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Downward trajectory Thankful for support.

Creighton Lodge shares COVID experience.

PAGE A6

Keep growing.

Estevan business community welcomes two new members.

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There have been some chilly days in Estevan of late, but not too cold for Liam Jones. He was excited to be at the Dennis Moore Centennial Park – one of a number of youths to be seen at a local park in recent days. With the rising temperatures, you can expect to see more young people at Estevan’s recreational facilities. Photo by David Willberg

Dreams Will Never Die. Ex-Estevanites release debut single.

History of Estevan to come back to life through revamped walking tour

The city wanted to resurrect the tour for a while. Last History is reviving in a fall, they launched the Backnew modern format. roads of Estevan audio tour, PAGE A8 Last week Tourism Es- which helped them to gauge tevan and the Souris Valley the interest in the history of Museum announced the His- the area. The audio tour turned torical Walking Tour's launch. out to be a success, and the The activity is a redesign and city decided to go ahead and replacement of the original develop a new product, looking Historical Walking Tour of at more specific aspects of the Estevan that was released in local history. the 1980s.

The tour's core route and "This tour gives visitors stories mirror the original tour Package includes $50 Gift Cards from: Jenny Joans | A&A Jewellery | Eddie aWebster's Pharmasave | 1124 Social House chance |to explore the streets but |with added bonuses of Ice Factory | Soul Hideout | Fired Upof Grill | Henders House of Estevan andDrugs learn| about theStationery trivia, photos, audio playback rich history and interesting and directions. The tour focuses Love you mom. Prize courtesy of stories that lie in the buildings on the stories of people who Learn about were instrumental in creat- lived in the homes rather than HOWthat TO ENTER: Follow the local businesses listed above the Mercury’s ing Estevan as itonis Facebook. today," said the architecture itself. Not to Watch for posts this week & enter to win!

Rebecca Westling, destination worry, though; architecture still Mother’s Day marketing and communica- plays a key role but has stories promotion. tions consultant for the City intertwined. of Estevan.

"It's always been a great PAGE A12 - A13

By Ana Bykhovskaia

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story to tell. But now with the way technology is, we just thought that it would be a great opportunity to tell it in a new light with the new technology," Westling said.

There are many highlights in the tour, depending on what participants are into. The tour is comprised of information about architecture, history, live stories, interesting facts about the community, its members, local businesses and more. Westling said the revamped tour turned out to be more engaging for the audience.

The Souris Valley Museum played an important role in retrieving and checking some historical content. The city used the original tour as a starting point, but they also consulted with the museum on where

some of the stops should be and on some of the stories to be told.

“We have some of the old research here that the museum donated in the past. We actually had some old research notes from the original tour, so we were able to utilize some of that material, depending on the property on the tour to ensure that what was written in the script was what was in research notes from the past,” said museum executive director Mark Veneziano.

He added that they were “thrilled to partner with Tourism Estevan on this one-hour audio-guided tour, where participants can explore the historic downtown core and listen to fascinating commentary about the city’s architecture, vibrant culture and storied past.”

Ends April 30, 2021

“We think it is extremely important that a project like this be available for our community, especially considering it was so popular in the past,” Veneziano said.

The museum also had such a tour in mind for a while but didn’t have the capacity to bring it back. They were eager to support the city on this initiative that came just in time, when nicer weather sees people get outside more, looking for something to do.

Westling said the museum was instrumental in bringing the tour to life.

“I just want to thank the Souris Valley Museum for the collaboration, the help with fine-tuning the details, and confirming lots of the facts in it.

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Donations allow hospital auxiliary to present a $200,000 cheque to St. Joseph’s Hospital

By David Willberg

The St. Joseph’s Healthcare Auxiliary has received a significant head start as it fundraises for its latest commitment to the hospital.

The auxiliary presented a cheque for $200,000 to the hospital on April 21.The money came through a donation from the estate of Tom and Irma Trofimenkoff, as well as an allocation from the United Way Estevan. The auxiliary is a United Way member agency.

The auxiliary is fundraising for the refurbishment of one of the two x-ray suites at the hospital. With an estimated cost of $320,000, the project includes the purchase of the x-ray unit and all of the related technology.

Auxiliary treasurer Darla Wilhelm marvelled at the generosity of the Trofimenkoffs.

“It has been a really big godsend for us, and I’ve been quite emotional about it,” said Wilhelm, who noted the Trofimenkoffs were long-time supporters of the auxiliary.

The auxiliary was going to

tackle a smaller project this time, but they decided to fundraise for the x-ray suite after learning of the estate donation.

“The x-ray equipment is getting older and breaking down, and it needs to be replaced, and we decided we wanted to do a complete suite,” said Wilhelm.

It might take a few years to pay this off, but they’re going to do the best they can. The entire Estevan area will benefit from this, she said.

The Trofimenkoffs’ niece, Debbie Lapitsky, and their nephew, Harvey Schindel, are the executors of the estate. This donation is another example of the late couple’s generosity and belief in the community.

“They wanted to see good things happen in their community, and we’re so proud to carry out their wishes,” said Lapitsky.

A large donation from the Trofimenkoffs was announced for the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home committee late last year.

“I learned here this morning, again, of the Troffimenkoff influence in the community.

They really are angels,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital board chair Don Kindopp.

Hospital CEO Greg Hoffort and Kindopp paid tribute to the impact that the auxiliary has on the hospital.

“I will never be shocked by the auxiliary because they keep doing this over and over, and it keeps getting bigger and better,” said Hoffort. “I think that just speaks to the organization they are and they have become, and to think the … healthcare auxiliary has become such an organization that is recognized by the generosity of families and estates.”

It’s been a long year at the hospital, Hoffort said, and that’s partly due to the absence of the auxiliary, whose members bring so much with their presence, gift shop and bake sales.

Tiana Palmer from the xray department said the equipment in the one unit is at least 10 years old, and it is quite slow and starting to break.

“It will definitely help out with our efficiency. We’re able to cut our timing in half for x-rays, so instead of coming for

From left, Jackie Betts and Tiana Palmer from the x-ray department, St. Joseph’s Hospital board chair Don Kindopp, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Auxiliary treasurer Darla Wilhelm, hospital CEO Greg Hoffort, auxiliary vice-president Eva Hagel, and Debbie Lapitsky and Harvey Schindel from the estate of Tom and Irma Trofimenkoff participate in a cheque presentation. a 10-minute procedure, it will probably be cut down to five minutes, as it’s digital and we don’t have to process the images anymore,” said Palmer.

The department’s employees are looking forward to working with the equipment.

The hospital is gathering

the pricing for the equipment, and there will be different companies who will submit bids.

Equipment will be ordered as soon as possible, Hoffort said.

“It’d be tough to imagine if and when we could have got to this without the generosity of the auxiliary and their support-

ers,” said Hoffort.

Wilhelm noted the auxiliary continues to receive support from personal donations, memorials and the generosity of the community, and she applauded the United Way for all it does for the community with the support it receives.

New walking tour offers many interesting discoveries « A1 They were integral in getting this tour on the go,” Westling said.

Westling and Veneziano already knew a lot about the city, but nevertheless, both had some discoveries to make working on the tour.

"I actually used to live in the area when I was a teenager growing up, so it was really interesting to see the homes that I used to walk by every day after school. Some of them even were homes of my friends that I used to play in. It was quite interesting to know who once used to live there, their stories, and to actually gain a little perspective that way," Westling shared.

Veneziano was curious to learn about Estevan's synagogue

and its members, but wouldn't share too much about his discoveries.

"It's all in the tour, so I encourage everyone to take advantage of learning about the community's past by participating in this fantastic tour. I think it's a great way for people to get out, get active, walk around the community and learn," Veneziano said.

The tour can be interesting for people who were born and raised in Estevan, came here recently or are just passing through the community and looking to learn something about the history of the Energy City.

"For people that are coming through the city, there are stories that are tied to bigger

LANDSCAPE YOUR YARD

stories. For example, the stories about the Estevan Brick Plant and the first person that ran that plant. On the political side of things, there are stories about who the first mayors were and even who the first person was that owned a vehicle in Estevan and where they lived and how their story was," said Westling.

Any community needs to know its roots, and the new revamped tour will help to spread the word about what stands behind Estevan the way it is today.

"I think knowing the history puts things into perspective, like what growth we've had here, who the people are. Stories of people from Saskatchewan are the epitome of what makes Saskatchewan what it is. And those stories really will shine through," Westling said.

The Historical Walking Tour is free. Users can participate by downloading the Tripvia app, or follow along on the city’s website at www.estevan.ca, under visitors and tours.

MP Kitchen pans the federal budget Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen views the federal budget as a “massive letdown for Saskatchewan.”

The federal Liberal government released the budget, its first in two years, on April 19.

Kitchen said it’s short-sighted, because it doesn’t factor in

the impact the government spending will have on people of southeast Saskatchewan for years to come.

“Ultimately what it shows is they finally gave us the number that they spent over and above what it takes to run the country last year. That deficit

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was $354 billion (in 202021). They’re projecting that this year’s budget (deficit), for 2021-22, will be $154 billion,” said Kitchen.

In two years, the Liberals will have added $500 billion to Canada’s national debt.

Kitchen believes the budget does nothing for the natural resources or the oil and gas sectors, and provides no incentive for foreign investment into Canadian energy.

There’s $100 million for agriculture, but Kitchen said the budget says further announcements will come later.

As for $50 million for farmers to purchase more energy-efficient grain dryers, that money is too late, and farmers have been calling for it for years.

“Our farmers have been doing tremendous jobs at putting forward plans on how to sequester things into the ground,” said Kitchen.

Also in the budget is a commitment to carbon capture and storage, which Kitchen said is great, but the MP warned the money won’t be used for enhanced oil recovery.

“Ultimately they’re playing words to it, but they’re not

doing anything about it,” said Kitchen.

The U.S. has tax credits being given for carbon capture that will be used for enhanced oil recovery.

He is pleased to see money for the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan. When he was on the federal health committee, VIDO came and made a presentation at the start of the pandemic. They were looking for funds, and Kitchen said VIDO is doing great work on vaccines.

“We’re seeing here in Saskatchewan some great technology that we have with the innovation we have at the University of Saskatchewan,” said Kitchen.

Kitchen wanted to see the budget focus on getting the economy back and creating jobs, and he said this is an election budget, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau trying to spend money every way he can in an effort to build support from the public.

The budget has survived three confidence votes in the House of Commons.

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Local youth raises awareness about Down syndrome in honour of her brother

By Ana Bykhovskaia Estevan's Grace Wock once again proved that anyone can make the world a better place if they decide to do so.

For a few years now, nine-year-old Grace was working on a fundraiser and an awareness campaign in the name of her seven-yearold brother Wyatt, who lives with Down syndrome.

"I decided to do it for my brother," Grace said in an interview with the Mercury.

In 2019, Grace decided she wanted to do something special to mark World Down Syndrome Day in March.

Using her creativity she came out with a great fundraiser "We were trying to find a way to celebrate World

Down Syndrome Day, which is March 21, every year. One of their campaign slogans was ‘Rock your Socks.' So the first two years, Grace tie-dyed all the socks by hand and sold them as a fundraiser," explained Grace and Wyatt's mother Kala Wock.

"This year, we thought we'd try something different."

The family found a designer company named Friday Sock Co. out of Calgary.

With their help, Grace developed one-of-a-kind socks in honour of her brother.

"Grace sent her ideas to them and they helped design the socks and she got to approve it and make changes if needed," said Kala.

The design took some work, and every part of it had a meaning.

Grace and Wyatt Wock spend a lot of time together and it was important for Grace to do something meaningful for her little brother. Photo submitted

"I chose this design because it matches Wyatt's personality. He loves pandas, he loves bright colours and he enjoys smiling," Grace shared.

"And he brings a lot of joy to all of us," added Kala.

Grace's efforts didn't go unnoticed, as her socks instantly turned out to be a bestseller.

"This year we sold 150 socks in one day," Grace said.

"It was really overwhelming. It was wonderful," Kala added. "We are very thankful for all the support from the community and that we sold out so quickly. That was really kind and generous of everyone."

Since that was all the company produced for them, the successful fundraiser wrapped up after the first day of sales. Kala said that they plan to continue supporting their daughter's initiatives in the years to come and Grace was confident she will keep going.

In the future, they might stock more pairs and also make kids and adults socks, as opposed to only adults that they were selling to this year.

The profits from socks went to two organizations. A portion will go to One Heart, an organization that takes care of vulnerable children in Taiwan. And the rest of the money will go to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.

"The Canadian Down Syndrome Society is having a virtual walk in June to fundraise for their National Literacy program that they are rolling out. So the rest of the profits will go to that.

Grace has signed up to do that walk in June," Kala said.

It wasn't an accident that a Taiwan organization

was chosen as a recipient.

Grace and Wyatt's stor y began in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Ryan and Kala Wock adopted Grace in 2012, and in 2015 they returned to adopt Wyatt. They went back several times later.

"We've been to Taiwan a few times since we adopted Grace, so she's got to go home and see the country she was born in. And we went there for an extended period in 2016 and ’17," said Kala.

She went on to explain that Estevan's Holly Hoste, who is a missionary and was teaching in Taiwan, was the person who brought Ryan and Kala out to that Asian country. When in Taiwan, Hoste started a charitable organization One Heart that takes care of vulnerable children and fights poverty.

Ryan and Grace were eager to help. At that time, they were also looking into adopting a child, so everything aligned and after they were done working with the organization, they came home with Grace.

"We really love the story (of the organization), and we wanted to be a part of it. And then it worked out eventually for us to be able to adopt. And we loved Taiwan so much that we were really blessed to be able to go back and adopt Wyatt a couple of years later," Kala recalled.

In 2016, they went and volunteered for about 18 months with the organization.

"We lived in the country and we got to spend time getting to know our kids' culture and their heritage, just seeing the people learn about taking care of vulnerable children and working alongside people who were doing it already," Kala said.

Grace Wock designed bright socks to raise some funds for charity in honour of her brother. Photo submitted

Grace Wock said that the design of panda socks was inspired by her brother’s personality. Photo submitted

A new physician has arrived in Estevan A new physician has started practising in Estevan.

St. Joseph’s Hospital announced Friday the arrival of Dr. Simranjit Chhabra, a family physician, who started her practice April 1 in Estevan at the Estevan Primacy Medical Clinic, located at the No Frills Grocery store.

Chhabra has over 14 years’ experience in family medicine and emergency medicine, and has a special interest in preventative medicine and care for the elderly.

Caring for senior citizens has long been of interest to her.

“My mother is now elderly now, and from her health and everything, I came to know that it’s really important to give extra support and care to the elderly, so that’s why it generated my interest,” said Chhabra. “Now and in

the future, I want to do some kind of advanced research so we can provide them better care for their health.”

She graduated from the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in India in 2002. After completing her residency, she served in different communities.

“I came here (to Canada) six years back in B.C., and after that, I did all of the exams from the Medical Council of Canada after passing everything. I did some clinic trainings in B.C. under the supervision of professors of the University of British Columbia.”

She was selected for the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program, which she recently completed.

Her time with SIPPA included clinical assessments

in Regina and Melville as well as the Moose Jaw Hospital Emergency Room.

Chhabra, who came here with her husband and son, said she has had a wonderful experience so far, and she is excited to meet the people of Estevan.

“I think it will be a great opportunity to serve here,” she said.

St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Greg Hoffort said: “Dr. Chhabra is a welcome addition to the medical staff in Estevan in terms of the family practice she will establish as well as the service to the hospital emergency department, which is staffed by our family physicians.”

Chhabra’s arrival brings Estevan up to 14 physicians, including two specialists. Another physician is expected to arrive in June, but two doctors

Dr. Edward Tsoi, Dr. Ahmed Belal, Dr. Simranjit Chhabra and St. Joseph’s Hospital CEO Greg Hoffort at the Estevan Primacy Medical Clinic on Friday.

Chhabra is the newest physician in Estevan. who are here have announced they will be leaving in July.

“We’re still recruiting.

There still are folks that can’t get a family physician appointment, and so we’re actively recruiting. And in

discussions with a few physicians it remains a challenge,” said Hoffort.

The competition among communities is strong, and young physicians have a lot of choices for where they want

to start their medical practice.

Retention also remains a big focus for the hospital, and they’re looking for ways to extend the physicians’ stays once their two-year or threeyear commitment expires.

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How much deficit is too much?

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The 2021-22 federal budget that was handed down last week was, as expected, loaded with spending related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And so it’s going to carry a large financial burden that will affect this country’s finances for years to come.

The budget has a deficit of $154.7 billion, down from the $354.2 billion that is forecasted for the 2020-21 fiscal year, but still far too high for a nation of under 38 million people.

The days of balanced budgets in Canada are a distant memory.

No government is going to try to work its way towards balance in the midst of a global pandemic and a massive economic recession.

During times like this, they need to show support for those who lost their job for reasons that have nothing to do with performance or ability, and they need to shell out money for businesses, money for programs to stimulate the economy and money for the health care system that is fighting the pandemic.

Granted, a lot of programs that the government introduced last year, and are continuing this year, were rushed and resulted in money going to people who didn’t need it, but there’s a lot of people who needed that assistance.

We’re going to be facing the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s spending for many years to come. There’s no easy way for this country to

emerge from a $154.7 billion deficit.

Some of the government programs will expire in the coming months, which will slash expenses, and other programs do have a payback requirement, which will help with revenues.

But other pandemic-related expenses are not light switch spending; you can’t just turn them off at some point this year.

One of the great challenges that this government is going to have in the next few years is moving the budget towards balance. How will the government navigate tax increases? You can only tax the wealthy and big businesses so much, and you can only have so many luxury taxes.

How will this government cut expenses, while still having the necessary money to run the country? How will it sustain programs that we need?

Many are likely wondering whether this government can pull off an austerity budget.

The current federal Liberal government had proven themselves to be unfit managers of the country’s finances before COVID-19 hit.

They took a budget that was balanced – a budget that the Tories had finally balanced following the Great Recession of 2008 – and immediately turned it into a deficit.

Remember when Justin Trudeau, before he was prime minister, said “The budget will balance itself?” That didn’t happen.

He’s definitely not Jean Chretien or Paul

Martin when it comes to effective Liberal stewards of our taxpayer dollars. Say what you will about the Liberal governments from 1993-2006, but they took a financial mess from the previous Progressive Conservative government, turned it to balance within a couple of years, and provided us with years of surplus budgets.

There is some good news in this year’s budget. There’s lots of good spending. The billions of dollars for child care and early learning will help a lot of people in this country, especially those who are looking to return to the workforce as we move into the pandemic recovery phase.

And it’s good to see that the government is talking about additional money for carbon capture and storage, although we’ll see whether or not it translates to support for the needed retrofits of the Shand Power Station and/or Unit 6 of the Boundary Dam Power Station.

There’s speculation of whether this will be a budget that will trigger a federal election before the summer. The Liberals want to go to the polls; despite their blunders, the polls indicate there is strong support for the governing party. The New Democratic Party says they’ll support the budget; of all the federal parties, they’re likely the ones who least want an election.

So the budget will pass, some programs will get some much-needed support, other spending will be misappropriated, and we’ll continue to find ourselves in a financial mess.

Russia was shaken by another wave of protests, but will it change anything?

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Last Wednesday, supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny gathered in the downtowns of major Russian cities.

People on the streets were demanding to let independent doctors assess the condition of Navalny, who went on a hunger strike in jail at the end of March. They are protesting the lack of decent medical care that he required due to health issues. It was the main purpose of the rallies all across the country.

Tens of thousands of citizens hit the streets.

I'm sure not all of them were Navalny's supporters, but people of all ages and different social groups came outside to show that they don't agree with what's going on in the country. Some were carrying Russian flags, and while Navalny was the main cause, a lot of protesters were there to fight for a decent life.

All over the country, groups were chanting: "Freedom to Alexey Navalny! Freedom to political prisoners!"

"Russia without Putin! Putin is a thief!"

"We are the power here!"

"Changes!"

And more.

People were getting arrested in front of cameras for walking along with protesters with posters in their hands.

Almost 2,000 people were arrested that day, with over 800 of them in St. Petersburg, where according to eyewitnesses and open media, members of the Federal National Guard Troops Service at some point were attacking both protesters and bypassers, often using stun guns and clubs on people who weren't even resisting. At least one friend of mine, who was a part of the rally, also spent a few hours in closer contact with police than he would want to be.

In most places, the protests looked almost friendly, especially on behalf of the crowd. People were polite, they did their best not to interrupt

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… the traffic, swear or fight. There were no burning vehicles or broken displays. When the gathering locations were blocked by police forces, like in St. Petersburg, where the main square was literally barricaded since the previous day, participants just naturally turned the rally into a walk, in which they were steadily accompanied by anti-riot police squads, sometimes overcounting the protestors in numbers.

In other places, citizens turned to round dances and singing, remaining at the spot and avoiding conflicts with guardians of order.

Moscow, which traditionally sees the largest rallies, hardly had any people arrested.

People gathered there, expressed their position, and eventually left. But Moscow also saw the president's address happening that day, which would have looked bad if it was accompanied by violent arrests.

Rallies were called not only because of or for Navalny himself. The request for recognition of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) as an extremist organization, which is currently being reviewed in court, heated up the situation.

If it's approved, nothing he or his supporters do will be legal.

Even without it, many people that partook in protests earlier this year are currently under criminal charges, as Russian law prohibits unapproved rallies and police find different reasons to arrest protesters.

Navalny's team urged people to treat the event as "the final battle between the good and neutrality" - the slogan that Navalny has used in

his blog for many years. And while many people partook in the battle, many more of Russia’s 150 million people probably felt that they couldn't afford to risk their lives and relative wellbeing by expressing their views in a country where it's not allowed.

Not only are people not allowed to speak up, but the opposition leader, after many years, remains outside the system. The current government officially doesn't recognize what Navalny says and does and most of the time even avoids using his name. With the reins of power remaining in the same hands, political experts don't foresee any positive changes in the situation, which means that the foundation and people connected to it will soon experience even tougher prosecution than they've had so far.

I don't believe that protests themselves can change the world. But constant and civilized pressure, strengthened by often silent but growing social frustration, which can't find a way out, does make the government feel uncomfortable, resulting in further discussion, even if it happens behind closed doors. But unless they find a way to deal with the protest before fall, the upcoming state duma (the lower house of the Russian legislature) election will turn into a serious challenge for those in power now.

In the case of Navalny, the grassroots pressure potentially resulted in some minor changes.

He received some medical attention right before the rallies and announced that he was stopping the hunger strike after 24 days. His health is still critically poor and requires professional medical care.

Hopefully, he makes it out of this safe (after all, he outlived the chemical weapon poising) and continues his fight, because without a good leader Russia won't see any changes unless death turns things over, potentially resulting in shoreless chaos.

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| Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

David Willberg

Most students are back learning in classrooms

Willberg’s World

Some people really need a hobby My latest pandemic-inspired rant about people having too much time on their hands comes from a recent advertising campaign that appeared in Estevan.

A series of advertisements appeared on electronic billboards owned by local company Future Signs, which has been around for well over a decade and has been a valuable part of our business community. The advertisements call for children to be unmasked and for restrictions to be lifted – the things we have heard repeatedly from some groups for the past 13 months.

And, as expected, it brought out the keyboard warriors on both sides of the debate.

Those who want to see the end of the restrictions were quick to support the campaign. Those who want to see the restrictions continue, or even beefed up, were quick to pan the advertisements and the company responsible for the billboards.

(You have to wonder how many of the malcontents actually went to Future Signs with their concerns, and how many simply yapped on social media).

The issue received provincial attention, with NDP Leader Ryan Meili saying that people shouldn’t be advertising against public health laws.

The only reason why this received any attention provincially is SaskTel and one of its distributors had their logos attached to one of the billboards. The advertisements appeared on another billboard in town, but there wasn’t a mention of it because the logos on that billboard are for a private company.

Since SaskTel’s logos were there, some viewed this as an endorsement. (The logos for SaskTel and the distributor have since been covered up).

The timing for this advertising campaign was terrible. The Estevan area has been experiencing its biggest influx of cases in the past 13 1/2 months since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic. We’re in the midst of what is essentially our first wave.

In the past six weeks, we’ve seen outbreaks in health care facilities. Schools have been forced to shift to remote learning, although most have returned to in-person learning, and people have been hospitalized for treatment.

Do I agree with the campaign’s messaging? No. We’re still in a situation in which there are too many cases, too many people in hospital and too many people becoming ill from COVID-19 to ease up on restrictions.

If given the choice between listening to the opinions of experts and health professionals, and listening to the opinions of the Facebook MDs and the conspiracy theorists, I’ll opt for the real doctors, the majority of whom say we need to wear masks and avoid large gatherings and crowds until most of us are vaccinated.

There are restrictions that I wish would be loosened up, and activities that I want to see resume once our active case count is much lower, but I get why these restrictions are still in place.

I also understand that Future Signs is a private business that has electronic billboard advertising as one of its revenue sources.

It has every right to accept advertising from an outside agency that wants us to ease up on restrictions. There has to be common sense in the advertising. Don’t compare these restrictions to Nazi Germany or communist China, and don’t encourage people to be abusive to those enforcing the rules.

The messages in the billboards are the same thing we’ve heard from a minority of people for the past 13 months.

I don’t agree with the messages, but if somebody is willing to pay money to share their thoughts, that’s their prerogative.

Once the majority of Saskatchewan residents receive their first dose of vaccine, hopefully the restrictions can be eased. And as more people are vaccinated, more restrictions will be lifted.

(I’ll be eligible to book my COVID-19 appointment on April 28. I’m glad that I’ll get my first dose soon, although there are some who aren’t eligible to receive it yet who should be vaccinated before me).

Until then, let’s strive to not be so easily offended, and to spend less time on social media.

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Students in southeast Saskatchewan are back to learning in the classroom this week.

Most schools in the South East Cornerstone Public School Division and all schools in the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division returned to Level 2, in-class learning, effective April 26 as originally planned.

Spruce Ridge School in Estevan has remained at remote learning this week, due to limited staff availability.

The kindergarten-Grade 8 school will return to Level 2 on May 3.

Cornerstone director of education Lynn Little said Spruce Ridge remains at remote learning because a number of staff members have been adversely affected

by COVID-19. She knows of two who tested positive, while others are close contacts.

“We just do not have the staffing required to operate the school next week.

So we’ll be able to operate it remotely and then hopefully bring it safely back on the 3rd.”

The Estevan Comprehensive School and Grades 9-12 at the Weyburn Comprehensive School will move to Level 3 effective April 26, with a planned return to Level 2 on May 10th. Those two schools were at Level 3 for the final few weeks of 2020 and the first couple of months of this year.

“Typically they’re in at least two cohorts each day, and often two different ones the next day, so if you have a student or an adult or a staff member who is positive

while in the school, then the number of people impacted as close contacts multiplies, and we have more students away than can be in attendance,” said Little.

Oxbow Prairie Horizons School students were learning remotely from March 30-April 1. They returned to in-person learning on April 26.

The school divisions discussed several different options before decided on this solution. In the case of Cornerstone, it has programming in 27 different communities. Some have more than one school.

“When we looked at the whole piece, what we decided was given the numbers and where we’re at and our ability to track and work with health … we feel that we’re able to be responsive by class, school and community level,” said Little.

Remote learning was very different this year. Last year, when it started in April and continued until June, it was supplemental. Students could opt in for the sessions.

And everything happened so quickly, so the school divisions and everyone else was working hard to quickly adjust to their new reality.

This year they had time to prepare to move to Level 4, and when they did, they knew it would be the full curriculum that would be taught.

“At the Grade 10, 11 and 12 level, we kept with just the regular schedule and teaching those courses … a couple hours a day for two different classes. And then the kindergarten through Grade 9, we really focused

The Carnduff RCMP received a complaint of a significant farm fuel theft that occurred sometime from April 12-18.

The victim of this crime suspended farming operations due to poor weather conditions, and later discovered the fuel theft when intending to resume farming. This crime occurred in a location northeast of Glen Ewen.

The residents or visitors of this area are encouraged to report any suspicious people, vehicles or activity to your nearest RCMP detachment.

Also, on April 16, the

R.M. of Mount Pleasant reported that unknown individuals had willfully shot up newly replaced road signs. This was reported as the second incident of its type in as many weeks.

The individual who reported the suspicious behaviour in advance of the first incident is commended for having come forward, and anyone else who may have information that might assist in identifying these individuals is strongly encouraged to come forward.

This would have an impactful benefit on the financial integrity of the RM. More importantly, it

South East Cornerstone Public School Division director of education Lynn Little on English language arts, mathematics, social studies and science to reduce the amount of time that the students had to be sitting in front of a machine.”

Now that most students are back in schools, they’ll balance it out and add in the other required areas as necessary.

“We haven’t done a formal survey, but just by word of mouth and anecdotal notes and some pieces back, I have heard from some staff who were really, really thrilled with the amount of participation in their classroom and the amount of engagement with the students. They were there and they were online and they were continuing to learn.”

Last year when they went into online learning, the platform they use, Microsoft Teams, was new for many, but now most have experience with it.

Cornerstone also at-

tempted to provide wi-fi to families that didn’t necessarily have access to the internet so they could fully participate in the learning.

South East Cornerstone and Holy Family announced on April 1 that all schools within their respective divisions would shift to Level 4, remote learning after the Easter break. The break ran from April 2 to April 9, and students have been learning at home since April 12.

The decision to return to in-person learning was a joint one between the Cornerstone board of education, Holy Family board and the local medical health officers who support the southeast region.

The two school divisions remind parents to please keep children at home if case of any symptoms of COVID-19, and to please call the HealthLine at 811.

Carnduff RCMP detachment investigating recent crimes

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would serve to enhance the safety of the area and its residents, as the RCMP says it is abundantly clear that the responsible individual(s) have a less than clear understanding of safe firearms handling and how

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If you have information related to this advisory please call 310-RCMP for immediate response, or you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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| Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

Creighton Lodge staff and residents reacted well to COVID-19 outbreak

By David Willberg

Creighton Lodge manager Shelly Veroba said the staff and residents have responded very well following the COVID-19 outbreak at the enriched living facility.

Seven residents have tested positive for the virus. The first positive tests were recorded on April 15, and the other positive tests happened over the next few days.

A mobile clinic was organized for April 16, when tests were administered. Forty-eight of 49 residents and all of the staff members were tested.

At first it was announced that there were six positive tests, and a seventh positive test was disclosed on April 22.

“Nobody had an increased temperature,” Veroba told the Mercury.

“Nobody had any symptoms that they said were anything outside of the ordinary. They actually felt like they had allergies … allergies and sinuses were the concerns.”

The lodge was not informed about the seventh positive test until April 22 due to privacy issues, even though the person tested positive several days earlier.

“The resident didn’t realize that public health didn’t tell us, and public health assumed the resident would tell us if they wanted to,” said Veroba, who later added that public health has been swamped dealing with the caseload in Saskatchewan.

Two lodge residents have been in hospital, receiving in-patient care.

Both are doing all right, Veroba said.

Neither of them had to be taken to intensive care in Regina.

Those two residents will not have

to be in isolation once they return to the lodge, because they will not be classified as infectious.

As for the five other residents who tested positive, their isolation period has ended.

Fifteen more residents were on isolation due to being in close contact with a positive case. That number was down to 12 as of April 26. A second mobile testing clinic was organized for them on April 25.

Anybody who was not considered a close contact was not retested.

Those who were positive were not retested, and nobody who declined last time was tested this time.

Veroba noted that nobody was forced to take a test, either.

None of the lodge’s 13 staff members have tested positive, either.

It’s not known how the virus made its way into Creighton Lodge, and Veroba doubts they will ever know. She believes someone with the virus entered the building during the Easter long weekend, when there was an increase in visitors. It could have also been a resident who went outside of the building and inadvertently contracted the virus and brought it into the lodge.

“Because we’re such an in-andout building, people are living their independent lives here. We are not like a regular care home or a nursing home where people are shut in.”

Veroba has moved into the lodge’s guest suite so she could always be there for the residents.

“I knew it was going to be a long 14 days, and I knew our staff and our residents needed support,” said Veroba.

The public cannot enter the

lodge. Some family members have come in as caregivers, and Estevan Area Home Care is providing essential services. The common areas, such as their lounge and eating area, are currently closed. Meals are being delivered to residents who request them using a warming tray system called a Susie Q that was purchased earlier this year.

The staff members don full personal protective equipment when delivering the meals and change after each room.

Those who tested negative and weren’t a close contact are allowed to come and go, but if they leave their suite, they’re asked to leave their building.

“Anybody who is negative, who is not considered a close contact, has the same freedom and you and me,” said Veroba.

Forty-seven of the lodge’s 49 residents received their COVID-19 vaccine on Feb. 27, and Veroba believes the outbreak at the lodge would have been a lot worse without the shots.

“The vaccination is the most important part, because it is saving these people’s lives,” said Veroba.

She said she is now a believer in the direction taken by the provincial government for vaccination. With the government’s decision to delay the second dose, it allows more people to get their first dose.

“It’s better to have more people vaccinated with the first shot, than it is to have less people vaccinated with two shots,” said Veroba.

None of the residents have received their second dose.

Staff and the residents are handling the situation well. It’s been anx-

ious at times, she said, especially since those who tested negative weren’t informed of the results.

“The staff is doing well. They, to me, have been superstars throughout all of this. They’ve all come together.

Some are working extra shifts. Some are changing their shifts if needed.

We’re just literally working together to make sure all the shifts are covered, and that we have enough people. It’s been amazing, actually, because it’s very stressful, but they’re all maintaining a good attitude and a good outlook.

“Same with the residents. They’re really stressed out in a sense, but they’re calmed by knowing that the staff are not stressed.’

It helps that nobody has been seriously ill in the building.

Community support has been excellent. Veroba noted that she reached out to St. Joseph’s Hospital CEO Greg Hoffort on April 18. He went to the hospital with his truck, loaded everything they needed, including shields, medical grade masks,

gowns and medical grade gloves, and delivered them within 45 minutes.

“Our staff has been completely at ease with all of the PPE that we have.

We had PPE before, but we didn’t have medical grade COVID shields and everything else.”

GenCo Asphalt purchased 50 meals from the Beefeater for all the residents and staff, and the family of resident Ted Fai purchased dilly bars for everyone.

The lodge always had sufficient cleaning products, but they have secured more. It passed a public health inspection, and the lodge has been told they are exceeding the current standards.

She also noted that she has full support from the different rural municipalities that own the building.

Veroba thanked everyone for being understanding and supportive during the past couple of weeks, and lauded the residents for being “incredible.” This was their first experience with COVID in the building, and Veroba hopes it will be the last.

Visitor restrictions easing for residents in care homes Families of residents in long-term care homes and personal care homes in Saskatchewan will soon be able to safely spend more time together, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Starting on April 29, long-term care and personal care homes will be able to welcome an unlimited num-

ber of family members or support people, two at a time, to visit fully vaccinated residents if at least 90 per cent of residents have been fully vaccinated and three weeks have elapsed since the last second dose vaccinations.

These homes will also be able to allow up to four family members or support

people to visit outdoors. Fully vaccinated residents who go on outings will no longer be required to quarantine upon their return to a home.

"Our priority is the safety and well-being of residents and staff in our long-term care homes and personal care homes," said Everett Hindley, Minister of Mental

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Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health. "This gradual, cautious approach will help keep residents safe, while allowing them much-needed contact with their loved ones."

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will notify long-term care homes when they are eligible to ease visitor restrictions. Personal care homes are responsible for aligning themselves with the same operational policies as the SHA, and must be able to verify that they meet the

requirements.

Family and support persons visiting will still have to follow public health guidelines on masking, physical distancing, hand hygiene, routine testing and temperature screening. Fully vaccinated residents must abide by all public health measures in place if they leave a care home, including current restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings.

SHA medical health officers will have discretion to maintain restrictions, even

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New business in Estevan has a world of games

By Ana Bykhovskaia Non-digital gaming at its finest is now in Estevan, with MTG, Pokemon, Dungeons and Dragons, board games, miniatures and much more.

Kessel Run Games out of Ottawa opened its second location in Estevan last Friday.

For Estevan's Cort and Staci Barker, the game store became the third business in their family. Cort is also a part-owner of Performance Pump Service alongside Kent Phillips, and Staci runs the summer concession out at Boundary Dam. While the other companies reflect their business interests, the new store mirrors the Barkers' hobbies and passions.

"I've always played games since I've been little. Growing up in our families, there always have been card games or whatever at grandma's table," Cort said.

While both Staci and Cort have always liked playing, they are into different types of games.

"I'm more into board games and conventional card games, where he's more into strategy card games," Staci said. The new store will offer a wide variety of board games and strategy card games.

"W hen it comes to games, we are (Geek) Legion," says Kessel Run Games' motto on their Facebook page.

The store will also be a base for trading cards.

Cort Barker’s collection of Warhammer 40,000 miniatures is on display at the store.

"It's pretty much anything from crib to Dungeons and Dragons. There's a pretty wide selection here. We are also going to offer card singles.

So if you bring your cards in, we would take a look at them, grade them and possibly buy them off and then resell them," Cort explained.

Once the pandemic restrictions are eased or lifted, Kessel Run Games will also serve as a place where people can come and play.

"We look forward to doing gaming events and stuff like that when we open up more," Staci said.

Once they can do so, they will choose a game system and hold gaming events for everyone every week. Later on, they also plan on running leagues and tournaments that would involve gamers from other communities. Besides, they are looking forward to hosting monthly try-game nights, where people can come and try playing games that they are interested in.

"Whoever wants can come and play board games. If you like it, buy it; if you don't, come back next month and see if there's something you like that we try," Cort explained.

The original store is run by a family member. After talking about it for over a year, the Barkers decided to "put it into a nosedive," as Cort put it, and open a new location.

"We partnered with our brother-in-law, who had a current location in Ottawa, so we're actually just extending that out to Saskatchewan," said Cort.

Supply-wise, the pandemic made bringing a new business into Estevan a real puzzle. Kessel Run Games stocks up from suppliers all across the country, so getting everything they needed wasn't that easy. But Cort pointed out that it's a challenge that most companies have probably been through lately.

He added that if customers want something but the store doesn't have it in stock, he generally can get it in about a week.

The business, located at 1239 Fourth Street, employs four people not counting Staci and Cort. The store hours are Sunday-Wednesday noon-8 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday noon-10 p.m.

"Welcome ever yone.

Come check us out," Cort said.

Estevan's Staci and Cort Barker held the grand opening of Kessel Run Games on April 23.

The new Kessel Run Games store is located at 1239 Fourth Street.

Holy Family to present awards to long-time staff members

By Greg Nikkel of the Weyburn Review The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division will mark Catholic Education Week on May 9-16, and will hold service awards for staff virtually as part of that week’s celebration.

The week will be part of a provincial proclamation, noted director of education Gwen Keith during Wednesday’s Holy Family board meeting, and each day during the week will see different activities held in the schools.

She added that this year, the board of trustees will not be involved in face-to-face activities

as they are most years, due to the COVID-19 restrictions currently in place.

“We’re very excited about how the week will work,” said Keith.

There will be videos shown in the respective schools of the staff being honoured this year.

Two teachers will be retiring this year, Donna Berling and Natalie Regier, both from St. Michael School in Weyburn.

For the service awards, five-year awards will be given to Dean Loberg, Martina Veneziano, Jessica Bath, Roy Rains and Rhonda Sandquist.

Ten-year awards will be presented to Sean Galvin, Kaitlyne Graham, Sabrina Gulka, Brianna Rezansoff, Coline Smetaniuk, Shannon

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Debut rock single by Moving Lines tells love story that started in Estevan

By Ana Bykhovskaia What can be better than a good rock song? Only a rock song that shares a real love story which took place in your hometown. And former Estevan residents just released such a song.

Jill (Heath) and Kevin Fai formed their latest band in 2020, but music has always been a big part of their lives.

Both born and raised in Estevan, they lived in the Energy City until they decided to move out to the coast in the 2000s. For a while, they were a part of a classic rock band Timbre Wolves. Once the pandemic hit, it got put on the side, which, as it turned out, opened the way for the group Moving Lines.

Dreams Will Never Die, a debut single 100 per cent self-produced by Moving Lines, was released on April 2, and was already picked up by Canadian, American, German and U.K. radio stations.

The name of the band was inspired by many travels Jill and Kevin went on.

"We've moved a lot. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but (the name came) just from

travels. We played a lot of shows and have been on the road, not touring, so to say, but just driving around, we had different gigs in different cities. And we thought that goes with our lifestyle," Kevin explained.

"Like moving lines on the highway," Jill added.

"It can relate to a lot of things like music, or frequencies and different things that are moving and always changing," Kevin finished.

Moving Lines is a collaborative project. Kevin plays drums, guitar and bass, and Jill is the one behind the lyrics and melody, as well as the vocals.

The band's debut song tells a beautiful love story that started in downtown Estevan.

"A lot of people have that love story that their parents told them growing up (about) how mom and dad meet. My mom and dad grew up in Estevan. So their love story is based right down on Main Street," shared Jill.

"My mom was really young. She was downtown shopping and she was just going out for the day. So the first part (of the song) represents my mom's side of the story, how she met my

dad. And then my dad knew about my mom, but he hadn't seen her in a while. So he was just cruising downtown and he saw my mom and he's like, 'Whoa, there she is!' So he got all excited.

"And then all of a sudden he looked and she was gone. She went into a store and then he couldn't find her.

Eventually what happened is my mom ended up moving down to Wichita, Kansas.

He found out and as soon as he found out, he grabbed the car, and he took off and he went to get my mom.

"It's a really cool love story. And my dad is also a published poet. And he wrote a poem to my mom. So a few of those words in there were an inspiration to put a bit of my dad in the story.

"And the third part is about me in my life and my adventures," Jill said.

Not only does the song tell a local love story, but also resonates with the name of the band, Dreams Will Never Die turned to be a great road trip composition that makes the heart beat faster, motivating the listener to follow their dreams.

With the new band, the couple decided to take on the production side as well and

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Jill and Kevin Fai formed a new rock band named Moving Lines that recently released its debut single. Photo submitted started recording one single at a time.

"We decided to jump on the chance of actually recording and getting something out there and doing it all ourselves," said Kevin.

Back when Kevin lived in Estevan, he was part of two bands – Jokers Wild and Black Tooth Grin. In the latter, he was playing along with Mike Davis, who alongside Lindsay Arnold recently released their debut EP under the name Last Birds.

Until the pandemic music was Kevin's full-time job, as he would do sound for other bands and they also were keeping busy with the Timber Wolves.

"It was busy for three years straight. We were just go, go, go. Every weekend, we were playing a couple shows at least or more, sometimes it was five or six shows on long weekends," Kevin recalled.

He was also not new to recording, as he's been doing it for others for a long time. But he said recording for themselves was different.

"It was a lot more work than I thought it was going to be, but it was a lot of fun at the same time. You're always critical of your own work, so

Based in B.C.’s Okanagan, Moving Lines is an 80's influenced rock band created by former Estevan residents Jill and Kevin Fai. we tried to make it the best we could. And I think we succeeded in it," Kevin said.

Moving Lines are a 1980s influenced rock band from the Okanagan region in B.C. "Moving Lines’ story is of life's struggles and feelings we see in ourselves and others. It's what makes us who we are. Our belief is Strength in Vulnerability and that there is also vulnerability when you are strong.

One needs the other to survive. Music is our strength and passion becomes our most vulnerable attributes," says the band's bio.

"Our musical inspiration floods in from rock, blues, jazz and metal with band styles such as Big Wreck, Heart, Kim Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, April

Wine, Sass Jordan, Chris Cornell, Autograph, Nina Simone, Alice In Chains, Lee Aaron and Ghost."

Moving Lines is already getting close to completing their second single. They plan to keep releasing songs one at a time, and towards the end of the year, putting them together and adding some bonus tracks to present an EP. Once the world allows, they also hope to hit the road, play some live music and also visit their hometown, where they still have a lot of friends and family.

Moving Lines' single can be found or through movinglines.hearnow.com or on streaming services. For the latest music, check out Moving Lines’ social media profiles or movinglines.ca.

Fire crews battled two grass fires over several hours Estevan firefighters were called to field and wildland fires on April 21.

The first call came in at about 2 p.m.

Crews responded to a field fire occurring south of the hamlet of Benson. Local people started extinguishing efforts instantly, and upon firefighters' arrival, the fire was brought under control.

Some fence posts were still burning, and hotspots were remaining in the area, so crews went in and ensured complete extinguishment.

Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser thanked people who partook in battling the fire.

"This particular fire's cause was possibly careless discarding of smoking material out of a window of a vehicle, as it occurred right in a roadway easement and spread into a field," Feser said.

"We want to remind people, anytime that you are using any kind of a smoking material to properly extinguish the cigarette butts or whatever else it may be into an ashtray or some sort of vessel or device to contain them."

Shortly after crews returned to the station, a report of another fire came in. Firefighters responded to a large wildland fire occurring south of Hirsch. The Bienfait Fire Department was the first to respond to the emergency, but due to its scale, they requested mutual aid assistance.

"Once crews arrived on the scene, we

found that it was rather a large fire that occurred and spread into the village of Hirsch's dumpsite; as well, the landfill site started getting on fire," Feser said. "Bienfait fire was dispatched to this particular location to get that under control."

The North Portal Fire Department was also called in for assistance. The operation wasn't simple, but firefighters were able to bring the situation under control without any loss of property or injuries.

"With larger fires like that and multiple fire departments working together, it's hard to keep accountability, making sure all firefighters are safe and where they are at, and working in a unified effort. But all three fire departments did an excellent job working together and bringing it under control in a very short timeframe," Feser said.

Once the fire was extinguished, the scene was turned back over to the Bienfait Fire Department, and Estevan fire crews returned to the station.

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service is closely monitoring the fire danger index, which changes from moderate to high on a daily basis.

While the recent snow and moisture improved the situation a bit, conditions remain relatively dry. So Feser reminded the public to exercise caution if they are burning anything.

Have an event coming up?

Ph: (306) 634-5111 | 407 Kensington Avenue, Estevan ESTEVAN • MCLEAN • TISDALE Shop online at: www.wood-country.com Monday- Saturday: 8:00- 5:00 I Sunday: Closed

Email David at editor@estevanmercury.ca

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New business Prairie Pride Fishing has proven to be popular with oilfield companies

By David Willberg

A n e w c om p a ny i n Estevan has proven to be popular with the oilpatch since it opened, thanks to the services it offers.

Prairie Pride Fishing, owned by Mike Zohner and Josh Brown, opened on March 1. The company is located at 1009 Sixth Street, which is just east of Souris Avenue South.

The duo said there has been pretty good support from local companies, who are excited to have an independently owned and operated oilfield fishing company in Estevan.

“We provide downhole oilfield fishing tools, so what we do is let’s say there’s some debris in the hole. We’ll go down and fish the debris out, or if there’s a stuck packer or an anchor, we can go down there and latch onto the pipe and jar it out,” said Zohner.

If there’s a damaged casing, Zohner and Brown can clean it up. If there’s some tubing that has to be fished to the surface, they can perform the task with their tools. And they can run washover pipe, jarring strings and all kinds of milling tools.

Brown is pleased with

how the oilfield has responded to the business.

“When we first had the plan to start, we didn’t think we would be doing any work until after the road bans came off, but we’ve got eight invoices in the books, and people are still calling us for stuff, and asking questions, and we’re getting people dropping by the office to check us out and see what’s going on. It’s been a whirlwind,” said Brown.

The customers have provided excellent feedback since they opened. When the business started, Zohner and Brown reached out to as many people as they could, but those people already knew Prairie Pride Fishing was in business, and they were waiting for a call.

Brown said he wanted to make a move for himself and his family, and do something with sustainable benefits.

“There was a risk involved in doing it, and we figured that taking that risk was going to make us happier in the long run,” said Brown.

People are often surprised when they drop by and see all of the equipment they have in their shop.

Zohner started working

in the oilpatch at Weatherford in 2000, and worked at a couple of other fishing shops.

Early in his career, he worked all over Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan, and settled here in 2007. He plans to work here for the remaining part of his career.

“I started on as a farmboy working as a temporary job, to pretty much buy myself some time to go into school to become a welder, and then I got hooked on a wireline truck and I’ve been on a wireline truck ever since,” said Zohner.

He enjoys the freedom of having his own business and being able to make it work his way. He learns something new every day, not just while owning the business, but while working in the industry. And he looks forward to being around for many years. “ We’re not planning on leaving any time soon, and we’ll grow the company and proceed forward,” said Zohner.

He was previously with Command Fishing and Pipe Recovery Ltd. Brown moved to Estevan in 2003, and he worked in the yard for Viking Surplus for a couple of months.

Ron Wanner came into the shop and said they needed someone to work the rigs.

Brown volunteered and start-

The Government of Saskatchewan's first subsurface mineral Crown disposition public offering of the 2021-22 fiscal year was held on April 19, and raised $2,448,936 in revenue for the province.

This is the largest, single-sale since the province adopted the subsurface mineral public offering process in 2018.

One hundred and seventeen subsurface mineral permit blocks totaling 224,405.715 hectares were posted. A total of 106 permits consisting of 212,912.965 hectares received bonus bids.

The highest bid received in this offering was $262,320.71 from ROK Resources Inc. This 5,829.349 hectare block is located east of Weyburn and is prospective for brine minerals such

as lithium. Synergy Land Services Ltd. acquired the most land with a bid of $557,277.00 to acquire 22 permits totalling 39,725.180 hectares.

Held in April, August, and December of every year, the subsurface mineral public offering is a competitive bidding process allowing for the fair, orderly, and transparent dispositioning of subsurface mineral rights, which grants the disposition owner the right to explore for, and develop, subsurface minerals.

Subsurface minerals include natural mineral salts such as boron, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bromine, chlorine, fluorine, iodine, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur, and their compounds, occurring more than 60 metres below the surface of the land.

Potash is a potassium compound, and subsurface minerals dissolved in subsurface geological formation waters are commonly referred to as brine minerals.

Lithium is a brine mineral

that is attracting attention most recently in regards to its use in lithium ion batteries.

The next scheduled date for a subsurface mineral public offering is Aug. 23.

Josh Brown, left, and Mike Zohner are pleased with the response for Prairie Pride Fishing since it opened last month. Photo submitted

Record subsurface mineral public offering in April

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ed promptly.

He worked for several companies, and worked for Hess Fishing in 2010, when they merged with Command, and worked for Command until recently.

Brown said they will take an active role in the community. Instead of asking their employers whether they can sponsor a hockey team or purchase a park bench or

support a community event, they can go ahead and do it.

“I’ve been in Estevan … for the last 18 years,” said Brown. “I’m originally out of Alberta, but my wife’s here, my kids were born and raised here.”

They appreciate the support from the community thus far, and they’re happy to be here and capitalize on this opportunity.

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A10 April 28, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

Virtual music festival showcased community talents This year’s edition of the Estevan and District Music Festival was unlike any that had been seen before, but it still offered lots of talent.

The festival was held from April 11-17. It featured piano from April 11-14, followed by vocal/speech arts and musical theatre on April 16 and the instrumental division on April 17.

“This year’s festival was really different in so many ways from the other 56 years that we’ve had a festival, but the workload for organizing it was, I’d say, about three times normal, even though we had half as many entries,” said festival board president Esther Bangsund. “There were so many things that were so different.”

The festival was held virtually, with students and teachers responsible for recording and submitting their performances. The adjudicator viewed the performance and replied with comments.

Despite the time-consuming nature of the event – with the learning curve for videos, the collection of the music virtually, and then organizing forms, certificates and videos – it was worth the effort, Bangsund said.

A total of 251 entries were received this year, which was about half of what they had in 2018 and 2019. The bulk of the entries, 208, came in piano. Twenty-six were in speech arts, vocal and music theatre, and 17 were in instrumental. The latter category saw the biggest decrease, Bangsund said.

The participants did really well with uploading their videos on time. They had an instructional video that was posted through the program they used, Music Festival Suite, which was developed by a band teacher in Alberta last summer.

“We also had to do some step by step instructional emails along with that, and we also had to do some trouble-shooting by phone call, text and email, but out of all of that, we only had two cancellations, so that’s not too bad,” Bangsund said.

The adjudicators had to upload their videos to the same program, which caused some glitches, but they were remedied.

“It was new for everybody,” said Bangsund. “The

adjudicators hadn’t been through this. They found that the time they had spent preparing for the virtual festival was much more than any other year.”

In a live festival, participants have to submit originals of their sheet music or poetry. But they couldn’t do anything like that this year. So adjudicators had to find the music if possible, and some pieces couldn’t be sourced, because the participant would play a different version of a song.

The quality of the talent for this year’s festival was excellent and the adjudicators praised the skill level of the entrants.

Some of the performers were more comfortable playing at home, which did impact the quality of the instruments at their disposal.

They might not have access to a grand piano.

Many business and community members supported the festival again this year by sponsoring awards and bursaries.

Two students were recommended to be part of the provincial music festival, which will happen virtually in June. Kaylee Carlson was recommended in four intermediate piano classes and Sadie Aspinall was recommended in elementary piano.

Carlson took home the Murray GM Award for Outstanding Performance in Multiple Disciplines, and the Shirley Andrist Award for outstanding piano performance. She also took the Doreen Inglis Memorial Award as the top student piano accompanist and won awards in the instrumental category.

Garrett Schwab won the Dwight Thompson Memorial Award, donated by Hall Funeral Ser vices, for the runner-up to the Murray GM Award. He also won the Rotary Club of Estevan’s award for top brass performance.

Other notable awards were given to Katherine Ostrander for the outstanding performance in speech arts (donated by Southern Plains Co-op), Cassia SimonyiGindele for outstanding performances in voice and musical theatre (donated

by Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd. for voice and

PROCLAMATION DAY OF MOURNING

Southern Plains Co-op for musical theatre), Madeline Christensen for outstanding woodwind performance (donated by Freeze Frame Photography) and Hudson Hozjan for outstanding performance in excellence classes (donated by Southern Plains Co-op).

For a full list of winners, please visit www.estevanmercury.ca.

Bangsund said it was important to have a festival this year. Last year’s edition was cancelled right before it was to begin due to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of restrictions in Saskatchewan.

“We thought it was important to have the festival continue, just to promote the music in youth, and if they have a performance goal, such as this music competi-

tion, then they work towards optimal achievement,” said Bangsund.

W ith the extra time they have had this year, some people have been practising more, but others were unable to continue with their lessons or performances.

Bangsund hopes they can return to a normal festival next year, People who have a profile on the Music Festival Suite program can watch the festival videos online. They weren’t able to post a public viewing of all of the performances, but the awards video, featuring 19 performers, can be seen on the festival’s Facebook page or at www. estevanmercury.ca.

Some of the high school participants served as announcers of the awards concert.

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L-R - Garry Malaryk, Mayor Roy Ludwig, Ashley Johnson

AND WHEREAS: AND WHEREAS: AND WHEREAS: AND WHEREAS:

Every year, more than 1,000 Canadian workers are killed on the job.

Thousands more are permanently disabled.

Hundreds of thousands are injured.

Thousands of others die from cancer, lung disease, and other ailments caused by exposure to toxic substances at their workplaces.

April 28 of each year has been chosen by the Canadian Labour Congress as: - a Day of Mourning for these victims of workplace accidents and disease; - a day to remember the maximum sacrifice they have been forced to make in order to earn a living; - a day to renew approaches to governments for tougher occupational health and safety standards, and more effective Compensation;

- a day to rededicate ourselves to the goal of making Canada’s workplace safer.

AND WHEREAS: April 28 was proclaimed a “Day of Mourning” by an Act of Parliament on February 1st 1991.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: I, Roy Ludwig, Mayor of the City of Estevan do hereby proclaim April 28, 2021 to be Day of Mourning in recognition of workers killed, injured or disabled on the job and in issuing this proclamation, ask our citizens to recognize the day Mayor Roy Ludwig

Email David at editor@estevanmercury.ca

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April 28, 2021 A11

Distracted Driving Texting behind the wheel is a danger to all Each year, hundreds of Canadians die and many more are injured in collisions that involve a distracted driver. In an alarming number of these incidents, cellphone use is a factor. However, the characterization of distracted driving includes any behaviour that diverts the attention of the individual behind the wheel away from the primary task of driving.

while driving. However, research has shown that any form of cellphone use is distracting for individuals driving. Penalties issued are a combination of fines and loss of demerit points.

There are three categories of distracted driving: visual, in which eyes are off the road; manual, in which hands are off the wheel; and cognitive, in which thinking is diverted away from driving.

Because texting combines all three categories, it’s by far one of the most dangerous forms of distraction behind the wheel.

All provinces and territories — with the exception of Nunavut — have laws that forbid hand-held cellphone use

• Drivers who engage in texting behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event.

• Five seconds is the average time eyes are off the road while texting. When driving at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour, this timeframe is long enough to traverse the length of a football field.

• Approximately 20 per cent of all crashes involve driver distraction.

• In many provinces, fatalities due to being distracted while driving (DWD) now outnumber fatalities due to driving under the influence (DUI).

PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY.

Lori Carr, MLA

Estevan Constituency Office 306.634.7311 loricarrmla@sasktel.net

Dr. Robert Kitchen MP

Souris-Moose Mountain

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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Spring Flower Fundraiser Go online and order your bedding plants, planters and succulents and help support the Family Centre!

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Estevan Lacrosse Steak Supper Fundraiser

50/50 Lottery Tickets Purchase your SMFA tickets at: https://smfa5050.ca/ Prize: 50% of sales to maximum of $50,000 Only 20,500 tickets sold Draw Date: June 6, 2021 @ 6:00 p.m.

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Black Beard’s Restaurant | The Beef Bar & Grill Monday, May 10, 2021 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm For more information contact Nicole Malaryk 306-421-4627

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A12 April 28, 2020

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April 28, 2020 A13

Mother’s Day CREPE MENU

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Six ways to spoil Mom on Mother’s Day When you ask your mom what she’d like for Mother’s Day, is the answer always “nothing”?

Well, this year, why not take things into your own hands?

Here are a few ways to spoil your mother (whether she likes it or not!): 1. Clean her fridge or wash her car (it’s free and highly appreciated) 2. Kindly forbid her from cooking (and order from her favourite restaurant instead) 3. Be her chauffeur for the day (“We’re going wherever you want to go and listening to the music you want to hear”) 4. Take her to the movie (and let her order whatever drinks or snacks she’d like) 5. Make her a card or write a letter telling her all of the things you love about her.

6. Read the ads on this page and find the perfect gift at these local businesses!

Make sure Mom knows that she’s the star on Mother’s Day and that she deserves to be pampered accordingly.

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Young country music artist Morgan Robertson on the rise

Carlyle-based musician Morgan Robertson. Photo courtesy of Starr Mercer Photography.

By Olivia Grandy At just 18, Morgan Robertson is quickly gaining momentum in her music career.

Recently, she received the 2021 Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) Youth Development Bursary and won a songwriting competition based in Nashville.

Hailing from Carlyle, Robertson spoke to the Mercury about these achievements and how essential local venues are to musicians in the area.

Robertson has played and performed music for over 10 years, beginning with the fiddle and eventually expanding to playing guitar, singing and songwriting. In the past, she has performed across the southeast with the youth vocal fiddle group Focal Point.

About five years ago, Robertson began taking singing and songwriting seriously.

Since then, she has fostered her individual performing skills.

Notably, she performed at the Bow Valley Jamboree in 2019 and opened for Tyler Lewis at the Happy Nun Café in Forget in 2020.

Robertson realized that songwriting was something she could peruse after performing an original song at a music camp and receiving a very positive response.

“I thought, oh my gosh, I’m actually writing stuff that

people can relate to, and I’m actually doing good at this.

Maybe this is something that I want to keep doing. I think that was probably a pretty big moment.”

Robertson’s recent success emerged through her talent and the opportunities created by the excellent support system for local musicians in the province. She became a part of the SCMA about a year and a half ago. As a member, she receives emails about gigs and opportunities that are available.

In this way, she received the opportunity to apply for the Youth Development Bursary.

Additionally, she spoke about how supported she feels by the Happy Nun Café, a lively venue that creates space for local musicians. The business won Music Venue of the Year at the recent SCMA Awards.

“The Happy Nun has been amazing to me. They’ve done a lot for me and many, many, other local artists. They’ve given a lot of people some really great opportunities. They’ve kept live music going through the pandemic, which is great because it hasn’t been easy to do. Local venues are very important for the music industry, and I’m very happy and grateful to feel that the Happy Nun has my back.”

Along with her local success, her original song Goodbye Train was selected in a competition run by Henhouse Studio,

based in Nashville. Robertson sent in a voice memo of the song and received the opportunity to create a polished recording.

She recorded her vocal track at SoulSound Recording Studio in Regina to a guitar track that was sent to her by Henhouse Studio. She looks forward to receiving the finished song with complete production.

“I sent in the song that I thought had the most potential for something that I couldn’t do on my own. They’re all amazing musicians. They are very talented, so I’m super excited for the finished project because it’s going to be awesome to see what I can do with the help of others.”

In the future, Robertson plans to obtain her red seal as an electrician while continuing to grow her musical career.

She aspires to spend time in Nashville after completing her apprenticeship.

Robertson would advise someone starting out in songwriting to “write from your heart. It’s not always the easiest to just let out your emotions, but if you just write what you’re feeling, you’ll get places eventually.”

Currently, Robertson shares covers and original songs on her Instagram page, @morgan.r.music. You can find updates on the goings-on of her music career and get access to any new music there.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Belonging to a thing 4. Woman (French) 7. “Incredible” TV veterinarian 8. Volcanic craters 10. Geological times 12. Ghana’s capital 13. Any small compartment 14. Conductance unit 16. Athens, Georgia, rockers 17. Plant of the arum family 19. Hawaiian dish 20. Pop 21. Imparting of information 25. Take in solid food 26. Dutch banking group (abbr.)

27. Contemptible 29. Peak 30. Play a role 31. Yuck!

32. Diversion 39. __ and groan 41. Helps little firms 42. Large, edible game fish 43. To do so is human 44. Supervises interstate commerce 45. Basics 46. La Cosa Nostra 48. Mens’ neckwear 49. Buddhist shrine 50. Midway between north and northeast 51. Wood 52. Hair product

CLUES DOWN 1. Induces vomiting 2. Matador 3. A way to travel on skis 4. __ and cheese 5. Indicates long vowel 6. Made a mistake 8. Chinese chairman 9. Indigenous people of the Philippines 11. Slender 14. Extinct, flightless bird 15. Japanese conglomerate 18. Of (French) 19. Rate in each hundred (abbr.)

20. Unit of loudness 22. Most organized 23. 007’s creator Fleming 24. Computing giant 27. American singer Aimee 28. Shock treatment 29. Ottoman military commander 31. Urban Transit Authority 32. Too much noise 33. Type of blood cell 34. Home of football’s Panthers (abbr.)

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A15 | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

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Field lacrosse introduced to young players at clinic The Estevan Lacrosse Association took another step towards bringing field

lacrosse to the community on Saturday.

A field lacrosse clinic

Brayden Mehler was among the participants at a field lacrosse clinic in Estevan on Saturday.

was held at the Panteluk Athletic Field, south of the Estevan Comprehensive School. Guest instructors Joseph LaPrairie and Adam Stewart offered tips and advice to the local youths who participated.

Separate sessions were held for under-13, under-15 and under-18 age groups.

About 21 young people were registered.

“We’re here to show the game and show the difference between box lacrosse indoors and field lacrosse outdoors, and the avenues … and opportunities that can open up in the field lacrosse game,” said LaPrairie.

Field lacrosse isn’t as fast-paced or chaotic as box lacrosse, but field lacrosse is more of a chess game with a lot more coaching involved.

It brings different strategies

Motocross association looking forward to season The Trackside Motocross Association is looking forward to being part of some racing action this summer.

Bryce Friess, the president of the association, said they have already had some people practising at their facility, which is located east of the Estevan Motor Speedway. The recent precipitation deterred some people from turning out to ride, but it was a help, because the track was very dry.

“With the snow, it was nice to add some moisture back to it,” said Friess.

The association is looking to upgrade the track for youth riders this year. Donations of equipment will be needed for the upgrade.

“It’s something that we’ve been working on for the last three years, trying to make it better and giving them better obstacles to learn on,” said Friess.

Last year they had about 20 youth members, who were anywhere from four to 14 years of age. It’s more than they’ve had in the past, but that’s not a surprise, he said, because motocross was one of the activities the kids could still enjoy.

Trackside typically has about 40 members between its different age groups.

The association is part of the South Corner Racing Circuit, which will have races in several communities this summer. Estevan’s turn is scheduled to be July 24 and 25.

It will start in Carlyle in early July, and then there will be races in Estevan, Alameda, Assiniboia and Weyburn. Last year, South Corner was the only motocross racing series to operate in Saskatchewan.

Friess said motocross is one of those sports that can happen amid COVID-19 restrictions.

“They see you like your own little outdoor bubble. You stay in your pits, and they have restriction numbers at the gates. And then when you’re on the starting line, it’s like you’re wearing a mask with your helmet on.”

The size of the facility makes it easier to social distance in the pits.

Friess said the drivers were excited to get out and start practising, and now they’re eager to start competing.

“People are sending emails all the time, and asking when we can get after it, but I think right now we should be thankful that we actually have a facility where we can ride at, that’s still open,” Friess said.

They would need to receive the green light from the Saskatchewan Health Authority before any races can happen this summer.

Trackside is also on the lookout for board members. They have three right now, which is okay, but not only do they want more, but they want to get some new blood and new ideas from people who would add to the board.

and techniques, and it can open doors to scholarships for young players, he said.

“I’m excited that Estevan’s starting this up, and it’s big for field lacrosse … in Saskatchewan, and I’m excited to see where things go in this corner of the province,” said LaPrairie, who is the president of Regina Field Lacrosse.

LaPrairie started playing box lacrosse at the age of eight or nine. He switched to field lacrosse when he was 14 or 15, played on Team Sask. and parlayed his field lacrosse skills into five seasons with Bishop’s University in Quebec.

He loves the team aspect, the running and the different positions and strategies associated with the field game. It’s not common to play on the off hand in box lacrosse, but it happens more often in field lacrosse, and it’s definitely different picking up the ball on grass versus cement.

Estevan Lacrosse Association president Braydon Krahn echoed LaPrairie’s statements on some of the differences.

“They’re learning the different technical aspects of the field game. It plays a

Hunter Wagstaff takes aim during the field lacrosse clinic in Estevan. lot different than box. Obviously being grass compared to cement, picking up the ball’s a lot different, and it doesn’t bounce around nearly as much.”

The players are more spread out in field lacrosse, forcing the players to move their feet.

Estevan has had box lacrosse for almost 20 years, but the field game is new to the city.

Since field lacrosse is new to Estevan, Krahn said they’re trying to grow interest in the sport, as some people don’t know it exists. “ We’re hoping to be able to r un exhibitions.

We’ll have practices for the groups. We won’t pursue the league this year, but we will be having exhibition games and hopefully some tournaments if the regulations open up for us.”

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A16 April 28, 2021

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Light the way for nighttime driving Routine vehicle maintenance protects drivers on the road while also protecting the often considerable financial investment they make in their cars and trucks. Maintenance guidelines have changed thanks to technology, but drivers must continue to care for their vehicles to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers and fellow motorists.

Few drivers may understand the importance of maintaining their vehicles’ headlights, and just how compromised they and their passengers might be when driving with old, dimming or foggy headlamps.

Burned out lights greatly diminish driver visibility and may even draw the attention of law enforcement. But headlight bulbs don’t just burn out overnight. As bulbs age, their light output gradually reduces due to use and factors such as humidity, electrical resistance and filament fatigue. Drivers concerned

about the efficacy of their headlight bulbs can take steps to improve their visibility when driving at night.

• Accept your own vulnerability. The human eye is not adapted for nocturnal vision. As a result, drivers’ visual acuity may be reduced by as much as 70 percent when driving at night. Cloudy, dim headlights only exacerbate that problem, further compromising the safety of everyone on the road. Avoid aggressive driving and always obey the speed limits, even when it’s late at night and roads are empty.

• Learn to recognize headlamp clouding. According to the automotive lighting innovator Lumileds, sunlight, ozone, road pollution, and even chemicals used in car washes can contribute to headlamp clouding. Clouded headlamps often appear hazed and yellow and reduce headlight output considerably. Routine headlamp inspection can help drivers discover clouded lamps that can greatly compromise

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nighttime visibility.

• Replace headlamps that are past their prime. While not all clouded headlamps need to be replaced, some aging or outdated bulbs are best replaced with new models designed to produce substantially more light output. Drivers whose vehicles are equipped with standard halogen headlights may be surprised to learn that such lights typically begin to break down within two to three years of installation, during which time light output might be reduced by as much as 30 percent. Compared to standard halogen bulbs, Philips X-tremeVision Bulbs can put substantially more light on the road while producing longer beam patterns that make it easier for drivers to see more of what’s ahead of them at night.

Drivers’ visibility is dramatically reduced once the sun goes down, but maintaining headlamps can help drivers combat that loss of vision.

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Bright vests and compasses are a good sign Groups of people wearing high-visibility vests with compasses in their hands could be noticed all across southeast Saskatchewan lately.

W hile it could have looked unusual to those passing by, for those involved it was nothing but natural. South East Saskatchewan Search and Rescue (SESKSAR) volunteers held their training in early April. It was decided that different zones of the broad region would localize their exercises.

Estevan zone’s volunteers organized the mock call-out shortly after the snowstorm on April 15. Dan Hardern, Leanne Strokov, Alex Critikos, Monica Kovach and Anastasiia Bykhovskaia mustered at Rotary Hall in Woodlawn Regional Park and went through compass practices at the location nearby. The group also had a chance to go through their backpacks and equipment required for a real search and rescue operation.

SESKSAR volunteers Monica Kovach, Dan Hardern, Alex Critikos and Leanne Strokov of Estevan's zone responded to a mock emergency in Woodlawn Regional Park. Photo submitted The Weyburn zone saw Sandy Stewart, Rick Hallberg, Derek Layden, Mickey Quigley and Clarence Fradette training on April 10.

The group did exercises with compasses and reinforced the knowledge received through the basic searcher training.

On April 3, the Carnduff zone team of SESKSAR received their mock dispatch.

They gathered at Steelman

and then headed to a nearby land location where they successfully held three compass practices. The group also carried out a mock search with two virtually missing neighbours who were located by SESKSAR members Mike Meyer, Katia Bigney and three spontaneous volunteers, who helped ground search and operate the incident command base.

Cody Chorney and Pat Ross, who were fully equipped, held their training in the Carlyle area on April 11.

Volunteers practised their skills in using compasses and navigation, and did a mock search of the exercise location.

All training operations followed the COVID-19 related rules, established by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Cody Chorney was a part of the training in Carlyle zone, along with missing from the picture Pat Ross.

Photo submitted

www.estevanmercury.ca

April 28, 2021 A17

SPRING Car Care Prevent breakdowns with battery care Many drivers have experienced the misfortune of getting into their vehicles only to realize their engines won’t turn over. Although there may be plenty of reasons why a car will not start, quite frequently a dead battery is to blame.

Car batteries can last for five years or more when properly cared for, but many batteries wear down and become inefficient within three years of daily use. According to the UKbased company Warranty Wise, car batteries deteriorate with every charge from a vehicle’s

engine. Naturally, drivers who are stranded by dead batteries wish they had done more to prevent their battery dying while they’re on the road. Certain factors might offer clues as to how much life vehicle batteries have left.

• Longer start time: A dying battery may cause the engine to crank, but it can be slow to start or not seem to exude a lot of power.

• Cranks but doesn’t start: You may turn the key to hear the engine trying to turn over, but it won’t. Even if the vehicle eventually starts, have the battery

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• Pungent aroma: Leaking and corrosion around the battery terminals can cause battery issues. If there is a rotten egg smell under the hood, it may be a leaking battery on its way to dying.

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checked and, if necessary, replaced by a mechanic.

• A jump start has been necessary: Batteries that have required a jump or multiple jumps are on their last legs and should be replaced immediately.

• Dim lights or check engine indicator: Batteries powers the electric components in a vehicle, so dim lights could be indicative of a loss of power. Having the “check engine” light come on also can be a clue.

• Extreme temperatures: According to Firestone, hot or cold temperatures can shorten a battery’s life.

If you live in an extreme climate, your battery may not last as long as the manufacturer suggests it should.

• Short driving trips: People who take many short trips (less than 20 minutes each) may find their batteries do not have enough time to fully recharge, shortening their life expectancy.

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EPS members saw an uptick in activity in March Members of the Estevan Police Service had an increase in activity levels in March, but overall numbers for the year are still down.

According to information provided at the April 19 meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners, the EPS handled 758 calls for service and infractions in March, up from 709 calls in March 2020.

For the first three months of the year, the EPS had 2,024 calls for service, down eight per cent from the 2,191 they had through the first three months of 2020.

The EPS handled 10 crimes against the person last month, with seven assaults and three sex crimes. There were 16 such crimes in March 2020.

In the first three months of this year, there were 16 crimes against people, with 13 assaults and three sex crimes.

There were 23 crimes against property in March, with nine thefts under $5,000, eight mischief or

willful damage incidents, two residential break and enters, two thefts of a motor vehicle, one theft of other motor vehicle and one theft over $5,000.

There were 33 such crimes in March 2020.

So far this year, there have been 50 crimes against property, with 23 mischief or willful damage incidents, 16 thefts under $5,000, six residential break and enters, two thefts of a motor vehicle, two thefts of other motor vehicles and one theft over $5,000.

Acting Chief Warren Morrical, who was at his first meeting since becoming deputy chief, said the decrease in the number of crimes against the person can be attributed to COVID-19 restrictions, because fewer people are in places like bars and restaurants where they would be consuming alcohol.

As for crimes against property, he believes restrictions also play a role in those reductions.

Morrical noted one of the motor vehicle thefts was reported

by Deputy Police Chief Murray Cowan after it occurred near his residence.

The theft over $5,000 relates to digital currency.

Seven charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) were laid in March, with one for trafficking and six for possession.

There were 11 such charges the previous year.

So far this year, there have been 14 CDSA charges, with 11 for possession, two for trafficking and one for production.

There was one charge under the Cannabis Act in March, the first of the year. There were no such charges in the first three months of 2020.

Eleven charges were issued for Criminal Code traffic violations: 10 for impaired/exceed-related offences and one for impairment by drug. There were 11 Criminal

Code traffic violations in March 2020 as well.

In the first three months of this year, there have been 21 Criminal Code traffic violations – 14 for impaired/exceed related offences, four for impairment by drug and three for dangerous driving and other.

“We do have a lower – but still too high in my estimation – number for impaired driving. We continue to see impaired driving by alcohol as well as impaired driving by drug offences.”

The EPS has had a number of individuals involved in flights from police and similar incidents in which motorists were driving at a high rate of speed, Morrical said. The officers have abandoned those pursuits, rather than putting people at risk.

• • • The report for Special Constable Morgan Prentice, who is the city’s bylaw enforcement officer, shows that she had 166 occurrences

for March. Included in that total were 67 unkempt property inspections, 47 parking violations, 19 animal calls and 11 calls classified as “other bylaw.”

Morrical noted that there has been a spike in the number of animal calls because people are at home and seeing animals at large in and around their neighbourhood.

The taxi bylaw has also seen an increase, because most businesses have been getting their licences updated now rather than later in the year.

• • • During the inquiries portion of the meeting, Councillor Lindsay Clark asked for an update on the police station expansion. Morrical replied there is some minor work remaining on the parking lot at the north side of the property, and some additional things that need be addressed with the neighbour to east to ensure they are happy with their property. But the majority of the work is complete.

A18 April 28, 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 Let's get outside and safely enjoy the spring.

Pursuant to subsection 187 (1) of The Cities Act, notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the City of Estevan for the year of 2021, has been prepared and is open to inspection April 21, 2021 to June 21, 2021.

The Assessment Roll can be viewed on our website www.estevan.ca, as well assessment information can also be obtained by calling 306-634-1811. Please note due to the current situation regarding COVID-19 the assessment roll will not be available for viewing at City Hall at this time.

Any person having an interest in any property who wishes to appeal the assessment of that property to the Board of Revision is required to file a notice of appeal in writing to: The Secretary of the Board of Revision, 1102 Fourth Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0W7 on or before the 21st day of June, 2021.

Dated this 21st day of April, 2021 Notice of Assessment

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MAY 10 City of Estevan crews will be clean sweeping the North, East, South, and West entrances of the city and outlying areas.

MAY 11

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City of Estevan crews will be clean sweeping all city owned properties including green-spaces such as boulevards, medians, parks and natural areas.

POOP

MAY 12

MAY 14 - 16

NORTH - City of Estevan crews will be helping you clean sweep by picking up your contained organic waste material (twigs, leaves, and yard refuse) in your front driveway. Branches must be bundled in 3 ft lengths and leaves and yard refuse must be bagged. ALL items must be on your driveway BEFORE 8 am on May 12th. Call backs will not happen. See map online at www.estevan.ca/operationcleansweep/ for boundaries.

FREE LANDFILL WEEKEND City of Estevan Residents and their residential waste only.

ID will be required. *Freon appliances andhazardous waste material will not be accepted.

Friday 8 am - 8 pm Saturday 9 am - 6 pm Sunday 9 am - 6 pm

MAY 13 Help keep our parks, pathways and streets clean.

SOUTH - City of Estevan crews will be helping you clean sweep by picking up your contained organic waste material (twigs, leaves, and yard refuse) in your front driveway. Branches must be bundled in 3 ft lengths.

Leaves and yard refuse must be bagged. ALL items must be on your driveway BEFORE 8 am on May 13th. Call backs will not happen. See map online at www.estevan.ca/operationcleansweep/ for boundaries.

www.estevan.ca

FITNESS

ACTIVITY

EFFECTIVE - April 19- May 9, 2021

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

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

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

Saturday

GRIT CORE BARRE SPIN SPIN GRIT 9:10 am - 9:50 am ABOVE 9:10 am - 9:50 am 9:10 am - 10:15 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am 9:10 am - 9:50 am *NOT ON APRIL 19 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 Y A PL RCH 1ST E P O 9: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

iday

Monday - Fr

SPIN 5:30 pm - 6:10 pm

SPIN 6:30 pm - 7:10 pm

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

OPEN 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

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

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.

306-634-1800

Class Descriptions

ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE - 2021

SCHEDULE Sunday

www.estevan.ca

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 benefits are fantastic! Your experienced instructor will professionally fit 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

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

CLASSIFIEDS A19 | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca Obituaries

Notices / NomiNatioNs

Obituaries

Mae Gertrude (née Gervais) BREEZE May 10, 1932 – April 19, 2021 Mae Breeze late of Moose Jaw, formerly of Estevan, SK passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 19, 2021 with her family by her side. Mae was born in Estevan and grew up in a family of twelve. She is survived by her three daughters, Debbie (Kevin) Callele, Lori (Bill) Cunningham, and Darla (Brad) Moffatt; grandchildren Kayla (Evan), Dana (Mathew), Justin (Nichole), and Jenna (Mark); great-grandchildren Chaseton, Avery, Luka, Liam, Lyrah, Archer, Carter, Luke, and special grand-dog, Ryder; sisters Cecil, Annette (Selby), Rita, Elaine, and Linda (Harry); along with sister-in-law Jewel; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Mae is predeceased by her husband Reagh of 52 years; parents Gertrude and Maurice Gervais; brothers Edward, Victor, and Leo; sisters Jean, Louise, and Gloria; and in-laws John, Adam, George, Jim, Cliff, Adele, Otillia, Leland, Margaret, and Jim. As a “stay-at-home mom”, Mae kept the house, her husband, children, and everyone else around her very well organized. She loved watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and she would happily look forward to attending their various school and social events. Mae was a true sports enthusiast, and as a family we knew not to argue with her about sports as she was most often right! Mae also loved to play cards, and while she showed no mercy in trouncing us adults in cards or a game of Yahtzee, with a big smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, she made sure the children always won their share of games! As adept as Mae was in cards and games she was also very skilled and took great enjoyment in completing a multi-piece puzzle. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be a service at this time. Mae will be interred with Reagh at the Riverside Memorial Park cemetery in Regina, SK at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mae’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 26 - 1738 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.victoriaavenuefuneral.com Ivy Kay Schindel-Smith October 22, 1923 - March 21, 2021 Ivy passed away peacefully on March 21, 2021 at the age of 97 years. She was born at home in Midale, Sk on October 22, 1923, to Edward and Margaret (Fleury) Hacke. Ivy was the youngest of five children. She grew up and received her education at Midale SK. On October 22 1946, Ivy married Alfred Schindel of Macoun, SK, where they raised their family of three sons and one daughter: Bill, Ron, Gary and Myfanwy.

They resided in Macoun, SK until 1971. Upon leaving Macoun, they moved to Red Deer, Alberta where Ivy was a nurse’s aide at Michener Center. Ivy and Alfred also managed the Willow Apartments in Red Deer for several years.

Alfred passed away in Red Deer in 1989. Ivy later married Tom Smith who passed away in Dec, 2002.

Ivy enjoyed her time with family, the outdoors, gardening and travelling whenever she was able.

Ivy spent her last few years at Westpark Lodge in Red Deer as her eyesight and health started to fail.

Ivy is survived by: Daughter in Law: Louise Schindel; Grandchildren: Brent (Arliss) and Brad (Shsse) Great Grandchildren:Keegan (Jenn), Logan, Braidyn, Carson, and Ryder Great great granddaughter Madison Ron (Bev), Grandchildren : Sherry (Cory), Coralee (Glen) Great grandchildren: Jocylyn, Carley, Renick and Taya.

Gary (Joan), Grandchildren: Christina (Kelvin), Kevin, Kenneth (Randi) and great grandchildren: Courtney, Riley, James, Brandon and Elizabeth.

Daughter: Muff Robinson, Grandchildren Kaileigh, (Roland), Mykel, Mathew, and Ashleigh (Chris) Great Grandchildren: Hanna, Jacob, Cameron and Connor Sister in law Dorothy Schindel along with many nieces and nephews Ivy was predeceased by her husband, Alfred Schindel, husband Tom Smith, son, Bill Schindel, great granddaughter Hope Enns, Parents, Edward and Margaret Hacke, Brothers: Myrl (Myrtle), George (Mabel), Lloyd (Margrette) and sister Elaine (Goldie) Cremation has taken place and Ivy will be laid to rest in Macoun, SK at a family graveside service at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Westpark Lodge for their care and support of Ivy while she resided there. .Also, thank you to the Red Deer Arbor Memorial Funeral Home for their care and services at the time of Ivy’s passing.

Irene Grace Selk (nee Weiler) February 5, 2021 - April 13, 2021 Our Mom, Irene went peacefully home to be with the Lord, after a short illness at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon on April 13, 2021.

Mom was born in Lampman Union Hospital on February 5, 1929. Growing up their family moved around a lot because her father, Jake, was the Pool elevator operator. They lived in Cullen, Woodley, Claybank, Whittome, and Melfort areas.

Irene met Lewis and they were married on February 24, 1951.

They made their home around Benson where they farmed 4 quarters of land. They raised many animals like cattle, horses, pigs, ducks, geese, goats, chickens and even pheasants for the Sask. Wildlife Federation. Besides working on the farm, Irene also worked at the Derrick Hotel in Estevan. She was a busy mom raising 6 kids, but always found the time to bake, can, garden, sew, do lots of crafts and all kinds of needlework. She also loved spending time doing Fretwork and painting. She was blessed with so many talents. She also taught herself how to play guitar and accordion which she spent lots of time doing and listening to the music of Frank Yankovic. Later in life they sold the farm and moved to Estevan and eventually a move to Saskatoon. It was here she became an active member of Faith Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and volunteered with ladies in the kitchen and on some committees. She had many friends she served the Lord with there.

She was predeceased by her Feed & Seed husband Lewis, son Murray, « A8 Daughters-in-law Judy and Donna; parents Freda (nee Johnson) and Jacob Weiler, brother Harold and sisters-inla, Faye and Iona.

She leaves to mourn her children; Doug, Gilbert, Marc (Terry), Dennis (Joan) and Heather (Trent).

She will be missed by her two brothers Mervyn (Mary) and Lanny (Jan). Irene had 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of her life will take place at Cromer Woodley Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to thank all her caregivers at the hospital.

Thank-you also to Cherished Memories – Martensville for all the arrangements.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (Estevan Branch), Box 105 Estevan SK. S4A 2A2

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In MeMorIaM

Angelene Dillman 1939 – 2021 Angelene Dillman of Estevan, Sask. passed away in Regina, Sask. on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the age of 81.

She was predeceased by her parents: Valentine & Mary (Weiler) Dillman and her sister and brother-in-law: Annette & Carl Buchholtz.

Angie will be lovingly remembered by her brother: Norman (Maureen) Dillman of Bienfait, Sask. and her sister Val Marie (Ron) Fai of Medicine Hat, Alta. She will also be greatly missed by her nephews and nieces: David (Connie) Buchholtz, Lee-Ann (Bruce) Hutt, Suzie (Greg) Stubel, Shawn Dillman, Marcia (Steve) Denger, Stephanie (Staven) Bender and Chad (Meenal) Fai. Angie is also survived by her great nephews and nieces: Santana (Adrien – Salaya & Toran), Samantha (Andrew), Sierra, Tawni (Jesse), Logan (Taylor – Ethan & Quintin), Preston, Megan (Dustin – Hailey & Tayson), Brennen, Hanna, Grayson, Sawyer, Skylar, Stone, Rayne and Sheamus. She also leaves behind many cousins and close friends.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, there will be no service at this time. A celebration of Angie’s life is being planned for a later date when it is once again safe for us to gather together.

For anyone who would like to give, donations in Angie’s name to Diabetes Canada or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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

In MeMorIaM

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In Loving Memory of Jeffery Lukye April 25, 2011 How constantly we think of you, With hearts and eyes that fill, The love in life we had for you, In death grows stronger still.

Let the winds of love blow softly, And whisper for you to hear, We love and miss you dearly, As it dawns another year.

Love Always, Keri & Maya

In MeMorIaM

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Brittany Ronceray March 28, 1990 April 26, 2009

Suzanne ( Daniels ) Ronceray February 25, 1966 April 26, 2009

In loving memory of our Special Angels Wonderful memories woven in gold.

These are the memories we tenderly hold.

Deep in our hearts your memory is kept To love, to cherish and never forget.

Just as you were you will always be.

Lovingly remembered by: Mom and Dad (Grandpa and Grandma) Daniels, Kyle and Mackenzie Ronceray, Karen, Kerry, Keith, Stacia, Krista Goudy, David Daniels

In Loving Memory of Jennie Deren March 24, 1931- April 28, 2013 They say there is a reason They say that time will heal But neither time nor reason Will change the way we feel.

We want to tell you something So there won’t be any doubt You’re so wonderful to think of But so hard to be without.

Sadly missed and forever loved by June, Paul, Donna, Bill, Lil, Linda, Delmar, Joy and families

RHONDA Lou Ann Wick May 10, 1972 - April 18, 1992 You’ll never be forgotten That simply cannot be.

As long as I am living I’ll carry you with me.

Safely tucked within our hearts Your light will always shine; A glowing ember never stilled, throughout the end of time.

No matter what the future brings, Or what may lie ahead, I know that you will was with us Along the path we tread.

Love Always, Mom, Dad,Trena, Derek, Hudsyn & Joseph

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A20 April 28, 2021 In the Estate of Levan Scott Johnston, late of Estevan, Saskatchewan All claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 10th day of May, 2021.

Kohaly Elash & Ludwig Law Firm LLP Barristers and Solicitors 1312 - 4th Street Estevan, SK S4A 0X2 Solicitor for the Estate

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Email David at editor@estevanmercury.ca

CROSSWORD ANSWER

CAREERS

The RM of Souris Valley #7 Requires a Fulltime Seasonal Grader/ Equipment Operator Potential start date of middle/end of April, 2021 Wage will be based upon experience We thank all applicants for your interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please forward your resume by e-mail to rm07@sasktel.net, by fax 1-306-456-2480, by mail to Box 40, Oungre, SK S0C 1Z0, OR in person to the RM Office.

Deadline to apply is 3:00 p.m.

Monday, April 12, 2021.

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1037 - 5th Street | Estevan 306-634-5172 jph@sasktel.net

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

WE ARE LOCAL WE ARE CARING WE ARE CO-OP

Job Title: Contract Operator, Estevan Area Department: Production - Field Reporting to the Production Foreman, you will be responsible for working with the Field team to monitor and optimize well production, pipeline systems and facilities. You will troubleshoot equipment and well problems as well as perform ongoing basic and preventative maintenance.

HOW WILL YOU MAKE YOUR MARK? • Adhere to and engage in corporate safety protocols including hazard identification, equipment lockout and emergency response • Analyze production / cost data and make appropriate decisions or recommendations to increase production through optimization • Startup/shut down of oil wells, facilities and equipment • Troubleshoot equipment problems and perform minor repairs and servicing; • Comply with environmental and safety regulations • Daily production accounting • Work 10 days on, 4 days off shift, 8 hour/day and Remain on-call during after hours, as requested or needed, to provide afterhours coverage for facilities and or wells; • Adhere to company mission statement and foster a positive and productive work environment.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Grade 12 education or equivalent preferred;

Expressway Family Centre in Oxbow For more than 20 years, families in the Oxbow area have been turning to the Expressway Family Centre for programming, activities and learning, all while having fun.

The non-profit organization has been providing free or low-cost programming to members of the community, assisting with family support.

Stephanie Barnes has been the program co-ordinator since last September, but she was far from a stranger to the family centre’s programs when she took the job. She was a board member for two years, and she started taking her kids to the centre when her family moved to Oxbow four years ago.

“It’s a place where parents can bring their kids. It’s a place where you can come and feel welcome if you’re having a good day or a bad day. It’s a good place to meet people. It’s just a good place to interact. It helps prepare you, give ideas for parenting or schooling, or other things to do with kids,” said Barnes.

The centre is located at 609 Prospect Avenue. It had been located at the Oxbow Prairie Horizons School, but had to vacate the building because the school couldn’t have outside visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We moved into the new facility, and we’ve been making it work for the past year,” said Barnes.

The Expressway Family Centre is always a busy place. Activity slows down in the winter months, since people aren’t as eager to head out. Spring and summer months are typically busier.

Drop-in and play is offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,

with a tonne of different free activities. Little chefs, action art, spring time at the library, crafting, outdoor play have been offered.

A first aid refresher is scheduled for this week.

The centre has been working with the Bow Valley Villa care home on a reading program. A pre-kindergarten class, a Grade 1 class, a Grade 6 class and 17 kids from ages four to 10 have been participating and interacting with the villa’s residents.

“We’ve been doing pen pal letters back and forth, and that’s gone over really well,” said Barnes.

The family centre will partner with the Oxbow Swimming Pool in June for swimming and the Oxbow Rink in the winter for skating.

“We try to offer mostly free in the winter, so that no matter what your economic status is, you can participate,” she said.

With grants, board members and employees, they have been able to implement different programming and switch some of the different things they have been doing.

They were planning to have some bigger events for their 20th anniversary in 2020, but because of COVID-19, those ideas were scuttled.

Expressway Family Centre had to shut down for a couple of weeks early in the spring due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the Oxbow area, but it is open again.

The people who have accessed Expressway have provided very good feedback, Barnes said. Programs had to be adapted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with some offered online, but the public is glad they can still turn to the family centre.

• Valid Class 5 Operator’s license; • Minimum 2 years of operating experience will be given preference, with thorough knowledge of field operations, piping configurations, equipment limitations, computer skills and operating procedures; • Ability to handle new tasks or assignments; • First Aid, H2S and other regulatory courses are required • Strong communication, organizational and team skills complemented with a strong work ethic.

Please email resumes to wes.morrow@cnrl.com. If you would like further information regarding the posting, please contact Wes Morrow at 306-636-7104.

We thank all applicants for submitting their resume; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. April 30 Deadline.

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• • • • •

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Raffle Tickets Booklets Cheques whatever you need printed!

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CHEERS & JEERS A21 | Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

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Flashback – Wednesday, May 1, 1985 Cheers Cheers to Shelly Veroba and the Creighton lodge team for identifying, reacting to and containing the COVID outbreak at the lodge earlier this month.

Cheers to the Public Health COVID vaccination team for the long hours and many days of dedicated service to keeping your community safe.

Cheers to the two men in the black Corvette who stopped and offered assistance last week. A woman had taken a bad fall while out walking and these men were concerned enough to stop and offer their assistance.

Cheers to the arrival of a new physician in the Estevan area, and to the committee that continues to work hard to bring medical doctors to the Energy City.

The fashion show and hair styling competition held at the ECS on April 29, 1985, drew a lot of attention.

From left, Grant Schlamp of the ESCS Economic Class, Linda Armstrong and Jennifer Fichter modelling for Blue Orchid Beauty Salon and Mildred’s Beauty Salon, Marylee MacArthur modelling for ECS Home Economics Class, and Donna Brokenshire for Bobbi Hair Styling.

Cheers to the teachers in southeast Saskatchewan who adapted to offering remote learning during the past two weeks. They did their best to keep teaching our kids during this challenging time. But it’s good to see that most kids are back in the classroom.

Jeers Jeers to those who have been criticizing a local business for having an ad that calls for an end to restrictions. It’s a business. Someone wanted to pay money for an ad on their electronic billboard.

It’s not necessarily an endorsement. It’s no different than if they were to accept an ad calling for restrictions to continue.

Jeers to those who are speeding through playground and school zones. Now that it’s warming up once again, young people and families will be out enjoying physical activities.

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

Keeping a record of rights When people give me cards or notes of encouragement, I put them in a file folder called “Nice Stuff.”

After many years, that folder is so full that I am scared to take it out of the filing cabinet because it might explode all over my office.

In addition, I have a similar folder on my computer that contains 1,270 more notes.

I never look at what is in the folders. I do not keep these notes because I am so insecure that I need to be reassured that I am doing well. I keep the folders not because they say something nice about me, but because they say something nice about other

Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ people. Those folders remind me that, most of the time, people are kind and generous and good.

First Corinthians 13:5 tells us that “Love… keeps no record of wrongs,” so I decided to go one step further and keep a record of rights. I could remember the few nasty words people have said to me,

but instead I am choosing to remember the many kind ones.

Not everyone is positive and not every interaction with others is going to be pleasant.

However, it is also true that every day, in words and deeds, someone says, “I love you,” “I care about you,” “I am interested in how you are doing.”

The trick is that we must decide which folder we are going to use. Will we fill up the folder called hurts and remember all the bad things, or will we choose to see the nice gestures and keep a record of people’s goodness?

It takes no more effort to remember nice things instead of bad ones.

Therefore, why not keep a record of rights?

“Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

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A22 April 28, 2021

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