Estevan Mercury 20210623

s r e d n He arket LocaL M

Provincial recognition.

Estevan doctor named Sask. top optometrist.

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ESTEVAN MERCURY

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ECS Class of 2021 graduates celebrated like no one else does Plants are in.

New business has everything a green thumb may want.

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2021 Graduates Celebrating Stoughton.

We salute to graduating 2021 class.

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Beautifully decorated floats with groups of friends drove through the city Saturday night as a part of the Class of 2021 Bubble Parade.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

By Ana Bykhovskaia

ECS got talent.

Local students impress at the national level of Skills Canada.

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The Estevan Comprehensive School's (ECS) 2021 graduation will leave the community and even the entire province proud.

With all current health regulations in place, Estevan Comprehensive School graduates found a way not only to celebrate their milestone, but also to do it in a real Prairie style - with chic, elegance and on a grand scale, but also with semis and big pickups, along with Saskatchewan’s traditional wind gusts and even a little drizzle all working together to make this

day unforgettable.

Hundreds of people – family, friends, teachers and community members – all gathered along the bubble parade route Saturday evening to celebrate the graduates of 2021.

"I've never seen that many people. It was so nice to see the smiles on the grads. It was a community event. Some people told me, the whole community got together for them. That's what it was all about.

And businesses supported us. It was amazing what the Estevan community has done. And the kids had so much fun," shared Stacey Wempe, who was a part

of the bubble parade planning committee.

Saturday started for most graduates with a stop at the ECS, where they picked up their diplomas and said good-bye to the school that was their home for the past several years. Then many went to Affinity Place where photographers were taking pictures of them with family and friends at elegantly decorated photo booths.

"I've never seen Affinity decorated so beautifully ... And the comments that I've been getting from people is how beautiful it was," Wempe said.

A2 » ECS

All Saskatchewan COVID-19 restrictions set to be lifted on July 11 New flag. Family loses a Pride Flag to theft, but receives replacement.

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With over 70 per cent of residents over the age of 18 having received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 69 per cent of all residents over the age of 12 having received their first dose, Saskatchewan is announcing that the full implementation of Step 3 of the Re-Opening Roadmap will occur on July 11.

That means that as of July 11, all public health orders will be removed. This includes the removal of the province-wide mandatory masking order, and

the removal of limits on events and gathering sizes.

"As we are now so close to the final threshold, we are able to announce that Step 3 will be fully implemented on Sunday, July 11," Premier Scott Moe said.

"We are able to make this announcement because so many Saskatchewan residents have done their part by getting vaccinated, so I'd like to say thanks to Saskatchewan people. Over the past 15 months, Saskatchewan residents have diligently followed public health guidelines and restrictions, and

over the past months they have followed through by getting vaccinated."

As of Monday, 998,779 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in the province.

Eight per cent of those over the age of 40+ have received their first dose. Seventy-four per cent of those 30+ have received their first dose.

Saskatchewan moved into Phase 2 of its reopening plan on June 20, with many restrictions being eased or lifted.

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ECS Bubble Parade turned into community event « A1 Throughout the day Deanna Brown, Wanda Harron, Prairie Perception Photography, Emma McKersie and Emily Tarnes were taking pictures to save the memories about the graduation.

The culmination of the day was the Class of 2021 Bubble Parade. Guided by police, gorgeous 2021 grad floats cruised up and down King Street and other roads to the cheers and applause of the crowd, wishing farewell to the beautiful class. Businesses decorated their storefronts, and people brought banners to celebrate the graduates.

Wempe stressed all supplies were purchased locally.

The only exception was the balloons, which parents could only get enough of in Regina.

The organizers and students decorated 19 floats on Friday, but in the end, only 18 partook in the event, as one was prepared just in case.

"I grew up with parades when I was in Lampman, so I used to decorate floats as a kid.

And decorating is actually really

hard, but it's also really fun. Kids and parents got really excited. It was a team effort," Wempe said.

And after long preparations, Saturday evening the semis and pickup trucks, driven by parents or local volunteers, lined up by the Power Dodge Curling Centre to get up to eight passengers each and head out into the community.

Organized in bubbles, grads could hang out with their friends, showcase their amazing outfits and also share their big holiday with the community.

While it took endless hours on behalf of organizers and students, most of which were put in over the course of the last three weeks, Wempe said that the outcome was worth every effort.

"It took endless and countless hours of planning, putting this together, phoning businesses not only to use their trailers but also to use their shops. It took countless hours to put this all together. But it was well worth it ... It was amazing. The whole day was good," Wempe said.

The happiness from the

This year grads shared their big day with the entire community as hundreds of people gathered along the bubble parade route. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia event was even greater since up until a few weeks ago it wasn't clear if the students would be allowed to have any kind of celebration. So when it all came together it was a blast.

Wempe had experience with being on the grad organizing committee before the pandemic as well. She said that it was way easier to get everything done back then, but it seemed

that the students enjoyed the new format even more. So she hopes that once the traditional ceremony can be brought back again, the parades will become a new addition to the graduation.

"The old way, it was only for the family, because you can only invite a certain number of people … because the Affinity only holds a certain amount of people. But this way, the whole

community can be involved and it made these grads feel special for a day. And they still feel special the old way but this way, I think they get more involved. And the community gets more involved," Wempe said.

Wempe thanked the planning committee, consisting of Sandi McKersie,Tanja Gervais, Tricia Mackenzie, Trina Cher-

wenuk from A Loving Touch Florist and Tanya Andrist and all the parent volunteers. If not for them, the bubble parade would never come to being.

Pictures photographers took throughout the day will be uploaded to estevanclassof2021.com.

For more photos of the Bubble Parade, please see page A11.

ECS valedictorian Bechtold proud of fellow grads The valedictorian for the Estevan Comprehensive School’s Class of 2021 says his peers have been able to persevere through some challenging times.

Kaleb Bechtold earned

the valedictorian distinction with an average of 99.3 per cent.

“Lots of hard work went into it, so it’s nice to see it pay off,” Bechtold said in an interview with the Mercury.

Bechtold delivered his valedictorian’s address through a video that will be distributed to his fellow graduates, as part of the school’s virtual graduation ceremony.

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

It was an honour to be the valedictorian, since there are a number of other students who would also be deserving, he said.

In his speech, Bechtold touched on this year’s grad

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Estevan Area Literacy Group The Estevan Area Literacy Group (EALG) has a passion for helping people boost their reading and other essential skills.

answer questions about 10 different books.

Prizes are handed out, and the top team receives a trophy.

Grace Caputo, who has been the literacy group’s co-ordinator since November 2020, said the agency was formed in 2007. Throughout the year, they offer free educational, fun programs that are open to all members of the community.

Caputo hasn’t been part of a Battle of the Books yet, but she’s heard how much the children love it.

The literacy group is busy with other programs during the year, too.

“Basically throughout the year we partner up with different groups in the community, such as the Souris Valley Museum, the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, the Southeast College and the Southeast Newcomer Services, where we hold programs for children and families which promote literacy and fun learning.”

The literacy group was located in the Estevan Public Library for many years, but it is now in the Estevan Comprehensive School.

They have programs for children and adults, and they work with English as Another Language adults.

She hopes to start book clubs in the schools again this fall.

“We solely survive on grants, local donations and fundraising, which allows us to offer free programming,” said Caputo.

She has been busy since joining the literacy group, thanks to the different programs, and since this is her first job as a literacy co-ordinator.

The literacy group also just recently held its first Heroes of Estevan initiative at Michael’s Coffee Shop and Bakery.

Summer is typically a busy time for the EALG. They will have Nature Smarts, running Monday to Thursday from July 5-Aug. 20. Sessions are 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.

The fall will bring an English Fun program, which is to be offered weekly over four weeks for children ages four to 12.

“It’s just a fun, educational experience,” said Caputo. “We’ll have a theme each week, and we’ll offer books reads, scavenger hunts and games for children.”

The EALG has also organized the Battle of the Books in local schools, she said, but it didn`t happen in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID_19 restrictions. The competition sees teams of students in different grades

Kaleb Bechtold you have to remain positive and you have to be able to be happy for the things we are able to do.”

Bechtold said he has put in a lot of time and effort into his academic work.

He has managed to attain the academic success while working at Murray GM and Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual, and while being involved in sports.

After he graduates from ECS, Bechtold plans to study biomedical sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, which he hopes can be the stepping stone to get into medical school.

“We have school break programs that we offer for the children when they’re on their school break,” said Caputo.

The literacy group is a United Way Estevan member agency, and the United Way is their biggest contributor. Saskatchewan Lotteries, the Children’s Initiative Fund, the Access Communications Children Fund and the Estevan Lions Club are among the other supporters.

“It’s just an educational program which focuses on building and maintaining literacy and other essential skills,” said Caputo. “It includes scavenger hunts, games, crafts, book reads. The program is open for children ages four to 12. We just want to offer children a fun and unique option and a way to learn and socialize during the summer break.”

theme, which is Here’s to Staying Positive and Testing Negative – a quote that he believes reflects the resiliency of this year’s grads, especially since COVID-19 was first diagnosed in Saskatchewan in March 2020.

“I just want everyone to realize how many life lessons we’ve all learned, and how we’re finally getting through this thing,” said Bechtold.

His fellow graduates have done a good job of handling all of the changes and challenges of the past 15 months, switching between in-person learning and online classes. They lost the opportunities provided by sports and many of their extracurricular activities. “ There was a great amount of perseverance shown, and here we are graduating,” said Bechtold.

Even though he and his fellow graduates were able to prepare for not having the traditional cap and gown ceremony at Affinity Place, it’s still tough that it won’t be happening this year.

“Growing up, you see all of these graduates walking across the stage and everything, and it sucks not being able to do that. But …

“We wanted to acknowledge all of our heroes who contribute to our local community, so they basically do a book read to the children.”

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Michael Ellis, the owner of Michael’s, read a book to the children.

All of their progams are free, so it’s important for the literacy group to receive grants and donations.

The EALG is currently in the midst of a fundraiser with Michael’s.

People can purchase a voucher for a 16-inch pizza of their choice, and the literacy group will receive a portion of the proceeds. There’s no expiration date on the voucher.

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They were also a recent recipient through the Burgers for a Cause fundraiser at Blackbeard’s Restaurant.

If anyone wants information on the literacy group or to register for a program, they can caputo at 306-634-4711, or email her at literacycoordinator@outlook.com.

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Estevan optometrist receives provincial recognition The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO) recognized Dr. Sarah Sliva as the recipient of the Optometrist of the Year Award at its recent annual general meeting.

Sliva, the owner of South East Eyecare in Estevan, said she didn't see anything like that coming, as she was nominated by a colleague who did all paperwork without Sliva knowing. It takes a lot to surprise her, but this award definitely took her by surprise, and she was very grateful for such an honour.

"It was a good thing I was paying attention because I actually heard it and I blinked a couple of times, stared at my computer and I thought, 'Someone has a very similar sounding name to me,'" said Sliva with a laugh. "But it turns out that no, it was me.

“So I was very surprised, very touched and very honoured that I had been even nominated for the award … What I get to do for a living is rewarding in itself. But to have recognition from your peers and colleagues just makes you feel very special."

Once the announcement about the recognition was made, Sliva started receiving congratulation calls and messages from hundreds of people. On Mercury's Facebook page alone, there were over 120 comments, celebrating and recognizing the success of the Estevan eye doctor.

"I really do appreciate the support that I've gotten from my family, my friends and our community. It's always nice when we can celebrate each other's successes," Sliva said.

The decision on award recipients is made by and amongst other established and respected Saskatchewan optometrists, and Sliva said this fact makes it even more special for her.

"Optometrists are all very

Dr. Sarah Sliva has been recognized as the Saskatchewan Optometrist of the Year. Photo submitted dedicated professionals, so every optometrist would be more than deserving of the award. And to be picked amongst your peers as deserving of this recognition is a very high honour," Sliva said.

Sliva graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2009 and opened her own optometry clinic in Estevan in 2011. She said the decision to become an optometrist formed pretty early in life.

"I have worn glasses since I was fairly young. And I had some

experience with ophthalmologists, and optometrists, and opticians as a young child. And I just always found it fascinating that I could go to the optometrist and not really see the letters on the chart. And then by some magic, when I walked out of the office, I could see. The words on the board at school were clearer. The trees had more definition. I could see the TV better. I could see the baseball coming towards me better, but I still couldn't catch it very good. It was amazing to me that

something could be done to make the world so much more clear and vibrant, and engaging. And I really wanted to be on the other side of that experience and help other people," Sliva explained.

She added that she still gets that "wow experience" every time she gets an updated pair of glasses, and every day she goes to work to do her best to extend that experience to her clients.

This year marks the South East Eyecare clinic's 10-year anniversary, and it has been shaped into a fullservice clinic, serving the vision and eyecare needs of patients in southeast Saskatchewan.

In 2019, South East Eyecare expanded with the addition of a satellite clinic in Carnduff.

Sliva said paperwork remains her least favourite part of the job, but in general, she gets to enjoy what she chose for the profession every day.

"The paperwork is not at the top of the most fun tasks I do, but it is necessary, so it does get done.

But working with people, visiting with people, finding out what their visual needs are, finding out how I can help improve maybe their job or their hobbies, or how I can make their life better by helping make their vision better or more comfortable. So working with people is definitely my favourite part of the job. I love visiting with people. And I get to do that every day as part of my profession, which is pretty cool," Sliva said.

Coming from a small town herself, Sliva understood the difficulty patients face when travelling for healthcare services and sought to close the gap for vision care.

While receiving the provincial recognition was an honour, she said she never really aimed for it.

"I'm very fortunate, I love what I do. I think I have the best job in

the world. I think I'm part of the best profession and I practise in the best province. So for me, I go to work every day, because I enjoy helping people. And I enjoy what I do. It's not about the accolades and the recognition. Although it is nice to sometimes be told that you're doing a good job and that people appreciate you. So this was just the icing on the cake," Sliva said.

In addition to her role as a busy entrepreneur, Sliva is also a mom of six and an active volunteer.

Currently, Sliva sits on the association's billing committee, board of examiners, children's vision initiative committee, and new member mentor committee. She also sits on the board of the Souris Valley Museum, plays the organ at her church and volunteers on the school community council.

"Sliva is highly committed to education. She frequently accepts optometry students for internships and participates in outreach events in the community to educate people on the importance of vision health," the SAO said in a news release.

During the pandemic, Sliva completed three additional optometric programs to enhance the services she is able to deliver and maintained perfect attendance at the association's spring continuing education program.

"Sarah is more than deserving of the Optometrist of the Year Award. The truth is that I watch the way she approaches clinical situations and I see how appreciative her patients are of her compassionate care and I strive to meet that in my own practice," said Sliva's colleague, Dr. Amanda Olsen.

"Dr. Sarah Sliva is a worthy recipient of the Optometrist of the Year Award and a role model as a practitioner, educator, and citizen," said Dr. Heath Holliday, president of the SAO.

One, two, three, four she declared a sign war

These signs at Encompass Fitness in Estevan ignited Sign Wars in the community. Photos courtesy of Encompass Fitness Estevan area residents have been entertained this month by Sign Wars involving local businesses and now even schools.

It started when Brady Johnson, who owns the Encompass Fitness studio, used her business sign to say that Estevan needed a sign war. It has since grown to include a number of businesses from several different sectors.

Johnson said she had seen a post about a sign war in the U.S. community of Christiansburg, Va. “I just thought it would be such a fun idea to do in Estevan,” said Johnson.

Blackbeard’s Restaurant, located in the Days Inn Hotel, was first target for Encompass. The restaurant

was chosen because they have a couple of signs to post a response, and she finds that Days Inn general manager Jeff Pierson has a good sense of humour and a good mind for the banter seen in Sign Wars.

“It was really great. Their feedback was really good. And it’s been really fun seeing other businesses catch on and want to play, too.”

Now other businesses have joined in. Some have targeted their competitors in an effort to bring them into the fray. Businesses that don’t have signs have posted messages in their windows to issue or respond to a challenge.

Johnson has been surprised with the reaction.

“I didn’t really know what to

expect, or if anyone would want to catch on and play along. But I am surprised at how many businesses are starting to join in the fun, whether they have signs or not, and getting really creative. It’s fun for the businesses, but it’s even more fun for spectators getting to see the signs and the fun camaraderie.”

Among her favourites was one from the Southern Plains Co-op, who chirped fellow grocery stores Sobeys and Clifton’s No Frills.

But there have been comments made to businesses with looser connections. Such was the case when Blue Sky Air praised the wings at the Black Grasshopper Pub and Eatery, but wanted to know whether those wings could fly.

30 4

tevan,” said Johnson.

The feedback from the public has been terrific, with people sharing the post and having laughs at the messages.

She believes this can continue for a while, as long as the fun banter continues.

“It’s definitely a lot of work for us, though, changing our signs, but it’s fun, so hopefully (it will last) until the end of the month and hopefully it will continue even into the summer.”

An Estevan Sign Wars Facebook page has been created, but Johnson said she wasn’t involved with that.

For more photos of Sign Wars, visit www.estevanmercury.ca.

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Johnson is pleased to see those businesses interacting.

More recently, schools have been trading barbs, with Hillcrest School using their sign to take a jab at Spruce Ridge School and the Estevan Comprehensive School.

Other Saskatchewan communities, including Melville, have had Sign Wars as well, making it into the Meanwhile in Saskatchewan Facebook page. Johnson doesn’t know if that one occurred before Estevan, as her inspiration came from the U.S. Johnson said it would be great to see more of the downtown businesses involved and playing along with each other.

“I think it’s a lot of fun, it’s good-natured and it’s great for Es-

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Finally, the restrictions are ending Outside of the announcement about having a vaccine that works and is ready to go, Sunday’s announcement about the upcoming end of COVID-19 restrictions in Saskatchewan might arguably be the best health-related news we’ve had since the start of the pandemic more than 15 months ago.

The province moved into Phase 2 of its COVID-19 reopening plan on Sunday, allowing us to have more people at private indoor gatherings, more people in retail establishments and more people at the restaurant table.

But now we can look forward to life returning to normal (or close to normal as possible) in less than three weeks.

No more masks, although some national and international corporations might still require a mask, so don’t ditch the face covering just yet.

We can gather with as many people as we want. We don’t have to worry about having just 150 people in a venue that seats thousands. The Estevan Motor Speedway can fill its 1,500-seat grandstand. The Orpheum Theatre can have both of its theatres at capacity.

Churches can welcome everyone who wants to attend their Sunday services.

We can have our full family gatherings again without having to worry about how many people are present.

Of course, this is not a guarantee. A lot

can happen between now and July 11. We could get a surge in new cases that could bring these plans to a screeching halt, or force us to move into a modified Phase 3 of the reopening plan.

You can be sure the government would not want that to happen, not just from a health perspective, but they definitely don’t want to face a public that would be irate at the government for getting their hopes up, only to have these restored freedoms taken away again.

The constant changes in restrictions have been a source of frustration for many, even if the restrictions were pretty consistent in Saskatchewan for the first five months of 2021.

We can look forward to events this summer. It might be tough to pull off the massive community events (although Carlyle is going to have its annual Fun Days in August). But some smaller events can proceed.

(As an aside, if you’re upset about an event not occurring this year, don’t take it out on the organizers. Keep in mind that the people involved with these happenings are largely volunteers, and if you’re upset about events not happening, they`re likely to be even more disappointed. It must be frustrating for them that they could have something, but it won`t happen, because of the planning time required).

The only lingering question is when the Canada-U.S. border will open to non-essential

traffic again. That’s a decision that is beyond the provincial government’s realm, although when you listen to Premier Scott Moe, you get the feeling that he wishes it would be open now.

We’re not going to see a full return to normal, at least not initially. You’re going to have a lot of people out there who are skittish about heading out in public or going to a restaurant, or being packed into a grandstand, or sitting in a movie theatre.

And you’re still going to see a lot of people wearing masks in public, even after they aren’t required. Some of them will still wear a mask because of nerves; others might have other health-related reasons for a face covering.

And we need to continue with the vaccine efforts. Once July 11 rolls around, that doesn’t mean that vaccine efforts will halt.

The more people who are fully vaccinated, the safer we’ll be.

But for so many of us, this is what we’ve been waiting for. That opportunity to shake hands, hug, see other people’s smiles, come together with family and friends, and to enjoy those large-scale events.

Sunday’s announcement was a reason to celebrate, a reason for hope.

And should we get to July 11, and the restrictions are lifted, that will be an even bigger reason to celebrate.

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Rain or shine, the Estevan grad day turned into my favourite day of the year.

It took me some time to understand my feelings, but after this year's bubble parade I didn't have any doubts left. I'll repeat many others in saying that it was an amazing event.

Many things about it were incredible. The vaccination effort put in by the entire province that led to easing restrictions allowed for this story to be even discussed in the first place.

The enormous dedication of parents, the planning committee and students themselves made it all possible and turned it into a holiday, not only for those making a step into grown-up life but also for hundreds of others in Estevan and outside of it, as I know many people shared stories and pictures from the day on social media and some people probably travelled to the Energy City to be a part of the grad day.

The community's generosity and support once again reminded me how incredible Estevan is. Not every city of this size can brag about at least how they come together during hard times (tragedies stimulate people to act and support each other more), let alone, first, happy, and second, a traditional moment that one way or the other happens every year. Yes, it looked different this year, but it actually opened up more for community participation, and residents happily jumped into the spirit of the grand celebration.

For the second straight tough year, Estevan honoured its graduates in great style. I can't even recall an event, where I've seen so many people hitting the streets here. Businesses and organizations, no matter where they are located, invested in making signs or decorated their storefronts to beautify the city.

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…

Affinity Place looked like it was ready to greet Elon Musk if he would have ended up coming on the same day.

And I don't have enough words to describe how wonderful the grads themselves looked. All done up and dressed in costumes speaking to their individuality, underlining their personalities and all together creating a unique group of bright, talented and beautiful characters with one shared and many individual stories to be told.

If anyone was craving high style events, that day could definitely satisfy an eye that was missing elegant outfits. Some grads were grander, others chose almost casual if not completely casual style, which made the entire picture even more beautiful.

Many nuances made this day special, but I think what touches me the most is the beauty of those young people's faces. On that day, we got to see most of them. They were happy. For a brief moment in their lives, they are absolutely free. The myriads of hopes and plans were reflecting on their faces.

Their interests and passions will take them in different ways. Some probably will make great scientists, and others will summit the digital world. Some will stick to sports careers, others may choose sales. Some will become influencers and others may choose to influence others through a political path.

Some one day will finally teach their parents

about cryptocurrencies and others probably will teach the kids to read and write. There will be artists and designers, industry workers and hopefully farmers, doctors and vets, engineers and musicians coming out of this great group.

On the grad day, I looked into their faces, beautiful, light, smiling, and I could see that there were no limits for them. Their most important school years fell on the pandemic, and they made it through. Along with teachers and parents, they found a way not only to receive the education but also to stay sane and after all to celebrate.

What were they celebrating, sitting on those bright floats that made anyone looking at them feel better and happier? Life. And that's what graduation day is about. It's the celebration of youth, freedom, opportunities and achievements. It's also a celebration of friendship and comradery. Those kids, sitting side by side under the rain, covering each other with umbrellas, blankets that came out of nowhere or scarves, already learned one of the most important life lessons – they learned how to care about each other. For many of them, those pals will remain one of their biggest supporters, their go tos, those who know and understand them the best. They've been together through a lot, and many of them will stick together, one way or the other, for many years to come.

Altogether it was a beautiful night. And the only thing that I was lacking that night was music. But you know what, I think my inner fanfares were so loud, that others could probably dance to it. Or was it the other people's inner music that I was hearing while watching the floats go by and feeling the happiest I've been in a long time?

OP-ED A5

Delivering the Gold Standard in real estate & property management services

LYNN CHIPLEY, Associate Broker Cell 306.421.0100

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

| Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

Each office is independently owned and operated.

David Willberg Willberg’s World

Crying for the children

Proud to be Canadian, no matter what It hasn’t been an easy few weeks for Canada.

We should be talking about the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, the declining number of cases, whether the vaccine is being administered fast enough, and when the Canada-U.S. border should be open again to non-essential traffic.

Instead, we’ve been talking about two horrible tragedies that have altered how we view our country.

The first was the discovery of the remains of 215 children in an unmarked grave at a former residential school site in Kamloops, B.C. This has reignited discussions of the residential school system, the horrible things that transpired in those schools and the impact that those schools continue to have on Indigenous peoples in Canada.

But perhaps one of the most disturbing realities about this discovery is that it wasn’t a surprise for so many people. I wasn’t floored. And I doubt I’ll be shocked when more of these burial sites are discovered, including those in Saskatchewan.

We know more are out there, and some will be found.

We should all find it troubling and tragic that there are schools in Canada that had graveyards.

The other story was the death of four members of a Muslim family in London, Ont., when they were struck and killed by a motorist driving a truck earlier this month. A fifth member of the family was seriously injured. It appears that the victims were targeted based on their faith; the suspect has been charged with first-degree murder in an incident that prosecutors say was an act of terrorism.

In Canada, we pride ourselves for being tolerant, openminded and accepting of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or other factors.

And for the most part, that description fits the people of this country.

So when incidents like this occur, they reverberate even more.

In the case of the residential school discovery, while it’s true that the deaths of these children happened decades ago, it’s the latest chapter in our country’s greatest disgrace. We can’t deny that these things happened in our country. We can’t deny that national leaders ran these schools in an effort to assimilate Indigenous people, to rob them of their culture.

A troubling footnote to the story is that the last residential school didn`t close until 1996. And it was in Saskatchewan.

While an incident to the degree of the one in London is rare, most, if not all, Muslims in Canada will tell you about the discrimination they have faced and the slurs they have heard over the years.

Since the discovery of the remains of the 215 children, we’ve been hearing calls to cancel Canada Day celebrations.

Some communities have actually heeded that call.

That`s not a call I`ll heed. Not this year. Not any year.

I’ve always been a fiercely patriotic individual who believes that we live in the greatest country in the world. I believe that Canada affords opportunities and freedoms that we wouldn’t have in other countries. I believe in our democratic systems, our law enforcement and the quality of life that we can experience in this country, although I concede there is always room for improvement and many haven’t enjoyed the same opportunities I have had.

Cancelling Canada Day doesn’t change anything. It just further empowers the cancel culture segments of society who think that the best way to respond to situations like these is to erase and boycott, rather than learn, educate, adapt and improve.

Yes, we have a long way to go, and we have chapters in our history that are less than flattering for Canada, its institutions and our people as a whole. But so does every country.

We live in a pretty great country. Most of us are tolerant, caring people who accept those different from us and understand the value of people of all races and religions to Canada.

But there are those who don’t share that philosophy.

There will always be some with troubling worldviews, who shun and snub those different from them. We can’t pretend they don`t exist, or that we can fully eradicate these attitudes from our society.

But with Canada Day approaching, we can reflect on recent tragedies, and use them as reminders of how far we still have to go.

And we can still celebrate the many ways that Canada is a great country.

The editor: Two-hundred fifteen children were buried in a graveyard beside a residential school in Kamloops, B.C. They varied in ages; one as young as three. They lived.

They all had names. They all had hopes and dreams. They had parents/families who loved and missed them. They died from disease, neglect and trauma.

Federal New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh cried publicly for

these children. Many, many others cried privately. How could we not have known?

And knowing, how could we have been so indifferent?

How could we have been so callous and cruel?

O ver 100,000 other children are killed each year in Canada. They var y in age; some as young as a few weeks, some as old as nine months. They lived in what should be the safest place in the world – their mothers’ wombs. They did not have

names.

They had no opportunity to hope or to dream.

They all had parents who, for a variety of reasons, did not want them. They died from a suction apparatus, from deadly, sharp curettes, or from chemicals.

Most did not have the dignity attributed to their humanity to be buried. Instead they were thrown into dumpsters or incinerated in a furnace.

Yes, Jagmeet Singh, Jus-

tin Trudeau, Erin O’Toole, Annamie Paul and all Canadians. Cry for the Indigenous children, but cry, too, for the millions of tiny children not allowed to be born. I pray that someday soon we will look back and say, “How could we not have known?

And knowing, how could we have been so indifferent?

How could we have been so callous and cruel?”

Colleen Reed Kenosee Lake

Another deficit budget looms for Cornerstone school division For a third consecutive year, the South East Cornerstone Public School Division is going to send a deficit budget to the Ministry of Education for approval.

The 2021-22 budget includes an operating cash deficit of nearly $4.6 million and that is similar to the 2020-21 budget deficit approved last year.

While Cornerstone had been fortunate enough to have operations surpluses for a few years following the amalgamation of school divisions into more regional entities, there could now be a growing feeling of anxiety among board members and financial administrators.

“It’s not desperate … yet, but there is some angst. We can’t continue down this path without some cash infusions or making even more tough decisions,” said Shelley Toth, the division’s chief financial officer and superintendent of division services.

So far Cornerstone has been able to maintain a good student to teacher ratio in classrooms and has maintained all programs, but unless provincial funding is hiked to keep pace with the day-today operational needs, there could be tougher times looming in the not-sodistant future.

Without a lot of financial autonomy with the province taking over most of the fundraising elements of school divi-

sions a few years ago, Cornerstone, along with a number of other rural divisions, is entering a new era of anxiety.

Toth made a PowerPoint presentation to the board members on June 16 during their monthly open business meeting. She noted that total revenue for 2021-22 is expected to be $102.6 million while operating expenses will come in at $112.2 million, showing an overall deficit of $9.57 million.

Looking at it on the operations side, Toth said the operating cash deficit will be around $4.6 million, about the same as last year.

“Unfortunately, a balanced budget is again, not possible,” she told the board.

That is mainly due to increases in salaries and benefits for non-teaching personnel, who make up about half of the total work force of 1,080 full-time equivalent positions, as these wage increases have not been adjusted for in the provincial funding formula.

There are also pressures being applied by natural inflation while the provincial funding level for Cornerstone was reduced by 1.2 per cent or $1.1 million.

The hard-earned surplus that once amounted to well over $30 million will be reduced to just under $17 million following these consecutive deficit arrangements.

Provincial funding amounts to 95

per cent of the total revenue stream, or about $97.3 million for Cornerstone.

Salaries and benefits for teachers alone takes up $81.8 million of that income while another $22.6 million is used for goods and services and $7.1 million is gobbled up by amortization of capital assets and $600,000 is spent on servicing debt interest on capital loans.

Capital expenditures in the 202122 budget will be a modest $2.4 million with over $1 million of that being required for computer hardware as six schools in the 37-school facilities division are needing technical refreshment and upgrades. Another $1 million is slated to be spent on the purchase of new school buses to replace aging units while a couple of fleet trucks and general furniture and equipment purchases will absorb another $270,000.

“We have found savings in the past, made some drastic cuts, and have managed to maintain teaching positions and programs. The province has covered costs related to recent teacher salary increases, but not others,” said Toth.

Now with a descending surplus and no immediate sign of increased revenues of significance, SECPSD and its administration and governance bodies may have to start looking for even more stringent action plans to meet future education services needs.

Lobsters to go Art Beselt and Theresa McKnight with the Rotary Club of Estevan served lobsters alongside other volunteers on Saturday as part of the Lobsterfest to Go fundraiser. The Rotary Club was eager to meet and feed their hungry for seafood supporters.

Over 720 lobsters were sold this year. Rotary volunteers organized a drive-thru system, where they hand out the pre-cooked Atlantic lobsters along with instruction for heating them in front of the Power Dodge Curling Centre. More than $9,000 was raised, and all proceeds from the Lobsterfest will go towards community projects supported by the local Rotary Club.

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A6 June 23, 2021

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Charges laid for homicide One person has been arrested and charged in connection with the homicide that occurred in Estevan earlier this month.

As a result of an extensive investigation by the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit North, the Estevan Police Service, Yorkton RCMP Forensic Identification Section, Airdrie RCMP General Investigation Sections and Calgary Police Service, Gurwinder Singh Toor, 41, from Estevan, is charged with one count of second-degree murder under the Criminal Code, in relation to the death of 55-year-old Angelo Galido.

Galido was located deceased inside his Estevan residence on June 7.

“The charge laid in this multi-jurisdictional file is the result of extensive collaboration between many police services and units – from the RCMP in two provinces, Estevan and Calgary Police Services,” said

Supt. Vince Foy, officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit North.

“When investigative files cross provincial borders, it's through these critical collaborative efforts that an investigation comes together. The arrest and charges laid speak to the extensive work of all involved partners bringing a multitude of experiences, tools and expertise.

We thank them for their assistance.”

Toor was located at a business on Barlow Trail in Calgary on June 16 and arrested by police.

He and Galido were known to each other, although the RCMP did not specify their connection.

At this time, the RCMP is not seeking any further suspects.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Mr. Galido’s family,” the RCMP said in a news release.

The June 17 meeting of

the Estevan board of police commissioners was held less than 30 minutes after the RCMP issued the news release on Toor’s arrest.

Mayor Roy Ludwig expressed his thanks to all of the members of the EPS for the “fantastic” job they did during the homicide investigation, and asked Acting Police Chief Warren Morrical to pass on the mayor’s thanks to the RCMP. Toor appeared in court in Airdrie on June 17. He was back in Estevan Provincial Court on June 21 with a telephone appearance from the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre.

His Legal Aid lawyer had the case adjourned to June 28 at 9:30 a.m. to obtain disclosure.

The charge has not been proven in court.

All other aspects of this investigation will be learned as part of related court proceedings. Police thank the public and news agencies for their assistance.

EPS members handle more than 1,000 calls in May Members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) responded to 1,015 calls for service and other infractions in May, according to the monthly numbers released at the June 17 meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners.

The number of calls is a big jump form the 652 calls for service in May 2020.

In the first five months of this year, the EPS handled 3,812 calls and infractions, a 14.2 per cent increase from the first five months of 2020.

The EPS received reports of nine crimes against the person in May, with six assaults, two sexual crimes and one assault causing bodily harm.

So far this year, members have had 48 crimes against the person, with 33 assaults, 13 sexual crimes and two assaults causing bodily harm.

Acting Police Chief Warren Morrical noted that one of the sexual crimes from May was a historical sexual assault that is under investigation by the criminal investigations division.

There were 24 crimes against property last month, with 14 thefts under $5,000, nine mischief or willful damage complaints and one theft of a motor vehicle.

The EPS has had 94 crime against property calls this year, led by 40 thefts under $5,000 and 40 mischief/willful damage calls.

Police handled three charges under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA), with three for possession and one for trafficking.

The trafficking charge was for methamphetamine

and other substances that Morrical said stemmed from a conditions check.

So far this year, members have had 20 CDSA calls, with 14 for possession, five for trafficking and one for production.

The EPS had 14 Criminal Code traffic violations in May, with 10 for impaired or exceed related offences and four for impairment by drug.

In the first five months of the year, there were 51 charges: 30 for impaired or exceed related offences, 14 impaired by drug and seven for dangerous driving and other.

Morrical noted that there has been an increase in impairment by drug charges, but he believes that is due to having more officers being able to identify such impairment.

Also at the meeting, the monthly report from Special Const. Morgan Prentice, the city’s bylaw enforcement officer, showed that there were 116 occurrences in May. Included in that total were 37 unkempt property inspections, 29 parking violations, 15 animal calls, 11 animal impounds and 10 cat traps.

“A good majority of her time last month has been spent on unkempt property inspections,” said Morrical. “Of course, that’s taken up a fair amount of her time, because she does have a detailed inspection.”

So far this year, she has had 601 infractions, including 202 for unkempt property inspections, 147 for parking violations and 81 animal calls.

21073GE0

IT TAKES MORE THAN A SIGN.

BUSINESS A7

Josh LeBlanc

| Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

REALTOR ® 306.421.6778

Plants of all kinds now can be found in downtown Estevan at the Plant Bench

By Ana Bykhovskaia The Estevan downtown business community keeps growing, getting more and more diverse.

The Plant Bench became the latest member that joined the bright business world on Fourth Street. The new business offers a wide variety of unique plants.

Kellan George, the Plant Bench owner, said that it all started like a hobby, which he shared with his father.

But eventually, he realized that they weren't the only ones lacking variety when it came to growing a collection of plants in Estevan. So he decided to fill in the existing gap.

"The business side of me took over. I wanted to start selling these because I knew where to get them and whatnot. So last few years, we had a little Facebook group and we just had people in and we'd bring some plants in and people would buy from an official group. We got busy enough and we knew it was time to set this year and get the place," George explained.

He and his dad had been collecting plants for a few years before it turned into a business. George said like many others, for him it started with succulents, but went way further than these popular pieces.

"That's actually how I got into plants was the succulents. They're difficult. They're so difficult. You got to have so much sunlight for some of

them and then they change colours with more sunlight or the more drought-tolerant ones. So that's what got me into plants in the first place was succulents. It was cool watching them change as the conditions change," George said.

"It started with getting a few from Walmart and other places around town and quickly grew past that."

Growing a plant collection seemed like something more interesting than collecting stamps or coins to him, as it involves a lot of work but you also can see the results of your work along the way.

"I like the fact that it's not just something to look at, it's actually something you got to take care of. They seem relatively easy, but the more effort you put into it and the more time and attention you give them, the more they grow, the healthier they are. I like that aspect of it, where it's not like a lot of other collections where you collect them and then all you do is just stare at them," George said.

The shop offers a great variety of different types of plants from show-starters succulents, to bestselling tropical monsteras and endless varieties in between.

They also try to have a good mixture of smaller and bigger plants.

The store opened this spring, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the grand opening was postponed until this weekend. On June 26 almost everything in the store will be

10 per cent off.

While the grand opening is still to happen, so far the business has been doing pretty well.

"It's been fairly busy. It seems that there is a need here in Estevan for some plants.

I think a lot of people are starting to recognize that the big box stores only bring in the same 20 plants every now and then. So we really try to get some of the rarer stuff in," George noted.

Not only does the store have a lot of different plants on display, but they also do their best to find something specific on-demand.

Sometimes it doesn't happen instantly, George said, but eventually, he tries to get the plants customers have their eyes on. Besides, their collection updates weekly, so the variety is always there and the selection constantly changes.

"We get our orders in every week. We are also at the mercy of what our suppliers have ready that specific week, so whatever I get in that week I post it on a Facebook group for everyone to see with the prices. And then they can come down to the shop and pick it up if there's something that they like," George explained.

The collection is regularly updated on The Plant Bench Facebook Page.

The Plant Bench is located at 1129 Fourth Street.

They are open WednesdayFriday from 4-7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.

The owner of the Plant Bench, Kellan George, at the store with his son Hayes.

Picture by Shelaia George

The Plant Bench, located at 1129 Fourth Street, offers a wide variety of plants.

Photo submitted

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Plural of be 4. Dress 10. Nothing 11. Relating to apes 12. They protect and serve 14. Swindle 15. Show’s partner 16. Lift 18. Raise up 22. Do something to an excessive degree 23. Occupies 24. Power-driven aircraft 26. Indicates position 27. Matchstick games 28. This and __ 30. No longer here 31. Health insurance 34. Spore-producing receptacle on fern frond 36. Monetary unit 37. Sweet potatoes 39. Tropical Asian plant 40. Guilty or not guilty 41. Carbon dioxide 42. Able to arouse intense feeling 48. Earl’s jurisdiction 50. Omitted 51. Heartbeat 52. Albania capital 53. Fashion accessory 54. Interaction value analysis 55. Symbol of exclusive ownership 56. More promising 58. __ student, learns healing

59. Nonresident doctor 60. Midway between east and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Enrages 2. Capital of Saudi Arabia 3. Uses in an unfair way 4. Cesium 5. Written works 6. Breakfast item 7. Found in showers 8. A way of fractioning 9. Unit of measurement 12. Sailboat 13. Indian goddess 17. For each 19. Farewell 20. Ethnic group of Sierra Leone 21. German industrial city 25. Measures intensity of light 29. Small, faint constellation 31. Promotes enthusiastically 32. Malaysian inhabitant 33. Ancient units of measurement 35. An unspecified period 38. Frame house with up to three stories 41. Lassie is one 43. Martinis have them 44. Rant 45. Famed journalist Tarbell 46. Opening 47. Round Dutch cheese 49. Archaic form of do 56. Once more 57. Registered nurse

A8 June 23, 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

2021 WATERMAIN FLUSHING SCHEDULE

June is Parks and Recreation Month.

We encourage everyone to get out and explore our many green spaces.

The City of Estevan will be flushing watermains to ensure good water quality for all users of City water. This work includes the turning of main water valves around the City and flushing large quantities of water from various hydrants in each area. During this process you may notice a substantial drop in pressure, this will be brief. As well, discoloured water is possible during the days your area is scheduled for this work (see schedule below), please run a faucet, (bathtub is best), for a few minutes until the water is clear again. Please contact City Hall at 634-1800 if issues persist. Thank you for your understanding during this important maintenance!

2021 Storm and Sanitary sewer main jetting Beginning Monday, June 14, 2021 and continuing to Friday, August 27, 2021, the Public Works Service Division will be carrying out a Domestic Sewer Main Flushing/Jetting Program between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the occasional carry over to 6:00 p.m. During the periods of jetting, residents are advised to securely cap basement floor drains.

(4) Monday –Friday June 28-July 2 Area Bounded by City Cemetery on the North, King Street on the South, Sister Roddy Road on the West (formerly Woodlawn Avenue), and Souris Road (Hwy 47N) on the East (includes Dominion Heights, Pleasantdale, and Royal Heights regions, as well as Cundall Drive, Woodend Place, Chinook Bay and Hwy 47N Service Road)

2021 Program Area will encompass all streets North of 6th Street, and East of Souris Ave within City limits including: Hwy 47 Service Road Drader Street Princess Street Edward Street Albert Street Isabelle Street Eva Street Henry Street George Street King Street Smith Street Souris Avenue Victoria Avenue Alexandra Avenue Arthur Avenue Dufferin Avenue Bannatyne Avenue

(5) Monday – Friday July 5-9 Area bounded by Spruce Drive and Princess Street on the North, King Street on the South, Souris Avenue on the West, and Kensington on the East (includes Hillside and Scotsburn regions) (6) Monday -Friday July 12-16 Area bounded by King Street on the North, CPR Railroad on the South, 14th Ave on the West, and Kensington on the East (includes 7th Street, 8th Street, 9th Street, Centennial, Trojan, and Soo Industrial regions) (7) Monday- Friday July 19-23 Area bounded by Kensington on the West, Sawyer Road on the East, North and South City Limits (includes Glen Peterson Industrial Park, East Industrial, Southeast Industrial regions, and properties along Hwy 39E Service Road)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

OUR ESTEVAN: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN BYLAW NO. 2020-2039

Pine Avenue Poplar Bay Spruce Drive Phillips Place Garner Place Edward Place Garrish Place Maple Bay Willow Bay Yardley Place Hastings Place Milne Crescent Holmgren Bay Petterson Drive Heritage Drive Brooks Road Clasky Drive

FITNESS

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Estevan, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, will consider adoption of the Our Estevan: Community Development Plan Bylaw no. 2020-2039.

ESTEVAN LEISURE CENTRE - 2021

SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE - May 10 - June 30, 2021

The intent of the Bylaw is to provide a comprehensive longterm land use vision for the City that will manage land use through the next decade. The vision is within the framework provided through the Planning and Development Act and the Statements of Provincial Interest regulation. The Bylaw may be accessed through the City Clerk’s office or by contacting Land Development Services.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

SPIN

6:10 am - 6:50 am *NOT ON MAY 24

9:10 am - 9:50 am

SPIN

10:10 am - 10:50 am

*NOT ON MAY 24

EASY STRETCH

10:10 am - 10:50 am

Wednesday 6:10 am - 6:50 am

SPIN

CORE BARRE ABOVE

9:10 am - 9:50 am

SPIN

10:15 am - 10:55 am

*NOT ON MAY 24

Sheila CHARTRAND Executive Administrator Estevan Police Service 301-11th Avenue Estevan, SK S4A 1C7 306-634-4767

SPIN

SPIN

9:10 am - 9:50 am

EASY STRETCH

10:10 am - 10:50 am

SSES NO CLA 4TH MAY 2

SPIN

12:15 pm - 12:45 pm *NOT ON MAY 24

City Clerk, cityclerk@estevan.ca City Hall, 1102 – Fourth Street, Estevan, S4A 0W7 The Bylaw may be viewed at City Hall during regular office hours or viewed online at www.Estevan.ca.

Application packages can be picked up in person or downloaded from our website at www.estevanpolice.ca Completed packages are to be forwarded to the attention of;

10:15 am - 10:55 am

GRIT

9:10 am - 9:50 am

AFTERNOON / EVENING

DEEP WATER POWER

The public hearing is your opportunity to make presentations directly to Council. Those unable to attend may submit written comments to the City Clerk.

Guard/Matrons provide constant observation of persons held in custody at the Estevan Police Service Detention Center.

Hours of work can vary and will include night shifts. Length of shifts vary from three to eight hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. Successful applicants may also be called upon on short notice. Training will be provided.

CORE BARRE ABOVE

GRIT

6:10 am - 6:50 am

GRIT

Date: July 12, 2021 Location: Council Chambers, City Hall Time: 6:00 PM

casual Guard/Matron position

SPIN

9:10 am - 9:50 am

Saturday

11:10 am - 11:50 am

Prior to consideration of this Bylaw, a public hearing will be held:

EMPLOYMENT

SPIN

6:10 am - 6:50 am

9:10 am - 10:15 am

10:30 am - 11:10 am

Friday

Thursday

GRIT

SPIN

6:10 am - 6:50 am

GRIT

SPIN

9:10 am - 9:50 am

Interested parties may contact Land Development Services to discuss this Bylaw through appointment.

The Estevan Police Service is seeking applications for a

Abbott Bay Frehlick Bay Symons Bay Rooney Road Ross Court Wahba Court Seregella Place Sillers Street Matchett Bay Kensington Avenue Nesbitt Drive Bourquin Road

8:00 pm - 8:45 pm

SPIN / CORE

5:10 pm - 6:10 pm *NOT ON MAY 24

SPIN

5:30 pm - 6:10 pm

SPIN

5:30 pm - 6:10 pm

SPIN

SPIN

6:30 pm - 7:10 pm

5:30 pm - 6:10 pm

WEIGHT ROOM OPEN

9:00 am - 9:00 pm

!

OPEN

OPEN

OPEN

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

6:00 am - 10:00 pm

6:00 am - 9:00 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.

PLAY PARKS

PLEASE NOTE - Due to the pandemic-related protocols fitness registration has moved to a PRE-Registration process. Users must pre-register online or by calling the Information Desk. Patrons will be screened upon arrival and asked a few questions as per the Operational Health and Safety Guidelines. Drop in is available for the weight room. Space between workout stations have either increased or a machine has been put into 'not in use.' Water fountains are not available.

Don’t see what you are looking for?

Do you have an idea for something we should try?

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

We would love to hear your ideas!

JULY 2021 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

?

Rusty Duce Park | 1400 Nicholson Road Hillcrest Park| 265 Rooks Road Hillside Park | 825 George Street For concerns or questions please contact Playpark Coordinator Cassidy Reich at 306-634-1894 Your play park leaders are: Hannah Mantei (Hillside), Katelyn Kobitz (Hillcrest) and Madison Flaman (Rusty Duce)

Wednesday

Thursday

CRAFTS, GAMES & ACTIVITIES - 10:30 am - 12:00 pm SWIMMING - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 4

5

NIGHT SWIM

6

7

Hillcrest Park 5-8pm

Mountain Adventures Week NIGHT SWIM 12

13

NIGHT SWIM

14

20

Hillcrest Park 5-8pm

21

(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)

Hawaiian Week

15

16

NIGHT SWIM

22

23

Rusty Duce Park 5-8pm

(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)

10

SATURDAY SWIM

17

SATURDAY SWIM

24

Hillcrest Park 1-5pm

(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)

NIGHT SWIM

SATURDAY SWIM

Hillside Park 1-5pm

Hillcrest Park 5-8pm

27

3

Rusty Duce Park 1-5pm

(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)

Sesame Street Week NIGHT SWIM 26

9

(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)

Hillside Park 5-8pm

25

8

Hillcrest Park 5-8pm

(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)

Wild West Week 19 NIGHT SWIM

Saturday 2

(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)

Hillside Park 5-8pm

18

NIGHT SWIM

Friday 1

Rusty Duce Park 5-8pm

(Regular Swim, 1-4:30)

11

www.estevan.ca

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

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| Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

Covenant Energy advances its $500 million renewable diesel project in southern Sask.

Saskatchewan-based renewable fuel company Covenant Energy Ltd. has announced key appointments as a part of its planned renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel facility, slated to be constructed in southern Saskatchewan.

These developments build upon positive conversations with all levels of government, especially at the federal level on its strengthened climate plan and programming. Covenant Energy said in a news release it appreciates its engagement with the minister of Natural Resources, his office and department officials regarding the design of the soon to be launched Clean Fuels Fund.

Haldor Topsoe has been chosen by Covenant Energy

as the facility's technology provider and Gas Liquids Engineering has joined as the engineering firm that will oversee project management.

Haldor brings industryproven technology that will help Covenant Energy meet its projected renewable fuel demand. Gas Liquids Engineering adds both regional and global expertise in fuel and gas engineering to the facility's planning and construction stages.

In addition, Covenant Energy is happy to announce the appointments of Keenan Hohol as general counsel, Everett Rueve as senior advisor for engineering and operations, Mike Corr as senior advisor for commercial operations, and Mark Roe as senior advisor for feedstock

and supply.

“Covenant Energy welcomes these important appointments that add deep knowledge and experience across its executive leadership team as it moves for ward with its project.

Covenant will continue to add key personnel to its roster to ensure a successful project,” the company said

in a news release.

To complement the industr y, technology and executive team, Turner International Group Ltd (TIG) has been selected as corporate finance advisor and will guide Covenant Energy in its project financing. Covenant Energy says it values Turner International's understanding of financial solutions for a post-pandemic, green economy.

TIG, based in Vancouver and with global reach, has experience in structuring and advising on a range of alternative energy and sustainable project financings.

"Covenant Energy is proud to welcome Haldor Topsoe, Gas Liquids Engineering, Turner International Group, and an experienced

executive and financial team that brings a high level of expertise to our planned renewable diesel facility,” said Covenant Energy president and CEO Josh Gustafson.

“These appointments mark an important milestone in advancing Canada's first standalone renewable diesel refiner y. As a renewable fuels stakeholder, we want to thank the Minister (Seamus) O'Regan for receiving our input on the Clean Fuels Fund and look forward to providing his office with further details of the project as it develops."

Covenant Energy is a private company in south-

east Saskatchewan founded in 2019 with the mission to become a Canadian leader in the transformative green fuel industry through the production of Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). To do so, Covenant Energy is developing the first stand-alone HydrogenationDerived Renewable Diesel (HDRD) refinery in Canada, which will transform renewable feedstocks, including Canadian prairie-grown canola oil into a premium diesel product.

The plan to build a refinery in southern Saskatchewan was announced earlier this year.

First-year university student reflects on challenges he faced

By Josie Hlohovsky One of the few constants of this year was the fact that school wasn’t.

Studies have changed from online to in-class to both and back to online.

Universities were also forced to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the restrictions that have come, by changing nearly their entire curriculum to online work that the students could do at home and individually. University students have done most of their schooling online, and from their homes, even if their universities were provinces away.

“At first it was difficult to get myself into a rhythm and get organized, but I knew that my future was very much dependent on these classes,” recalled Jaiden Jocelyn, a student at the University of Saskatchewan and an Estevan citizen.

“It was honestly easier than I expected to get organized and familiar on how everything worked.”

Jocelyn completed his entire first year at the University of Saskatchewan on-

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

line, and was forced to work around the deadlines and challenges that arose.

“I struggled with delivery of information,” Jocelyn says, speaking about the challenges he faced during the year. He did manage to make the most of his year online, however. “I enjoyed school a lot, but definitely would have preferred to do my first year on campus that is for sure.

There are more opportunities presented when you are face to face with professors.”

The pandemic, the lockdowns especially, have also changed the way students, parents and teachers all look at schooling and education in general. Although the old system was preferable for most, online studies have raised questions and doubts that the old system is the perfect way to teach, even if online schooling had its difficulties.

Not all households had access to an internet connection or a computer, and some had chaotic households, with many children working on the same computer. Putting more stress on parents and older siblings, many daycares

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were closed, and some students were forced to bring their younger siblings or relatives to their classes as parents began working from home. In addition, most students found it difficult to self-motivate themselves. They have come to accept that fact in schools, however.

“A lot of the work was self-driven or self-motivated, but that is what I expected from university regardless of it being online or not,” Jocelyn continues. Most students have known they must motivate themselves. Some were forced to trick themselves that their work online was not as important as what they did in class. Now, as students come to the end of their ever-changing year, they are faced with the prospect of normal classes again.

While most would prefer to return to normal, online schooling has raised questions of accessibility, for those

who cannot regularly attend school. Online meetings have broadened horizons as well, by allowing teachers to invite people and speakers from distant provinces to speak and interact with students. More and more people with a wide range of skills, who normally would have never been able to speak to the students, were able to teach and learn from students through online connections and online school.

Having the opportunity to work online was great for some and difficult for others, but most have come to the conclusion that this year was not normal, and students are eager for a return to something normal. Estevan schools plan to return to their full capacity come September, but with everything that teachers and faculty have been hearing, they are ready to adjust and adapt to new protocols, should they need to.

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Stoughton 2021 Graduates Class of 2021

Stoughton to celebrate graduates of 2021 Stoughton Central School is looking forward to celebrating the 2021 graduates.

School principal Shelly Campbell said that even though it was a tough year for the grads, they made it through and are approaching the end of the year on a positive note.

“They went through it like champs.

They accepted that there wasn’t a lot that we had much control over and accepted the fact that they would miss out on their athletics and things, and they really just put their heads down, went to work and made it through the year like champs,” Campbell said.

There will be 10 students graduating from the school this year. The grad ceremony is scheduled to take place June 26 at Forget.

“They have a really nice outdoor facility there. That’s what we used last year. And the community’s been gracious enough to let us use it again this year,” Campbell explained.

The ceremony will occur at the shrine. Campbell added it will look as close to their traditional graduation as possible but will follow all health regulations currently in place.

“It’s not going to be open to the public. It’s closed to family. But it’s as

close to traditional as we can get.”

The day will consist of all the traditional speeches the school usually has, including the principal’s address, a tribute to parents, a tribute to teachers and the replies, as well as the valedictorian address and a presentation by Shannon Shakotko, who is the guest speaker.

“She’s a very important person to our school community. Her husband was principal here for three or four years. And Shannon has continued to remain active in our school community … She’s just a very loved and respected individual in our community and the grads would like to have her as a guest

speaker and she agreed,” Campbell said.

Since the ceremony will be outdoors, there won’t be much for decorations. However, the school will do their best to make this day special for the 2021 graduates.

“They’re a great bunch of kids.

They’re all very hard working. They have a very good work ethic. Just an enjoyable group of kids to work with,” Campbell said.

“I just wish them all the success in their future endeavours. And I know that they’ll all do very well because they’re all very diligent individuals. I wish them all the best in their future.”

Dawson Ogilvie

Dylan Campbell

Erin Campbell

Julie-Anne Vogel

Karson Piper

Kyle Wallace

Latisha McArthur

Lynka Itogawa

Micah Walbaum

Zane King

We salute you, Class of 2021!

Your hard work and dedication set a great example, and we’re very proud of your accomplishments.

Congratulations!

Congratulations

CLASS OF 2021!

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June 23, 2021 A11

Estevan Bubble Parade Estevan Comprehensive School’s 2021 graduates celebrated their milestone with a grandiose Bubble Parade. Eighteen decorated floats with beautifully dressed students cruised up and down King Street and other roads Saturday night to cheers of the community. Photos by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

son and

avid r, Rilee D ie s s e T e ilson Cheyann Megan W

Students p

osed for pic tures and h ad a great waiting fo time togeth r the parad er while e to begin

Shayna Fichter, Katelyn Wempe, Teagan Westling and Abigail Ross

It took many ho

urs for parents and students to decorate float s

Curtis Phillipchuk and Jesse Beahm

iste Waneeke Bapt

Students gathered at the exhibition

grounds grandstands for group pict

ures

Madison Hrywkiw

e,

Amanda Leigh, Paige Wilson and Lachambre Renkas

styn Van De Woe ra d n a x le A , ely nae Mehler Brielle Wak rady and La Brooklyne B

Brayden

Eighteen floats participating in the parade stretched along King Street Saturday night

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Family members were greeting the grads alongside the parade route

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Southeast A’s remain unbeaten this season The Southeast A’s U15 AAA baseball team, which boasts players from throughout the region, remains perfect this season.

The A’s won all four of their games on the weekend to improve their record to 6-0. They took two from the Moose Jaw Canucks on Saturday in Estevan, winning 8-2 and 6-5, and then swept two from the Regina Pirates, 12-4 and 4-2, on Sunday in Regina.

Kade Phillips had a great weekend, both offensively and on the mound, for the A’s. He hit three home runs during the four games, and pitched 6 1/3 innings to get the win during the second game Sunday.

Draven Naviaux hit a home run for the A’s Saturday.

Sutter Baily, Tayson Dietze and Nathan Yunick also had great starts during the weekend.

The A’s will visit Moose Jaw on June 26, and then host the Regina White Sox on June 27. Games on June 27 are at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Alameda.

• • • The TS&M 13U AAA Estevan Brewers hit the road this past weekend for three league games. On June 19, the Brewers squared off against the White Butte Broncos in a doubleheader. In game one, behind strong pitching from starter Reese Copeland, the Brewers won 10-9. Copeland also led the of-

Sutter Baily was on the mound for the Southeast A’s U15 AAA baseball team on Saturday. fensive charge with two hits and two runs batted in (RBIs).

The Brewers carried that momentum into the second game for a 9-8 win. Broden Henry went five strong innings as the starter. The offence was led by Porter Crossman and Jaxon Kuchinka who each had two hits and two RBI’s.

The following day, the Brewers faced the Regina Expos and won 12-8.

Starter Jaxon Kuchinka went four innings and had three hits, as did Broden Henry. Reese Copeland hit his second home run of the season.

The U13 Brewers are now 5-1-1 in league play.

Next action for the U13s is at

home June 26 versus the Regina Buffalos and June 27 versus the Weyburn Beavers. Games are at 1 and 4 p.m. at Cactus Park.

• • • The Estevan U18 AAA Brewers most recent game was a 7-5 loss to the Weyburn Beavers on June 17.

The Brewers led 3-0 entering the bottom of the fourth, but then the Beavers scored thrice and added four in the fifth. Colby Cuddington had two RBIs for the Brewers.

Cade Bendtsen (four innings) and Kaleb Bechtold (two innings) shared the pitching duties.

The Brewers will visit the Moose Jaw Canucks for a doubleheader on June 26, and then host the Parkland Expos on June 27. The games against the Expos will be at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Lynn Prime Park.

• • • The Southeast Performance Pump U18 AAA Twins went 1-4 the past week, losing 8-5 to the Moose Jaw Canucks on June 17, dropping both ends of a doubleheader to the Sask5 Giants on June 19 (9-8 and 15-5), and splitting a doubleheader with the Northwest Prairie Pirates on June 20, winning 7-6 but losing 12-10.

The Twins trailed 5-0 to the Canucks through two innings, rallied to tie the game in the fifth, only

to give up three in the sixth. Callum Hollinger had two hits and two runs for the Twins.

In the first game against the Giants, the Twins had a 6-5 lead entering the bottom of the seventh inning, but gave up the tying run.Then they scored two in the eighth, only to have the Giants score three to win.

Carter Beck had two hits and two runs for the Twins.

The Giants scored five times in the second game, which only lasted five innings.

In the win over the Pirates, the Twins scored twice in each of the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to rally from a 6-3 deficit. Dylan Frey had three hits and Levi Cooley scored three times.

Kaiden Lyons (3 1/3 innings) and Kieran Stewart (3 2/3 innings) shared the pitching duties.

The Twins trailed 10-2 through three innings and 12-3 entering the seventh of the second game, then plated seven in the seventh and final inning to nearly mount an incredible comeback. Cooley had two RBIs and two runs to go with his two hits.

Callum Hollinger gave up six runs in four innings of relief, but only one run was earned.

The Twins next games are June 27 at the Swift Current ’57s.

Kids getting their kicks in at soccer games The Este van Youth Soccer Association is pleased that the youths registered through its programs are able to play games again.

Stacy Murphy, who is the association’s president, said they had a late start to the season to ensure they had all the proper guidelines in place.

Practices started in the second half of May, and then last week, they had their first games of the season.

“Now that things have opened up, we’ve got a plan in place and they’ve been playing games now, in addition to practising for a little bit,” said Murphy.

The final day of the season is scheduled to be July 12, which is a few weeks later than normal.

Approximately 100 kids are registered this year, with

several different age groups.

A Free to Be program and a parent and tot program are on Saturdays.

There are two under-five groups, with one on Mondays and one on Wednesdays, and two under seven groups, also on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Under-nine, under-11 and a 13-15-year-old group are also offered. All of their practices and games are at Cactus Park.

The number of kids registered is down this year, and Murphy suspects that’s due to hesitation by some parents to have their kids participating during the pandemic.

But the association is excited to be offering soccer this year. Last year youth soccer had to cancel its season due to challenges associated with the pandemic.

It took a lot of work to make the season happen, but it’s been great to have the kids out there playing.

“You can see that they’re excited to finally be out and being able to participate in sports,” said Murphy.

The opportunity to play games has added to the kids’ level of excitement.

“Seeing the kids smiling on the field, excited that they get to play (is wonderful), but also seeing the parents now being able to come and watch them at the field is exciting, too, because you see the parents happy and smiling, to see their kids out there happy and smiling,” said Murphy.

A decision has not been made about having age rep. teams for this season. There would traditionally be that option for U11 and for the

The Free to Be soccer program practised on Saturday morning.

13-15 age groups.

Some teams surrounding Estevan are interested in playing games with the older

age groups.

Murphy said the association appreciates the patience and support from

parents and the community, and they’re thrilled to see kids out there and playing soccer again.

Bruins bring in several new players to bolster team The Estevan Bruins have announced a number of acquisitions as they continue to piece together the club that is to host the 2022 Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, presented by Tim Hortons.

On Friday, the club announced that 2001-born forward Eric Houk of Regina has committed to play for the club.

Houk joins the Bruins after playing the last three seasons with the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Swift Current Broncos, serving as an alternate captain the last two years. Houck also played with the Bruins for three playoff games during the 2018 postseason, earning an assist in his first SJHL game.

“I’m excited to come to a great junior A organization like the Bruins and do my part to bring a national title to the city of Estevan,” said Houk.

“Eric is a player that gives an honest effort every night. We like how hard he competes and we feel he will add leadership to our

dressing room as he served as the assistant captain for the Swift Current Broncos the past two seasons. He’s a player that will contribute to both ends of the ice and we are looking forward to having him join us this season,” said Bruins head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic.

Houk had three goals and an assist in 14 games played in the WHL bubble in Regina in the 2021 season.

The Bruins have also acquired 2001-born forward Joey Moffatt from the Portage Terriers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) in exchange for a player development fee. Moffatt has played a combined 217 games at the Junior A level over four years, putting up 185 points. Moffatt also played a key role for Portage in 2018-19 as they won an MJHL championship and the Anavet Cup, qualifying for the national tournament.

“We acquired Joey Moffatt for a few different reasons. Joey has played in the national

championship, he knows what it takes to win and he has a history of putting up points. We feel his experience will be very valuable; we’ve watched quite a bit of video on him and we really like what he can bring to our team,” said Tatarnic.

Moffatt joined the Terriers as a 16-yearold in 2017-18. He split last season with the Minot Minotauros of the North American Hockey League and the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the B.C. Hockey League, putting up 10 points in 25 games.

Carter Massier, born in 2001, comes from the Melville Millionaires in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2023 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Bantam Draft.

Massier has played the last three seasons with the Regina Pats of the WHL, appearing in 95 games and tallying 27 points. During the 2021 WHL hub games in Regina, Massier played in all 24 games, putting up 12 points.

If Massier, who hails from Peace River,

Alta., is made available to the junior A level for his 20-year-old season, the Bruins will hold his rights in the SJHL. Ben Diamond (’02) was acquired from the St. Thomas Stars of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for a player development fee.

Diamond last played during the 2019-20 season, as there was no junior hockey played in Ontario during the 20-21 campaign due to COVID-19 restrictions. In his last full season as a 17-year-old, Diamond finished with 29 points in 41 games played, split between the Strathroy Rockets and the Stars.

After a midseason trade, Diamond (6’1, 185lbs) was a point-per-game player with the Stars with 18 points in his last 18 games.

The Bruins have previously announced the commitments of Zach Burfoot, Zachary Smith and Brenden Holba, who are slated to spend their first season of junior A hockey in Estevan.

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June 23, 2021 A13

ECS students thrive at Skills Canada nationals

By David Willberg

Two students from the Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) had terrific showings at the recent virtual Skills Canada national competition.

Shay Frederick won the silver medal in hairstyling, while Waneeke Baptiste came in sixth in two-dimensional character computer animation. Frederick and Baptiste completed their tests in the last week of May, and learned of the results on June 15.

Frederick is the latest hairstyling student to enjoy success at nationals, as ECS has had a number of medallists in the secondary and post-secondary hairstyling competitions over the years.

Frederick was proud to come away with second place in the competition.

“It feels really good,” said Frederick. “Having put in all of the hard work and everything, it feels really good to have some of it paid off.”

For the hairstyling competition, there were three separate mannequin heads to work on. One was a women’s updo, which was a braiding and bridal hairstyle. The next was a men’s cut and style, in which the hair started really long and she had to cut it.

Then there was a women’s cut and style, which she could colour in advance, but she didn’t know what the cut was, making it difficult to plan.

All three had to be matched to a picture within a certain amount of time. They were really difficult.

The provincial competition was held virtually as well, and that helped Frederick with her preparations.

“I had a proctor, and she was in meetings a few days before. She had a whole list of everything she had to look out for and what she had to mark.

Those papers got sent off, along with pictures of everything I did before, during and after the competitions, and videos

during the competition also got sent off.”

Everyone who was entered had to complete the same project and meet the same requirements.

“The girl from Ontario that beat me, hers was really good,” said Frederick.

She credited long-time ECS cosmetology instructor Joyce Mack for her assistance.

Frederick was supposed to compete at Skills Canada provincials last year, but those plans were abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year they found out that provincials were a go a couple of weeks before the event.

Frederick has always enjoyed doing makeup, hair and nails, and helping someone feel beautiful, so cosmetology was a natural for her.

“Once Mrs. Mack talked to me about Skills, I was really excited to get started on that,” said Frederick.

She will be studying nurs-

Shay Frederick, who won a silver medal, with the three mannequin heads she worked on at nationals. Photo submitted ing at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon this fall, and she would like to go to eventually become an ophthalmologist.

Baptiste said she was really nervous at Skills Canada.

She didn’t expect to ever make it to nationals, and she was excited to be there.

The rules were stricter than provincials, and the level of competition was obviously much tougher.

“For the national competition, I had to create an animation that has someone sneezing as the conflict, and I had to enter a wildcard that I had to use in the animation.

And the wildcard that I was given was a fly swatter. So I had to create an animation that involved someone sneezing and

a fly swatter being used in some way, shape or form.”

She had six hours to create an animated video up to 15 seconds in length. It’s a lot more work than people might think.

“I originally told myself that I should make the animation shorter, so that it will focus more on the quality instead of the quantity.”

The story she came up with took more time than she thought, but she had a great time and she was pleased with the finished product.

“Being able to create an animation that is coloured and edited … and in the whole entire process to create animation, and do it all in six hours, it was impressive,” she said.

Baptiste had to draw the frames individually over and

over again, while making it different every time and keeping in mind animation principles.

And she might have to go back to fix a previous mistake.

Baptiste, who is a selftaught artist, needed to enter as part of a two-person team.

She selected her brother Koivu to be her partner, but he didn’t have to do anything.

Her video has been posted to the ECS Facebook page, and the comments that she has received have been fantastic.

Baptiste said she is going to take some additional courses online, and looks forward to working on her art and animation while learning about things she is interested in.

Eventually she plans to study animation at the postsecondary level.

Waneeke Baptiste was entered in the two-dimensional character computer animation event. Photo submitted

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We have single suites available in the comfortable surroundings of our assisted living home. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals and aides are kind, courteous and committed to making each resident feel at home here.

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A14 June 23, 2021

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Henders Drugs saluted for commitment to patients Henders Drugs in Estevan has been recognized for the care it provides to its patients.

The long-time local pharmacy was presented with the Patients’ Choice Award by the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan (PAS). In a Facebook post on June 21 when they announced they were being honoured, the pharmacy said the recognition was for providing outstanding care to patients.

Dawn Marie SloanBeahm, who is a pharmacist at Henders, said the PAS has an award each year in which patients can nominate their pharmacy.

“Quite often, it’s not really something that the public is particularly aware of, because the promotion for it tends to be through Facebook or pharmacy channels,” said Sloan-Beahm.

But this year the PAS did more promotional work, so there were more nominations than ever before.

“Our pharmacy was nominated by one of our customers,

and so we were sent out certificates,” said Sloan-Beahm.

Henders Drugs was told the name of their nominator, and what was said about the business. Sloan-Beahm said the client was pleased with good customer service and friendly staff.

“It’s as simple and as important as that,” said SloanBeahm.

It’s nice to receive positive feedback from customers, and to let the people at Henders know that they’re doing something right to make the patients happy, Sloan-Beahm said. The award is a validation of the work that the employees at Henders have done.

“It’s very gratifying to know that the efforts that we put in over the last year were being noticed,” said SloanBeahm.

Typically a pharmacy would have to go out of its way for their customers to know that this award is being presented. But at that point, it almost feels like they’re asking for somebody

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to nominate them.

“We’re a modest bunch as a general rule. We don’t like to tap people on the shoulder and say ‘Hey, would you mind doing this for us?’” said SloanBeahm with a laugh. “So, it’s not typically done. It was really nice that it was more publicly promoted by the pharmacy association so that none of the pharmacies felt the need to have to do that. It makes it feel extra important when we get a nomination.”

The business has five pharmacists, a technician, a front store manager and about a half dozen front store staff.

Henders was one of several pharmacies to receive the award this year.

Henders Drugs has earned the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan’s Patients’ Choice Award. Photo submitted

Fire pit migration resulted in a call for service for fire department Estevan firefighters responded to a fire pit-related call on Sunday.

The call for service came in at about 7:30 p.m. Firefighters were asked to provide a bonfire investigation in the south-central part of Estevan.

Upon arrival, the crews found that the fire pit was legitimate and had a proper permit signed; however, this legitimate structure had migrated and ended up on the deck, in close proximity to numerous highly combustible items.

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"The homeowner was asked to extinguish the fire for the evening and relocate (the fire pit) to a more tenable location," said Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser.

"It has to be as the plan submitted, and people have to observe the … three meters or 10 feet of clearance from any combustible surfaces. With this being on the deck, it was way too close to the combustible hand railings and the home itself, so the homeowner complied and then he agreed to come into the fire station, where we're going to do a little more education as to a better place where he can put that in this yard."

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PHONE BILL (306) 577-1643

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Fire pits are supposed to be on the ground on noncombustible surfaces such as gravel, patio stones or blocks.

The Estevan bylaw and the fire pit application outline that it has to be covered with a screen to prevent the migration of ambers. It also regulates what's approved for burning inside the city limits, which includes logs and bigger tree parts.

In the recent case, the homeowner was burning twigs and leaves, which is not allowed as per the bylaw, since it produces too much smoke; besides, small ambers can easily migrate to other surfaces and start them on fire.

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June 23, 2021 A15

Pride flag flies again at local family’s home after the previous flag was stolen A local family has a new Pride flag waving proudly in front of their home, after the previous flag was stolen last week.

Wendy Godfrey and her husband Michael have raised the Pride flag every year in June for the past few years, in honour of Pride Month. In previous years, they haven’t encountered any problems, but when they woke up on June 16, they found the flag had been stolen.

She took to the Estevan Rant and Rave Facebook page to vent about the theft.

“Sometimes you just have to get it out, and let people know the flag had been stolen,” said Godfrey.

The rope on their flagpole had also been cut.

After Godfrey’s post, one woman reached out to Godfrey with money to purchase a new Pride flag. And another local woman donated a flag, which was raised on June 19, after a few repairs to the flagpole were completed.

“Our flag pole needed a few adjustments and fixing, and he did

that, and the flag went up almost immediately. We’re very, very happy to be flying the Pride flag once again,” said Godfrey.

The money that was donated for the purchase of a new flag will instead be directed to an LGBTQSA+ doing work in the community.

Godfrey had wanted a Pride flag to hang in front of their house for a long time. A few years ago, she was at the flag-raising ceremony at city hall.

“I was talking to some folks from the Pride group from Moose Jaw that was here, and they had one flag. And so I begged them to sell it to me, and they did,” said Godfrey. “And so we’ve flown that ever since, mostly always in June. We’ll put it up for the month of June, because that’s when the Pride Month celebrations go on. We want people to know we’re affirming and believe in that cause.”

This marked the first time they have had any issues with flying the Pride flag, but it`s the fourth flag they`ve had stolen. Previously they have had a Royal Canadian Air Force

flag, an Ontario flag and a Union Jack flag taken.

Godfrey noted that when their Ontario flag was stolen, the perpetrators took the whole flagpole.

“We’ve been flying flags for over 20 years,” said Godfrey. “It’s been quite a long time since we’ve lost one, actually.”

The flags in front of their home change quite often, because her husband has a wide variety of flags.

The response from the community has been “amazing” since they turned to social media with their story.

“We had so many people commenting on social media that they were upset that it would happen. A lot of people were just backing the Pride community, saying that we need to keep doing these things and making statements in a positive way for the Pride community,” said Godfrey.

People have been telling her how much they appreciate the Godfreys’ different flags, because people do enjoy seeing the different flags in front of the family’s house.

The Pride flag is waving proudly once again in front of Michael and Wendy Godfrey’s home in Estevan.

Photo by Michael Godfrey

Habitat for Humanity holding fundraisers Habitat for Humanity’s Estevan committee is currently in the midst of a couple of fundraisers to support its latest build.

The first is a 50-50 draw that it is doing with EchoLotto. Ticket sales started on June 1, and will close at 3 p.m. on June 29.

Tickets cost $10 each, and there is a maximum of 10,000 tickets to be sold. The winner will take home 50 per cent of the jackpot, with the maximum prize of $50,000.

With previous raffles, people asked Habitat for Humanity if credit cards could be used to purchase tickets; typically sales were cash only.

But this 50-50 does have a credit card option.

Ticket sales started slow, but they typically pick up just before the draw date. The Habitat committee

has been reaching out to people who have supported them in the past.

More information can be found on the Habitat Estevan website and Facebook pages.

An online auction is now underway as well. It started on June 16 and will close on June 29. All 34 items have a different close time that day; the closing time for each item can be found on the Habitat website.

“There’s merchandise and gift cards and crafts, and the value of all of the items is in excess of $10,000,” said local committee chair Doug Barnstable. “So, there’s some good options for people to get some good buys, and some unique gifts out there.”

A credit card will be required to purchase items through the auction, and people will have to register

prior to bidding. Proxy bidding is allowed, in which someone would submit a maximum amount for a particular item.

“It will automatically do an incremental bid on the last bid, until they reach their proxy limit, and then they’ll be advised that they’ve reached that limit,” said Barnstable.

Among the items available will be a drone, golf packages, a fire pit ring and a queen-sized mattress and box spring.

The auction can be found on the Habitat website and Facebook page, or on auctions.goldenwest.ca.

Proceeds from the auction will be used for the third home build for Habitat for Humanity in Estevan. A vacant lot was donated to Habitat at the intersection of King Street and Hillcrest Drive to accommodate the home.

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governments have stepped forward with grants to the local chapter in the past.

The committee hopes to select its partner family in early 2022, and then start construction in the middle of next year.

One issue the committee is monitoring is the cost of lumber and other building materials, which soared in the past few months.

They’re concerned about the overall price of the home.

“We’ll be watching that closely and that may have some impact on our actual build time or opportunity,” said Barnstable.

The committee is also looking for people who might be interested in being involved with Habitat on the construction side. They can email him at dbarnstable@sasktel.net.

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Fundraising efforts for the current build have been progressing steadily. Committee members have been talking to those involved with the previous builds. Several individuals and businesses have stepped up to say they would be involved again with gifts in kind and cash donations.

The donation of the property was a big boost, because the committee won’t have to purchase land.

“Both of our other builds, we always had a single donor that was in the $50,000 range that had an impact on our fundraising, and this lot donation has obviously provided us with that,” said Barnstable.

He estimates the committee still needs to raise another $185,000 in gifts in kind and cash.

The provincial and federal

A16 June 23, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

Mind, Body & Soul F

Do I have to feel these feelings?

eelings our emotions, rather than suppressing them, makes a big difference to our mental health. Emotions can sit in your body, building and adding pressure to your well-being like a balloon. When your body and mind are at capacity for holding in emotions, this balloon will pop.

Things that you could normally handle can push you over the edge at any moment. When our emotions explode, it might be an angry outburst onto loved ones, strangers or our animals. The release of pressure can come out in other ways too, such as increased self-loathing or even self-harm.

Historically, a stumbling block to being vulnerable is that we equate showing emotion with weakness. Let’s challenge this idea; as author and professor Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.

Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”

Here are two ways to feel and process your own emotions, rather than suppressing them: 1. Try purge journaling. This is writing without censoring how you are feeling in that moment.

The purge part refers to destroying what you wrote in a way that suits you such as deleting it, burning it or shredding it. There are times when processing your emotions and letting go can be difficult. If it feels too

Thanks neighbours

A

s most of my readers already know, these have been several trying weeks for our family.

Two weeks ago, my husband had a sudden and debilitating stroke. Only those who have gone through the pain of losing or nearly losing a loved one fully understand the emotions flooding one’s heart and mind.

Thankfully he is doing better and although he has a very long road to recovery ahead of him, one of the things that has been a huge support for me is the care displayed by our friends and neighbours.

Over the past two weeks I have been the recipient of kindnesses beyond what I would have imagined. First, I received a huge bouquet of beautiful flowers from the staff of a local store where we’re customers. Then while I visited at the hospital, a neighbour came over and mowed our lawn.

Another neighbour across the alley popped over last week to say he was going to town and asked if I needed anything. With a grin I said I’d never turn down a cup of tea from my favourite outlet. Within the hour he was back with tea and a doughnut.

Another next-door neighbour

soon for you to “purge” your writing, keep it contained in a safe place until you are ready.

2. Another way to do a similar process is called empty chair. Empty chair is where you imagine you are speaking with the person or to the situation that caused the emotional response, pretending they are sitting in an empty chair. You may choose to move to the other chair to respond to yourself.

The emotional brain during both these processes is able to work through some of these feelings without the stress or anxiety of sharing in front of another person.

We recommend that after processing your emotions to engage in any grounding technique or healthy distraction to shift your head space back into the present.

Sharing your feelings with another person is the next step.

To talk to a counsellor, contact Envision Counselling and Support Centre to find out more about our rapid access programs like walk-in counselling and Bridging the Distance. These programs accommodate both in-person and telephone needs. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911.

helped me clean up some “stuff” to go to the dump, then loaded it onto his trailer and told me he’d take it out next time he goes there. The list goes on and on but now I’m running short on space.

Thanks, neighbours, for knowingly or otherwise, heeding the message of God’s Word.

“Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. Don’t tell your neighbor “Maybe some other time” or “Try me tomorrow” when the money’s right there in your pocket. Don’t figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he’s sitting there trusting and unsuspecting.” (Proverbs 3:27-29)

Linda Wegner Words of Worth

5 ways to pamper yourself more often The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people scrambling for ways to unwind without risking their health or the health of others. For more than a year, opportunities to let loose and have fun have been stymied by the cancellation of concerts, theater shows, sporting events, family holidays, and so much more in the name of public safety. Individuals can look to coping strategies to find silver linings. Pampering oneself can be a healthy and enjoyable endeavor to explore.

Pampering means different things to different people. Pampering involves indulging in self-care strategies to improve mental, physical and emotional health. Pampering can provide a respite from stress, enabling one to switch off his or her brain for a bit. Rest

assured that pampering doesn’t have to involve big expenses, and many pampering sessions can take place right at home. The following are five pampering ideas to explore.

1. Take a nap - Getting enough restful sleep is essential for your overall health. People who work multiple jobs or for extended hours may not have enough time for sufficient sleep, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates one in three adults do not get enough sleep. Getting seven or more hours of sleep per night is important, but you also can add to your sleep bank by taking short naps in the early afternoon.

A nap can reduce stress and elevate the mood. Stick to a snooze of 30 minutes or less.

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2. Indulge in a luxurious item-Instead of splurging on something that is whimsical or unnecessary, allocate some disposable dollars to something functional — but put a luxurious spin on it. Think of buying a set of silk bedsheets or indulge on a high-end cut of meat for a family dinner. You’ll feel rewarded without feeling guilty that you were wasteful.

3. Schedule a salon service - Hair, nail or skin services enable you to get away from home for an hour or more and devote time all to yourself. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of walking out of the salon looking like the best version of yourself.

4. Take a hot bath - People may be pressed for time when engaging in

their daily beauty and grooming routines. A 10-minute shower before work might not provide the relaxation and sense of escape you need. Set aside a time in the evening to soak in the tub and let stress as well as aches and pains melt away in the water. Scent the water with essential oils.

5. Find a simple pleasure - Display fresh flowers on the table, listen to some favorite music while cleaning the house or plan a homemade meal for yourself accompanied by a fine wine.

Planning for a simple pleasure once or twice a week gives you something to look forward to.

Pampering comes in many shapes and forms and is an effective way to reduce stress.

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CLASSIFIEDS A17

| Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca Obituaries Keith E. Just Jan. 22, 1950 - June 15, 2021

Salvation Army to host food drive

Keith passed away on June 15th after suffering a heart attack while visiting his brother Ron. Keith was born Jan. 22, 1950 in Estevan, SK. He spent his entire life in Estevan where he worked for Lawrence Bill at Parkway Service. While employed there he made great friends with the entire Bill family. After Lawrence sold the business to retire Keith worked for a short time at the Petro Canada Bulk/Service station in Estevan. He spent his final working years at Kendall’s Auto Electric delivering parts. While working here he made many friends with the people at the many companies that he delivered to. He was a great ambassador for Kendall’s Auto Electric. Keith enjoyed car shows and antique cars, especially Mopars.

Keith was predeceased by his father Fred Just and Mother Flora (Gedak) Just. He is survived by his brothers Robert (Laurine) Just and Ron (Tina) Just, his nephews David Just, Darryl Just, Darcy Just, Daniel Just, Brent Just and Blair Just.

As per Keith’s wish he was cremated. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Estevan, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation or the New Estevan Regional Nursing Home Committee in Estevan, SK. Condolences may be left at www.prairieviewchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to PRAIRIEVIEW CREMATION AND MEMORIAL SERVICES (306-242-7884)

Joseph Sylvestre 1941 – 2021 Joseph Wilfred Hermidas Sylvestre was born on February 28, 1941 just outside of Redvers, Saskatchewan to Raoul and Marie Sylvestre. Joe was raised on the family farm along with his six brothers and one sister. Joe developed a deep connection to the land and always felt most at home in his beloved Saskatchewan.

He enlisted in the military as a young man and spent three years serving his country. Joe was sent to Germany and was there when the Berlin Wall went up. He loved to share his stories of his adventures in Europe with his children and grandchildren.

Eventually, he returned to Canada and married his childhood penpal, Anne Harms. They had two daughters, Cindy and Lisa. Joe’s job as a construction supervisor gave them the chance to settle in numerous cities across Canada. Many of the buildings he made still stand and are a testament to his skill.

Joe was blessed with nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Sadly, he will miss the birth of his eighth great grandchild - a new baby that he was very excited to hold.

Joe’s love of Saskatchewan brought him back to the province in 2007 when his daughter Cindy and son-in-law John bought a farm. Joe helped Cindy and John grow that farm and it fulfilled Joe’s longing to return to land. He also helped his two grandsons, Joe and Jacob start on their careers in construction. Eventually Joe and Joe Sr. would start B & S Construction. A dream come true for Joe Sr.! In his later years Joe got to see various parts of the world and he was also able to enjoy winters in Arizona with his best friend, Erna.

Joe passed away in Estevan, Saskatchewan on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Joe leaves his large family to mourn him. They are very grateful for the many lessons learned and the joyful memories they share. He will be missed beyond measure, but they are confident that he will always be watching over them.

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Anna (Annie) Nettie Ciepliski January 24, 1916 - June 12, 2005 Stephen James Ciepliski November 29, 1908 June 28, 2006 They say there is a reason, They say that time will heal But neither time nor reason, Will change the way we feel For no one knows the heartache, That lies behind our smiles No one knows how many times, We have broken down and cried We want to tell you something, So there won’t be any doubt, You are both so wonderful to think of But so hard to live without.

Forever loved and remembered by your family.

Sending you all our prayers and love, Walter, Donald (Marty), Marion, Basil (Sally), and the rest of the family.

In Loving Memory of Blaine Tweed Who Passed Away June 24th, 2007 You left me beautiful memories Your love is still my guide, And though we cannot see you, You’re always at my side.

Always in our hearts, Rob, Jodi, Maddi and Kolton Darryl, Charlotte and Brandon

Notices / NomiNatioNs PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

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

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The Estevan Salvation Army will look to boost its food bank stocks on June 26 with a food drive. File photo The Estevan Salvation Army is going to host a food drive on June 26 in an effort to replenish the shelves of the food bank before summer vacation.

The food drive will happen from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. that day.

With the slogan of “Drive, buy and then drop by,” the ministry is encouraging people to drive to a grocery store to purchase items, and then deliver the items to the food bank.

“We’ll have volunteers to unload your vehicle, and we’re just trying to get our shelves a little fuller going into the … summer season,” said Ronza Reynard, the director of ministry for the Salvation Army in Estevan. “We’re just excited to bring some excitement to the food bank, some awareness to the food bank.”

The Salvation Army won’t have people circulating the community to pick up donations from in front of residences.

“We will be taking any non-perishable items. Anything you see at the store that you think we can use in the

food bank,” said Reynard.

The past 15 months during the COVID-19 pandemic have been challenging, and the Salvation Army wants to remind companies, families and individuals that they can help.

Traditionally Canada Post employees would spearhead a food drive for the Salvation Army each year. While they won’t be taking the lead on the food drive this time, they have been helping the Salvation Army get posters out into the community.

“I do believe it’s one of the first food drives that we’ve done ourselves,” said Reynard. “A lot of times, it’s the Canada Post food drive, or it is somebody in the community doing the food drive, and they bring it to us.”

The shelves at the food bank are at about 60-65 per cent capacity. They haven’t received a lot of food donations, but when people come by with cash support, the Salvation Army orders the food.

“We’re ordering the food as needed. It’s not the same as in years past where you’d come

Farm ServiceS

by and our shelves were super full. Now we’re just maintaining and ordering as needed,” said Reynard.

The Salvation Army has been trying to have some form of a late spring food drive in recent years, since the donations tend to slow down in the summer. The Canada Post food drive was in June instead of September in 2019.

“However, the need does not slow down. And so we want people to be aware that we are here over the summer.

We’re not taking the summer off. We’ll be here. If people need us, come on down. We will help them. If somebody wants to donate money or food or time, come and see us. We have lots of available volunteer spots.”

The Weyburn Salvation Army is holding a food drive on June 26 as well. As the director of ministry for both Estevan and Weyburn, Reynard said there might be a little healthy competition or even a fun wager between the two cities to see who will bring in the most food.

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A18 June 23, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

Bienfait looking forward to Canada Day celebrations a pancake breakfast for $5 at 7 a.m. at the Bienfait Memorial Arena. The Southern Plains Co-op will supply the food, and the Bienfait Fire Department will serve the meal.

One of the biggest differences will be with the parade, Jones said.

“We are having a reverse parade where the floats are stationary and the vehicles drive by.

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The parade route will start at 10 a.m., with motorists lining up on Weldon Road by the school.

The parade route will then be along Carbon Avenue. The spectators are to stay in their vehicles and drive down Carbon Avenue to see all the floats.”

Anyone who wants to have a float is to contact Daniyale Lalonde through the Bienfait Canada Day celebrations Facebook page, or by emailing dyale606@gmail.com.

Due to current restrictions, pre-registration is required.

Prizes will be awarded for the top floats.

Jones said they need more entries, but she is confident it will work.

When the reverse parade is finished, Main Street will be blocked off, and there will be a show and shine, farmers’ market and various food trucks.

Those who want to have their vehicle on display, or want to set up a table, can reach Jones at christine-jones@hotmail. com.

Some of the perennially popular activities will be back, such as the miniature firefighters rodeo, which will be by the fire hall on Railway Avenue, the firefighters versus farmers baseball game at 3 p.m. and a petting zoo. The Bienfait Coalfields Historical Museum and the swimming pool will be open.

“We have a few new ac-

CROSSWORD ANSWER

Numerous activities will be happening in southeast Saskatchewan for Canada Day this year.

Bienfait is looking forward to welcoming people for its festivities, although there will be some differences to stay within regulations, said Christine Jones with the Bienfait Recreation Board.

Canada Day will start with

tivities brought into our celebrations as well. In connection with the Canada Day celebration being our major fundraiser for the parks and rec. board, we are currently having a 50-50 draw in progress,” Jones said.

Tickets are $2 each or three for $5, and the draw will occur on their Facebook page on Canada Day. There will also be a Miner Selfie Hut, with prizes supplied

by Energy Outlet Indoor Play Zone. The Miners logo will be hidden throughout town, and people are to find them, take a selfie and post it to their Facebook page.

The day will end with fireworks at dusk. The launch point will be at the ball diamonds on the east side of town.

“You can come and park in the parking lot of the grounds.

You can also park on the gravel road, and, as always, on the highway. We are asking that people stay in their vehicles, or within arm’s reach of their vehicle if they’re going to stand outside.”

As of right now, nothing is scheduled for the arena or curling rink, but the Canada Day

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before August 23, 2021, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

KRAKR Enterprises Inc. Proposes to design and construct a new 30-meter self support Internet Access Tower on the property with a particular land location known as NE 10-1-8 W2 near the Sunset Subdivision (Boundary Dam), Saskatchewan. This tower will provide improved and extended internet service to the area.

VILLAGE OF MACOUN PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Warehouse / Counter Person Needed for Permanent Full Time Position Electrical experience is required.

Work involves various warehouse duties, as well as counter back up for electrical distributor.

Send resume too: Gerry.pakish@gescan.com Box 1518, 101 6th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 2L7 Tel: (306) 634-8655 • Fax: (306) 634-8028

committee hopes they can have tables in there for people to sit and enjoy the pancake breakfast.

The Canada Day celebration is the major fundraiser of the year for the Bienfait Parks and Recreation Board, which supports minor baseball, minor hockey, the Bienfait swimming pool, the school community council, the arena and the curling rink.

Last year’s Canada Day celebrations in Bienfait were cancelled, and Jones hopes to see many familiar faces out.

“This is our major fundraiser, so with all of the groups that the rec board supports, it really does a lot for the town.”

The Estevan Kinsmen and Kinettes Clubs also have modified their Canada Day plans.

They cannot have July 1 festivities at their park in the Hillside subdivision, due to COVID restrictions, so they have decided to give away ice cream cones or dilly bars to the first 100 people at each of the participating ice cream stops in Estevan.

DQ Grill and Chill, Friends Iceland, KoN Artisan Ice Cream and A Cherry on Top are on board.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

Title No.

Total Arrears* Costs

Total Arrears and Costs

LOT 1-BLK/PAR 8-PLAN 68R30564 EXT 0

137739369

3,346.32

316.00

3,662.32

LOT 10-BLK/PAR 12-PLAN T549 EXT 0

142629093

2,147.98

360.00

2,507.98

LOT 11-BLK/PAR 12-PLAN T549 EXT 0

142629082

LOT 4-BLK/PAR 31-PLAN O5753 EXT 0

135301317

1,141.10

360.00

1,501.10

LOT 5-BLK/PAR 31-PLAN O5753 EXT 0

135301340

LOT 6-BLK/PAR 31-PLAN O5753 EXT 0

135301395 5,232.62

316.00

5,548.62

BLK/PAR A-PLAN A3983 EXT 0

138029766

BLK/PAR C-PLAN D3314 EXT 2

138076252

BLK/PAR C-PLAN D3314 EXT 0

138076263

Public comments can be directed to KRAKR Enterprises Inc or the RM of Estevan within 30 days of this notice of publication Dated June 23, 2021.

KRAKR Enterprises Inc.

1307 Barabash Bay Estevan, SK S4A2S5 Email: sales@krakr.ca

* Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable.

Dated this 15th day of June, 2021

RM of Estevan

#1, 322-4th Street Estevan, SK S4A 0T8 Email: rm5@sasktel.net

Carmen Dodd-Vicary, Chief Administrative Officer

PROPERTY FOR SALE BY PUBLIC TENDER

Public Notice Rural Municipality of Estevan No.5 Notice of Intent to Amend Zoning Bylaw

Under the Provision of The Tax Enforcement Act the Village of Frobisher offers for sale the following property:

Pursuant to Section 207 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, the Council of the Rural Municipality of Estevan No.5, hereby gives notice of its intention to amend Zoning Bylaw 5-2014 as follows:

• Lot 23 Blk 3 Plan 41749—204 2nd Street TENDER REQUIREMENTS Bidders are required to review the complete tender documents for information regarding conditions of sale and responsibilities of the purchaser regarding property condition. This information is available by contacting the Village Office in person at 423 Main Street, Bienfait, SK; or by email at vilfrob@sdcwireless.com.

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20% (percent) of the tender amount. The deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque, bank draft, or money order payable to the Village of Frobisher.

The successful bidder(s) will have 30 days to provide the payment in-full to complete the purchase. The deposit will be forfeited if the successful bidder does not finalize the agreement for sale within 30 days.

A tender must be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to: Village of Frobisher Tax Title Property Tender PO Box 190, Bienfait, SK S0C 0M0 Tenders must be received by 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2021. Highest, or any tender, not necessarily accepted.

For further information contact the undersigned.

Dated this 18th day of June, 2021.

Kate Halkyard, Administrative Assistant 306-388-2323 ext. 3

Bylaw 2021-08: Map Change: Map Change: To rezone Blk/Pcl A Plan 93R09201 Ext 0 in the NE and SE 07-03-09 W2M from General Commercial District (COM1) to Agricultural Resource District (AR) as indicated in bold on the map.

Intent: To rezone Blk/Pcl A in the NE and SE 07-03-09 W2M from General Commercial District (COM1) to Agricultural Resource District (AR) Reason: To accommodate the parcel for residential purposes.

Public Inspection: Any person may inspect the proposed bylaw at the R.M. of Estevan Municipal Office at #1, 322 – 4th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost.

Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing to receive submissions, written or verbal, on the proposed bylaw at 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 in the Council Chambers of the R.M. of Estevan No. 5, #1, - 322 4th Street Estevan, Saskatchewan. Those wishing to make verbal representation are required to register with the municipal office due to limited space in Council Chambers and COVID-19 social distancing requirements.

Please contact the municipal office at (306) 634-2222 for details prior to Friday, July 9th, 2021.

Dated at Estevan, Saskatchewan this 16th day of June, 2021.

Michelle Dickie, Administrator

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• • • • •

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• • • • •

Flyers Posters Menus Programs Labels

• • • •

Raffle Tickets Booklets Cheques whatever you need printed!

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

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CHEERS & JEERS A19 | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | estevanmercury.ca

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Flashback – Wednesday, July 24, 1968 Cheers Cheers to the organizers of the bubble parade for the Estevan Comprehensive School’s Class of 2021. It was a great way to celebrate them, and the kids looked great in their finest clothes.

Cheers to all of the businesses that were all decorated to congratulate the grads on their special day.

Cheers to the Rotary Club of Estevan for their Lobsterfest to Go fundraiser on Saturday. The meal was delicious and it allowed people to get their one lobster meal of the year.

Cheers to the safety patrollers who were out in all kinds of conditions this year and helped their classmates get to school safely.

Cheers to the return of the CFL in 2021. We’re all looking forward to seeing the Saskatchewan Roughriders return to the field this year. Hopefully they’ll have a team worth watching.

Cheers to all of the businesses, and now all of the schools, that have been participating in Sign Wars. Many of them have been very funny, and you wonder what will be said next.

Estevan Playboys emerged champions in the 1968 Estevan Men’s Fastball Association Tournament. Front row, from left, Gus Cairns, Bill Meacon, Dallas Duce, Lorne Rathgaber, Rudy Popadynetz. Centre, Bert Poitras, Glen Curtis, Stu Borden, Wally Block, Glen Broadhead, Ed Gervais (coach). Back, Wayne Duncan, Greg Walliser, Ken Loberg and Joe Fichter.

Jeers Jeers to those who will not let the census takers do their jobs. These are local people doing a job that helps government provide funding and programs for all citizens. Your politics will not make the mandatory census go away.

Jeers to those who insist on ruining summer nights for other people by playing their music too loud, or having a loud engine on their vehicle. We all want to enjoy these beautiful Saskatchewan evenings.

Jeers to the motorists who drove irresponsibly down Third Street while the intersection of Fourth Street and Souris Avenue South was closed. Give yourself a couple more minutes when you travel and remember you’re in a residential area on Third Street.

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

City extends contract with GFL for two more years Green for Life (GFL) Environmental will continue to provide household garbage and recycling pickup for the City of Estevan for another two years.

Estevan city council exercised a twoyear extension clause in the city’s contract with GFL at the June 14 meeting, so the contract will now expire on June 30, 2023.

In 2018, the City of Estevan awarded a three-year contract, with a two-year option, for pickup to GFL. The company also manages the recycling depot on Sixth Street and empties the smaller brown public bins located throughout the city on roads and in parks.

In a report to council, city manager Jeff Ward the city has had no significant issues with the service provided by GFL over the last three years.

“They have provided an account

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manager that is willing to discuss issues as they occur,” Ward said.

Ward noted that GFL indicated they will look at the brown bins. The bins in high volume areas continue to overflow and that bins need to be replaced or fully washed at certain times during the year.

GFL has been made aware of these concerns and has indicated they will increase the dump frequency of the high volume bins to twice a week. There will be a replacement and cleaning of the high volume bins throughout the year.

Councillor Travis Frank said he was confident that if the city didn’t exercise the option with GFL, and if the contract were to be put out to tender, that the cost of service would increase.

But Frank did want some more information on composting. A lot of people

have been asking him about providing that service.

“People who are trying to be a little bit environmentally friendly, and have large bags of grass or other compostable items, would like somewhere to take it or to go,” said Frank.

There have been conversations with GFL in the past, he said, and he hopes they can be pursued.

Two choices that have been considered would be an optional cart that people would pay to have at their house, or a compost bin at the recycling depot on Sixth Street.

Ward said the city has talked with GFL about having compost bins at the recycling depot or in each corner of the city.

He suggested something could occur for a fall Operation Clean Sweep campaign.

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June 27th, 1951

Love Mary Ellen, Jim, Tom and families

kids speak Why are you proud to live in Canada?

Jacob Deitz

Age: 14 “We have a great sports community, great healthcare and great landscapes.”

Peyton Hodgens

Age: 13 “I like the wildlife and the scenery.”

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A20 June 23, 2021

www.estevanmercury.ca

2021 Member/Owner Allocations $

1,399,846

MEMBER/OWNER EQUITY ALLOCATION Gas Bar & Commercial Fuel - 1.50% Farm Diesel Fuel - 2.25% Oil - 5.0% • Food - 3.6% Equip - .75% Feed - .50% • Gen Merchandise - 2.0% ✔ Southern Plains Co-op $1,796,952 cash to member/owners in 2020. ✔ $7,350,879 in cash returned to member/owners in the past 5 years alone

Are you a member/owner?

Invest $10 for a lifetime member/owner share and start sharing in our profits!

ATTENTION SOUTHERN PLAINS CO-OP MEMBER/OWNERS WATCH YOUR MAILBOX! This year your cheque will be mailed to you by June 30, 2021.

www.southernplainscoop.com Estevan - 826 4th Street

306.637.4300