of show of support is really healing to the individual, and also the mental health of the individual,” said Pasap.

No invasive species were found in 2020

By Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter If you take your boat to Manitoba, you’re going to find it’s a bit of a headache.

You may find the lake has been restricted to one boat launch, and there’s an inspection station to make sure you don’t bring in zebra mussels from an infected water body.

In recent years, Saskatchewan has set up its own inspection stations near the border, ensuring that boaters don’t bring something nasty home. So far, it appears to be working.

The Ministry of Environment’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring program said Monday in a

release it had detected no invasive mussels in the 125 waterbodies sampled throughout Saskatchewan last year.

AIS, such as zebra and quagga mussels, are a serious threat to lakes and rivers in Western Canada. They can severely affect aquatic habitat, fisheries, valuable recreational resources and important infrastructure for irrigation, power generation and municipal water supplies, the ministry said.

“Once again, our surveys have shown the effectiveness of prevention activities in protecting Saskatchewan’s lakes and rivers from invasive species threats,” Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Our comprehensive provincial strategy includes monitoring, public aware-

ness and education, as well as roadside watercraft inspections and decontamination, all important components of the program.”

In 2020, the ministry inspected 911 watercraft, identifying 630 as high risk for AIS and requiring further inspection. Ministry staff discovered nine watercraft contaminated with invasive species, and decontaminated a total of 164 watercraft.

As a result of travel restrictions, watercraft movement across the international border was significantly reduced, and most inspections took place near the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border. Throughout 2020, the ministry continued to work with Canada Border Services

What is the best Valentine’s Day gift?

This handout photo shows what zebra mussels look like on a pier. Photo courtesy Ministry of Environment Minnesota.

The ministr y works closely with Saskatchewan’s AIS Task Force, which includes other government agencies, conservation and non-government organiza-

Sophia Fowler

tions and universities. The province also partners with Canada Border Ser vices Agency and other provincial and territorial governments to co-ordinate prevention efforts across Western Canada.

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Agency to co-ordinate the inspection of high-risk watercraft entering the province.

The ministry said boaters have an important role to play in AIS prevention by diligently following clean-drain-dry protocols for watercraft and equipment, and by complying with provincial regulations.

Anyone transporting watercraft in Saskatchewan must remove the boat plug and stop at watercraft inspection stations to be checked, or risk a $500 fine. It is also illegal to bring prohibited AIS into Saskatchewan.

The threat of AIS is close by – invasive mussels are currently found in Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, as well as in 34 states, including Montana, North Dakota and

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February 10, 2021 A13

Alida man wins big with Riders Foundation’s draw

By David Willberg Dave Carriere says his lucky number has been seven. His wife Shanna’s lucky number is four.

But now they have a new lucky number: 37.

Carriere won the $602,000 jackpot in the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation’s Chase the Ace draw last Friday in the final week for the fundraiser. Needless to say, it was quite a thrill for the Alida resident and devoted Rider fan.

Carriere purchased tickets each week during the promotion, except for one week, and he was angry at himself the week he missed out.

“I called my wife, and I said … ‘I forgot to buy my tickets.’ She told me ‘You’ll be all right.’”

He told her and other people that they were going to win the 50-50 draw, which was understandably met with skepticism. But she reminded him to never stop buying tickets.

The action last Friday started when Regina’s Lorena Harlos-Razynski had her name drawn for the $47,888 weekly prize, but she didn’t find the ace of spades from the 20 remaining cards in the virtual deck. Each card was in an envelope with a number on it, and people had to select the envelope that contained the ace.

Since it was the final week, the draw kept going until someone found the ace. Two other people tried unsuccessfully, and then Carriere’s name was drawn for his chance.

Carriere wanted envelope No. 7, but it was gone. Ditto No. 4. So he blurted out 37, and inside was the ace of spades, with the image of Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo.

Carriere thinks his late brother Richard, a long-time Riders’ fan, was telling him to go with 37.

“We still at this time don’t know what 37 had to do with our lives, other than it put us $600,000 richer,” said Carriere. “I’ve already ordered my new Rider jerseys with 37 on them.”

When Carriere received the call to tell him he had a shot at the $602,000 jackpot, he was about to lay down and rest before going to work on a drilling rig for Tundra Oil and Gas, where he is employed as a drilling consultant.

“I never, ever take my phone into the bedroom with me, but for some reason I did that night. The phone rang, and I looked at it, and it was just a number, no name on it, and I almost didn’t answer it.”

When he couldn’t hear them right away, he nearly hung up. But then he heard it was for the Chase the Ace draw, which made Carriere very excited.

He says he’s been a lucky guy when it comes to raffles and other draws, including a big prize at the Bear Claw Casino about a decade ago.

Carriere doesn’t have any plans for the money, but he’s not going to retire.

“I’m going to keep working and my wife’s going to keep working.

Maybe when we get to 60 years old,

Dave Carriere, middle, pictured here with his niece Meagan Carriere, left, and wife Shanna Carriere, won the Saskatchewan Roughriders Foundation’s Chase the Ace grand prize, worth $602,000. Photo submitted we’ll retire, but right now, I’m only 55.

I love my job too much to walk away,” said Carriere.

His dad is in his 80s and he still goes to work every day.

“I called him that night right after I won, and after I called my wife.

Dad was pretty excited, and he called me back the next day and he asked if I was planning on retiring. I said no, and he said ‘Good, because you’re too damn young. Get your ass back out at that rig and make another five years.’”

Proceeds from the 50-50 will be

directed to minor football projects in the province. Carriere said it’s a great feeling to know that the money raised goes to a great cause. And if the Riders Foundation were to have a Chase the Ace draw or a similar initiative again, Carriere would purchase tickets.

Winners announced for the Optimist Club Snowmobile Rally

By Lisa McCullough The Arcola Optimistic Club held their 28th annual snowmobile rally lottery this year and the winners were announced on Jan. 30.

The club usually holds a large ride with people from all over the southeast but due to COVID restrictions this was

unable to happen this year.

“Due to restrictions it was not possible to do the rally, so we told people to go out on a ride on their own and send us notes and pictures. There was no way to get around handling a large volume of people. It was not possible to do this safely, we did not want to put the

southeast in any sort of danger,” said Blake Brownridge, president of the club.

On the day of the draw, six to eight members got together at the Royal Canadian Legion hall, placed all the tickets in the draw drum and drew for the prizes. There were 502 riders registered for the prizes and there was just

over 11,000 dollars in prizes this year. The draw was live streamed on the group’s Facebook page.

The first-place winner was Jordan Beriault from Alida, he chose the sled out of the three options available for him to pick from. The other two were a quad and a street bike. Second place winner

of $1,000 was Gary Cross from Regina and the thirdplace winner which was also $1,000, was Piper Bourhis from Kennedy.

Though the group was disappointed they could not hold their ride this year, they had many people contact them with their understanding as to why the ride could

not be held.

“We did not expect the response, it was amazing how many people called us with encouraging words and telling us that they understand why we could not hold this ride this year,” Brownridge explains.

Congratulations to all the winners.

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601 - 5th St. • Estevan, SK

Curling club ice plant to be shut down this week; other ice plants still operating One ice plant is being shut down in Estevan for the season, and another is scheduled to come offline at the end of the month.

Rod March, who is the facilities and parks manager for the City of Estevan, said the Power Dodge Curling Centre ice plant is slated to come offline on Wednesday. Their youth programs have wrapped up for the year, and they had someone renting the facility, but that ended on Tuesday.

“All of these things cost a lot of money, as you can well imagine,” said March. “ The curling rink compressors and everything over there are around $6,000 a month.”

It would not be easy for the curling club to operate on natural ice for the rest of the season. They did that for nearly three weeks earlier this season, after the ice plant chiller broke down.

The curling club did a great

job of keeping the ice going, he said.

“You’d need to leave the doors open and everything for natural ice in the nighttime, so it takes a lot more staffing and volunteers to do that as well,” said March.

The Power Dodge Arena’s ice plant is scheduled to come offline on March 1. Normally it would be removed in mid-April, after the Estevan Strippers Molson Spring Bust tournament wraps up, but that popular event has been cancelled for the second straight year.

As for Affinity Place, its ice will remain for a longer period of time. The Estevan Bruins season remains in limbo, and the city doesn’t want to remove the ice before a decision is made on thecampaign.

“We don’t know the fate of the SJHL,” said March. “As you’re probably aware, they ’re chat-

ting back and forth to see if they could salvage any kind of a season whatsoever. So for right now we’re holding the ice into Affinity until probably March or April, depending on what happens with the SJHL.” If the SJHL were to decide between now and the end of February that they would cancel the rest of the season, March said he would recommend to council to take the ice out at Affinity, due to the cost of operating the ice plant, but that would be a council decision.

“I know a lot of the SJHL cities are asking the league to please put a timeline on this. All I can says is we’re working with Jason (Tatarnic, the Bruins head coach and general manager) and the SJHL, but we’ve made a commitment until the end of February, and hopefully they’ll have a decision made.”

The city is working closely with user groups, he said.

Games for team sports have been suspended since the end of November, but youth sports teams can have practices with up to eight players at a time, with restrictions.

He also pointed out the city wants to have ice in place for residents for mental health reasons.

Other communities in the southeast have announced that they are turning off their ice plants and are operating with natural ice to give sports, user groups and individuals as much time as they can in those buildings. The ice will remain in place at those facilities as long as possible, and the frigid temperatures currently prevailing in the southeast is helping with those ice conditions.

It costs about $14,000 per month to run the Power Dodge Arena ice plant, while Affinity

Place is around $12,000 because it’s newer and more efficient. The curling club plant costs less because it’s smaller.

The city has three outdoor rinks that are up and running.

While the city can’t sanction any team sports due to the COVID-19 restrictions, March hears people are having a lot of fun on the rinks.

The Estevan Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs operate two rinks at the Kin Hillside Playpark, the Estevan Lions Club is responsible for the outdoor rink at the Rusty Duce Playpark and a group of local citizens tends to the rink in Westview.

“We are very fortunate for the volunteers and community groups that keep those rinks going. We give them a hand when we can and where we can, for sure. But for the most part, I stay out of the way and help them when they ask for help.”

Kyler Dutka commits to play for Medicine Hat College There’s going to be another Dutka playing basketball at Medicine Hat College in the 2021-22 season.

Kyler Dutka, a six-foot-six forward from Bienfait, has committed to play for the college’s Rattlers men’s basketball team. Dutka is currently in Grade 12 at the Estevan Comprehensive School.

He said familiarity played a part in his decision, as his sister Tatiana is currently in her sophomore year at the school and a member of the Rattlers women’s basketball team.

“I’ve met some of her teammates, and she’s told me lots of stories about it,” Kyler Dutka said.

“I looked at a couple of schools, but I knew I always wanted Medicine Hat, and I told my parents that. I worked for that and I got there.”

He heard that there are some really good people at the school,

which influenced his decision, and he has seen the campus when his family visited his sister.

“I’ve been there to drop her off when she moves back every year, or to go watch her play basketball every now and then.”

He’s looking forward to joining the basketball team, and he believes they should have a quality team next season.

“There’s going to be a lot of young players, so if we can keep a team like that together for a while, it could be really good,” said Dutka.

Dutka will be studying nursing while at Medicine Hat. He has heard it’s a strong program, and he’s confident he’ll be able to balance athletics and studies while holding a full-time course load.

He was concerned that losing his Grade 12 year at ECS would hurt his chances of getting a schol-

arship, since the high school basketball season has been called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I realized this was something I really wanted, so I found a place, found a gym, found whatever I needed to find, and kept working,” said Dutka.

Local basketball programs at elementary schools, the Estevan Comprehensive School and club teams have all assisted with his development.

“With the coaches that I’ve gone through, they’ve all taught me different things, because each coach is different, so from each different coach, I’ve learned different things,” said Dutka.

Dutka believes he will need to work on his academics before getting to Medicine Hat. On the court, he’ll need to focus on his strength and every part of the game.

Kyler Dutka will play basketball for the Medicine Hat College Rattlers.

Speedway salutes track champions for the 2020 season The Estevan Motor Speedway found a way to salute its track champions for 2020 on Sunday with trophy presentations at Murray GM. The champion, the runner-up and rookie of the year were recognized in each of the five classes.

In the High Energy Performance IMCA hobby stocks division, Connor Hansen was the track champion last year, Kruz Wilson was the runner-up and Kaiden Hjortland was the top rookie.

Leevi Runge was the top driver in the Energy Electric Ltd. IMCA sport mods. Bailey Cousins was second and Justin Fichter was the top rookie.

In The Floor Store IMCA stock car class, Chris Hortness finished first in the overall standings and JJ Barnstable came in second.There wasn’t a top rookie in that class.

Kody Scholpp was the champion in the Kendall’s Supply IMCA modifieds. Les McLenehan was the runner-up and Gary Goudy Jr. was the leading first-year driver.

Finally, in the Goudy Transport sling shots, Ryder Raynard won the championship. Cash Saxon was second and Eli Turnbull was the top rookie.

The speedway typically has an awards night celebration and fundraiser in the fall, but they couldn’t do it after the 2020 season due to the pandemic restrictions.

Track champions, runners-up and top rookies from the Estevan Motor Speedway in 2020 were recognized Sunday.

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February 10, 2021 A15

#IceSculptureEstevan: Local family started a craft to spread joy in the community

By Ana Bykhovskaia An Estevan family found a new, easy and fun craft that could make long winter days more exciting, while also cheering up others.

Kasey McIntyre said that it was her mom Katie Dunville who'd noticed the idea on Facebook. It was called sun catchers, but the family named the craft ice sculptures, as time has proven that the sun melts it.

The first sculptures Dunville made with her grandkids during one of the days in which parents were at work. And then McIntyre also decided to try.

"I think it was the 27th of January when we created it, and I loved how it turned out. It was exactly it. So I posted it to my Facebook page and attached my mom's name to it, saying we want to inspire others to keep finding joy," McIntyre said.

Keeping St. Valentine's Day

in mind, for one of the first ice sculptures they used a heartshaped pan. Later, McIntyre shared the idea on the Window Hearts Estevan Facebook group, hoping that people may find this craft as positive and interesting as the original project, and that it would help spread the idea of carrying good spirit and joy.

"Other people may be thinking, 'What do I do now.' We've done so many things. Winter is long and hard, and keeping people busy is a good thing.

"A lot of people are down and we just want to continue to spread joy."

The technique is pretty simple. Anything can be used as a craft. People can put flowers, coins, buttons, little toys and much more in a baking pan, arrange a string on top, then add water to it so it covers the designed ornament and let it freeze overnight. The next day it should come out of the pan

easily and can be hanged outside for the sun to play in the ice and for others to enjoy.

"It's not that hard. My nieces did it. The youngest is in Grade 2 … Anyone can do that," McIntyre said.

"I think it's such a nice idea, and so many people thought it was too. We didn't think it would create such a buzz, but people enjoy seeing anything happy right now. And you just have to try to do even the smallest things to lift people up."

McIntyre plans on making more ice sculptures with her kids over the February break and hopes to see others joining and more colourful displays appearing in Estevan.

If anyone decides to try the craft, to share it with the community they can display it outside their homes and also post pictures using hashtag #IceSculptureEstevan.

Kasey and Abigail McIntyre created these ice sculptures and displayed them by their house for others to enjoy. Photo submitted

Crown land sale brings in quarter million dollars

By Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Feb. 2 Crown land sale for petroleum and natural gas rights was yet another one of the lowest over the last decade, generating $251,672 in revenue for the Government of Saskatchewan.

This is the last of six oil and gas public offerings for the 2020-21 fiscal year and brings cumulative earnings to $6,482,214.

A total of 28 leases were posted, with 10 selling.

Province-wide, the average was $149 per hectare, but there was a very wide range of prices.

In the Estevan area, five leases were posted and all five sold. They brought in $111,102 for 518 hectares,

with an average price of $214 per hectare. The highest bonus bid received in this area was $92,584 for a lease totalling 259 hectares. This was also the highest bid on a dollar per hectare basis received in this area at $357 per hectare.

This lease went to Crescent Point Energy Corp. and is located 23 kilometres northeast of Stoughton. The company has an active drilling program in that general area this winter.

It is notable that historically Crescent Point has used land agents to obscure its acquisitions, but in recent land sales, the oil company itself has been showing up in these media releases.

Millennium Land Ltd. picked up four leases located 13 kilometres west of Estevan. These leases each

There was yet another low land sale this month. Photo by Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter received a bid of $4,630 or $72 per hectare.

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two parcels, totalling 388.5 hectares. There had been 10 leases posted. The average price was $293 per hectare in this region.

The highest bonus bid received on a parcel in this offering was $100,736 for a lease in the Lloydminster area, totalling 129.5 hectares.

This was also the highest bid on a dollar per hectare basis at $778 per hectare. This lease was awarded to Soo Lone Resource Group Ltd. and is prospective for heavy oil in the Mannville Group.

It is located 35 kilometres northwest of Unity, adjacent to the Winter Cum-

mings Oil Pool.

In the KindersleyKerrobert area, three of 13 posted leases sold. The total bonus was $26,623 for 777 hectares. These parcels averaged $34 per hectare. Two of them went to a numbered company, 818541 Alberta Ltd. Those parcels are located four kilometres northwest of Kerrobert. Both leases received a bid of $9,702 or $37 per hectare.

Nothing was posted or sold in the Swift Current area.

The scheduled date for the next public offering is April 6.

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SK Arts Grant awarded to Robert McArthur

By Deb Andrew From when he was a little boy, Robert McArthur of the White Bear First Nation has been drawn to the cultural side of his family’s heritage and having always been told where he comes from, he has had his feet grounded in identity.

“That grounding in the beginning helped me to never forget it along the way,” he elaborated as he described raising triplet daughters with his wife and seeing them on to success and growth in their life.

It was recently announced that McArthur would receive an SK Arts Grant for a new album of lullabies that he was written.

Laughing about the stories he hears from his now adult children that he never knew about at the time, he was grateful that they raised their daughters to experience life’s ups and downs knowing their identities as well.

McArthur’s mother was a Nakota Cree woman and his father was from the Dakota Cree First Nation, and he gave a deep history lesson about the distinctions, divisions and dialects that determine the identity they embrace. Although we learn about our First Nation history in our schools, McArthur said cultural connectedness is a topic he speaks on and would like all First Nation and white people to truly understand as it is beautiful, and the young people need to know.

Taught about the importance of native songs and that they have

songs for everything from his grandfather, McArthur was intrigued by lullabies and the very beginning of language presented to children from the mother in the womb. His Lakota Uncle from South Dakota, one of his greatest mentors, has shared the wisdom about how lullabies connect you to your language, your mother and your identity, which is the actual energy you are born with.

“Being a mover and connecting with people in deep sharing and learning conversations is what I love,” McArthur explained. “When we connect with people like that we call it ‘making relatives’ and when I slow down and am patient to listen, people are willing to share knowledge. From the Blackfoot people, the Arapaho people, the Lakota people, the Dakota and Nakota tribe to all the Cree people I have been able to pose the simple question: ‘Have you heard lullabies, where did they come from and what did they mean to you?’”

Unfortunately, McArthur said there are not a lot of people who have kept them alive and passed them on to their children, “They fell asleep,” he said “but I have met a few people that had kept one alive and they shared them with me.”

He spoke of a recent elder family member passing on where he had an opportunity to talk with a young nephew who is expecting a baby.

Excitement rose in his voice as he explained how he got to congratulate this young man and share the idea of lullabies, encouraging him to share this with the baby in utero. The

young man’s eye were wide as he had never heard this before. McArthur shared a lullaby that would connect with the baby and calm them down to give the mother rest as she carries the precious child.

“You are born with two energies,” he explained. “The first one is from the beginning of being inside of your mother and the second comes closer to delivery. That is the one you are born with. Some people call it the soul, we call it your spirit and you will live with it your whole life.”

He explained how the mother takes care of that spirit to begin with and then hands it over to others to train, learn and grow.

The SK Arts grant awarded will be essential in helping McArthur to finish the recording and marketing of his album of lullabies to the world. As COVID will not allow him to travel to where he records in studio and trying to do it virtually just did not work well at all, he is still planning on how to finish the entire project and can hardly wait until things open back up. He has created 30 lullabies so far and has 15 recorded.

“The Nakota language has so much sound to it,” McArthur explains, “and it gives our young people a head start to their identity.” He seemed a little sad that some young people really don’t care but he realizes some are starting to seek their identity in these ways.

The $16,000 grant will allow McArthur to build on his existing work of creating lullabies, recording them, as well as designing a book and

A possible cover of Robert McArthur’s new album. Image submitted presentation series.

Presently McArthur teaches language at Pheasant Rump First Nation Middle School. His gratitude for the ability to continue this work was so strong and he is excited to share his creation with the world. Not only did he let me listen to a lullaby during our interview which stated, “I will see you have your language”, he sent a picture of the possible cover of the album and emailed a lullaby

What is the best Valentine’s day gift?

What does Cupid do?

Love and family.

He shoots his arrow and shares love.

that is almost finished named “This Child is a Gift.”

McArthur has an idea to sing with an orchestra to have the instruments connect with the sounds but when you hear his voice, the sounds and rhythm, you will agree it is calming and empowering at the same time.

Watch here for details of the release date for lullabies created by White Bear’s own Robert McArthur.

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February 10, 2021 A17

EPS members make arrest for public health violation tigation.

Officers received a report of uttering threats via messenger. This matter is also being investigated.

Members were dispatched to a south Estevan residence on the report of the homeowner not complying with COVID restrictions.

The homeowner was spoken to and warned.

The EPS made an arrest for drug possession on Feb. 5. A traffic stop occurred in central Estevan, which resulted in a 32-year-old Estevan man being arrested on an outstanding warrant for failing to attend court. He was also charged with possession of methamphetamines under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance in April in Estevan Provincial Court.

Police attended to a disturbance in the Trojan subdivision on Feb. 6. Members spoke to the individuals involved and resolved the situation. No further action was necessary.

Officers received a report of an individual wearing their mask but not wearing

CROSSWORD ANSWER

The Estevan Police Service (EPS) has charged an Estevan man for a Public Health Order violation.

As a result of an incident Feb. 1, the EPS has charged a 43-year-old Estevan man under the Public Health Act and the Trespass to Property Act. Officers were called to a local business around noon Sunday to a report of a person refusing to comply with the current order for face coverings.

The subject refused to wear a mask, even when asked to do so by employees.

He also refused when the request was made by police, after they were called to the scene. When asked to leave the store prior to police arrival, he failed to do so.

A fine of $2,800, which includes a victim surcharge, was issued for the health violation. He was also charged for trespassing, which could result in a maximum penalty of $2,000 for a conviction.

In other recent police news, officers received a report of a criminal harassment via social media on Feb. 4.

The matter is under inves-

VILLAGE OF TORQUAY PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Torquay intends to make amendments to the previously adopted Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 19-03 (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw No. 19-04 under The Planning and Development Act, 2007.

Intent The proposed revisions to the OCP and Zoning Bylaw were made to address deficiencies identified during the Ministry of Government Relations review. In particular, the revisions ensure the OCP policies comply with Provincial legislation regarding drainage and development within flood-prone areas, as well as the requirement for dedicated lands to be used for future school sites. The development application procedures in the Zoning Bylaw were also refined to provide additional clarity while new regulations were added for Dwelling Groups and Solar Collectors. The overall purpose of the Bylaws is to establish a policy and regulatory framework for guiding land use as well as future economic, social, and cultural development in the Village.

The information received stated that the moose was located in the morning of Jan. 25, and was not yet frozen when found. It is possible that the moose was shot the previous evening.

T h e p u b l i c ’s h e l p is needed to identify the person(s) responsible for this violation. If you have any information that can help, including suspicious activity in the area around that time, please call the Sasktip line at 1-800-667-7561.

You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

• • • The Estevan RCMP is investigating a recent break and enter and theft in the RM of Browning.

According to information from the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network, sometime during the month of January, unknown culprit(s) entered a rural property and stole several items from a shop on the property.

Items taken include a hydraulic puller in a red case; a yellow McCulloch Power Mac 310 chainsaw; a metric socket set by ITC in

it properly. Police attended and spoke to the individual concerned and received an apology.

• • • Estevan conservation officers are asking for the public’s assistance with a recent incident.

According to the Sasktips Facebook page, on Jan. 26, officers received a call regarding a bull moose that was shot and left behind. The moose was located at SE 3303-31 W1, eight kilometres north and three kilometres east of Carievale, and approximately 40 metres off of the road.

COIL TUBING PERSONNEL NITROGEN OPERATORS FLUID PRESSURE TRUCK OPERATORS Class 1 or 3 and Oilfield experience Would be a valuable asset Interested candidates may apply by sending an email or fax with a resume, employment references and current copy of driver’s abstract to: ryan.martin@rocksolidcompanies.net Fax: 780-853-6026 PH: 780-853-6604

DMS SERVICES INC

221-4th Street, Estevan SK, S4A 0T5 Email: info@dmsservices.ca • Phone: 306-636-2055

Town of Carnduff

306-482-3300 • info@carnduff.ca • 1312 Railway Ave., Carnduff, SK S0C 0S0

1.866.999.7372 southeastcollege.org

Public Inspection Any person may inspect the bylaws at the Village office during regular office hours Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 9:00am to noon.

Three year term effective To obtain an RFP package, 2020-2021 fiscal year.

Thera Deschner, Village Administrator

RockSolid operating across Western Canada requires The following at our Creelman, Sk. location:

Date: FEB 2nd -2021 DMS Services Inc. proposes to design and construct a new 72FT selfsupporting internet communications tower on property with a particular location known as LATITUDE : 49.174733 LONGITUDE: -101.795171 In the town of Carnduff SK. This tower will provide improved high-speed internet to the surrounding area. The transmitting antennas system on the tower will be in compliance with Health Canada’s Safety Code for radio frequency signals.

The tower will be owned and operated by DMS Services Inc. The tower will be engineered to Industry Canada construction codes for such towers including a site survey. It will also meet all communications standards for such towers under Nav Canada and Transport Canada regulations. The tower will be accessible only by authorized personal of DMS SERVICES INC General information relating to antenna systems can be found on Industry Canada’s Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website at http:// www.ic.gc.ca/towers.

The tower has since been approved by the Town of Carnduff on January 12, 2021.

Public comments can be directed to DMS Services Inc. within 30 days of the notice publication dated February 10, 2021.

Affected Land All land within the Village of Torquay boundaries.

The OCP also includes inter-municipal policies for guiding growth on lands immediately surrounding the Village in the RM of Cambria.

Issued in the Village of Torquay this 3rd day of February, 2021.

parked approximately two kilometres east of Highway 9 on Township Road 70.

The Carlyle RCMP is looking for anyone who has information about the crime.

“If you have any information regarding this theft, you can make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers Saskatchewan or contact Cst. Alexa D ubeau with the Carlyle RCMP at alexa. dubeau@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or 306-453-6707,” says the message distributed through the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory network Tuesday morning.

CAREER

PUBLIC NOTICE

Request for Proposals Annual Audit Services

Virtual Public Hearing Council will hold a virtual public hearingon March 10, 2021 at 7:30pm to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaws. Please contact the Village Administrator to register and receive the link for the virtual meeting. Arrangements can be made to call into the meeting if you are not able to participate virtually. Council will also consider written comments received before or at the hearing.

a red metal case; an impact socket set in a blue case; and a transfer pump by Sotera Systems with a Tuthill diaphragm. The shut off valve on one end of the transfer pump is broken.

Anyone with any information about this or any other incident is asked to call the Estevan RCMP at 306-637-4400, 310-RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.

• • • Sometime between Dec.26, 2020, and Jan. 1, a red 2012 Morris Hay Hiker was stolen off a red tractor

Ironside Energy is looking for experienced: Crew Formen - Minimum 10 yrs experience Pipeline Formen - Minimum 5 yrs experience Truck Driver - Minimum 5 yrs, must be able to drive and haul heavy equipment

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Email resumes to

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Three year term effective 2020-2021 fiscal year.

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Submission deadline: February 26, 2021 at 5pm

Duties include:

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

To obtain an RFP package, please send an email request to: financemanager@ southeastcollege.org

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• • • • •

Flyers Posters Menus Programs Labels

• • • •

Raffle Tickets Booklets Cheques whatever you need printed!

If you need it printed on paper, we can do it!

306-634-2654

A18 February 10, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

Adeboye enjoying his time with the council for College of Physicians and Surgeons An Estevan physician has been enjoying his work on the council for the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr. Boye Adeboye, who has been in Estevan since the spring of 2018, was elected to the council in December 2020. He pointed out that about a year ago, he was appointed as the physician lead for the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Network Area 9, which includes Estevan.

That gave him an introduction to the administration of health in the province, and the challenges and the demands that healthcare brings. He found there are not many physicians involved, simply due to the fact that they are busy with their practices.

“Our voices are quite needed, so subsequent to that realization, when the opportunity came to be nominated as a councillor for the Council of Physicians and Surgeons, I thought, well, the experience that I have gotten in the one-year-plus that I’ve been a division lead here, the people that I’ve met, and with the understanding of how the Saskatchewan Health Authority works, would give me the chance to actually offer

my services on the provincial level.”

There was no better place to start than the College of Physicians and Surgeons, he said.

Adeboye compared it to being on a municipal council, in which the mayor would be the registrar of the college in this case, and the councillors would be the college’s council.

Ownership is basically everyone in Saskatchewan that accesses healthcare.

In the case of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, they meet every couple of months to discuss issues related to the college, physician regulations, and the relationship between the profession with the community and other stakeholders.

“I’m still a new member of the council, and there are people who have been there for years,” said Adeboye.

The college is also responsible for investigating and disciplining of all doctors whose standards of medical care, ethical or professional conduct are questioned.

He noted that Dr. Edward Tsoi was on the council for many years.

The first month on the council

was an “eye-opener,” he said, and certainly nothing like what he did as the area network physician lead. It has given him an idea of how bigger organizations work.

“Everybody has been quite supportive. They understand that I am new on the council, and I think that is a good thing,” said Adeboye.

With the way in which the elections occur, you’ll have new members coming in while incumbent members are there. They aren’t elected all at once. Adeboye’s term as a member of the council will expire in December 2023.

“It has been a very steep learning experience, because I’ve never been an administrator. Yes, maybe I’ve done a couple of leadership roles, but this is kind of different, because it brings leadership into understanding the perspective of how organizations work, what it takes to run a professional body and stick with engagement.”

Adeboye has been able to balance the demands of the college with his practice at the Estevan Medical Group. Much of his work is done by emails, correspondences and letters.

Dr. Boye Adeboye His colleagues have also been supportive.

The council is comprised of doctors and lay people, with 21 members in all.

Council members meet five times a year and it is through the council that the mandate and responsibilities of the college are carried out.

Manor Chase the Ace

By Lisa McCullough If you need something to do with these cold days, head to Manor for Chase the Ace. The game is every Friday night at the Manor Bar. A form of a lottery, how Chase the Ace works is the jackpot accumulates from week to week until it is won and then then game is then over who someone pulls the ace of spades from a deck of cards.

People who want to participate must purchase lottery tickets; the funds from those tickets is usually split three ways. The organizer keeps 50 per cent, the winner of the weekly lottery

takes 20 per cent and the remaining 30 per cent goes back into the jackpot. The winner of the lottery also draws a card from a deck where in this case the cards are in envelopes to prevent too much handling due to COVID; if the ace of spades is drawn by that winner, they win the accumulated jackpot.

If not, the deck is kept for the next week’s game and the jackpot rolls over to the next week.

This is a fundraiser for the Manor Fire Department. “ We have a very enthusiastic fire department who are very supportive of this community. They also have great leadership with their fire chief and his two

deputies,” Lucille Dunn of Manor explains.

The department is doing this fundraiser to help them become better equipped with upgraded personal protective equipment and suits. They are also putting money aside for a new fire truck down the line.

Due to COVID, Chase the Ace had a late start on Dec. 4, 2020, but it now runs every Friday from 5-7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for anyone who wants to participate. Only 24 people are allowed in the bar at one time because of the social distancing restrictions, so the department streams it live on Facebook so other people can watch the action.

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CLASSIFIEDS A19 | Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

Obituaries

Obituaries

Brian Wesley Smith It is with great sadness that the family of Brian Wesley Smith announces his sudden passing at 64 years of age. He died of a heart attack on January 23, 2021 at his home in Vernon, BC. Brian will be lovingly remembered by his mother Alice Smith, younger brother Don Smith, sister-in-law Liz Smith and his nephew and niece, Matthew and Laura Smith. Brian will never be forgotten by his friend and former wife Brenda Lyons and the two children they raised together, son Zachary Rensby and daughter Tess Rensby. Brian was predeceased by his father, Bob Smith. He will also be remembered by his extended family, friends and colleagues.

Brian was born on May 22, 1956 in New Westminster, BC and lived in Ontario and Connecticut while growing up. He graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, ON with a BSc in Mining Engineering. He moved west and began a successful career in the mining industry.

He spent most of his career at Luscar Ltd in Estevan, SK and retired in 2015. He will be remembered by his colleagues as an extremely hard worker and a caring and compassionate leader. In 2018 Brian moved to Vernon, BC to help care for his mother.

Brian was steadfast in his devotion to family and his community. He was a passionate baseball coach, synchronized swimming coach and referee, football official, and supporter of the arts and local school community. He spent significant time volunteering for numerous local building projects, including baseball buildings, football fields and infrastructure, a state-of-the-art track and field complex, and the first Habitat for Humanity build in Estevan.

Brian was honoured and proud to have served as co-chair of the Estevan 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games. Three years of organization and hard work culminated in a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ for 1,800 athletes and the city of Estevan. Anyone in Estevan who swings a bat, makes a tackle, runs a lap on the track or works to perfect a synchro ballet leg, is able to do so, in part, because of Brian’s contributions.

After moving to Vernon, Brian had time to enjoy other activities including hiking, kayaking and snow shoeing. He was anxious to continue volunteering but CV19 restrictions resulted in the cancellation of many events. He loved building intricate model ships, often donating them to charity auctions. He also loved reading, music and learning. Family and friends were often treated to his homemade, creatively decorated cakes.

Brian put the needs and happiness of his family and others before his own. He enjoyed being part of the kid’s activities and events, large or small. He was always there to support and cheer them on, their number one fan. He will be remembered as a generous, good natured, amazing man. He was a quiet hero who had a huge impact on many lives. He was the best son, father, brother and uncle we could have wished for. He will be forever missed.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, a private Celebration of Life will be held for Brian’s immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian's memory to the United Way of choice or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Phone: 250-542-4333 Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com Douglas MacNevin Wood Douglas MacNevin Wood passed away at the Regina General Hospital on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 after a battle with Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Doug was born on August 23, 1942 in Assiniboia, SK, and was the eldest child of Doug and Phyllis Wood. He grew up playing hockey and baseball with his dad coaching with brothers Barclay and Hector either playing or in tow.

Doug took great pride when he began his employment delivering milk with his dad and brothers. He sold cars for Barbour Motors in Weyburn and then became a Police Officer with the Estevan Police Service, where he served his community for almost 30 years.

Doug was an active community member holding executive positions for several years with the Estevan Bruins coaching

minor hockey and fastball.

He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and travelled to see many of their sporting events. Doug also enjoyed spending time with his “old boys” coffee group.

Doug is survived by his wife Carol: and his loving family, daughters, Shari (Kevin) Sutter, Nicole Wood (Shawn Vermeeren), Rachelle (Steve) Randall, Rhonda (Chris) Hawkins, and Shelley (Ian) Castor; grandchildren, Hayden, Colin and Christopher Sutter, Riley Wood, Peter Vermeeren, Morgan and Clarke Randall, Bryn and Grady Hawkins and Kira Castor; in-laws Dale and Lorna Hillmer and Al and Diane Schell; sisters-in-law Gerry Wood and Lynn Wood; the mothers of his children, Sharon Wood and Sandra Wood; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was predeceased by his parents Doug and Phyllis Wood; brothers, Barclay and Hector Wood; and in-laws Ken and Lillian Hillmer and Paul and Dolly Leveille.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, a memorial service and celebration of Doug’s life will be announced at a later date.

Family and friends so wishing may make memorial donations in Doug’s name to the Regina General Hospital, Cardiac Care Unit 3A, 1440 14th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 0W5, Saskatchewan Lung Association, 2308 Arlington Avenue, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3L3 or by donating blood to save a life.

Special thanks to Terri and the terrific crew at Stem Cells of America, the wonderful staff at the Regina General Hospital and to all our amazing family and friends.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com

Glen Craig 1932 - 2021 Glen Everett Craig passed away at his home in Arcola, Sask. surrounded by his loving family on Monday, February 1, 2021 at the age of 88, after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.

Glen was born in 1932, the eldest son of Everett and Catherine Craig in Arcola, Sask. and he grew up on the family farm two miles east of Willmar. He completed Grade 11 in Willmar after which he farmed with his father for a time. Looking for adventure he went to British Columbia to work in a logging camp but found this to be a cold, harsh lifestyle and he returned to the farm.

On November 30, 1955, Glen married Patricia Klinck in Tisdale, Sask. and they took up residency north of the family farm. In 1956 they moved to the homestead when Glen's parents moved to Carnduff. Glen and Patsy milked cows for many years, selling cream and milk, raised livestock, and participated with the grain production until 2020. In addition to his work on the farm, he worked for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance for 14 years.

Glen was an active community member, holding positions on the Willmar and Lampman school boards for over 20 years, supporting the Willmar Recreation Board and serving in various capacities on the Willmar and Arcola church boards. You could always find him carving meat at the church and fowl suppers. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding positions in the local lodge, District Deputy Grand Master of District 1, and Past Grand Conductor of Grand Lodge.

He was a member of the Earth and Sky Society after moving to Arcola.

Glen spent many enjoyable and challenging hours woodworking in his shop. He built signature benches for each grandchild and great grandchild and spent many hours reconstructing and repairing old pieces of furniture for family and friends. He was an avid reader and enjoyed books regarding Canada's involvement in the World Wars and history. He was always in for a card game after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Europe, Phoenix, Alaska, The Maritimes and B.C., Rocky Mountaineer train trip and a flight in a World War Bomber in the gunner pit were some of his memorable experiences. He was a meticulous bookkeeper, retaining documentation for historical purposes.

Glen was especially proud of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and in-laws, relishing in visits from them all. Glen’s life was one that was well lived and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Glen is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia, and their loving family: daughter Glenda Craig (Garth Irvine), Okotoks, AB and Steven Craig-Irvine (Elana Dawson); daughter Karen (Karl) Lischka, Steelman, SK and Cory (Brenden, Cayden), Rachelle (Jeremy) Brooks, Hudson, Ryker; daughter Gayle (Murray) Wyatt, Kisbey, SK, Tyler Wyatt, Avery; Pam (Marlowe) Brown, Hadley; Lana (Kyle) Hoium, Sutter; daughter Donna (Sandy) Debusschere, Carlyle, SK, Derik (Nathalie), Ethan, Severi, Vienna; son Brian (Auldene) Craig, Arcola, SK, Alina (Luke Lowenberger), MacKenzie and Emilie; daughter Wanda (Marvin) Doerkson, Athabasca, AB, Dallas (Shay Weymouth), Dana Fisher (Zach), Haisley; son Wayne Craig, Eastend, SK, Justin (Denzel, Porter, Pierce), Catherine Currie (Kiel), Reagen, Addison, Jordyn. He is also survived by his brother Earl (Irene) Craig, Estevan, SK; sisterin-law Sandra (Wayne) Kochie, Winnipeg, MB; brother-in-law Larry (Melba) Klinck, Tisdale, SK, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents: Everett and Catherine Craig, in-laws: Ray and Audrey Klinck and grandsons: Kevin Debusschere and Aaron Craig.

A private family Memorial Service was held on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Church, Arcola, with Sandy Dalziel officiating. A public celebration of life and interment in the Arcola Cemetery will take place at a later time, when it is once again safe for family and friends to gather.

For those so wishing, tributes in Glen’s memory may be made by way of a donation to the Arcola Public Library, Box 389, Arcola, SK, S0C 0G0, or by donating blood and saving a life.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to the Craig family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Woodhouse, Kenneth Bernard “Lord, let now your servant depart in peace, according to your will, for my eyes have seen your salvation which has been prepared for all people” – Nunc Dimittis This deeply loved and cherished man went to meet Jesus at 97 years of age on January 29, 2021.

Ken was born and raised in Prince Albert, SK on April 12, 1923.

Ken was a RCAF F/O spitfire pilot in World War II and, thanks to the Shelburne Escape Line, he was able to return home and marry the love of his life, Joan. He was a devoted father to his two children, Tom and Debbie. Ken worked as a power engineer for 32 years in Regina and Saskatoon and then retired to spend time with his greatest joy, his family.

Throughout his life, Ken enjoyed volunteering at his churches (St. Alban’s Prince Albert, St. Luke’s Regina, St. Stephen’s Saskatoon), restoring antique cars, spending time in Waskesiu, travelling to France, enjoying cookies, reading his Bible and spreading God’s love to everyone he met.

Left to honour his memory is his son, Tom (Heather) Woodhouse of Estevan, SK; daughter Deborah (David) Dillman of Nanaimo, BC. Four granddaughters and one grandson: Andrea (Mark) Moroz, Jennifer (Dereck) Graefer, Kathleen (Mike) Berg, Michael Dillman and Desiree (Gavin) Mitchell.

Ken was blessed with 6 treasured great-grandchildren: Olivia & Matthew Moroz, Logan & Jacob Graefer and Haven & Isla Berg.

He is fondly remembered by sister-in-law Georgina Woodhouse, nephews and nieces.

Ken will finally be reunited with his loving wife G.M. Joan (nee Wilson) who he has missed dearly the past 13 years. Ken and Joan were married for 60 wonderful years and he often spoke of chasing Joanie through the clouds one day.

Ken was also preceded in death by; his parents, Edwin & Muriel (Belfitt) Woodhouse, grandchildren Daphne Dillman and Robert Woodhouse, siblings Ruth Roberts, Kathleen Nicholson, and In MeMorIaM Bert Woodhouse.

Praying we will be able to gather soon to honour and celebrate Ken’s life at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Saskatoon , SK with interment of ashes in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Prince Albert, SK. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to The Gideons International in Canada, Box 3619, Guelph, ON. N1H 7A2 www.gideons.ca

James G. Mack We know you will always be here in our hearts, watching over us and guiding us along our way. We will miss you dear brother!

James Gregory Mack, late of Regina, Saskatchewan passed away February 3, 2021 at the age of 67 years.

James was predeceased by his father Jacob Mack in 1986, his mother Mary W Mack in 2014 a brother Kenneth Mack in 2004 and nephew Jason Perkowitsch in 1970.

He is survived by his siblings, Pat (Orville) Linn, Dolores (Ken) Duff, Don (Yvonne) Mack, Gerard (Gloria) Mack, Mary Ann Mack (Marvin Sigvaldason), Sheila (Randy) Marchand, Maggie (Allan) Dupuis as well as survived by many nieces & nephews & special friends.

James lived at Valley View home in Moose Jaw from October 1957 until moving in with his oldest sister Pat in 1986 then in 1993 moved to Regina Special Care Home. At the time of his passing, he was living at Brightwater LTC in Regina.

James could not communicate because of his special needs but had a great love for cats & trains. Growing up on a farm there was always cats around for him to hang out with when he came home for his visits in the summer. He also loved to be home during harvest so he could ride along in the grain truck and see his dad on the combine. It was the simple things in life that filled his days with excitement, and he loved sharing his joy with us through his special laughter. Forever in our hearts!

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan, SK is caring for the Mack family – Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

Thank you, We, the family of James Mack, would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who expressed sympathy and kind words. Words can not express the peace & comfort we feel to have such great Family & Friends. God bless you all!

Vernon Becker 1927 - 2019 God looked around his garden And He found an empty place.

And then He looked down upon earth, And saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you, And lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain, He knew that you would never Get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough, And the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyelids, And whispered “Peace be thine.”

It broke our hearts to lose you.

But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.

Always in our hearts Elma, Wendy, Willadell, Wilma and families

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Officers from Estevan and Weyburn were involved in training Saturday in Weyburn. Photo by Sabrina Kraft of the Weyburn Review

By Sabrina Kraft of the Weyburn Review Scenario-based training was held Saturday for members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) and Weyburn Police Service, who specialize in certain tactics, tools and weapons for safe entry into buildings and containment of high-risk situations.

The team deploys to either community and is gen-

How old should you be when you get married?

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erally called upon to execute entries and searches of buildings, properties or vehicles where there is an increased likelihood of weapons, a potential for violent offenders or where the preservation of disposable evidence is critical to an investigation. These often coincide with drug trafficking investigations.

The K9 unit from the EPS is also an integral part of the team. Police service dog Max is capable of clearing buildings with the team, tracking suspects and detecting drugs commonly concealed by drug traffickers.

The team completes

scenar io-based training throughout the year to ensure all members are operationally prepared and continually evolve to meet the needs of these cities.

The team has trained with members from tactical teams in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, and 2020 saw the addition of Weyburn Police Ser vice members to this team. This integrated team is a critical component to both police services, as it enhances public safety initiatives of the frontline patrol members and investigative units within these cities.

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A21 | Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

Flashback – Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1988 Cheers Cheers to St. Joseph’s Hospital’s emergency department nurses and Dr. Daniel Garcia for how he introduced himself to a young child when she was brought in Thursday. Their patience and level of care was amazing. We are so incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful and caring health professionals at our hospital.

Cheers to the service station employees, the newspaper delivery people and so many others who have been outside working during the frigid temperatures that we have experienced during the past couple of weeks.

Cheers to the City of Estevan workers who worked during the overnight hours in the -30 C windchill to find the location of the water main break in the southern part of the city.

Cheers to the Estevan Humane Society for providing a fun evening with a great meal for the annual Whiskers and Wine Gala, even if everything had to be enjoyed at home.

Cheers to the Estevan Mercury for the continual, regular updates on their website regarding the recent boil water advisories and the pace of repairs to the water delivery system in the southern section of the city. It’s great to get news that is clear and correct.

Cheers to the coal mining and SaskPower employees who have been doing their jobs, and therefore keeping the lights on and the heat going during these frigid temperatures.

Jeers Jeers to the driver of a work truck who ran a red light at the intersection of Souris Avenue South and Fourth Street on Friday.

Jeers to the lack of a vaccine clinic in Estevan thus far. We know that we haven’t been as hard-hit as other areas, but this is still a city and there’s still a risk of spread in the community.

Regardless of weather conditions, students on safety patrol duty have to man their posts during lunch hour and after school. With the cold weather in the past couple of weeks, it hasn’t been that enjoyable standing at intersections directing traffic. These three students from Hillcrest School were dressed for the elements and had to keep moving about to stay warm. From left, Karisse Grummett, Heidi Lukye and Lorelie Beahm.

Happy Valentine’s Day It’s well known that the origins of Valentine’s Day are varied but well documented.

This was the first piece of information that I came across: “ The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in midFebruary. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day.” Another insight into the day and the celebration was also garnered from an online search: “The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valen-

Jeers to the possibility of having the Western Hockey League season this year, but not seasons for junior, senior or minor hockey. Why are some leagues able to play in this province but others aren’t?

Linda Wegner Words of Worth

tine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the third century A.D.” Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day. A couple of immediate thoughts popped into my head. First, I am both disgusted by the lotter y system back then and relieved that Pope Gelasius had the wisdom to replace the name, and hopefully, the entire practice. Then, good

How do you show someone you love them?

Tell them.

To submit a cheer or a jeer, please email it to dwillberg@estevanmercury.ca, or visit www.estevanmercury.ca.

He looks at people who have a crush on each other but don’t know it and then he shoots his Dezlyn Workman bow and arrow to make them fall in love.

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for another decision by the church to honour the martyrdom of two different men named Valentine and further recognize genuine love.

The next thing I rejoice in each year is that my husband of nearly 53 years celebrates his birthday on

Feb. 14 and our love has only grown over the years.

Of course, we’ve had our spats but, in all honesty, what couple hasn’t? Over the past five-plus decades, love has gained new ground, displayed itself in different ways but always, reminded us of the need for faithfulness and gratitude for each other.

I pray your Valentine’s Day will be rich, in spite of all that COVID throws at us. God’s love is consistently faithful and wonderful.

“Oh, how He loves you and me.”

How do you show someone you love them?

Kayden DeBruyne

Hugging them so they can hug you back.

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Age: 10 “It’s about love and being kind and sharing and parents usually give us St. Valentine’s stuffies.”

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Brian Smith was a big part of life in Estevan Tributes have been flowing in for Brian Smith, a dedicated member of the community who died of a heart attack in Vernon, B.C., on Jan. 23 at the age of 64.

Among his high profile roles came when he was the co-chair of the 2016 Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan, alongside his close friend Brian Senchuk.

The event was a huge success, attracted thousands of people to the city and left a considerable legacy for Estevan.

But he was involved in many other aspects of community life.

Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming executive director Kathleen Reynolds said Smith first joined the sport in 2006-07 as a club volunteer, as other members of his family were involved.

He became a coach, a judge and eventually a referee.

“Brian had a huge influence on the Estevan Mermaids athletes and anyone watching could see the enjoyment he had being involved with them and eventually all athletes across the province,” Reynolds said.

Smith moved to Vernon, B.C., for the 2018-19 season but continued to be

a member with synchronized swimming, as he travelled back to Saskatchewan to assist with refereeing one or two competitions each year.

“Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming and many of our members will tremendously miss Brian and his wonderful happy personality.”

Mermaids head coach Shannon Wanner said for the better part of 10 years, she spent time coaching alongside Smith, calling him “this amazing man.”

He touched so many lives, Wanner said, and he was always there to lend a helping hand to athletes, coaches, and officials.

“I will always remember his smile and his brisk walk onto the pool deck to set up the music system for us,” Wanner said.

Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football announced that it would rename its Volunteer Family of the Year Award to the Brian Smith Volunteer Award.

“Without Brian’s determination, there just may not have been football in Estevan. Brian was one of the first on board in 2007 to help make Estevan

Minor Football and the ECS Elecs become realities,” minor football said on its Facebook page.

“Without Brian, we’d not have the facilities at our Woodlawn game field.

Nor would Dr. Dean Chow Field been developed.“ After the 2011 flood, Smith dedicated many hours to rebuild the Woodlawn Athletic Field facilities. Discussions about the project eventually led to Smith co-chairing the 2016 Games committee.

Minor football noted Smith’s expertise was put into developing and making sure local facilities were up to code for the respective sports in 2016.

“We know Brian still lives among us in Estevan. Every time you see our local youth on a football field, a soccer pitch, a baseball diamond or a swimming pool, chances are Brian Smith had something to do with it,” the minor football post said.

For most of his time in Estevan, Smith worked at the local mines; he had a bachelor of science in mining engineering.

Smith was also involved in numerous arts and culture and community groups in the Energy City.

Brian Smith

Fire crews respond to chimney fire and commercial alarm The Estevan Fire Rescue Service had an active start to the month.

On Feb. 1, at about 11 a.m., the crews were alerted to the report of a commercial fire alarm occurring in the central area of Estevan. Once on scene, firefighters didn't find any signs of smoke or flame.

Nothing was found upon entry as well.

There was no physical

cause for the alarm, but a faulty signal was sent through the message alert panel. The scene was turned back over to the building manager and maintenance staff, and crews stood down and returned to the station.

The next call came in at about 6:30 p.m., when fire crews responded to a chimney fire occurring in the northcentral part of Estevan. Once on

scene, firefighters confirmed that there was a fire in the chimney that just extinguished upon their arrival.

"Crews did ladder the building and used thermal imaging cameras to make sure that it didn't start any of the roof structure on fire," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.

The crews spent some time extinguishing the remaining hotspots. There was no damage to the building.

"This was a result of creosote and sweep build-up that

was in the vent in the chimney stack for the wood-burning stove.

"A gentle reminder out to everybody that it's always a great idea to make sure that you are getting these things cleaned out. There is what's called a chimney sweep log that you can burn in these appliances that will help clean a lot of this creosote and sweep build-up," Feser said.

Estevan firefighters also participated in a couple of other activities early this week.

On Feb. 2, members were out promoting the Burgers for a Cause fundraiser at Black Beard's restaurant, in which $5 from every burger sold that day went to the Estevan Firefighters Association.

"Very much appreciative of all the support that the community has shown. There was a little over $1,000 that was raised for the Firefighters Association. This money is used to purchase smoke alarms for the public education campaign through Fire Prevention Week

when we do the door-to-door smoke alarm campaign. It's also used to purchase some other equipment that's outside the budgetary allowances given by the city," Feser said.

Later that evening Estevan Fire Rescue Service members also partook in a regular training night, which saw a guest instructor coming in for some recertification.

"That way all our skill sets are kept sharp and we are maintaining our certification levels."

Premier Scott Moe announced Saskatchewan municipalities will benefit from more than $275 million in 2021-22 under the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program – the second-highest overall amount ever.

“This unconditional provincial funding for municipalities provides local leaders the flexibility and adaptability to invest in their community’s current key priorities,” Moe

said. “This stable and predictable source of revenue is more important than ever for communities as they meet the challenges of COVID-19.”

The annual provincial funding amount for this Government of Saskatchewan program is based on three quarters of one point of the provincial sales tax (PST) revenue collected from two years prior. Overall funding under the Municipal Revenue

Sharing Program for 2021-22 represents an approximate 117 per cent increase from the 2007-08 provincial fiscal year.

From the total Municipal Revenue Sharing Program, $1.5 million will be invested in the Targeted Sector Support Initiative.

The initiative supports municipal projects that advance priority areas, such as good governance, regional planning, and inter-community

collaboration. The initiative is co-managed by the provincial government and municipal partners.

With this announcement, more than $3.4 billion in provincial funding has been allocated to support municipalities across Saskatchewan through this program from 2007-08 to 2021-22. More details will be available when the provincial budget is released.

Province commits revenue sharing money to municipalities

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What is the best Valentine’s Day gift?

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Being kind. Give them a card. It’s the thought that counts.

What does Cupid do?

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How old should you be when you get married?

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Email David at editor@estevanmercury.ca