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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021

But it’s the middle of April Change at the top. Estevan police chief announces his decision.

PAGE A2

Last Birds are coming. Local Folk-Americana band releases a debut EP. PAGE A3

Gayle Worsnop of Estevan captured this photos of these sparrows, house finches and more braving the snowstorm that struck Estevan.

The snow started on Sunday afternoon and covered Estevan with several inches of snow. While the moisture was needed, it still caused challenges for many.

It’s ice cream time. A new business joins downtown community.

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Let’s change the world! Estevan youth hopes to start a global campaign.

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Provincial government commits money to start planning for new regional nursing home

By David Willberg

There’s still a long ways to go, but the next step has been taken in the effort to build a new Estevan Regional Nursing Home.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced in its budget on April 6 that it was committing $275,000 for the planning of a new long-term care facility in Estevan, which would be the new nursing home.

The government also announced planning for long-term care facilities in Watrous and Regina.

Don Kindopp, who is the chairperson of the new nursing home committee, noted it’s been about 15 years since the first discussions of a new nursing home were held. And it’s

been six years since the Hearthstone Community Campaign reached its fundraising goal of $8 million, which was 20 per cent of the projected cost for a new nursing home and the amount needed to get into the queue for a new facility.

But since Hearthstone reached its goal, the project has been in the queue for new long-term care facilities.

“I’m ecstatic that the government has come forward and said that Estevan is now in the queue to start planning to replace the present nursing home. It’s like spring after winter. It’s a breath of fresh air and greenness and happiness,” Kindopp told the Mercury.

Approximately $8.9 million has

been pledged towards the new nursing home. Municipal government partners have a sizeable portion of that in trust for the committee once construction starts.

“Through the generosity of the continued effort of people through memorials and through the two large contributions from the (Tom and Irma) Trofimenkoff family and Mylan Chase’s estate, those were two sizeable contributions towards the fund,” said Kindopp.

There have been some donations that they have lost because of the economic downturn, but those have been minimal, Kindopp said.

“People have been very supportive and meeting their pledges, so we’re very grateful for that,” said

Ends April 30, 2021

Kindopp.

St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Greg Hoffort said there has been tremendous fundraising and community efforts to get the facility to this point. The nursing home has worked closely with Estevan MLA Lori Carr, and they appreciate her efforts in the legislature and in the decision-making process.

“This is the start of the new nursing home, for sure, and these projects always start with planning, so to get that funding, one of three facilities chosen to get the planning dollars, it’s a welcome commitment,” said Hoffort. “I think it speaks to the work that our MLA has done on our behalf, in addition to a lot A2 » MANY

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Ladouceur resigns as Estevan’s police chief

By Ana Bykhovskaia and David Willberg

Paul Ladouceur has announced his resignation as the chief of the Estevan Police Service (EPS), ending a seven-year tenure at the helm of the agency.

The City of Estevan announced his departure in a news release Thursday afternoon, stating that Ladouceur had submitted his resignation to Mayor Roy Ludwig earlier in the day so that Ladouceur could pursue other opportunities.

His final day will be April 16.

Ladouceur has been facing criticism from the community for how he and the Estevan board of police commissioners allegedly handled Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) claims made by the late Jay Pierson, a longtime EPS constable.

Pierson, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by three medical professionals, died on March 5 of natural causes at the age of 49.

Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers (SFPO) president Casey Ward said that after Pierson's death, the Estevan police members called non-confidence votes for the chief. He added that it wasn't the first time the issues rose at the service.

"There was one earlier on in the fall (2020) that they

were going to do. And then we decided to commit to not doing so and to continue to work with the chief and the police board," Casey Ward said.

He explained that the SFPO usually urges members to try to keep working through their problems and doesn't recommend a non-confidence vote, and definitely not as a first resort.

"It (a non-confidence vote) sends a strong message to the police board that people don't have confidence in the chief, but really, it doesn't mean anything. And that's why we usually don't recommend them. We would rather see people sit down and try to work out issues that they have … because at the end of the day, (non-confidence votes) don't really hold any weight," Casey Ward explained.

However, Pierson's death resulted in the non-confidence vote done by the Estevan Police Association.

Ludwig said the past few weeks have been very hard on Ladouceur and Deputy Chief Murray Cowan.

"You'd like to think that we can work things through, but the chief decided to look at other opportunities and resign," Ludwig told the Mercury.

The mayor wouldn't speculate about the exact reasons for Ladouceur's resignation.

"Obviously there's always talk back and forth, what's

going to happen here, what's going to happen there, but I guess the final analysis was he came to that decision with his family, and then on Thursday morning, he made it official," said Ludwig.

Casey Ward said that in this case members received the intended outcome and he commended Ladouceur for his decision, as it should allow for the healing process.

"He (Ladouceur) had reached out and said that with what's been going on he felt it is better to resign … I think he felt that it was beyond trying to repair that relationship and I think it was a good decision by the chief. I commend him for making that decision," Casey Ward said. "Now it's just time for the members to start the healing process and get better. Estevan has a great police service, and we just need to get it back where members are happy and healthy and are getting back to work."

Ludwig believes Ladouceur brought some positive change to the EPS. Among them was the introduction of a containment warrant entry team in 2015, in the wake of an incident in Moncton, N.B., the previous year that left three officers dead and two injured.

"We were fearful that if we were ever to have something happen here, that we can't have our members with just handguns," said Ludwig.

Cares Join us as we recognize the groups in our communities that go above and beyond to make our world a better place.

Paul Ladouceur has resigned as the chief of the Estevan Police Service.

File photo The officers who are part of the CWET team have the proper training and tools, and are in a better position if such an emergency were to occur here.

Ladouceur also worked to engage the community, and had a positive relationship with SGI, enabling Estevan to receive new funding and programs.

"He was on boards as chief. He was very involved.

He was well-respected by his peers, by the other police chiefs," Ludwig said.

And he did a lot of work to bring in the police and crisis team that will partner a member of the Estevan Police

WE ARE LOCAL WE ARE CARING WE ARE CO-OP

Service with a mental health professional to respond to crisis mental health calls.

"He did a lot of lobbying on behalf of our police department and others that were involved in getting that in place, and now we will reap the benefits of that," said Ludwig.

Sgt. Warren Morrical will serve as the acting chief.

Morrical has been with the EPS since 2008 and since 2018, has been responsible for overseeing the specialized units within the EPS, including criminal investigations, drug intelligence and forensic identification.

"He's a good sergeant and I know he'll be a good acting chief," said Ludwig.

Prior to coming to Estevan, Ladouceur had worked in policing in the Ontario communities of Brockville

and London.

The Estevan board of police commissioners will take time to find a new chief, Ludwig said, so they can find the best candidate possible.

Casey Ward added that while changes have begun at the EPS, there is work that remains.

"They're still working to this day, they lost a long-time member and a good friend, and we're going to continue to work with them. I know, before, the chief had put in some processes, brought in some grief counsellors to try to help the members out. So our job now is to offer support to those members, make sure members are getting the support that they need, and that they can continue to work to provide the service for the city," Casey Ward said.

Many people have supported nursing home

Family centre continues to offer free programming to the community The Estevan Family Resource Centre has been a place where people can access fun and enjoyable programming since 2002.

Jennifer Dunne is the new executive director at the family centre, but she’s very familiar with its operations. She was on the board of directors for two years, and then joined the staff in January in an effort to help out. More recently, she became the executive director.

“I love being part of the community. That was one of the main reasons that I joined the board, and one of the main reasons that I accepted the position,” said Dunne.

She has small kids at home, so the family centre has been a life-link for her.

“I know that a lot of parents are just thankful that there’s a moment in the last year of somewhere they can come and meet other parents and connect,” said Dunne. “All of the values that we have here are just great for parents, for families, for young and old. We support everybody in the community.”

Her time on the board introduced her to the value of the family centre to the community. They want people to know that families come first.

Dunne recognizes she has large shoes to fill, as she replaced Colleen Macmillan, who was at the helm of the centre for nearly 20 years – meaning Macmillan was there for the vast majority of the centre’s history.

And while Dunne is taking the family centre in a new direction with new staff, she wants to follow the values and the format Macmillan had in place because they worked.

“Everything that we have here is free. The counselling sessions.

All of the different programs that we run whether they’re virtual or in-person. The drop in and play centre, which is open every week, everything is free for the community, which is how we want to keep it, basically.”

The family centre relies on grants and fundraising to keep their programs free, and it is a United Way Estevan member agency.

The family centre offers a variety of programs. There’s the

drop-in and play that has been a staple of their activities since it opened. They have baby and preschool programs, and a drop-in time for moms.

Intellidance, which a dance, music and sensory play program, is offered on Mondays, with two different levels.

An online gym babies program, which is more of a movement, play and rhyme time for infants, is available. If they have a few people in the building, they might organize a story time or a craft session.

They also hope to partner with the Estevan Police Association in May to try an event for Bicycle Safety Week. They’re thinking of ways to do it in a safe, COVID-friendly fashion for the older kids.

They hope to have a summer camp for school-aged children in the summer, but that will be dependent on the pandemic.

And they’re always there with the counselling services for families.

The family centre was closed last March when the pandemic started, but it was still providing counselling and offering virtual programming to help families.

In September, the drop in and play program resumed, but with shorter hours. Hours returned to normal in January: Monday to Friday 9-11:30 a.m., along with Monday to Thursday 1:30-4 p.m.

For the second straight year, the family centre is offering A Growing Smiles flower fundraiser. People can purchase planters, potting plants and succulents and vegetables and other things they need. The deadline to order is May 4.

More information on the fundraiser can be found on the family centre’s Facebook page.

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The replacement of the Estevan Regional Nursing Home took a step forward last week, when the provincial government announced funding to start planning for a new building. File photo « A1 of tireless effort of the Hearthstone committee.”

There have been a number of changes in the proposed design over the years to make the project more affordable and more appealing to the provincial government.

But Kindopp said the plan remains to have it attached to long-term care.

“As for what it will look like, that planning money will help us determine whether it’s all one level, two levels or three levels, where and exactly how it will be put on the property at St. Joe’s Hospital, that all has to be determined yet. We all have our own personal thoughts, but when you put those all together, you have to come up with a plan that works for everybody.”

Planning money will be put towards a needs assessment and other expenses, but it’s not design money. Meetings will be held with Ministry of Health officials in the coming weeks.

While they want the new nursing home to be incorporated into St. Joseph’s Hospital, they also want it to have its own character, and for it to be a place for elders to receive care.

It’s not known how long it will take for the new nursing home to be constructed.

Kindopp hopes shovels can be in the ground in two years.

“We hope that planning money gets us far enough down the stage where we could start construction shortly after,” said Hoffort.

Kindopp and Hoffort said they haven’t been given an indication as to why they were selected this time, but they believe it reflects the dedication of the people on the Hearthstone and the new nursing home committees in pursuing the government so many times.

There has been a good relationship with Carr, and they have been able to communicate how important it was to replace the current Estevan Regional Nursing Home, which opened in the 1960s.

There was also a lettersigning campaign in which residents sent letters to the government, imploring for a replacement.

“There has been a large number of initiatives to make the government aware of the importance of the replacement of the Estevan Regional Nursing Home,” said Hoffort.

Everyone has been on the same team in the last 15 years, and they “all took shifts on the ice,” said Kindopp.

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Local folk duo Last Birds releases debut EP

By Ana Bykhovskaia The time has come and folkAmericana duo Last Birds, comprised of Lindsay Arnold and Mike Davis of North Portal, is releasing their debut self-titled EP on April 16.

The Mercury spoke to the local artists about the new product and future plans.

The new project follows Arnold’s and Davis' success with the folk group Hook & Nail, which includes a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Ne w/ Emerging Artist of the Year in 2020, and reaching No. 4 on the SaskMusic Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2018 list.

Over the past two years, Davis and Arnold have been writing songs that focus on tight vocal harmonies and interwoven acoustic guitars, a sound based on the musical closeness possible in a husband and wife duo.

"I think the songs are coming from the point of view of life after the fairy tale … Our perspective now reflects our own … As older musicians, we've been around the block a couple of times, and you start seeing love in a different way.

Love ages and takes on a certain maturity. And I think that's where the songs come from," Arnold said.

Keeping the instrumentation minimal, their songs hearken to the early days of country folk music while exploring dilemmas of the modern world.

The first few songs of the new EP were released late last year and early this year, and have caught some attention.

The first single from the EP, Worry About It, holds a mirror to current events and follows a troubled mind through a 24-hour period. With great empathy for the human condition, the song touches on growing anxieties that plague musicians' personal and world views.

The second single, Wedding Day, is a thumping number that takes inspiration from a Victorian rhyme that predicted the success of a marriage based on the colour of a bride's dress.

The lead track, Carve Your Name, tenderly remembers and then mourns the loss of a childhood friend. The album's bittersweet songs reflect on life after the innocence of youth is lost and love starts to show its age.

Lindsay Arnold and Mike Davis, known as Last Birds, releasing their first EP. Photo submitted Last Birds was able to complete their EP despite COVID-19 setbacks in 2020.

"It was an uncertain approach, just because we weren't sure how it was all going to come together. We got halted in the recording process last winter and we couldn't finish recording the vocals until June of 2020," Arnold said.

Working with producer Brad Prosko and percussionist Jayson Brinkworth, they had the guitar and percussion tracks recorded at Touchwood Studios in Regina before the pandemic hit North America. Unable to return to the studio due to pandemic protocols, the duo had to find a different way to complete the process.

"We weren't sure what was going to happen, we're kind of on hold. And then we were able to have our studio engineer come down and bring a mobile recording unit set up in one (hotel) room, and then run the cords and everything to the other room where we were able to sing our vocal parts like

that. You have to do what you have to do," Davis said.

"It was at the Days Inn in Estevan, so it was nice that we ended up recording locally," Arnold added.

Last Birds formed in November 2019 and have already met some career goals, including a Breakout West Spotlight Showcase at Folk Alliance's virtual conference in February 2021.

"That was a completely different thing to be trying to promote yourself and your music in the virtual world," Arnold said.

"I'm not sure how many people attend that, but there are hundreds and hundreds of artists and probably thousands of industry people that are taking part. So you're trying to network and basically, it was like a week of Zoom meetings and talking to people online. And we can't wait to go back to real life.

But it was really good to be part of even though it was virtual," Davis added.

The duo also recorded a fulllength concert for SaskTel Max Local on Demand which aired

in September 2020, and numerous live performance videos in conjunction with Creative City Centre in Regina and SaskMusic.

The videos will be released in the spring and summer of 2021.

Last Birds is scheduled to perform at the award-winning venue, The Happy Nun in Forget, on April 24. While the pandemic still can change the plans, Davis and Arnold are really looking forward to live performances, be it in spring or summer.

"It'll be over a year, since we played our last live event in front of a real audience, so we're looking forward to that," Davis said.

In the meantime, just recently Arnold sent about 200 emails to radio stations across North America and Europe.

"We've got some really great responses from DJs across the globe that are going to play our music. Extremely exciting," Davis said. "And a lot of the … community radio stations want an actual physical copy of the CD. So most of those are in the mail now, and once they get them … hopefully, they'll play them."

Songs released earlier have already been picked up by quite a few community radio stations, the CBC, as well as a UK radio show.

Starting April 16, Last Birds will be available for digital distribution on iTunes, Spotify and other major online outlets. The physical copy of a new CD can be purchased at lastbirds.com.

The cover for the EP uses Norwegian traditional design intertwined with North American folk art and was developed

by Lindsay Arnold. Photo submitted

Canadian Pacific helps kick off important fundraiser Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway has helped kick off the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation’s Radiothon for Life campaign, with the announcement of a $20,000 matching donation.

This donation will start off the foundation’s annual Radiothon, set to take place May 26, live on Sun 102.3, Rock 106 and CJ 1150. This year’s fundraiser will feature the stories of staff and patients that utilize the many medical services at St. Joseph’s Hospital, with this year’s theme being We are

the Story.

Proceeds from this year’s event will support an all-new O utpatient Centre – set to open this fall. This new centre will include a variety of outpatient services in the areas of cardiology, women’s health and a location for specialists from outside of the city to see patients on a more regular basis close to home.

From 6-7 a.m. on Radiothon Day, CP will match all donations up to $20,000.

CP’s donation will support the many cardiac treatment services that the hospital will

offer out of the new outpatient centre.

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation is very grateful for the generous donation. “ We a re i n c re d i b l y thankful for the matching donation from CP to kick off our Radiothon for Life campaign. Our radiothon funds much needed equipment for our hospital and with the help of CP, we are off to a great start,” said foundation executive director Breanne Van De Woestyne.

“Investing in the communities CP operates in and

through is incredibly important. CP is proud to sponsor the Radiothon for Life … benefitting St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan,” said Jason W Ross, CP trainmaster for Estevan. “CP will match donations made from 6 a.m.

– 7 a.m., so please call in to support.”

D ue to COVID-19, the event will not be held at St. Joseph’s Hospital as in previous years. Instead, the foundation is strongly encouraging online donations through their website at www.radiothonforlife.com

or by calling in during the radiothon. There will also be an outdoor drop-off station located at the radio station on event day for those that want to stop by with their donations in person. All COVID-19 guidelines and protocols will be in effect.

This year, the foundation will also be bringing back their online silent auction featuring local experiences, items and service packages.

“Our online auctions have gone over so well this past year and we once again

wanted to create even more buzz and excitement for our Radiothon. We have been blown away by the support that we have received from local businesses in terms of the items that will be auctioned off,” said Van De Woestyne.

The auction will launch on May 12.

The Radiothon for Life is an annual event hosted

by St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation that has raised thousands of dollars to support the funding of medical equipment at the hospital.

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Nursing home announcement long overdue Volume 115 Issue 48 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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There might have been a few loud shouts of joy, or popping of champagne corks, or even deep sighs of relief in Estevan last Tuesday.

After all, the provincial budget had an announcement that was long overdue.

The government committed $275,000 towards the start of planning for a new longterm care facility in Estevan; in other words, it’s a new nursing home.

It’s not the end of the long journey to bring a new nursing home to Estevan, but it is an important first step in the government finally committing to this project.

It’s been nearly 15 years since the first discussions of a new regional nursing home for Estevan began in earnest. The Hearthstone Community Campaign began in 2011, with the goal of raising $8 million – projected to be 20 per cent of the new building’s cost.

The Hearthstone committee reached its goal in January 2015 – an impressive feat to raise $8 million in less than four years.

Then the waiting game began, as we were inserted into the queue along with other needed long-term care facilities in the province.

It was no fault of the new nursing home committee that it took six years. They worked very hard to make this facility happen. They came up with different ideas for the project to proceed, methods to save money, and concepts so that the government would give the project its blessing.

The community was frustrated, but patient, for the most part. They wanted to see the new nursing home happen. Most of them stuck by the project. And donations continued to roll in, even though Hearthstone reached its goal long ago, and even though it was stuck in the limbo of the queue.

Each year, Estevan’s new nursing home was passed over in favour of other facilities.

We’d hear the same stories about how there were other facilities that had a greater need.

We’re not sure what was more troubling – that we were getting passed over, or that there were other long-term care homes in need of a replacement more than our nursing home.

The staff members at the current Estevan Regional Nursing Home do a great job in the current facility. They do their best to care for the residents and make the building feel like home. They try to provide the best experience possible for the residents.

But they’re doing it in an antiquated building that lost its status as modern a long time ago. The standards that were acceptable more than 50 years ago when that building opened have long since been abandoned.

The announcement in last week’s budget doesn’t mean our new nursing home will be constructed immediately. The planning stage will be extensive. They’ll have to decide on the building’s design. Then they’ll have to construct it.

We’re still a few years away from residents moving in and having a grand opening ceremony.

There are so many people who should be thrilled with this announcement, including staff, donors and anyone who might be in the nursing home, or have a loved one in there, in a few years.

The budget had some other goodies, too.

There was money to expand the addictions treatment centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital – a testament to the good work that has been happening at the centre, which opened a little more than six months ago.

There will be more people receiving care, and more people brought in to work there, too.

The city of Estevan will receive the money that was committed through municipal operating grants, and there is money for the start-up of a Police and Crisis Team (PACT) involving the Estevan Police Service. It will see police and mental health professionals deployed to assist others in crisis situations.

And there is money for the completion of passing lanes on Highway 39 from Estevan to Corinne, although passing lanes might not be great news if you’re holding out hope for twinning on that portion of a national highway.

But the best news in the budget was the start of the process to finally get a new nursing home here.

It’s the next step in a long process.

It's incredible to meet people who have the guts to change the world Last week I spoke to a very dedicated and strong community member.

She may not have all the advantages many other people have, but she definitely loves life, sees the problems she can help solving and wants to change the world for herself and others.

Estevan's Alynne Fichter fascinated me with her courage. She spends a lot of time in a wheelchair, and by no means is it an easy way to get around. Even a power chair requires quite a few conditions to be met to get her anywhere, and apparently, accessibility still remains a big issue even in places marked as "accessible."

Alynne came across various "inconveniences" where sometimes she wouldn't be able to get into the building as doors were too narrow or the ramp would be too steep too many times. She looked at it as a global lack of understanding of how to make spaces accessible for all people.

She saw the problem and decided she wanted to change it worldwide. Just like that.

She formulated the problem, came up with a motto and started spreading the word in ways that were available to her. She wants to change not only Estevan, Saskatchewan and Canada, she wants the entire world to start putting a bit more thought into designing accessible spaces to make them actually accessible.

It felt a bit like in Forrest Gump when difficult things all of a sudden were viewed as something simple and completely manageable. And I totally believe Alynne will get it going.

When I was talking to Alynne I thought

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… that people like her do change the world. I know she already started. She opened my eyes, raising my awareness about the issue and now I will spread the word further letting people around me know what it takes to make a space really accessible.

Her bravery and purposefulness reminded me of the opposite situations when before even trying something I would find many reasons why it wouldn't work, would hide behind the fear to fail and would give up on many great ideas, which didn't look manageable at the first sight.

As Olympic champion Jacqueline Joyner-Kersee said, "The only person that can stop you from reaching your goals is you."

Psychologists say we actually have a big system, which "helps" us not achieve our goals. We make goals too vague and don't know where to start. Once we start, we don't know how to evaluate the progress, so we don't realize if we are progressing at all. We formulate our goals in a way so our brain instantly labels them as "impossible" and blocks us from even trying. We tend to set larger goals, which are more difficult to get to, and thus easier to drop. We often think of the negatives that may come out of it, but rarely stimulate ourselves with all the positives that it would bring. We also

downplay our wins, and instead of banking on achieving anything, we just let it go and again focus on further problems and potential failures.

Besides, there are always those who would obligingly tell us that it's not going to work. And when we are afraid, we do listen to those voices. That and some potential mess-ups discourage us along the way, making it easier to give up. On top of that, we often just feel lazy when we face all the work we have to do to get where we want to be. It kills our motivation and we stop.

All these reasons make us too afraid of our goals, and we often don't even start. Or if we do, we quit when we hit the first bump.

I won't speak for all people, but all my good friends (even very successful ones) admitted that at least once they've been in such situations. But then, if the goal was dear to their hearts, if that was their real personal goal, none of that mattered.

Alynne's goal also may get stuck in between all these issues. That's why it's such a huge inspiration for me to see how some people ignore all this pile of hindrances and excuses, and commit to achieving their goals, no matter how big, scary or impossible they may seem at first sight.

I truly believe Alynne will succeed.

After all, she already did succeed with me and probably many more people around her.

But if you are a business owner, a builder, someone who decides on the accessibility of buildings or know people who can do so, share Alynne's story with them and keep her movement going. And let's help her change this world.

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| Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

David Willberg Willberg’s World

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Carr reflects on a budget packed with good news for Estevan

By Ana Bykhovskaia

I was going to do a rain dance We needed precipitation.

I mean, we really needed precipitation.

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a region that was so eager to welcome some rain that would break up a stretch of beautiful weather.

In the first 10 days of the month, I’ve likely fired up the barbecue six times. I went jogging five times, and on the days I wasn’t jogging, I was enjoying a nice, peaceful walk.

There were relaxing evenings on a patio with a cold beer or two, a good book and some excellent music.

I know a lot of people have been out riding their motorcycles or driving their classic vehicles around town. (I’ll refrain from bashing the hot dogs who rev their engines far too loud).

Families have been able to enjoy time in the parks.

These are activities that we’ve been able to enjoy regardless of the pandemic restrictions.

An afternoon or evening spent indoors, watching TV, felt like an evening wasted. After all, we had to do that for most of the past six months.

I can’t speak for everyone who was enjoying the beautiful weather, but I also knew that we needed the precipitation.

An inch of rain now, and some more rain throughout the spring, and we’d be in good shape.

I was ready to perform a rain dance.

But a snow dance? No thanks.

But now we have snow. Lots of snow.

Two weeks ago, I thought we’d seen the last of the snow.

It was gone. Spring was here. I consider it a good year when the last of the snow is gone by April Fool’s Day; it means we’re going to get a nice, long spring, and we’ll be able to capitalize on the longer, warmer days.

Once April 1 hits, we should be finished with snow shovels, snow plows, travel not recommended advisories, cleats and those other wonderful things associated with snow accumulations measured in inches.

It’s been so dry we’d already started to see fire bans implemented in some southeast towns, villages and rural municipalities. The Estevan Fire Rescue Service was called to some grass fires already. There was a big grass fire near Halbrite on Saturday.

If we have to write about them, these are the things we should be talking about in July, not in late March and early April.

I would expect, though, that the happiest people to see the rain and the snow would be our farmers. They were going to be seeding into dry ground this month if they didn’t get any precipitation. And they were going to have to wonder if, not when, they were going to get any substantial rain this spring.

We’re obviously going to need more precipitation this year. The rain and snow in mid-April aren’t going to be enough. But at least we shouldn’t have to worry about farmers planting into dry ground or fire bans for a few days, right?

I’m sure we’ll get our annual dose of rain during the Victoria Day long weekend, but that’s still more than a month away.

I do hope this snow is gone soon. Let it melt. Give us some calm days so that the water can soak into the ground.

I’m getting antsy to resume jogging already. Those snow drifts at the Chamney Family Running Track at the Estevan Comprehensive School will be here for a few more days. My exercises will be relegated to the indoors.

Those long evenings on the patio? Won’t be happening again for a while until the temperatures warm up. I’m sure I’ll get to fire up the barbecue at some point this weekend, but I’ll have to eat indoors.

Time to catch up on Netflix. How was the second season of Unsolved Mysteries?

Hopefully we’ll get more precipitation throughout the spring, and we can find the happy medium between having enough rain to satisfy the needs of our farmers (and others who need moisture) and the needs of those who enjoy and rely on outdoor recreation.

Hopefully, I won’t have to research how to do a rain dance again.

And hopefully the next blast of moisture that we get comes in the form of 25 millimetrs of rain, and not inches of snow.

Estevan MLA Lori Carr said the budget announced on April 6 brought a lot of "exciting" news for the Estevan area.

The budget, whose theme is to Protect, Build and Grow Saskatchewan, had several expenditures specific to Estevan.

It includes funding for a police and crisis team (PACT). Carr explained that PACT will be a partnership between the Estevan Police Service (EPS) and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and is aimed at helping create a better outcome for individuals and families struggling with mental illness.

This project will see an EPS officer paired with a registered social worker to attend and defuse crisis situations.

"That's pretty exciting for the Estevan Police Service to be able to get additional funding for that," Carr said.

She added that these teams are placed in communities that have a need for these services.The Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Christine Tell, wanted one to be placed in the Estevan-Weyburn area, and Estevan was chosen.

The budget also has money allocated for planning for the new nursing home in Estevan.

"We're building Saskatchewan by investing in long-term care facilities, which is why we have placed $275,000 in this year's budget for planning dollars for a new longterm care home to replace our aging Estevan Regional Nursing Home," Carr said.

"I'd really like to take this opportunity to thank the chair of the committee Mr. Don Kindopp, as well as the committee as a whole. Without their successful fundraising campaign, we would likely not be at the point we are today. This committee worked very hard to secure donations from a very generous community. And to all the surrounding communities and rural municipalities that have supported this committee, I truly do say thank you."

Now that the first move on the provincial level is done, Carr said the SHA will reach out to the Estevan Regional Nursing Home committee, and they will start going through what that project is going to look like, discussing how many beds it will have and what the timeframe for the project will be.

"That's all the stuff that takes part in the planning process. So that's what they'll be doing over the next year," Carr added.

Saskatchewan also saw a record health

Estevan MLA Lori Carr. File photo budget. It is aimed at ensuring that people in the province are protected through the pandemic, but it also has money allocated to continue to build on record investments in mental health and addictions initiatives.

"I'm excited to be able to say that we will be expanding services at the addictions treatment centre we have at St. Joseph's Hospital. We will be adding $850,000 this year to add 12 additional addiction treatment beds as well as two new pre-treatment beds," Carr said.

This addition will increase the total number of beds for the Estevan facility to 32 treatment beds and six pre-treatment beds.

"Addictions have always been a part of what we have had to deal with in our province. And unfortunately, COVID-19 has only highlighted the need for more addiction services in our province," Carr said.

She reminded that the first-class addiction treatment centre Estevan used to have was closed by a decision made by the former NDP government, but when St. Joseph's Hospital suggested bringing back the services, as they saw a need for it, the Saskatchewan Party supported it.

"Over the past few months, a new service has proven successful. Therefore, we're going to build upon the successes and add this new build to the facility."

Estevan will also see record revenue sharing this year. The City of Estevan will get about $2.3 million. And as revenue

Cornerstone provides update on COVID-19 cases at ECS The South East Cornerstone Public School Division has provided an update on the COVID-19 situation at the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS).

In a message sent to parents on April 6, director of education Lynn Little said cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in individuals at the school. “ We are working closely with public health staff to ensure necessary measures are in place to protect all students,” the letter states.

A case of COVID-19 was reported at the school in late March – the first reported case in several months.

Public health and/or school staff have been contacting parents or guard-

ians of students and any staff, visitors or volunteers who may have been in close contact with the cases to provide direction.

“If you do not hear from them, your child has not been exposed because of the measures that are in place,” the school division said.

“We remind everyone to monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Refer to the Daily Self-Assessment Checklist. If you/your child has any symptoms of COVID-19, please call HealthLine at 811 and remain at home.

“If medical attention is required, please call ahead to your health care provider. If it is an emergency requiring urgent attention, call 911.”

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Little said Cornerstone will continue to provide additional information to parents/guardians as it is available.

ECS and schools throughout the province are currently on the Easter break. South East Cornerstone and the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division announced last week that all of their schools would switch to virtual learning for the first two weeks after the Easter break.

In-person learning is expected to resume on April 26.

For further information regarding COVID-19, please call Health Line at 811, and/or visit the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health website at www. saskatchewan.ca/covid19.

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sharing extends through all municipalities, including towns, villages or rural municipalities, all of them will also be getting a higher amount compared to last year.

The South East Cornerstone Public School Division, as well as Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division, will be receiving operating increases and preventative maintenance dollars.

The new budget also will see the passing lane project on Highways 39 and 6 from Estevan to Regina completed this year.

"That would be really exciting for the people that travel that road on an ongoing basis. And we can already see the safety benefits that have happened from the lanes that are there and the ease of use of them.

So I'm just really excited to see this project come to fruition this year also," Carr said.

While the budget had a lot of good news for Estevan, nevertheless, it came with a deficit of $2.6 billion, a lot of which is due to the pandemic. And it won't be balanced until at least 2026-27. Carr said that they deliberately planned for gradual balancing not to paralyze the province.

"It's going to take that long to balance the budget, because between now and then we want to ensure that we are still providing the services that people in the province deserve and expect, while at the same time growing our economy. So we are not doing huge cuts to ensure that we balance the budget quicker," Carr said.

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Addictions treatment centre to expand The addictions treatment centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan is going to expand, less than a year after it opened.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced in its budget on April 6 that it would commit to building upon the success of the centre. In the 2021-22 budget, $850,000 will be allocated for 12 additional addictions treatment beds, as well as two new pre-treatment beds.

This addition will increase the total number of beds at the Estevan facility to 32 for treatment and six for pre-treatment.

“It will mean a small expansion to the present location,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital CEO Greg Hoffort. “It means the hiring of some new staff, and this is with the expectation to start filling the beds later on in this calendar year.”

It will likely mean the hiring of another five or six extra staff members.

There is a “significant” wait list to get into the facility,

Hoffort said, so the additional 12 beds will be welcome.

Meetings will be taking place with Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions representatives on where they go from here, and whether the expansion will be on-site or if they start exploring off-site options.

“Twelve more beds is going to be 12 more people that we’re helping in the province deal with their addictions,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital board chair Don Kindopp.

“The program here, right now, is in its infancy, it’s on its feet going very well, and it’s seen amazing results. With 12 more beds, it just means an additional benefit for people in the province.”

They believe this reflects the work that has happened at the addictions treatment centre since it opened last fall. The hospital made some pretty lofty commitments last year to have the centre back in Estevan for the first time since 1997.

The addictions treatment centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital will be expanded this year. File photo “From approval to opening was a really short turnaround time, and I think that, in addition to putting a program in place that has started to yield some really positive results, all reflected in this decision,” said Hoffort.

“And not to mention it was completed by our staff through some amazingly dif-

ficult circumstances through what the pandemic presented, with our touch of COVID we had … that basically sent the (addictions treatment) staff home for two weeks.”

They developed a partnership with Cedars at Cobble Hill as well.

A lot of things had to be worked out in less than a year

to get the addictions treatment centre to where it is now, and they’re confident that they’re at the point in which they can offer a strong program to people in the province.

The provincial government announced last March that an addictions treatment centre would be returning to St. Joe’s. A grand opening cer-

emony was held in September and the first patients arrived to receive treatment in October.

When it opened, there were 30 beds – 15 dedicated for the treatment of crystal methamphetamine addiction, five for treatment of other addictions, four for pretreatment, such as detox, and six for post-treatment.

Staff member and resident at St. Joseph’s special care home test positive for COVID-19 A resident and a staff member of the special care home at St. Joseph’s Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19.

Routine tests using swabs in early April identified the positive tests, starting with the staff member on April 3 and then the resident.

“We don’t know if they’re connected or if they’re separate instances from different sources, but we do know we

had two positives present over the weekend. They were dealt with rapidly upon learning the positive results,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital CEO Greg Hoffort.

A recent protocol has been established to test residents and staff on a regular basis. That procedure was implemented in early March.

“It was proactive. With the different surges around the province, there were new measures put in place to be

pro-active about it, and that testing revealed both tests,” said Hoffort.

Once the staff member tested positive, then all the staff and residents were tested, revealing the positive for the resident.

Some measures were put in place, such as cohorting staff on the two sides of the special care home, so workers would not be crossing paths from one side to the other, in an effort to minimize the

contact.

The staff member and the resident were placed in isolation, and Hoffort said they are doing fine. The staff member is at home and the special care home resident did not have to be moved to acute care.

Additional point of care testing revealed no further positive tests.

Hoffort pointed out there have been situations in Canada in which COVID

has been very serious once it enters a special care home.

In two previous cases of positive COVID tests at the hospital in the past 13 months – one with a patient at the addictions treatment centre last fall, and the other in long-term care in January – staff members have become very capable of putting additional measures into place reasonably quickly.

“They’re always protective of the residents. They’re

always wearing the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment). There are regular protocols. We don’t wait until an issue like this happens before we practise safe care.”

Hoffort praised the response of the hospital and its staff to the situation.

“It’s been a trying year for all of the front-line staff in every department in the hospital and special care home, and they conti

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KõN Artisan Ice Cream ready to serve

By David Willberg

Tony Sereggela wants fun to be a big part of the experience at the new KōN Artisan Ice Cream shop in downtown Estevan.

The business, which is slated to open April 14, is located in the 1200-block of Fourth Street. Not only does it feature a variety of ice cream flavours for the public to enjoy, it also has unique cookies and edible cookie dough, although the focus will be on quality, hand-crafted ice cream in the summer. As time goes on, Sereggela expects the menu

will expand.

“This has been in the back of my head for a long time … and it’s been an idea that’s come to fruition,” said Sereggela, who is operating KōN with other members of his family.

KōN is the Finnish word for cone, as in ice cream cone.

Tony Sereggela recalls that many years ago, the Grundeen Family operated a creamery in the city, and it had some of the best ice cream anywhere.

His generation grew up on it.

When the creamery was sold, the quality dropped.

“We lost that ice cream,

KõN Artisan Ice Cream shop is ready to open. Photo

by Robert Godfrey of Lemon Wedge Marketing.

and it’s never been around, and I’ve always dreamed of having really good ice cream,” said Sereggela.

He recalls that in the early 2000s, a friend of his, Richard Weiler, was having supper at the Tower Café, and when the waitress asked what he wanted, he replied Grundeen ice cream, which led to a conversation about the need for really good ice cream.

Sereggela has been to the University of Guelph ice cream technology course, and learned how to make ice cream from scratch.

“We went there and we learned, and now after all this time, picking ideas and going to courses and taking seminars and learning online and having friends in the business all over the world, you put it all together and you realize yes, I can do this,” he said.

There will be the basic flavours like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and caramel, and then there will be some very unique flavours. He would also like to try a dairy-free ice cream.

The front of the KõN Artisan Ice Cream shop has been drawing a lot of attention.

Photo by Robert Godfrey of Lemon Wedge Marketing.

“Hopefully it’s smooth, it’s velvety and it’s creamy. It’s a treat. We’ve tried to keep it reasonably priced. We want families to come in so they enjoy it. Nothing’s better than taking your family, going for a walk and going for some ice cream,” Sereggela said.

They’ll bake their own brownies and make their own cookie dough. Cookies will be crushed up and used in ice cream.

“Every ice cream will have a riff. It’s not going to be the stuff you get in the store.

So instead of going with maple walnut, we’re going to have a maple praline ice cream. Instead of doing a peanut butter cup ice cream, we’re going to do a chocolate peanut butter crunch ice cream, we’re going to make peanut butter crunch bars and crush them up and put them inside.”

If somebody has a flavour they like, they can request it, and the KōN staff members will try to formulate it.

The business has drawn a lot of attention for its store front, with its façade and windows, and that was Sereggela’s intention.

“You have to make it an attractive place for people to show up. We took a building from 1912, and I think we’ve done a great job of keeping the heritage of the building.”

He wanted the business to be located in downtown Estevan as well, as he views downtown as the most important part of the community.

“When the opportunity came to buy the building, I knew exactly what I was going to do. It was like hand in glove. It gave me a chance to do something to beautify downtown. My family is com-

mitted to downtown. We love this community. It’s our home, and I couldn’t imagine doing this anywhere else,” he said.

The family experience and support will be a big asset for the business.

“I think the community wants something different.

They don’t want the same stuff they get everywhere else. For me it just fits – what’s different that we can do it a little bit better than somebody else.

To me, the ice cream shop is the whole thing. It gives the community something that it didn’t have, and it’s hopefully something that this community will support and take pride in.”

He hopes that when customers come in, they see something that they’ve seen somewhere else, that it provides a boost of nostalgia, and it’s a fun experience.

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With the proximity to the Southeast College, local retail sector, and residential subdivisions, these lots are ideal for businesses of any kind.

Each application would be considered on a case by case basis by council and the economic development board.

CLUES ACROSS 1. A minute amount (Scott) 5. Supernatural 11. Shortening 14. More firm 15. Other side 18. Philippine island 19. More unnatural 21. Microsoft Surface Book 23. Ice T’s wife 24. Domesticates 28. Only one time 29. In absentia 30. Crustlike surface of a healing skin lesion 32. Distress signal 33. Engine additive 35. 1990s female R&B trio 36. Very fast airplane 39. A reward (archaic) 41. Anno Domini 42. Golf supplies 44. Indian term of respect 46. French river 47. Turn down the lights 49. Blood-sucking African fly 52. Provides info 56. Procrastinates 58. Tower with balconies 60. Where researchers work 62. Religious office 63. Must-have for office workers

CLUES DOWN 1. In possession of 2. Aborigines 3. Early Syrian kingdom 4. Clip 5. Misleads 6. Cosmetic Ingredient Review 7. Calcium 8. United Talent Agency 9. Hair problem 10. Took down 12. Round Dutch cheese 13. Bicycle manufacturer 16. Suffix plural 17. Painting technique 20. Small Eurasian deer (pl.)

22. Mr. T’s character “__ Baracus” 25. Progressive nerve disease 26. Shock therapy 27. Able to be sold 29. Suffix 31. Binary coded decimal 34. Goes well with a carrot 36. A way to measure performance 37. Doctor __, children’s book author 38. Jewish calendar month 40. Designated hitter 43. Polish village 45. Part of the mind 48. Hand (Spanish) 50. Hit with the open hand 51. Italian island 53. Shakespeare was one 54. Lake __, one of the Great 55. Oswald and Marvin were two 57. Soak up using something absorbent 58. Kids’ dish __ and cheese 59. Expression of disappointment 61. The ancient Egyptian sun god

Address:

Legal Location: Dimensions:

Parcel Area:

Status:

Zoning:

515 Bourquin Road

Lot 6 Block 503 Plan 101998851

90.03 x 75.15m

0.676ha. (1.67 ac.)

Serviced, but undeveloped

Industrial, under review

524 Bourquin Road

Lot 3 Block 503 Plan 10998851

90.03 x 77.11m

0.694ha. (1.72 ac.)

Serviced, but undeveloped

Industrial, under review

516 Bourquin Road

Lot 2 Block 502 Plan 101998851

99.1 x 111.91m

1.109ha. (2.74 ac.)

Serviced, but undeveloped

Industrial, under review

523 Bourquin Road

Lot 7 Block 503 Plan 101998851

90.03 x 75.15m

0.677ha. (1.67 ac.)

Serviced, but undeveloped

Industrial, under review

531 Bourquin Road

Lot 8 Block 503 Plan 101998851

75.17m x 90.03m

0.672ha. (1.66 ac.)

Serviced, but undeveloped

Industrial, under review

For more information, call Richard Sadick at 306-634-1800

A8 April 14, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

Local family raises awareness about what wheelchair accessibility really means

By Ana Bykhovskaia Alynne Fichter knows firsthand how difficult it can be to move around when you are in a wheelchair.

To allow for more freedom, most of the time she uses a power wheelchair, which lets her go wherever she wants.

Many places these days are labelled as wheelchair accessible, but Alynne's experience suggests that way too often, accessibility is still very limited.

To change it, Alynne decided to organize a movement to raise awareness about the problem.

She explained that quite often entrance and bathroom doors in public places are too narrow, ramps don't fit the wheelchairs or are too steep, handicap parking spots don't allow for unloading a wheelchair, and spaces don't have enough room to maneuver. This means a lot of people like Alynne are left out.

"We're in this field, but we didn't realize it until when Alynne tried going in some places that even though they're wheelchair accessible, they're not for all wheelchairs," noticed Roberta DeRosier, who is program co-ordinator at the Estevan Diversified Services, where Alynne is one of the participants.

Wheelchairs come in different models and sizes. Alynne mainly uses a power chair,

which weighs a lot and is more difficult to maneuver but gives her the freedom to go where she wants. She also has a manual chair, which her parents rely on when they know that the place won't be accessible.

"We take Alynne out into the public an awful lot. So we have come across issues like this a lot," explained Alynne's mother Shelly.

She added that not only are many places difficult to access, but even parking areas are not universal and often don't serve the needs of people in wheelchairs. The family purchased a special van, so Alynne could go places, however, unloading a wheelchair out of the vehicle often is a challenge on its own.

"Handicap parking is (often) small, so they're more for just a vehicle. If you have to take a ramp out of the vehicle, then we're parking way down on the outskirts of the parking lot. And they have those cement blocks (by handicap parking lots), so I can't even pull into one and then pull up the ramp because of the cement blocks being right there," Shelly said.

The handicap parking lots on the streets may be challenging to use as well. If the special van unloads from the back, often there is not enough room to put the ramps out with other vehicles parked right behind it.

Such places as outdoor

handicapped bathrooms are also not always accessible for wheelchairs, as they are often not flat with the ground.

These numerous personal experiences inspired Alynne to step up and do her best to make the world more accessible for everyone.

"Power or just regular wheelchairs, we should have real accessibility," said Alynne in an interview with the Mercury.

"It'd be great to have the whole province realize how hard it is to have a wheelchair person that you take around into the public a lot when even bathrooms are not really wheelchair friendly," said Shelly, explaining that in many places they go, bathrooms are awkward to get into as there is not enough room to turn the power wheelchair to get into there.

As her motto, Aylenne chose the phrase "Be brave, be strong, be fierce."

"Just like a tiger," she explained.

Which resonates with the colours she chose for her movement – orange and black. She hopes to raise awareness about the lack of accessibility, and thus change the situation not only in Estevan or Saskatchewan but worldwide.

Shelly said that there are easily accessible places in Estevan and there are also ones that are not so much. Some places, once they realized they weren't 21043BS0

Alynne Fichter advocates for the rights of people in wheelchairs. accessible for everyone, did their best to make sure Alynne and other people in different wheelchairs could come in and use the location. But out of the family experience, even Estevan is far from being fully accessible, let alone the province or the world.

The hope is that the campaign will make people put extra thoughts into designing their places to make them really accessible.

"Places need to have somebody actually in a wheelchair to try it before they can say that it's accessible," said DeRosier.

A wheelchair limits Alynne with many things, but she still finds good about it and stays positive, just trying to make the world a bit better for herself and others who have to use wheels to move around.

"I don't have to look for a place to sit," Alynne said

with a laugh.

Alynne hopes that her campaign will attract attention and make people put more thought into designing places really accessible for wheelchairs.

She suggested that people who support her and want to keep the movement going should share the idea, spread the word and also wear orange and black.

"Do what you can to get it all over the world," said Alynne.

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Estevan area the focus of April land sale

By Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Saskatchewan's public offering of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights, held April 6, generated $1,925,874 in revenue for the province.

This is the first of six oil and gas public offerings for the 2021-22 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Energy and Resources.

There were 70 leases totalling 19,425 hectare posted and 38 leases purchased, totalling 7,608 hectares.

The provincial average was $253 per hectare.

The Estevan area was the major focus for bid activity, with leases within the region receiving both the highest bonus bid for a parcel of land as well as the highest dollars per hectare on a lease.

The highest bonus bid received on a parcel in this offering was $324,786 (or $627 per hectare) for a lease in the Estevan area. This lease, totalling 518 hectares, was awarded to Cougar Creek Land Ltd. and is prospective for oil in the Bakken Formation.

The highest dollars per hectare received in this offering was for a 64.8-hectare lease in the Estevan area by Crescent Point Energy Corp. They bid $220,554, or $3,406 per hectare, for this parcel that is prospective for oil, also in the Bakken Formation. Crescent Point was the most active bidder in this offering, picking up eight leases in the Estevan area totalling 2,137 hectares 22 kilometres north of Kisbey for $593,661.

In total, the Estevan area brought in $1,631,515 for 23 parcels encompassing 4,079 hectares.

There had been 45 parcels posted totalling 13,112 hectares.

The Lloydminster area had four leases posted totalling 486 hectares. Three of those leases were purchased for a total of $64,574 for 421 hectares, an average of $153 per hectare. The highest bonus bid received on a parcel in this area was $41,380 for a lease totaling 259 hectares.

This lease was awarded to Husky Oil Operations Ltd. and located 17 kilometres east of Maidstone and within the Rush Lake Mannville Oil Pool. The highest dollars per hectare received on a parcel in

File photo by Brian Zinchuk this area was $318 per hectare or a total of $20,583. Lacadena Land Company Inc. was awarded this parcel that is located six kilometres west of Cut Knife and southeast of

the Baldwinton Sparky Oil Pool.

The Swift Current area had just one lease posted, and it sold for $33,092 for 259 hectares. Potts Petroleum Inc. picked up the lone par-

cel posted in this area for $127.77 per hectare. This lease is located 12 kilometres southwest of Success.

The scheduled date for the next public offering is June 1.

Moe hints at coming developments for small modular reactors and carbon capture and storage

By Brian Zinchuk, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Given the recent carbon tax ruling, when will we start to see big dollars spent for developing, substantially, either carbon capture and storage, small modular reactors, or both?

Premier Scott Moe was asked that question on budget day Tuesday.

He responded, “Well, I think, in the not-too-distant future, what we will see, in the next number of days is, as you know, Saskatchewan was partaking in a memorandum of understanding on small modular reactors with the provinces of New Brunswick, as well as Ontario.

“You've also seen, more recently, interest from Alberta in joining that memorandum of understanding, to ensure that we are advocating and advancing the small modular reactor conversation technology and relationships of between, for us, as the Saskatchewan Power Corporation, and those folks that have the technology to build those types of those types of facilities.

“I would say you will see the three provinces, the three original signatories, as well as the fourth, being Alberta, coming out with some communication on this, over the course of the next number of days or week or two, with respect to the direction that we feel the small modular reactor conversation needs to go, and

to what level and what degree the federal government would need to participate in that conversation, both in advocating, advancing the technology and the relationships, but also financially.”

To that financial end, Moe said the they are looking to the federal government in financially participating, “ensuring that as we look ahead, we are, yes, reducing emissions in our electrical generation, our power grid here in Saskatchewan; but we are also doing right, by the people of the province.”

On carbon capture and storage, in particular with regards to coal-fired power generation, Moe said, “You may see a similar conversation with respect to carbon

capture and storage. We saw Alberta come forward with a request to the federal government, a week or two ago, with respect to the carbon capture and storage programs that are operating there. “ We have one of the first in Canada. One of the first, earliest versions around the world. The first postcombustion coal-fired carbon capture and storage plant, and I would just say that there is a broader story for us to focus in on, with respect to carbon capture and storage and that is the enhanced oil recovery piece.

“The opportunity that we have had in this province to not only revitalize an aging oilfield in the WeyburnMidale area, but the future

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Champagne is the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

Moe concluded, “So, many opportunities ahead

on both fronts, the small modular nuclear power reactors, as well as the potential for really taking the next step in carbon capture and storage and moving it, not only to bumping the yield, and taking carbon out of every fourth barrel of oil that we produce in the enhanced oil recovery process, but really moving this onto the next conversation around hydrogen production and some of the opportunities that we’re being informed about, quite frankly, by private industry there.”

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Local businesses move and merge under one roof

By Ana Bykhovskaia Southern Bolt Supply and Redneck Chain & Rigging have moved to a new location.

As of April 1, the two businesses merged and are now offering the entire product line at 516 Nesbitt Drive, behind Power Dodge.

Bernie Bjorndalen, who runs the business, said that while they were thinking about moving and merging businesses for a long time, buying a building in Estevan turned out to be a better option for their needs.

"It was always our intent to amalgamate the two businesses back together. (But there were) space limitations that we had … So we started looking for rental property and what was available in town and then came across a pretty good bargain on this building. So that's why we decided to go this way," Bjorndalen said.

Some of the current incentives offered by the City of Estevan to business owners and other conditions made this deal

even more attractive.

"Part of it is taking advantage of some of the city incentives, tax incentives. You take on a new property and improve your signage at the front, and … take advantage of some of the tax breaks that the city put forward. That was good timing for us too. And interest rates are fairly reasonable for purchasing now versus what they were or what they might be," Bjorndalen said.

The new building is about double the size of the area that was utilized by the two businesses before, and Bjorndalen said they have a lot of plans for it.

"We'll be increasing some of our product lines … We're working on some deals to increase our product offering," Bjorndalen said.

The increased storage capacity also allows them to keep a higher quantity of seasonal or more popular items, which will help to get the product to customers in the shortest times. "(We'll be bringing in

Southern Bolt Supply and Redneck Chain & Rigging are now located at 516 Nesbitt Dr. more supplies) for people that are renovating, some specialty screws and some fasteners, things like that to go along with it. And then some more adhesives, sprays, and maybe

The new building offers much more space and will allow the business to bring in more product.

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some paint and things like that."

The building, formerly utilized by Acadien Oilfield Services, came in really handy with shelving and display areas already set up to meet the needs of the new owners.

"It was ideal for our business," Bjorndalen said.

Some final things are still getting organized at the front and the back, but Bjorndalen said that with the help of employees they were able to move and start working out of the new location really quickly. The first day they saw customers coming in was March 22, and

now they just keep setting up supplies and organizing workspace, making sure everything works properly.

"We're still feeling our way around, getting things sorted out, putting stuff on the shelves, picking it up and moving it … That's nice to have all this space."

The business has four fulltime and several part-time employees, and Bjorndalen said they will be looking to add at least one more full-time position. Southern Bolt Supply was under the Bjorndalens' ownership for about four years, and

for about eight years before that, the business was run by different owners. All that time, they were operating out of a building on Fifth Street.

Southern Bolt Supply offers a wide variety of bolts, fasteners, chain and rigging materials, tools and supplies that go hand in hand with that.They also have some safety supplies and much more.

Their operation hours currently are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings, and their phone number at the new location is (306) 634-5778.

City offers support for renovated store fronts The City of Estevan has money available for businesses that are looking to improve the appearance of their storefronts.

Richard Sadick, the economic development co-ordinator for the City of Estevan, said the city wants to emphasize the downtown area, but the funding is available throughout Estevan.

The city has offered up to $10,000 or 70 per cent of a refurbishment for a storefront, whichever comes first, in the form of tax abatements, spread out over three years, on the municipal share of property tax.

“In order to get that $10,000, you’d actually have to spend $13,000,” said Sadick.

Businesses in downtown Estevan have already taken advantage of it, including the Blonde Beauty Lounge salon, and Sadick said owner Meagan Roy did a great job with the appearance of her business. Likewise Tony

Sereggela with the front of the Kōn Artisan Ice Cream shop, which is slated to open Wednesday.

“He’s taken advantage of this as well and done the front of his store, and it’s just absolutely first class. We’re hoping that what these folks have done is going to rub off on other stores and have them take advantage of it. They can do the same thing and make that downtown core look first class.”

Outside of the downtown area, Southern Bolt Supply and Redneck Chain and Rigging has capitalized on the funding for its new location in the Glen Industrial Park in northeast Estevan.

The funding would be available for any storefront improvements, such as a new sign, doors, windows or paint.

Anyone with questions can call Sadick at 306-634-1843 or email r.sadick@estevan.ca.

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www.estevanmercury.ca

April 14, 2021 A11

Distracted Driving Estevan RCMP still encounters distracted driving The Estevan RCMP continues to encounter issues with distracted driving in the region that it covers.

Cpl. Craig Park, who is the acting detachment commander, said they receive calls for erratic driving, and it could be for distracted driving or impaired driving.

By the time they find the suspect vehicle and pull it over, it can be difficult to determine the cause for the erratic driving, since people will deny they were driving while distracted.

“When you see a vehicle at one end of the road, and it’s weaving from yellow line to white line, it looks very much like an impaired driver.

We find the vehicle and pull it over, lots of times that it could turn out that it’s a … case of distracted driving,” said Park.

Cell phone usage, including texting and driving, is the most common and well-known form of distracted driving, but Park

said the RCMP encounters other types.

“Sometimes it could be something as simple as adjusting the climate (in the vehicle),” said Park. “You’re trying to figure out how to turn the heat up in your vehicle, or down, or it can be someone adjusting the radio volume.”

Spilling a coffee in your lap while driving can also cause a distraction.

The RCMP will encounter people eating in their vehicle while driving, especially now with an increase in drive-thru and

take-out orders during the pandemic.

Other people will bring their pets with them in the vehicle.

“Now all of a sudden you add an animal in the vehicle with you, and the pet can be curious about what’s going on, and now you’re distracted from what’s … going on, on the road,” said Park.

The RCMP has stopped many adults for distracted driving; it’s not just an issue for young people. A busy adult might be guilty of distracted driving because they’re eating while behind the wheel.

It’s also important to educate the public about maintaining their full attention on the road. It means telling people about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving, and other forms of distracted driving. “ There’s all kinds of hands-free things that are available now to keep your focus on the road. Often-

PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY.

times if we see somebody with an animal in their vehicle, we’ll try to educate them that there’s harnesses to harness them in the backseats, or safer ways to transport them.”

Distracted driving carries the obvious risk of causing a collision that could lead to serious injury or even death, he said. But there are also harsh penalties for those who choose to allow their attention to be diverted.

Cell phone use while driving carries heavy penalties and demerit points from Saskatchewan Government Insurance. Driving without due care and attention can result in a fine if there’s a collision.

“There’s lots of penalties associated with it, and lots of different outcomes that could come from it,” said Park.

He tries to tell people that they’re driving a bullet down the road, so it’s best to pay attention to what’s happening.

Lori Carr, MLA

Keep your eyes on the road.

Dr. Robert Kitchen MP

Souris-Moose Mountain

Estevan RCMP Cpl. Craig Park. File photo

Estevan Constituency Office 306.634.7311 loricarrmla@sasktel.net

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Beautiful art on a driveway This work of art was created on a driveway on Brooks Road in Estevan on April 6.

Maxx Janecke and Haven Bourassa created the 12-foot by 12-foot chalk drawing, with the assistance of their younger siblings Miley Janecke and Talon Bourassa.

They dedicated hours to the design. Photo by Brandy Janecke

Clearing a path Robin Garchinski was out Tuesday morning to blow snow from an entrance of the Fired Up Grill restaurant in Estevan. A snowstorm that hit Estevan Sunday has dumped inches of snow on the city and elsewhere, providing some much-needed moisture, but forcing many to clear snow from their homes and businesses. The storm also caused problems on the highways. Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.

Council gets first look at land development bylaws Estevan city council gave first reading to a pair of land development bylaws at its meeting April 5.

The first is for two amendments to the existing development appeals board bylaw.

When it comes to board numbers, there have been situations in which the city has had less than five members appointed for appeals.

The amended bylaw would stipulate a maximum of five members instead of a minimum of five.

Also, if a developer submits an application that warrants a variance to allow for issues such as additional floor space or building height, there could be a 10 per cent variance, which land development services manager Richard Neufeld said is common.

The current zoning bylaw does not allow for any variance powers.

Should a variance request be in excess of 10 per cent and appear reasonable, the only option would be through the development appeals board.

The other bylaw is for a lane closure

behind Westview Place. Neufeld said council and administration, along with the adjoining five landowners, have agreed in principle to begin the process of formally closing the laneway, which runs south of Westview Place.

The next step is to add the north four metres of the closed laneway to the adjoining lots and the southern two metres of laneway to the adjoining park land.

Land development ser vices manager Richard Neufeld said it likely won’t be brought forward again for a couple of months.

Second and third reading will be needed for both bylaws.

• • • Council revisited the issue of the proposed Rock-N-Wash car wash facility in the Glen Peterson Industrial Park.

Darrell Mack and Sylvain Blouin from the Rock-N-Wash appeared before council at the March 8 meeting, and asked for support from the city for the project to proceed, and they also sought to be reimbursed $590,105,

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plus GST, they spent on a lot in the industrial park in 2013. Then they would purchase the lot back for $1, since the city is offering lots in the park for that price.

Council tabled the request to the economic development board at that time to see if there was any way to assist the business.

The project did not meet the requirements in order to move a motion forward for funding through the coal transition committee.

During the presentation last month, Blouin and Mack pointed out that since they did not commence construction within 180 days, as outlined in the purchase agreement they presented, they could receive a return on the balance of the purchase price.

Councillor Travis Rank noted that wasn’t the case in the contract.

• • • Council approved a tender for the watermain replacement and roadway reconstruction project for Veterans Avenue, from Veterans Crescent to Nicholson Road.

The tender was awarded to Genco Asphalt for $197,340 for preparing sub-grade, then supplying and installing the sub-base, base, asphalt prime and, tack coat asphalt.

The project consists of approximately a 120-metre watermain, and is slated to start

July 12. It’s expected to take about a month to complete.

• • • The dust control program tender was awarded to Fort Distributors for $120,879.

The company has supplied and applied the product for the past few years, and the city has been pleased with the results. The price is for two applications in the early summer and early fall, using magnesium chloride.

• • • Council gave the green light for Moonlight Cannabis to open at 126 Fourth Street, adding a second cannabis retailer to the city.

The outlet will share a building with a new drive-thru liquor retailer.

• • • Councillor Shelly Veroba brought forward an inquiry from a resident who lives near the Dennis Moore Centennial Park.

The resident wants to see the water for the spray park left off until noon to reduce the traffic and noise from the park.

Councillor Kirsten Walliser would like to have information on when the washrooms for the parks open, while Councillor Rebecca Foord urged people to take advantage of the parks and all of the good things that are available outdoors, as they are still safe.

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Minor football still hopes to have U18 football team in Estevan this year Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football (EMF) still hopes that it can have an under-18 football team this spring.

Estevan, along with the associations for Weyburn, Yorkton, Swift Current and Moose Jaw, held a Zoom call on April 6 to discuss the possibility of the U18 league, which would give football players who didn’t have a chance to play high school football in the fall of 2020 an opportunity to play.

A team from the Maple Creek-Shaunavon area has also expressed an interest in joining.

Kevin Mortenson, the president of the EMF, said the call went well. They’re going to have another meeting on April 20.

“If everything’s all clear and all good, we’re going to start conditioning and cardio

for a week or a week and a half after that,” said Mortenson.

Then in early May, they would hand out equipment, start practising and learning formations and plays.

“With us being outdoors, we’ll be, hopefully, able to keep in groups of eight when we’re practising, and do our protocols. Whatever Football Saskatchewan and Sask. Health wants us to do, we’ll do our best to do that.”

Around May 15, a sixgame schedule would begin that would run until the end of June.

A decision has yet to be made on whether it would be nine-player or 12-player football.

Estevan has had 31 kids show interest, while the other communities are between 30 and 40 kids.

“I think once the players

see that we’re actually out there and we’re actually serious that we’re going to be able to play, I think we’ll get some more recruits,” said Mortenson.

He believes it would help the program if kids are able to return to in-person learning in Estevan’s schools starting on April 26, which is the scheduled date.

There have been some people in the community who have approached Mortenson to say they would help with coaching. They are still looking for coaches for the season, and they’re also in need of officials.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has not given the league the green light to proceed. People in Moose Jaw and Yorkton have done most of the lobbying with the health authority for the season.

Mortenson believes that a month ago, they likely would

have had the green light to play, as the COVID-19 caseload was low in the communities where they hope to play. But Estevan and other areas have seen an increase in numbers.

“If it was weather permit-

ting a month ago, we probably could have played,” said Mortenson.

But he’s still optimistic they’ll be able to get a season in, and give the high school students, particularly

the Grade 12s, a chance to play football this season.

Mortenson said they also hope to have conditioning sessions, with non-contact sessions, for kids in their other age groups this spring.

Carivale’s Kade McMillen commits to play university hockey The Estevan Bruins have announced that graduating defenceman Kade McMillen of Carievale has committed to play for the Trinity Western University Spartans USports program for the 2021-22 season.

McMillen played three seasons for the Bruins, logging big minutes on the blueline since his rookie year in 2018-19, while stepping into a leadership role, serving as an alternate captain for his final two seasons.

McMillen was also an offensive threat with 56 points (12 goals, 44 assists) in 113 games played, and was poised to hover around a point per game this year before the SJHL season ended in November. McMillen was also chosen to represent the Bruins at the annual SJHL Showcase in 2019 and 2020, and for a virtual showcase

in 2021.

As a player who grew up in southeast Saskatchewan and played some of his minor hockey in Estevan, McMillen was one of the familiar faces for the Bruins out in the community during his time in Estevan. McMillen donated hundreds of hours to attending community events, appearing at minor hockey practices, signing autographs and chatting with Bruins’ supporters.

For his efforts, McMillen was named as both the Estevan Bruins RBC Community Ambassador and the SJHL’s RBC Community Ambassador in the 2019-20 season. The recognition also allowed McMillen to choose both the Carnduff Education Complex and Westview School in Estevan as recipients of a $1,000 donation.

“I’m very excited to fur-

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ther my education and hockey career at Trinity Western University. I cannot wait to be a part of the winning culture for the Spartans,” said McMillen.

The Spartans, based in Langley, B.C., are coached

by Estevan native and former Bruin Barret Kropf. Kropf built the Spartans into a winner in the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League, with championships in 2017 and 2018. They are preparing for their first season in USports men’s hockey.

“Throughout his U18 and junior A career, Kade has been an elite performer at both ends of the ice. He has great leadership bloodlines, with his father being a captain in the WHL for a number of seasons. Kade has displayed that same leadership on and off the ice; and we are looking forward to

him adding to our culture here,” said Kropf.

“We’re very happy to see Kade’s commitment to Trinity Western, who are entering the Canada West Division in USports this season. Kade has the tools to be successful at this level, and this will be a big offseason for him as he enters a very experienced league. Kade has been a big part of our organization on and off the ice, and we will continue to watch his career grow at Trinity Western,” said Bruins head coach and GM Jason Tatarnic.

With McMillen committing to the Spartans, he’ll join another Bruins’ alumni member in Hayden Guilderson with the Spartans.

McMillen is the first player from the 2020-21 Bruins to commit to a USports or NCAA program this offseason.

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CLASSIFIEDS A15

| Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

Obituaries

Feed & Seed

Obituaries Rodney Butler 1935 - 2021

Rodney Butler passed away at the St. Joseph's Special Care Home in Estevan, Sask. on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the age of 85.

Rodney's memory will be forever cherished by his loving family: wife of 52 years, Delores Butler (née Bonokoski); daughters: Melanie (Mark) Tribiger and Janelle (Trevor) Luddington; granddaughter Isla Tribiger; grandson Burton Luddington, baby Luddington, arriving in June of 2021 and honourary son Brent (Raelene) Fieber. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Cec Parks, Anton (Loretta) Bonokoski, Jerome (Bev) Bonokoski, Neil Bonokoski, Duane (Dunia) Bonokoski, Anna Marie (Ken) Baker, Audrey (Richard) Garrioch, Jeanette (Robert) Badley, Barb (Randy) Clauson, Bernice (Kevin) Bloor, Norma (Dave) Romanoski, Della (Rod) Kupper, Laura Erick and Angie Muir, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Lana Diane Butler; parents: Lillian (Dixon) and Horace Butler; brother Roy (Stella) Butler; sisters: Phyllis (Lawrence) Bloor and Audrey Parks; parentsin-law: Mary and Isidor Bonokoski; brothers-in-law: Ron Bonokoski, Daniel Bonokoski and Allan Tenold; sister-in-law Susan Bonokoski.

Rodney was born on October 7, 1935 in Oungre, Sask. He was in charge of the chicken coop at age five, attended school in the Oungre area until grade eight when he left school to work on the family farm. He moved to Estevan in 1962 and began work at the Co-op and became involved with the Frontiersmen. Rodney married Delores Bonokoski in 1968. They moved to Frontier, Sask. in 1969 where Rodney managed the Co-op. In 1972, Rodney and Delores made the move to Torquay, Sask. where they became the owners/operators of Bonnie's Cafe, employing a number of Delores' siblings. Rodney took an interest in fish and began raising them while in Torquay. In fact, Rodney had a lifelong love of animals, and had numerous pets over the years. The next move was back to Estevan in 1976 to open DelRod's Fin & Feather. It was here that Rodney met Brent Fieber, who became like a son to him. In 1980, Rodney began employment at the Derrick Motor Hotel.

Rodney and Delores moved to Hitchcock, Sask. Melanie was born in 1983 and Rodney started a new chapter as a stay-at-home dad from 1983 to 1987. The year 1987 also brought the birth of Janelle, a move back to Estevan and new employment with Sereggela Inns. A new opportunity took Rodney to a job at the Beefeater Inn in 1995.

Due to a stroke in 2013, he was forced to retire - much to his chagrin, as he planned on working until age 80, and he was only 78 at the time. However, he soon discovered that retirement wasn't such a bad thing. His granddaughter Isla was born in 2012, and retirement gave him the special opportunity to become Isla's full-time babysitter, with assistance from Delores, which gave him such joy and a sense of purpose. He formed a special bond with Isla, who affectionately referred to him as "buddy" rather than grandpa, because "he's not just my grandpa, he's my best friend!" Rodney suffered a second stroke in 2015, which eventually necessitated his move to the St. Joseph's Special Care Home in 2017. Despite his setbacks and limitations, including a heart attack in 2018, that year also held some joyous events for Rodney as well, including the birth of his grandson Burton and he and Delores' 50th wedding anniversary. Burton has been a miniature Rodney right from birth. His features and mannerisms remind us of him every day.

Despite being bedridden and unable to leave the care home for long periods of time, Rodney remained an active member of our family, with family holiday gatherings taking place at the care home. He also managed to attend Isla's dance recital and a lacrosse game.

Prior to the Covid-19 lock down, he was in good stable health. The isolation he felt because of Covid-19 restrictions eventually led to his cognitive decline, which in turn led to the decline of his physical health. After one year of limited family interactions, we are mourning his death.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, Sask. with Marian Huber officiating. Due to ongoing restrictions, the service will be attended by immediate family only. However, everyone is invited to join the family virtually via live stream, by using this link: https://vimeo.com/533744504/415b3c6b1f The live stream will begin at approximately 1:55 p.m. If you are unable to join at that time, a recording of the service will be available afterwards, via the same link.

For family and friends so wishing, donations in Rodney's memory may be made directly to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation (designate to Long Term Care), 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, Sask., S4A 0H3.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for the Butler family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

William James Jackson 1928 - 2021 William James Jackson, late of Regina, Sask. and formerly of Estevan Sask., passed away peacefully at the age of 92 at the Regina General Hospital on Thursday, April 1, 2021.

Bill will be forever lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Rita (nee Ulmer) and their loving family: son Jeffrey (Bonnie) and grandchildren Daniel (Tanya) and great-grandchildren Cole and Eli, Michelle (Taryn Carr) and great-granddaughter Leia; daughter Bonny (Lindsey Roy) and grandsons Schuyler and Jordan.

Born in Qu’Appelle, Sask. on December 4, 1928, Bill moved to Bienfait in 1941 and to Estevan in 1945 before joining the Canadian Navy. Returning to Estevan in 1948, he first worked for Quist’s grocery store and later joined the CPR as a trainman.

During this time, he went to a dance in Macoun and met his wife to be and life long dance partner, Rita Ulmer.

Bill and Rita settled in Estevan and had two children, Jeff and Bonny. As the railroad had him away from home frequently, he quit the CPR and joined the Royalite Oil Company as a bulk fuel agent.

The company transferred them to Weyburn for two and a half years but Bill decided his future was elsewhere. In 1968 he bought the established Bastian Furs in Estevan so the family moved back home. The Bastians stayed on for 6 months to teach Bill and Rita about furs and repairs. Later Bill and Rita branched out and expanded into Ladies Wear. Bill’s sparkling blue eyes, wit and charm allowed them to run a very successful business for 18 years before selling and retiring in 1987.

Bill took up the sport of golf in 1955 while working on the railroad. While waiting for the trains to unload, he went across the border to Portal’s sand green course. It wasn’t long before he became one of the better golfers in Estevan and the surrounding area. Over the years, he won many championships and he continued to a have a strong love of the game. In fact, he played his last game when he was 89!

After selling the business, Bill and Rita became snowbirds for the next 19 years. First they had a motorhome and they travelled with friends to golf courses over most of the southern states. Then they settled in an over 55 park first in Tucson and then Mesa, Arizona. Besides golf, summers at home in Estevan were enjoyed with gardening and grandchildren. Bill loved berry picking and had a long standing competition of wine making with his brother Bob and sister Ruth.

Bill was always willing to jump in and be of service. He was club president of the Woodlawn Golf Course for many years, as well as a member of both the Royal Canadian Legion and the Elks Club.

Even in Arizona, he served as Master of Ceremony of the park’s functions as well as the recycling caretaker. He was an elder at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for many years.

Bill and Rita moved to Regina to The Bentley in 2017 where Bill enjoyed good health and many blessings right up to his last couple days. He will be dearly missed but was surrounded with love as he went home to be with His Father.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Bill's family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Thelma Lorraine Dixon Thelma Lorraine Dixon passed away at the Gainsborough and Area Health Centre, Gainsborough, Sk. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at the age of 91.

Thelma is survived by her husband Wylie Dixon; seven children: Darleen Duce (Doug Perry), Garry Coulter (Laurie), Donna Ehrmantraut (Duane), Hal Coulter (Sheila), Ron Coulter (Donna), Della Guenther (Russel), Kelvin Coulter (Roni Sue); 24 grandchildren, 33 greatgrandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Shirley Gallant (Ray); numerous nieces and nephews; step-children Laurie (Garry), Kimberley (Randy), and Garth Dixon.

She is predeceased by her brothers, Melbourne Studer, Henry Studer, Duane Studer; sisters, Elvira Duke, Violet Eilers, and Leola Williams; parents Fredrick and Barbara (Arend) Studer.

A Private Family Funeral Service was held at the Carievale United Church, Carievale, Sk. Saturday March 27, 2021 with Reverend Rob Reed Officiating.

Internment took place at the Carievale Cemetery following the service.

Donations in Thelma’s memory may be given to the Gainsborough Hospital Auxilary, c/o Donna Shaw, Box 389, Gainsborough, Sk. S0C 0Z0 or The Carievale Cemetery Fund, Box 88, Carievale, Sk. S0C 0P0

Thank You:

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff at the Gainsborough and Area Health Center for the wonderful care that mom received during her final years spent with you.

Also thank you to everyone for their kindness and generosity in the form of words, cards, food, flowers and phone calls. Each one is greatly appreciated.

In MeMorIaM

In MeMorIaM In Memory of Efford’s Vic - Dec. 23, 1919 Apr. 16, 1981 Susie - May 10, 1917 Nov. 2, 2010 Ronnie - Dec. 9, 1951 July 11, 2014 Bobby - Oct. 25, 1948 Sept. 15, 2018 The world changes From year to year Our lives from day to day But the love and Memory of you Shall never pass away Your Family

In Memory of Jean Wilson Passed Away April 17, 2020 No Words will express how much I miss you I miss our daily chats, visits and monthly getaways.

I miss all those special occasions we had together.

When Covid hit, it kept us apart, But all those memories I’ll hold dear to my heart.

Love You Forever Until we meet again Your Daughter Bev Holinaty

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Feed & Seed

Notices / NomiNatioNs Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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

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aMisk, busby, Conlon, CDC austEnson, CDC MavEriCk, CErvEza, sunDrE. Peas aaC PEaCE rivEr (vEry Early yEllow), CDC Horizon (ForaGE), PolisH Canola, sPrinG tritiCalE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609 FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc.

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Career OppOrtunities

Now hiring CROP HAIL ADJUSTERS for the 2021 hail season (Jul-Oct).

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Late model, clean CAT, JD equip; winch, dump, gravel trucks, and trailers. Both camp and shop locations; R & B provided Wage negotiable.

Clean drivers abstract a must.

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

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Allan Moroz 1945 - 2021 Allan Moroz passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan, Sask. on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at the age of 75.

Allan's memory will be forever cherished by his wife Karen Moroz; son Lee (Christina) Moroz and grandchildren: Trey Moroz and his mother Bianca, and Harmonee Moroz; daughter Melissa Moroz (Doug Hayward) and grandchildren: Chelsey Willette and Lena Hayward; step daughter Sandra (Dennis) Struble and their children; brother Rod Moroz; niece Brandy (Aren) Miller and niece Bonnie (Brian) Rudneski.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Joyce Moroz and his parents: Harry & Linda Moroz.

In keeping with Allan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service will take place at Souris

Valley Memorial Gardens.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Allan's family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

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Crews called to grass fire southeast of Estevan Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) crews were called out twice over the past weekend.

On Saturday, at about 3:30 p.m., firefighters responded to a report of a grass fire southeast of Estevan. Upon arrival, crews encountered a small grass fire occurring. They were able to bring it under control and completely extinguish it in about one hour.

There were injuries

and no damage to the property as a result of the fire.

The second call came in on Sunday just after 12 p.m. The EFRS crews responded to a fire alarm that went off in the south area of Estevan. Upon arrival, firefighters determined that the alarm was faulty, and caused by power outages occurring at the time in the area.

They reset the system and returned to the station.

Southeast groups and organizations benefit from gaming grants Groups and organizations in the province that raise funds through charitable gaming activities are receiving approximately $1.1 million in charitable gaming grants.

"Charitable gaming grants enhance the fundraising efforts of many volunteer

organizations by supporting worthwhile community initiatives in the areas of health care, education and recreation," said Jim Reiter, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. "We appreciate the efforts of volunteers in their communities

CAREER

CAREER is currently seeking a full time, possibly permanent, WAREHOUSE & MERCHANDISING POSITION

Assistant Golf Superintendent

Mainprize Regional Park Seeking a highly energetic, motivated individual to join our golf course maintenance team. The assistant will be working directly with the Superintendent in managing all aspects of the golf course.

- Daily monitoring of playing conditions - Irrigation use and repair - Assist in calibration and application of all fertilizer and chemicals - Maintaining a safe environment for staff and guests

Duties include: ∆ receiving & organizing freight ∆ staging orders ∆ merchandising retail store ∆ cleaning & organizing

This is a seasonal position (8 to 9 months/year) with the intent that the applicant will have perpetual employment with the Mainprize Golf Course.

trict Lions Club, $1,186.81; • L a m p m a n Fa m i l y Centre, $198.75; • M O RE 2 0 0 0 O r ganization Inc. of Midale, $401.92; • Bow Valley Villa Corp. of Oxbow, $1,562.31; • Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command District 1 in Oxbow, $645.96; and • Redvers Activity Centre Foundation Inc., $207.31.

The charitable gaming grant program supports groups and organizations that conduct c har itable gaming, including licensed bingos, raffles, break-open tickets, Texas hold 'em poker and Monte Carlo events.

Groups and organizations receive a grant equal to 25 per cent of the net revenues raised from these activities, up to a maximum grant of $100,000 annually. More than 300 groups received grants during the latest quarter ending Dec. 31, 2020.

Town of Bienfait

Wages negotiable Forklift experience would be beneficial

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Town of Bienfait for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open in the office of the assessor from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday, April 7 to June 9, 2021.

Apply in person at 104 Hwy 47S or email resume to admin.floorstore@sasktel.net

A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of the Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Send resume too admin@mainprizepark.com

Stay up

ESTATE ESTEVANMERCURY GRASSWOOD AREAL UCTIO NS to date .CA

ESTEVAN .CA

7 PROPERTIES FOR AUCTION ESTEVAN MERCURY

IN ESTEVAN, SK.

MERCURY .CA

AUCTION DATES APRIL 27 & 28, 2021

This court ordered sale is being conducted for MNP Ltd. (the “Receiver”) in its capacity as Court Appointed Receiver of 101118672 Saskatchewan Ltd.

and are pleased to provide them with this additional funding."

Organizations from Estevan received more than $25,000 in support, including: • E s t e v a n Au t o Racing Association (2000) Inc., $665.62; • Estevan Bruins Junior A Hockey Club, $14,385.66; • Estevan Day Care Cooperative, $1,974.38; • Estevan Elks Lodge No. 113 Inc., $173.75; • Estevan Kinette Club, $1,130; • Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football Inc., $5,434.85; and • St. Joseph's Health Care Auxiliary, $1,270.75.

Also receiving support were: • Benson Recreational Facility Club Inc., $ 230.63; • Carievale Community Bingo, $502.39; • Frobisher Volunteer Fire Department, $322.72; • Lampman and Dis-

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES 126-130 Perkins Street, Estevan 77-79 Devonian Street & 353 Imperial Avenue, Estevan 118 Highway 47 S, Estevan 122 Highway 47 S, Estevan 260-270 Kensington Avenue S, Estevan

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BREAKING NEWS ESTEVAN

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal along with a fifty dollar ($50.00) fee to: The Assessor, Town of Bienfait, Box 220, Bienfait, SK. S0C 0M0 by the 9th day of June 2021.

MERCURY .CA

Dated this 7th day of April 2021.

ESTEVAN

J. Franklin Assessor

MERCURY .CA

WE’VE MOVED!

Our new office is located at: 400 King Street, Estevan

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FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE AND TWITTER

REGISTER AT https://grasswoodauctions.hibid.com/auctions/ The listing is a guide and is in no way a warranty or guarantee, actual or implied. The sale is subject to additions and deletions.

The auction service or owners are not responsible for any accidents or errors.

Settlement MUST be made the day of the sale.

SETTLEMENT IN FULL BEFORE REMOVAL Terms: Bank Direct or E-Transfer.

Sale conducted by Grasswood Auctions Auctioneer: Kelly Minisofer, P.L. #914915

Watch our website for catalogues & pictures www.grasswoodauctions.com or call Kelly (306) 380-5255 or (306) 955-4044 Email us at grasswoodauctions@gmail.com

Home Auto Life Investments Group Business Farm Travel

The Co-operators 400 King Street, Estevan 306-634-4413 | www.cooperators.ca/local/2ndst-weyburn

Not all products available in all provinces.

BUSINESS SERVICES LEGAL

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CHEERS & JEERS A17 | Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

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Flashback – Wednesday, April 13, 1983

Cheers Cheers to the three full-grown deer who visited a local home recently. They stopped on the driveway, the lawn, and stood right outside an open bedroom window. Then they gracefully leaped over the fence, one at a time, and walked down the city walkway and into the valley.

Cheers to the children who created a beautiful chalk drawing on a driveway on Brooks Road last week. What a great way to spend their time during the Easter break.

Cheers to the provincial government for finally committing money towards the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home. The expansion of the addictions centre at the hospital is a bonus.

Cheers to the Estevan Mercury for the Mind, Body and Soul section found in last week’s paper.

Some great insights from those who contributed the columns.

Cheers to the Estevan and District Music Festival Association for finding a way to have a festival this year, and allowing kids to showcase their talents. Hopefully this will be the only year with a digital format.

Cheers to the SaskPower crews who were out in the wind and rain on the weekend to restore power in the Estevan area. It can’t be easy working in those types of conditions.

Jeers Jeers to the motorists who thought they could drive the same way in the rain and the snow that they did during the beautiful weather conditions.

Speeding and tail-gating is not a safe way to drive, especially when the weather sucks.

Jeers to the motorists who zip through the yield sign at the intersection of Sixth Street and Souris Avenue South. If motorists on Souris who have the right of way have to slow down, then it means someone else was too aggressive.

Jeers to all those who still insist on texting and driving. Put the damn phone down and keep your focus on the road.

A group that completed a safety course in March 1983, received their diplomas at the fire hall in midApril. The eight week course was sponsored by Estevan branch of the Wildlife Federation. Front row, from left, Marcus Olheiser, Nicky Cunningham, Kevin Mortenson, Sidney Mitchell, Kelly Dukart, David Mitchell, Trevor Stegger and Kelly Birdsell. Second row, Terry Cunningham, Brent Schindel, Rodney Mainprize, John Conrad, Jeff Heppner, Eugene Zieglgansberger, Robert Coleman and Paul Jahn.

Back row, Tedd Mikkonen (instructor), George Olheiser, Dan Olshanoski and Bill Schindel.

The challenge of seeing your blessings When Kevin Kinard was seven years old, his school went on a field trip to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park. For the last 26 years, he has been going back to the park in search of diamonds.

It is not a crazy quest. Since 1906, 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed in the park, but Kinard always came home empty-handed. That is, until September of last year.

On the Labour Day weekend, Kinard and some friends went back to the park and he picked up anything that looked shiny or interesting. By the end of the day, he had a bag full of rocks, but nothing that looked like a diamond.

In fact, he was not even going to get them checked. However, one of his friends thought they might have found something, so Kinard decided to go to the ranger’s station and submit his collection as well.

Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ To Kinard’s surprise, not only had he found a diamond, it was the second largest diamond in the history of the park. Kinard went home with a 9.7 carat diamond that was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

My favourite part of that story is the fact that he almost dumped his bag of rocks without getting them checked. Sometimes we simply do not realize what we have.

Similarly, in our everyday lives, it is easy to undervalue our blessings. It is tempting to focus only on our problems

or the things that upset us. However, it is much better to look for and expect good things. That way, even when bad things do happen, you are able to reframe the situation so that you can learn and grow from it. Often, the way we choose to see the situations that we are in is just as important as the situations themselves.

When you learn to value what you already have, you might be surprised by what else you find.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7)

Have you welcomed a new puppy into your home recently?

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

Water

Softeners

 NEW ARRIVAL 

ANNE MEYER LANDYN Mitchell & Chelsea (nee Kawecki) Meyer would like to announce their new baby girl, Landyn Anne Meyer Proud grandparents are Peggy & Gregg Kawecki; Gerry & Patti Meyer; Holly Hetherington Proud sibling is Jaxton

mar.

29

th

2021

DAUGHTER 7 lb 3 oz

Start off on the right foot with Puppy Good Start Training Classes!

• experienced, educated trainers • over 25 years training experiences • up to date with new courses • knowledgeable about animal behaviours

Training & Boarding

306-421-6155

Did you know home renovations, including new central air conditioners, water softeners, R.O.’s, fireplaces, and furnaces qualify for up to a $2100 tax credit with the new Home Renovation Tax Credit?

Call Mid-City for more information 306-634-5512

“The place to sit, stay and play!”

1237 6th St. Estevan, SK S4A 1A9 www.mid-cityplumbing.com

kids speak What’s your favorite thing about Estevan?

Abby Swanson

Age: 6 “I like the movie theatre, the swimming pool and the Energy Outlet because they’re fun.”

Jackson Enns

Age: 7 “We have a big swimming pool, lots of fun parks and a big field near my house to play soccer or football.”

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

www.scotsburndental.com

A18 April 14, 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

A Message From The Mayor Please visit our website for some fantastic Tourism Experiences.

FITNESS

GRAB A BAG AND

SCOOP THE

ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE - 2021

SCHEDULE

POOP

EFFECTIVE - April 19- May 9, 2021 Sunday

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

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

SPIN 6:10 am - 6:50 am

SPIN 6:10 am - 6:50 am

GRIT 6:10 am - 6:50 am

SPIN 6:10 am - 6:50 am

GRIT 6:10 am - 6:50 am

GRIT CORE BARRE SPIN SPIN GRIT 9:10 am - 9:50 am ABOVE 9:10 am - 9:50 am 9:10 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am *NOT ON APRIL 19 - 10:15 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am EASY STRETCH CORE BARRE SPIN SPIN EASY STRETCH 10:10 am - 10:50 am 10:15 am ABOVE - 10:55 am 10:15 am - 10:55 am 10:10 am - 10:50 am *NOT ON APRIL 19 10:30 am - 11:10 am

SPIN 9:10 am - 9:50 am

GRIT 11:10 am - 11:50 am

UGS DOODLECBARE PLAY RCH 1ST OPE9:N00SamM-A11:00 am

AFTERNOON / EVENING SPIN 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm *NOT ON APRIL 19 SPIN / CORE 5:10 pm - 6:10 pm

SPIN 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm SPIN 6:30 pm - 7:10 pm

SPIN 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm WEIGHT ROOM

Help keep our parks, pathways and streets clean.

OPEN 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

8

DELICIOUS DISHES

FOR

15

$

You could win $500!

00 EACH

ENTER AT CULINARYMONTH.COM

OPEN 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

OPEN 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

OPEN 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

OPEN 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

OPEN 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

OPEN 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Class Descriptions

www.estevan.ca

ACTIVITY

#EGGSBENNYMONTH

ENTER AT CULINARYMONTH.COM

iday

Monday - Fr

SPIN 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm

DESCRIPTION

AQUA AWE (must be 16 years of age)

Aqua AWE features impact free exercises designed to improve balance, agility, posture, flexibility and core strength. Facility Daily Pass Required. Low Intensity

CORE/ BARRE ABOVE (must be 16 years of age)

This extra long fitness class combines the best of both worlds. Core focuses an ab workout for your front, lower back and sides while Barre Above will challenge your flexibility, stability and strength. This workout is not only fun and dynamic, but it will sculpt your body and get you into shape. Facility Daily Pass Required. High Intensity

DEEP WATER POWER (must be 16 years of age)

An intense power deep water class that incorporates cardiovascular fitness, core strengthening and toning. Participant swimming skills not required but must be comfortable moving in deep water. Floatation equipment will be provided. Facility Daily Pass Required. High Intensity

EASY GRIT (must be 16 years of age)

Designed for beginners in fitness looking for general strengthening of muscles and joints. Low intensity exercises focusing on getting our bodies moving again. Facility Daily Pass Required. Low Intensity

EASY STRETCH (must be 16 years of age)

Stretching is one of the most important elements of maintaining a balanced, healthy, and strong body, but all too often it gets left out at the end of a long and tiring workout. Come warmed up – relax, unwind, and combat muscle tightness in this 40-minute class. Facility Daily Pass Required. Low Intensity

FOAM ROLLER (must be 16 years of age)

The Foam Roller Stretch Class is designed to provide self-myofascial release of connective tissue throughout the body to help improve flexibility, decrease muscular stiffness and pain, and help with alignment. During the class you will use the roller to release trigger points and tight spots throughout the body through dynamic rolling or by applying pressure on tight or knotted areas. Limit of 12/class. Facility Daily Pass Required. Low Intensity

LUNCHTIME CARDIO (must be 16 years of age)

Body weight cardio class, combing step, plyometrics and core endurance exercises for people who want a quick sweat during lunch break.

Facility Daily Pass Required. Low Intensity

GRIT (must be 16 years of age)

(Group Interval Training) A moderate to advanced workout incorporating steps, weights, and bands that emphasize aerobic, interval, resistance and strength training. It’s Tabata, pyramids, or AMRAPs. You’ll work for 10 seconds to 3 minutes to your fitness level; get a well-deserved break and do it all over again! Facility Daily Pass Required. High Intensity

SPIN (must be 16 years of age)

Outdoor cycling workout indoors, designed for ‘new recruits’ and ‘veteran riders.’ Designed to enhance endurance and strength, the cardiovascular benfiets are fantastic! Your experienced instructor will professionally t you to your bike and guide you toward a super-energizing workout set to uplifting music. Facility Daily Pass Required. High Intensity

SPIN/CORE (must be 16 years of age)

This extra long fitness class combines the best of both worlds. Core’s focus is an ab workout for your front, lower back and sides while Spin is designed to enhance endurance and strength, the cardiovascular benefits are fantastic! Facility Daily Pass Required. High Intensity

Must be 16 years of age to participate in fitness classes and have a completed Par-Q Questionnaire prior to participating in classes. The questionnaire lets our fitness instructors determine abilities and needs of each participant.

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

Date: April 6, 2021 File: 02SUB2021 Re:

NOTICE OF PROPOSED LANE RIGHT OF WAY CLOSURE WESTVIEW PLACE

The Council of the City of Estevan herein gives property owner notification of its intent to pass a Bylaw in accordance with Section 13 of the Cities Act, 2002, authorizing the closure and cancellation of Lane Right-of-way located adjacent to Lots 1-5, Blk 150, Plan AM 7960 as described below and on the attached map. “the entire lane adjoining Lots 1-5, Blk 150, Plan AM 7960”.

The purpose of the proposed lane closure is to facilitate a subdivision proposal to add the north 4m of laneway to the adjoining lots 1-5, Blk 150, Plan AM 7960; and the remaining portion of the proposed lane closure to the adjoining City Park legally described as Blk A, Plan 101260673.

Any person(s) claiming to be affected prejudicially by the proposed bylaw may submit their written objections and/or advise of their intent to be heard by Council, by contacting the City Clerk’s office, Legislative Services, City Hall, 1102 Fourth Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan, S4A 0W7, on or before 12:00 noon, the 30th day of April, 2021.

Yours truly, Richard Neufeld, B.SC., RPP, MCIP Land Development Services 1102 Fourth Street, Estevan, SK, S4A 0W7

Phone: (306) 634-1800

r.neufeld@estevan.ca