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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022 WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Poilievre brings Conservative leadership bid to the Estevan area

By David Willberg The man who is the favourite to be the next leader of the federal Conservative Party was in the Estevan area last week to meet supporters and remind them to vote.

Pierre Poilievre made an appearance at the farm of Jason LeBlanc – the reeve for the RM of Estevan and a vocal Poilievre supporter – on Aug. 3. Poilievre spoke to a crowd of about 100 people, most of them from the agriculture and energy sectors.

Those in attendance told him they want to see the carbon tax scrapped, and Poilievre said he shares their belief.

“We need to produce more energy and import less from abroad,” he said in an interview with the Mercury.

“Secondly, they were concerned about this 30 per cent cutback in fertilizer [emissions] that [Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau is pushing. He wants this done by 2030.”

The cut would negatively impact production in food output, Poilievre said, and it would hurt farmers’ bottom lines while making food more expensive. Poilievre said he would reverse that policy and allow farmers to be more efficient in their use of fertilizer.

“They already have an incentive to do that in order to keep their costs down,” said Poilievre.

He did not make it to the carbon capture and storage facility at the Boundary Dam Power Station while in Estevan, but hopes to eventually come back to tour the

Getting to know Estevan. College takes newcomers on tours around community.

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It was a blast.

Bow Valley Jamboree attracts close to 1,000 spectators.

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Welcome!

Hospital sees two doctors starting a family practice.

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Pierre Poilievre, left, spoke with Sen. Denise Batters and Ray Frehlick during Poilievre’s stop at Jason LeBlanc’s farm west of Estevan on Aug. 3. Photo by Anthony Cinerari site. Poilievre said he has been to Estevan twice before, but he has yet to see the facility.

“It’s an inspiration to know that local industry is protecting the environment by putting the carbon back where it came from, so that can continue to create jobs and opportunities for people, produce affordable energy but also protect the environment. So I think the whole world can learn something from this technology.”

Poilievre said he supports further federal investment in the facility “in principle.” The former Conservative government committed money to CCS at Boundary Dam back in 2008.

“Like anything else, I need to know what exactly the investment was, what the exact proposal would be

The annual crime severity index (CSI), released Aug. 2 by Statistics Canada, was a mixed bag for Estevan.

The document showed that the city’s rating for

PAGE A16

2021 stood at 91.13, down from 109.96 the previous year. The 2021 figure is more inline with 2018, when it was at 90.17, and 2019, when it stood at 90.28.

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Estevan Police Chief Rich Lowen said that for EPS, the crime severity index is a tool to better understand the tendencies in the community.

“It’s something we do

keep an eye on, but we use it mostly to compare year over year within the city itself. I don’t like generally comparing to larger metropolitan areas, I like to use it as an index of what’s hap-

pening within the city. You just have to understand what the numbers mean to make sure that you’re not overreacting to something,” Lowen said.

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like that, when I can be out talking to the party members who signed up to support me in order to get them out to vote,” said Poilievre.

His closest challenger, Patrick Brown, was disqualified from the race earlier this year. The Brown camp afterwards said he was ousted because the party wants Poilievre to win, but Poilievre said it wasn’t his decision.

The Tories have said Brown broke the funding rules.

“They have reported that to Elections Canada, and it’s really up to Patrick Brown and Elections Canada to examine those allegations.”

The big challenge is now getting his supporters to submit their ballots, and so he’s spending as much time on the road as possible.

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has been in Saskatchewan since he announced his desire to be the head of the Conservative Party in February, and he expects this will be the last time he’ll be in Saskatchewan before the winner of the leadership race is announced Sept. 10.

He opted to be in Saskatchewan on Aug. 3 rather than participate in the final debate for the candidates, saying he wants to get his supporters out to vote. Leslyn Lewis also chose not to participate.

Poilievre was critical of the direction of a debate in Edmonton earlier this year that included horns and a question about their favourite Netflix programs, and kept spectators from applauding.

“I didn’t want to waste my time on another clown show

Crime severity index dropped in 2021, has to do with the pandemic and more

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put forward, but in principle, I support carbon capture and storage. As with any investment, whether I’m investing in a road or a railway or a transit project, I always need to know all of the specifics of the proposal, the dollar figures, what precisely the money will achieve, before spending or investing Canadian tax dollars.”

There is a cost to protecting the environment, and the federal government has a duty to bear some of the costs, he said.

Poilievre’s stop in the Energy City was part of a tour of the province that saw him also in Prince Albert, the Battlefords, Saskatoon, Lloydminster, Weyburn, Regina and Moosomin. After leaving Estevan, he travelled to Regina for evening events.

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« A1 “If you look at the crime severity index for violent crime, that increased to 155 [for 2021] from 82 in the year before, and that’s attributable to the homicide that we had last year. When you have a homicide in an area that hasn’t had a homicide in over seven years, it can create a large percentage increase, so you don’t want to overreact to something like that. But what we do is we keep an eye on this longterm overall severity index as it moves from year to year. And looking at it from last year, we’re moving in a positive direction, which is a good sign.”

After the first alleged homicide in seven years occurred in June of last year, Estevan’s violent crime figure stood at 155.06 in 2021, up from 82.10 in 2020.

Lowen added that a homicide has such a “large weight attributed to it,” that it strongly affects the index, so the EPS was expecting to see a significant jump in that number. He added that there was nothing else specific that would dramatically affect the violent crime index for the community. The EPS keeps track of all kinds of violent crimes occurring in the community, and the crime severity index becomes another tool for them to understand the bigger picture better.

“We keep track of the stats ourselves in Estevan in relation to crimes against persons, crimes against property. So we know where we stand, we know that we’re slightly ahead of five-year average, but not dramatically. We keep an eye on those sorts of things as we go over our own statistics, so this is just another measure,” Lowen explained.

While the violent crime index went up a lot, Estevan’s non-violent crime number went down a lot

and stood at 67.92 in 2021, which was a 43 per cent drop from 119.72 the previous year. Lowen said it was something they expected to see because of the large effect of the pandemic on the community in 2021.

“I was expecting our nonviolent crime to go down just because we were in a pandemic year. And it did what was expected in nonviolent [crime] areas, like break-ins. You can imagine how people have changed the way they interact with each other during the pandemic. It changed the way non-violent crime was occurring. So we actually went down in this, which was nice to see,” Lowen said.

“All the non-violent crime is specifically down because of the way the year went last year. With the pandemic, people just changed the way they interacted. We had more online incidents, but we had less incidents within the community … less break and enters, that sort of thing. Businesses were closed, which all had an impact on how property crimes took place.”

While we are emerging from the pandemic-related lifestyle, Lowen noted that it’s important to monitor the entire picture as restrictions and COVID-related temporary changes were just a part of the challenges the community is facing.

“I could say that Estevan has its unique challenges that carry throughout in other cities as well. We carry addictions challenges, we carry mental health challenges, and it’s just important to use the resources that you have within the community [including the new PACT Team] to try and balance those challenges,” Lowen said.

Overall, Estevan sat No. 68 in Canada for the CSI.

Estevan Police Chief Rich Lowen.

put a lot of effort into keeping it safe.

“There’s a lot of things that would contribute to nonviolent crime. So as we come out of the pandemic, people become active again, we start having festivals and larger gatherings, I’m sure we’ll see those numbers probably increase a little, but I don’t expect to see a large increase again given the small numbers we deal with, it doesn’t take much to affect them one way or another. But I don’t anticipate seeing any large issues or problems,” Park said.

“The area for the most part is a pretty safe area. I don’t think we’ve seen any big fluctuations. The numbers were down slightly.”

The area patrolled by the Carlyle RCMP had a CSI rating of 110.41, up marginally from the 109.29 seen in 2020 but below the 130.82 in 2019. The violent crime severity index stood at 82.63, down from 135.47, while the non-violent CSI was at 120.14, up from 99.61.

In the Carnduff RCMP area, the CSI was 37.09, down from 48.99 in 2020.

The violent crime CSI was at 30.51, down from 42.89 in 2020, while the non-violent CSI was 39.37, compared to 51.07 in 2020.

EPS announces charges following armed standoff The Estevan Police Service has announced the charges that will be laid against a man who was arrested following an armed standoff that occurred in Estevan on Friday.

In a press-release issued Monday afternoon, Estevan Deputy Chief Murray Cowan said a 27-year-old man will be charged with three counts of uttering threats to cause death, and one count each of taking a hostage, re-

sisting arrest, mischief and failing to comply with the conditions of a release order, all under the Criminal Code.

The name of the individual will not be released at this time, pending their first court appearance on these charges.

On Aug. 5 at about 10:30 a.m., the EPS was alerted to a residence in the 1300-block of Eighth Street. The situation developed into an armed standoff

with a barricaded person and a potential hostage.

The Weyburn and Estevan Joint Tactical Support Team ( JTST), along with crisis negotiators and extra patrol members, were called in for support. Following a brief period of negotiations with the suspect, he gave himself up without further incident.

An elderly subject, known to the suspect, was in the residence and was unharmed.

Cowan praised those who were involved with the response, including patrol officers, communications staff, the JTST, crisis negotiators, tactical command and more.

“They did an excellent job and were very swift in their response,” he said.

The EPS is also grateful to city staff for their assistance with barricades to prevent traffic from entering the area, he said.

Two-vehicle collision in south Estevan left one person dead The Estevan Police Service says one person has died due to injuries suffered in a collision Thursday evening at the south

end of the city.

Members of the EPS were called to a collision with injuries on Highway 47 south, just south of the

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Both vehicles were damaged beyond repair.

Further, both drivers were injured and transported by ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital. The drivers were the only occupants in the two vehicles.

One of the drivers involved in the collision was then transported to Regina

by STARS Air Ambulance and died due to their injuries. The second individual remains in hospital. Police are in the process of notifying family of those involved.

According to the EPS, it appears from initial investigation that alcohol is involved. The matter is still under investigation.

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Among the six Saskatchewan cities with municipal policing services, Estevan was fifth. Weyburn was the only community lower with a CSI of 77.3.

North Battleford ranked first in the country at 480.7.

The Crime Severity Index is a measure of policereported crime that reflects the relative seriousness of individual offences, and tracks changes in crime severity.

Statistics Canada also tracked crime severity in rural communities.

In the case of the Estevan RCMP’s area, the CSI was at 63.04, down from 92.90 in 2020 and 96.02 in 2019.

Estevan RCMP Corporal Craig Park said in their case, the pandemic also affected the numbers.

The violent crime index was at 57.24, down from 64.30, while the non-violent crime rate was 64.98, well down from 102.97 in 2020, and Park said it’s something they saw coming.

“I would expect [these numbers] to be lower. This can be contributed to a couple of reasons. One, for sure COVID would affect these numbers, as we don’t have as many people that are active in the communities, going around during these years at the height of the COVID. [Second], we did do some targeted policing towards our prolific offenders, which also would have contributed to some lower numbers.

Given our rural population, we’re not going to have the same crime rate as a city or a larger area. So the numbers can be affected one way or another quite easily,” Park explained.

He said that as society comes out of the pandemic, there might be an increase in non-violent crimes again, yet there are a lot of factors coming into play and they

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College helps newcomers get to know Estevan

By Ana Bykhovskaia With more newcomers arriving in Estevan this spring and summer due to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, Southeast College found a way to help immigrants from Ukraine and other countries integrate into the community.

Katie Burham, co-ordinator of the English as an additional language (EAL) classes for newcomers at the college, saw a need for something more than just their traditional program due to unique circumstances this year. So this summer their English Language Circles program that incorporates elements of the EAL was adjusted to serve newly arriving families’ needs.

“Because there was an increase of new immigrant families moving into the

area, and a lot of the immigrants were coming towards the end of the school year, we wanted to ensure that the new members ... had a connection to the community,” explained Margaret Duncan, one of the program instructors involved with the summer project.

“So, Katie Burham had arranged for a partnership with the Estevan Public Library, that’s a part of the program. Over the summer months, we worked with the library four or five times … the library has been really good working with us … and then we have other activities.”

A group of newcomers that joined the Southeast College to learn or improve their English, on top of the language progress, also had a chance to tour the Shand Greenhouse, visit the Souris

On another day, as part of college’s summer language program, a group of newcomers toured Shand Greenhouse. Photo courtesy of Margaret Duncan

As part of the English Language Circles summer program, Viktoriia Sadick led a yoga class for, from left, Margaret and Rachel Duncan, Charlie Pyra, and Yevgeniya and Karyna Nedozhdii at Fresh Air Fitness.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia Valley Museum, have a trip to the Downtown Night Market, play some baseball – which for many was the first time playing this popular North American sport – and also explore the Woodlawn Regional Park.

For their latest activity, students and the instructor went to Fresh Air Fitness and one of the group members, Viktoriia Sadick, who moved to Estevan last winter, hosted a relaxing yoga class teaching participants to deal with heat through practices.

They also planned more visits to Woodlawn to enjoy the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum’s Inside Out exhibition and possibly check out the park’s water rentals.

They also have a bannockmaking workshop on the agenda at the library, a bit more of a traditional lan-

guage-learning session and a summer wind-up planned.

“We will have a windup and we’re going to just play some games and hopefully introduce them to some Saskatchewan food. I hope to find some Saskatoon berries and maybe make Nanaimo bars, different things that are Canadian-based that they maybe wouldn’t experience otherwise,” Duncan said.

“We’re really hoping that the families can have a connection with the community, but also with themselves, so that they find other people that are maybe going through the same experiences that they are, and also feel comfortable to find somebody else in the community to say, hey, how do I do whatever it is that they’re seeking to do,” Duncan said.

“And of course, through all

of this, we want to improve their English language skills.”

The program offered this summer is different from the EAL program that happens throughout the regular school year. Duncan noted that the usual program is consistent across Canada and follows the standard protocols. During the regular year, the SE College also offers a language circles program, but it’s not as intensive in the sense of community engagement.

“In this one [summer EAL], we’re still trying to improve the language, but really get a strong community sense and show them what all Estevan has to offer,” Duncan explained.

She noted that it’s been a wonderful experience for herself as well, as she also got to learn and discover

new things in Estevan, even though she’s been living in the community for many years.

With it being the first time that the college offered a language program over the summer, Duncan said the results are really inspiring.

“Last year, there was nothing that ran during the summers that I know of, so this is the first year that this has run. We have run 13 classes, and they’ve all been successful so far. And we have another four left. So hopefully, more people come out and take advantage of the experience,” Duncan said.

The Southeast College receives funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to offer LINC programs and Language Circles, so there is no charge to the participants.

Bicycling in Estevan 101: what everyone needs to know

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Summer allows for many alternative ways to see and explore the community, including bicycling.

Many people were enjoying warm summer days cruising around Estevan on their bikes, while also putting in a quality workout time. However, quite a few bicyclists were noticed biking on the wrong side of the road and demonstrating a lack of basic knowledge about in-town bicycling rules.

The Mercury explored the issue and came up with a summary of all the required information one should keep in mind before hitting a road on a bicycle.

The Estevan Police Service keeps an eye on bicyclists as they are part of the traffic flow. According to the rules, while on the road, unlike pedestrians, bicyclists have to be going with the traffic, follow all signs and traffic lights just like drivers, and hand-signal their maneuvers when they need to change lanes or turn. Cyclists should keep

to the right side of the road and travel single file.

According to the City of Estevan’s traffic bylaw, “every cyclist shall operate a bicycle in accordance with the applicable rules of the road as set out in the Traffic Safety Act. No person shall operate a bicycle with a wheel diameter of 40 centimetres or more on any sidewalk or boulevard except where permitted by an appropriate sign; while carrying more persons at one time than the number of which it is designed and equipped; in a reckless or negligent manner; while riding more than two abreast of another cyclist except for the purpose of passing on the left side; while carrying a load in excess of that for which the bicycle is designed and equipped.

“No person shall operate a bicycle; without having at least one hand on the handlebars; between half an hour before sunset and a half hour after sunrise, unless the bicycle is equipped with a lighted headlamp, which is visible from the

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front of the bicycle, and a red taillight that is visible from the rear of the bicycle.

No person under the age of 16 years old shall operate a bicycle without wearing a CSA [Canadian Standards Association]-approved bicycle helmet in a proper manner.

“No person shall leave a bicycle in a reclining position on any public highway, pedestrian mall, sidewalk or public place.”

When riding on the road, bicyclists follow the same rules as drivers, but unlike vehicle operators, their bodies are not as protected, so ensuring their bikes are in a good shape and following the rules becomes even more crucial for their own safety.

To fill in the further blanks in knowledge about bicycling in town, the Mercury spoke to Joe Lingelbach, the owner of Estevan’s JL’s Bike and Skate, a member of the Estevan Bike and Brew club and a man who is very passionate about bicycling.

“Before going on any ride, the cyclist should

check their air pressure in the tires, check that their brakes are functioning and if they have gears, make sure their rear derailleur especially isn’t bent or damaged. Of course, helmets should be worn as a single fall can cause a lot of harm,” Lingelbach outlined.

While knowing the law is important, understanding the proper behaviour on the road might be as crucial. Talking about some “musts” bicyclists should keep in mind while on the road, Lindelbach pointed out that first of all, cyclists should understand that their safety is in their hands.

“Cyclists have to take responsibility for their own safety and always make eye contact with an oncoming vehicle to make sure they see you,” Lingelbach said.

“If riding at night, you should always have reflective clothing of some sort and a light on the front and rear of your bicycle.”

He also noted some things bicyclists should avoid at all times while riding.

“Please avoid texting or reading a book while riding your bike. Cyclists love to play music while they ride, make your own soundtrack and play it for yourself. If you don’t like a song, there will be another coming right up. Avoid playing with the phone while moving,” Lingelbach said.

“If riding on the street, try to stay close to the right-hand curb, don’t weave in and out of traffic.

“When riding the lovely pathways that we have in Estevan, be respectful of the slower pedestrian moving in the same direction as yourself, ring your bell and call out that you are passing and always pass on the left. When facing a pedestrian pull to the right, slow down a little and say hello.”

Responsible and careful operation should allow for many years of joyful bicycling. Bicycle maintenance is also important, and that’s something JL’s Bike and Skate can help customers with.

“We service all kinds and makes of bicycles.

It can be challenging in

these times as some parts and even bikes are still not available. A lot of my time is taken up by researching parts for other peoples’ bikes; trying to locate parts is very time-consuming,” Lingelbach said.

“Repairing flats, changing cables, replacing damaged derailleurs, full checkups, straightening bent wheels are all services we provide. Of course, I also sell new bikes, as well as electric and pedal-assist bicycles.”

He added that the new pathway system Estevan acquired last year is a great addition not only for local walkers and joggers but for cyclists too, as it allows for a safer experience for everyone.

“I would like to close by thanking the city for the new pathway system. I believe we have people out and about who feel safer when riding a bike, walking, jogging, rollerblading, pushing a stroller or skateboarding if they are on the pathways than if they were on city streets or sidewalks,” Lingelbach said.

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EDITORIAL A4

| Wednesday, August 10, 2022 | SASKTODAY.ca

Staff SERVING CANADA’S SUNSHINE CAPITAL Sales Manager Pat Pasloski - ppasloski@estevanmercury.ca

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EDITORIAL

Volume 117 Issue 09 Contact us: (306) 634-2654 68 Souris Avenue N. Estevan, SK S4A 2M3 www.estevanmercury.ca @Estevan_Mercury facebook.com/EstevanMercury

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We shouldn’t look over our shoulders The timing of a couple of serious incidents in Estevan was ironic.

Last week Statistics Canada released its annual crime severity index (CSI) report – a look at not just the amount of crime in communities, but the weighted significance of the crimes. Each incident is assigned a value, tabulated and then weighed against a community’s population.

It’s worth noting that Estevan’s overall CSI was down in 2021. The violent crime number was up, thanks to a homicide charge for last year – the first for Estevan since 2014 – but our non-violent crime rating was way down.

But on the same week that the CSI report comes out, we had a couple of pretty serious incidents within a 24-hour span.

One was a fatal accident that occurred on the southern edge of the city, close to the junction of Highways 18 and 47. Alcohol was believed to be a factor.

The other was a brief armed standoff in central Estevan in which a person barricaded himself into a home with an elderly person. It’s the second standoff in Estevan this year, although this latest one was nowhere near as long as the first.

When things like this happen in a community of this size, it’s easy for us to be on edge. After all, we live in a small community.

There’s a good chance that we know someone involved in one of these incidents, or we know someone who has a close connection to someone involved.

But we should still feel safe in our community.

The crime severity index is one of those things that should always be taken with a grain of salt. There is value. But it is slanted to be favourable towards larger markets.

A homicide in Toronto or Vancouver or even Regina isn’t going to skewer the numbers that much. But if it happens in Estevan or Weyburn, then it has a big impact.

Our violent crime index number is at its highest level since the data was tracked in 1998 due to one incident, but our non-violent crime figure is, for whatever reason, at its lowest level since 1998.

Ultimately, as we’ve said before, a community is only as safe as its residents feel. Yes, you’re going to have those who are perpetually worried and are always looking over their shoulder. But what does the average citizen think?

Do we feel comfortable going for a walk at night? Or do we worry about being mugged?

Big cities might be below Estevan on the CSI scale, but where do we feel safer? Estevan or Toronto?

And maybe we should feel a little more

comfortable after seeing the non-violent crime rating, although it would be prudent to track the numbers over the next couple of years. And regardless of what the numbers state, it’s always best practice to have your door locked for your home or vehicle when leaving them unattended.

As for last week’s incidents, the tragic vehicle accident reminds us that we always have work to do when it comes to impaired driving. We’ve seen a lot of progress in the past several years in Estevan. The number of cases of impaired driving by alcohol has been slowly decreasing. This accident – if it was indeed alcohol related – doesn’t undo that progress.

It’s also a reminder that we need to think of the punishments for impaired driving.

As for the standoff, it’s troubling when these incidents occur, and there are several reasons for why they can happen. We can only hope that they are resolved peacefully and that those responsible can find some form of assistance.

Should we feel safe here? Yes. Most people in our community are great and we’re lucky to have our police forces, whether it be the Estevan Police Service in the city or the RCMP in the rural communities.

And when tough situations occur, we should be able to trust them.

Did they really need to shut down mobile blood donor clinics in Estevan and across Canada?

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I’ve been donating blood ever since I was eligible to do so.

Not that I ever thought it was my duty or any kind of a mission. By no means have I ever been a dedicated donor.

It started with my friend’s grandma getting sick and needing a transfusion. At that time, they’d accept any type of blood donated towards her name for exchange. She survived leukemia and is still alive.

That first experience was inspiring. It felt good to see that joint effort worked out for a person we knew.

But again, I can’t say that I was set in my mind that from now on I would be a blood donor because it matters.

In my late teens and early 20s, my motivation to donate was completely selfish. I’ve written about my fear of medical needles before. Ever since I was a kid, that fear was so paralyzing that friends had to drag me to the nurses’ office to get required shots or PPD tests. So at some point, I decided I’d had enough of that irrational fear, and blood donation, I thought, was the best way to accommodate myself to someone sticking a piece of metal into my arm. (It helped, and the fear became more manageable but didn’t disappear completely.)

When I moved to Estevan, it took me time to figure out how things work here.

But once I noticed that big blood clinic bus by the leisure centre, things started rolling again. I never was the most dedicated donor, but when the clinics came around Estevan on the day that worked for me, I did my best to drop by.

In 2021, Canadian Blood Services wrapped up their mobile blood donor clinic system in many communities across Canada including Estevan.

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Estevan always had a very good donor base. If you didn’t book your appointment in advance, you probably wouldn’t get a chance to give blood on the day of the clinic. Even Canadian Blood Service confirmed that this area was one of the best in the sense of a community response.

But clinics were costly, way more costly than blood donation events in fixed facilities.

They also carried some logistical challenges when it came to transporting the donations to central hubs.

But just over a year later, the results suggest that the alternative didn’t come into place in time.

Last week, SaskToday.ca published an article about the situation the Canadian Blood Services found itself in these days.

As of Aug. 5, the national inventory showed that there was only three days’ worth of O+ and O- blood available across the country.

When the inventory goes below eight days, these types are especially needed. Supplies of other types of blood weren’t high either. A+, A- and B- were at five days, while B+ was at six days. AB+ and AB- supplies were both high-marked at 17 and 10 days, respectively.

To keep up with the demand, the Blood Services needs about 100,000 new donors this year. How can they get them?

I haven’t donated ever since March 2021.

I’ve tried to in Regina, but the schedule didn’t work out. I looked options up when I was in Saskatoon for the August long week-

end, but they were closed because it was a weekend.

But a lot of people travel to bigger communities on the weekend, when they can’t donate blood, so the current system leaves most of rural Canada out.

If I were a really dedicated donor, I’d find a way. But the truth is I always was a convenient donor – I donated because it was easy to do so and because I knew it might help save someone.

And I’m sure I’m not the only one like that.

There are several reasons behind the significant drop in blood supplies, including COVID affecting people’s habits and clinics’ abilities to accept donations. Canadian Blood Service is also a publicly funded organization, so they have to be very careful with how they operate and spend money given to them, which was one of the reasons they shut down many mobile clinics.

But I believe that for a lot of people, blood donation was a routine procedure that was easy to do every so often. Once it became more complicated, people, who’d donate like I used to, just skipped that part.

Summer travel plans probably affected the current situation the most, but the need for new donors and the absence of convenient options to donate also upset the blood supplies.

Knowing that when you or your loved one may need a blood transfusion there might be none is disturbing. So even the convenient donor inside me started motivating me to put more effort into finding an option. I know I’ll do my best to get back into the donating routine. But the experience suggests that when something isn’t straightforward and somewhat easy, it’s just not sustainable.

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| Wednesday, August 10, 2022 | SASKTODAY.ca

Was Canada’s future PM in the area?

David Willberg Willberg’s World It’s been rare for the Estevan area to have a visit from a sitting or a future prime minister.

Stephen Harper was actually here on multiple occasions, including once when he was the PM in 2008 to announce the federal government’s support for carbon capture and storage technology at the Boundary Dam Power Station.

And Paul Martin was here long before he became the prime minister. That was through his friendship with the late Bernie Collins, who represented the Souris-Moose Mountain constituency as a Liberal in the 1990s.

So the 100 or so people who were invited to Jason LeBlanc’s farm west of town last Wednesday to hear from Pierre Poilievre might have had a rare opportunity.

We’re years from finding out whether he will actually get the top job.

Poilievre has said he is a candidate to be the prime minister of Canada and has used Pierre for PM for his website address.

He definitely isn’t lacking in confidence. But he’s running to be the leader of the federal Conservative Party, and not to be the prime minister. (Although that could still happen).

There are a lot of people who have been at the helm of the Conservative Party – and the Liberal Party, for that matter – who never became prime minister of our country.

Party supporters have certainly rallied behind him. He had a great turnout for his public appearances, with thousands of people at many of them. And he has made lots of appearances. During his two days in Saskatchewan last week, it was a whirlwind tour to numerous communities. Not only did he go to Regina and Saskatoon, he visited Weyburn, Moosomin, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, North Battleford and Lloydminster.

It leaves a positive impression, especially with those in rural communities, who typically get ignored by party leaders or leadership candidates. They’ll remember that Poilievre was in their community and took the time to answer questions, even after the voting has started, while the other candidates spent time in the bigger markets or in areas closer to home.

It helps his cause that Patrick Brown – the man most people believed to be the toughest challenger to Poilievre – was disqualified after the voting for the leader had already started.

There were some in the party who had high hopes for Jean Charest – the former head of the federal Progressive Conservative Party and a former Quebec premier – but he hasn’t done much to stand out during the campaign. Frankly, I’ve found Charest to be a letdown in what was likely his final shot at the party’s leadership.

Whether Poilievre’s ideology translates to success in large urban centres – he’s definitely more conservative than former party leader Erin O’Toole – has yet to be seen. He’s drawn big crowds in the cities, but there are lots of people to draw from.

His critics will paint Poilievre as a Boris Johnson or even a Donald Trump. That’s a challenge he’ll have to overcome in a country that has traditionally elected moderates.

But Poilievre is undeniably an impressive individual. It’s not easy being elected as a Conservative in Ottawa, a city filled with public sector workers who might not be inclined to vote for the Tories.

He gets a lot of attention for his bluster and he’s not your stereotypical politician. He doesn’t always yield to diplomacy.

He referred to one of the Tory leadership debates as a clown show. I doubt O’Toole or Peter MacKay would have said that.

He’s the favourite to win the Conservative leadership race, and deservedly so, especially now that Brown is out of the race. The message he has plays well with Conservative Party supporters. Will it resonate with those outside of the party during the next federal election, whether that be 2025 or some other year? That remains to be seen.

And we have to remember that Justin Trudeau might not be the Liberal party leader (and consequently the prime minister) when the next election rolls around. If the next vote is in 2025, that means he’ll have spent 10 years as PM – an eternity in this day and age. The pact between the Liberals and the NDP means that the Liberals will have plenty of time to find a new leader if Trudeau decides it’s time to move on.

Poilievre wants to be a prime minister. He’ll likely get the Tory leadership nod. But a lot will have to fall into place for him to take that biggest step of all and fulfill what he seemingly believes is his destiny.

Bow Valley Jamboree was a hit with the crowds

By David Willberg The milestone 10th edition of the Bow Valley Jamboree showcased the talents of musicians and artists, as it has in the past, to the delight of the people who gathered Saturday at the Bow Valley Park south of Oxbow.

Approximately 900 people attended this year’s festival, considerably more than the crowd they had last year.

“I would say the day was nothing less than spectacular,” said Lori Moncrief with the Oxbow Arts and Cultural Committee, which puts on the festival each year.

Early in the afternoon, the park was at approximately one-third capacity, which she said was busier than normal.

“They like the flow of the acts. There were no breaks.

The crowd was up dancing early. And everybody was happy to be together,” said Moncrief.

Fans were excited about the lineup. After a performance by a bagpipes and drums band, the crowd was treated to seven acts: Downwind, Dusty Rain, Teagan Littlechief, Chris Henderson, the Bromantics, the Tilted Kilts and the Blu Beach Band.

“When the Tilted Kilts got up to play, we had a lot of kilt wearers in the audience. A lot of the local guys chose to wear kilts, so that really added to the day,” said Moncrief.

Littlechief ’s powerful voice was a highlight, she said. The Bromantics had people up and danc-

Teagan Littlechief was a first-time performer at the Bow Valley Jamboree this year.

Photos by Dolores Young ing, Dusty Rain is an up-and-coming local act, Henderson is always a solid performer, the Blu Beach Band entertained the crowd late at night and Moncrief marvelled at Downwind’s ability to still perform more than 40 years after being formed.

“They still have what it takes. Dianne Twietmeyer’s voice is absolutely phenomenal,” said Moncrief.

They expected it to be one of the best lineups they’ve had in a while, and she believes the musicians delivered.

A congo line formed at one point during The Bromantics’ set.

Feedback from the spectators has been positive, Moncrief said.

Food vendors were sold out or down to their final servings of food.

Moncrief cited other reasons for the larger crowd besides the strong list of performers. The weather was more co-operative this

year, since it wasn’t so hot outside, and people are more willing to gather in large crowds than at this time last year.

An artist display was part of the festival this year, too. The show was run by committee member Kim Friesen, who is an artist, and Moncrief was excited about displaying local artisans’ work.

“Right at the gate, people paid admission, and then they saw a great display of artwork, so that’s important to our committee. We want to promote artists’ work and we want to promote culture,” said Moncrief.

Friesen’s work was on display, and she was joined

by James Allan, Amy Brook, Caleb Severson, Jeremy Maffenbeier and Colin Baldwin. People could view and even purchase the artwork.

Pre-sale tickets were available for the festival for the first time, and the or-

ganizers were able to sell about 120. Moncrief believes advanced tickets will be available again next year.

“It’s good promotion, and then when we sell that many [in advance] it shows we should do it again,” said Moncrief.

Moncrief estimates approximately 40 volunteers make the event happen.

Each year they try to add a few more.

“We have a group of people who have been doing it for many, many years, and we need their guidance and their experience, but we also need new blood.

We can add some more volunteers for next year. It only improves an event like this for Oxbow and area.”

There has been talking about adding a Friday evening attraction for the festival, which they believe would draw more people to the town. They could stay in a hotel or at the park, and have a weekend in Oxbow.

A large crowd gathered to enjoy this year’s Bow Valley Jamboree.

Crews called to two fire alarms Estevan firefighters had a bit of a breather with no calls for service over the August long weekend and a few in the following days.

The first call came in the middle of one night. At about 4 a.m. on Aug. 4, fire crews responded to a com-

mercial fire alarm going off in the south end of the city.

Specialists investigated but didn’t find any reasons for the alarm. They reset the panel and cleared the scene.

Another commercial fire alarm had a duty officer responding on Aug.

Where can you find the Estevan Mercury?

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6 at about 8 p.m. The pull station was manually activated in a building at the north end of the city. The investigation didn’t give any results and no emergency was occurring. The pull station was reset and the scene was cleared.

On Aug. 4, just after 10 p.m. fire crews also responded to a two-vehicle collision south of Estevan.

They assisted other emergency services, spending a little more than an hour on scene. For more on the incident see PAGE A2.

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New doctor joins wife to start a family practice

By Ana Bykhovskaia Dr. Ihab Kamel hopes to start accepting new patients as soon as the beginning of this week.

A physician with three decades of experience, Kamel followed a unique path that led him to Estevan, where he is starting a family practice together with his wife, Dr. Rania Eldin, also well known to the community.

Eldin started practising in Estevan out of the Primacy Medical Clinic attached to the No Frills Grocery Store over two years ago, and throughout that time she was doing her best to convince her husband to join her in the Energy City.

“I was working in a faraway community, about three hours away. I was driving every weekend, and it was really difficult, and we were planning to join together, but things didn’t work out a year ago,” shared Kamel.

“Now our son is joining the university in Saskatoon, and I got some offers from Saskatoon, but she convinced me it’s better to stay here … She did her part,” added Kamel with a laugh.

Their son, Ismail Kamel, graduated from Estevan Comprehensive School this year with a 99.78 per cent final average and was the valedictorian of the 2022 class. In his education excellence, Ismail followed in his father’s steps, who at his time, graduated from the University of Cairo in Egypt among the top one per cent of the class.

Kamel noted that St. Jo-

seph’s Hospital and executive director Greg Hoffort also played a big role in their decision, as Hoffort was very accommodating in helping them reach their goals and establish the practice in Estevan.

“Mr. Hoffort … was able to solve the problems and break all the walls that we were facing,” Kamel said.

For the past three years, Kamel has been splitting his time between Gravelbourg and Lafleche, and he said that working in two communities, covering long terms and emergency rooms was “demanding and tough.” However, the past years of practice in Saskatchewan were good in general, he added.

He also might be known to some patients in Estevan, as he was a locum in the emergency room at St. Joe’s.

“This was a very good chance to get introduced to the community, the patients, the staffing here in the hospital, get to know them very well and make friends with them. It was a transition period but it was very useful,” Kamel said.

Kamel started practising in 1992 in Egypt and had an opportunity to explore different areas of medicine.

“I did have a practice in Egypt, I did practise a lot of things. I’m easy to get bored, so I don’t [like] to stay with one thing for a long time. So, I did practise surgery, that’s the most that I practised in my life.

I was very much interested in surgery, surgical procedures, plastic surgery for a while. But then again, not to be confined to one spe-

cialty only, I did have the general practice in addition to that,” Kamel shared.

He said that while they are starting as family physicians in Estevan, he may return to his interest in surgical medicine further down the road.

“My surgical privileges and surgical interests are still in my mind and in my heart. And I’m hoping and willing and planning actually to try to implement some of my previous experiences to serve the people of Estevan,” Kamel said.

The family first arrived in Canada in 2012 and settled in Ontario, but after a few years, they decided to move to Saskatchewan.

Eldin joined the practice in Estevan about two years ago.

“I’ve been practising in the No Frills clinic for the last two years. I have my patients and I know the community quite well,” she said, adding that after the first few months her practice started to be full.

“My whole interest is family medicine, just the chronic diseases and the follow-up and the preventive medicine for my patients. And they offer prenatal care as well. So I have been doing this in Egypt and I’m continuing this here.”

Eldin also received her medical training in Egypt, graduating from the same university as Kamel, but quite a few years after him, she noted with a laugh. She has over 15 years of medical practice experience. Both Eldin and Kamel are also graduates of the Saskatchewan International Physicians Practice Assessment

Dr. Rania Eldin and Dr. Ihab Kamel are to start a new family practice out of the Southeast Medical Group, located at the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Clinic. program (SIPPA), which is the competency assessment system used by the province of Saskatchewan to ensure the qualifications of international physicians prior to licensing in Saskatchewan.

Kamel is currently organizing his database and getting ready to start accepting patients at the Southeast Medical Group, located at the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Clinic.

“I’m accepting new patients. We’ll just need a resumé or a small synopsis of the patient’s health to know if they have any problems, and the medication list. That’s what I need. And then I’ll take patients,” Kamel said, adding that the summary of the patient’s health history can be just written on a piece of paper.

“I’ll be starting as soon as possible. We’ll have a temporary secretary for a month and then I’ll have my permanent one. I’ll be booking right away. So as soon as I get my tech stuff going, I’m off to go.”

Eldin will move from the clinic at No Frills and will continue with her practice out of the new location starting in September.

Kamel said the new practice and the new chapter of his life keep him really excited. He noted that the previous stage of his life was good, but he hopes this one will be even better.

“I’m looking forward to taking good care and serving the people of Estevan, and I hope it will be a pleasant stay. That’s my aim. And that’s my plan.

And that’s my wish,” Kamel said.

Hoffort said the hospital

is very excited to welcome the new doctor and to see the family practising together.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Kamel to Estevan. We’re very pleased that Dr. Eldin will be joining and that they have chosen to start their practice together. And Dr. Eldin will be staying, she’s become an important member of our medical staff and really helped our community through some difficult times in the past couple of years with the ebbs and flows in physician levels,” said Hoffort.

“We’re thrilled that she’s staying in Estevan and continuing her practice with Dr. Kamel. We couldn’t be happier to have two high-quality physicians in our community serving the patients who are very much in need.”

Pathways have remained popular in Estevan

By David Willberg The integrated pathway system in Estevan has remained popular in what has been its first full year, and further work will happen to improve them.

Rod March, the city’s manager of parks and facilities, said he sees a lot of people using them.

“We’re seeing lots of people out there on them, and people are loving them.

I’m getting lots of feedback where any potential issues may be, and we’re addressing them.”

Most of the pathways were built and surfaced last summer and fall, and could only be used for a few months or weeks in 2021.

It also means they had to

weather their first Saskatchewan winter, along with two snowstorms in April and above-normal precipitation in the spring.

That has created some issues, particularly for the pathway that runs south of Perkins Street, from Kensington Avenue to Fourth Avenue South.

“We know that on the south end there’s been excessive rain this year, so it exposed a couple of areas where we needed four or five more culverts in place just to handle that drainage that comes out of Perkins,” said March.

A couple of spots around McDonald Road also need to be addressed. There was erosion along Fourth Avenue South near the Casa

Colina Apartments, but engineering services mitigated the problem by installing a curb by the north end of that section so that the water is diverted from the parking lot of the apartments instead of onto the swale.

They also addressed a troublesome area near Jensen Road.

“Every year we’re going to get little areas, but the more we identify … where the erosion is, then we’re going to keep at it and fix it,” March said.

They have met with the contractor and a plan is in place for the mitigative strategies that need to be completed.

And they have had some surface tension cracks.

Once the work that needs to be finished is completed, they will shift their attention to applying asphalt to a stretch between Sister Roddy Road and 16th Avenue.

“With the wet spring that we’ve had and summer, we just want to make sure it’s completely dry before we go down there and tackle that piece,” said March.

He believes it will be finished this year.

The other lingering issue – the area around the north CP Rail crossing on Kensington Avenue – still hasn’t been addressed. Talks are ongoing about extending the sidewalk, but that’s in the application process by the city. Upgrades were completed to the crossing earlier this year.

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well. A consultant has put together a package with Jacquelyn Massey-Rounds, who is the city’s marketing manager, and they have all the necessary GPS data collected.

The map should be available soon, but March wanted to know where benches and litter containers would be located before releasing it.

Physical and digital versions of the map will be available.

Concrete blocks that are located at the entrance to many pathways to keep vehicles away will eventually be twisted 90 degrees to make it easier for pedestrians to navigate, and they will eventually be replaced by bollard poles that are collapsible and more aesthetically pleasing.

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A couple of porta potties have been installed at the south end of Kensington Avenue and the north end of Bannatyne Avenue.

Litter containment systems have been added and more are ordered. Benches have been ordered, too.

“With supply chain issues, they’re not due to arrive here until September 29, at which time we will install those. There’s still some work to do, and it’s an ongoing thing,” said March.

A washroom facility is going to be added in the Westview area as well.

People expect the city to look after the pathways, so there will be money set aside each year for maintenance, he said.

A map is in the works as

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August 10, 2022 A7

Jay Pierson Memorial attracts 140 golfers More than 100 participants gathered at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course on Saturday afternoon to play in a tournament, remember a long-time member of the Estevan Police Service and raise money for charity.

The second annual Jay Pierson Memorial Golf Tournament, organized by the Estevan Police Association, attracted 140 golfers. Officers from several policing agencies from across the province travelled to Estevan to join the local participants.

“This year was another huge success. We had really great support from our community,” said Const. Jeremy Taman with the police association. “We had some

good sponsors and a great turnout.”

The tournament had a Texas scramble format and a prize for the top team. The entry of Jeff Ward, Brandon Frank, Stephen Kitchen and Brennan Fisk finished first with an 18-under-par 54 total. Ward, Frank and Kitchen also won last year’s event.

Taman stressed the tournament was just for fun.

Adding to the challenge of the tournament, golfers donned beer goggles while teeing off on the first hole. Presented by Estevan Driving Without Impairment, the goggles simulate what it’s like to drive while .08 at night.

A barbecue supper was served

at the course’s clubhouse after the tournament.

Pierson was an officer with the Estevan Police Service from 1998 until he died in 2021 due to natural causes. He was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Proceeds from the tournament will be directed to a charity that has yet to be determined.

“We’ll be selecting another institution that supports first responders and PTSD issues in relation to Jay Pierson and his passing,” said Taman.

The association always appreciates the support it receives for the tournament, Taman said, as it is something that means a lot to the members.

Claire Fingler was among the golfers in the Jay Pierson Memorial Tournament at Woodlawn.

The Southeast College would like to acknowledge and thank the following for helping to make “Southeast College for Kids” a success: Estevan Ambulance Estevan Police Service and police dog Max Tail-ling Hills Farms SaskPower Shand Greenhouse SaskPower/Sask Ag • Estevan Fire Department Gord Moore – The Tech Hub Chamney Construction • Southern Plains Coop Anonymous Southeast College staff member donations

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Going down A building has been demolished that belonged to a long-time business in Estevan.

The former Husky service station, located at the intersection of Fourth Street and Second Avenue, was torn down.

At one time, it was home to not only a service station, but a truck stop that had a travel centre and a restaurant, which was well-used by both trucks and the general public.

Photo by Pat Pasloski

Youth learn about outdoors at conservation camp

Young people learned about wildlife and the outdoors during the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s annual Conservation Camp from Thursday to Sunday.

Forty-three young people gathered at the federation’s grounds near Boundary Dam for four days of activities. It was the first time the EWF has been able to have the camp since 2019 due to the pandemic.

“We ended up filling up the camp and having a waiting list,” said Jarrett Daoust, who was one of the camp’s organizers.

“The kids really enjoyed it.

We had a lot of fresh kids versus the past. We’re used to having a lot of returning kids.”

The camp is for children ages 10-15, so there were a lot of kids who attended the last camp in 2019 who aren’t eligible to return this year.

Activities started with lessons on fisheries, orienteering/GPS, kayaking, swimming, and calling and blood trailing Thursday afternoon. Classes that evening taught such skills as outdoor cooking, fire starting and spear fishing, and the children also par-

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The City of Estevan encountered an issue with the water supply in late July and early August, forcing the municipality to issue a news release Aug. 3 that said the water was safe to use.

In the release, the city said it was aware of a smell coming from the

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unique for our camp,” said Daoust.

The camp closed on Sunday with presentations and a lunch with the parents.

“This teaches kids outdoor and wildlife survival skills,” said Daoust. “I know there’s not many that go on nowadays, and it seems to be more of a rarity in which people do the basics of how to start a campfire, how to set up a tent, even sleeping in tents. It’s kind of gotten away from us, but it gets us back to the roots of thinking more common sense, and how the outdoors and conservation efforts affect our lives every day.”

Meals were served to campers and they slept in tents. Since there were a couple of cooler evenings during the camp, the youths had a greater experience of the true outdoors.

Campers were divided into six groups and each had a counsellor. Many more people volunteered

Royce Milford holds up a big fish during the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Camp.

Photo by Ralph Smart of Prairie Pro Outfitters during the weekend to teach the kids skills.

“We have anywhere from 50-60 volunteers who help organize, plan, run activities, making donation, stuff like that. It’s really the volunteers who help us put it all together.”

Daoust was impressed with the response to the camp this year. It was nice

to have all of the spots filled and to have a waitlist.

“We recognize a lot of those 10-15-year-old campers that age out, they come back to be counsellors, volunteers, instructors, range officers and even planners and organizers.

It’s nice to see the loyalty and the interest and passion in what we do.”

Estevan’s water was safe to use despite smell reported by public

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ticipated in a turkey shoot, spider web and night eyes.

Friday’s sessions focused on fishing, canoeing, antler measuring and axe throwing in the morning, and then digital photography, hiking, rock wall climbing, trapping and fish filleting in the afternoon and evening. They also learned about aquatic invasive species.

Saturday’s focus was shooting, which is always a popular feature of the camp. After learning the rules, the campers used a rifle, a .22, a muzzleloader, a paintball gun and a bow and arrow, and they learned about trap shooting.

“We always say that’s the favourite day,” said Daoust. “The kids get the different opportunities to shoot many different calibers with the many different range officers. Not many times do people get to shoot all of the different calibres, especially at this young age, so it’s very

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water. The city pulls its water from Rafferty Dam and increased runoff and the recent warmer temperatures caused a distinct smell and taste in the water.

“Rafferty Dam collects a lot of water upstream from other communities and things like that, and

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all of the runoff and extra stuff in the water finally made its way to us,” said Shane Bucsis, the city’s manager of the water and wastewater treatment plants. “Then with the high heat, it caused an algae bloom.”

The city could tell when the water was coming through the plant that there was a different odour. This does happen from time to time, but often residents won’t notice.

“By the time it mixes with the rest of the distribution water, most times those odours dissipate,” said Bucsis.

The City said it performed testing with no issues. Third-party testing has also been completed and showed the water is safe to consume and use as per usual. Third-party testing occurs once a week.

Bucsis said the city has received a lot of phone calls and the testing was ramped up, both internally and by the third party.

“Anytime we do have a slight issue or there could be a chance of an issue,

we do increased testing to ensure it’s safe for consumption,” said Bucsis.

Rafferty Dam has been the city’s primary water source since August 2020, and this is the first time they’ve encountered this issue to this degree.

Bucsis isn’t sure if this issue will resurface at some point.

“Most times, with raw water sources, you have more of a historical trend. In terms of water treatment or use, it’s still a fairly new water source for the city. It’s a much better water source than Boundary Dam, but there’s learning with it.”

If this becomes more frequent, Bucsis said he would look to address the problem.

“Generally it’s people who are more sensitive to taste and odours, or have better smell than other people, that are the people who notice it sooner.”

Some people he has talked to noticed huge improvements late last week, and he hoped the issue would be resolved this week.

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1010 6th Street, Estevan Phone: 306-634-6060

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August 10, 2022 A9

Miracle No. 2: Bangsund family welcomes new baby carried by surrogate mother

By Ana Bykhovskaia

first embryo transfer was in November 2020.

“We got a positive There is no greater preg. test but unfortumiracle than the birth of nately a month later the a new human being. plus sign started to fade,” But Tim and Chewn Melissa shared.

Bangsund (nee Pham) They tried again in could argue that their February 2021, which path to a big family was also ended in a loss. even more miraculous “But the third time than it is for a lot of was a charm [in Septempeople, as they needed a ber 2021] and resulted surrogate mother to help in a perfect eight-pound, them in their journey eight-ounce little prinnot once, but twice now. cess,” Melissa said.

And once again, the stars She was a little conaligned for them. cerned about their chilTheir happiness doudren understanding that bled when Josephine they don’t get to keep JoMaple Pham Bangsund sephine as they are only brought even more sunsix and eight years old, shine into their lives. A but with preparing for healthy baby girl carnine months they were ried by Estevan’s Mehappy to see her with her lissa Mosley arrived in family and big sister. Bethis world at St. Joseph’s sides, Melissa was able to Hospital in May, weighexplain to her kids that ing eight pounds, eight not everyone is the same ounces. and sometimes others A big family welcomed baby Josephine into this world.

Josephine became the need help to have a famFrom left, Chewn Bangsund, Florence Pham Bangsund, Tim Bangsund, holding Josephine, second daughter to the ily like their own. surrogate mother Melissa Mosley and her family, Travis, Huxton and Oaklyn Mosley. Photos by Amery Wilson happy fathers, joining “The easiest way I her older sister Florence Juniper Pham Bangsund, also born in Estevan in November 2019 and carried by found to explain was that even though two people love each other they can’t always have what other families have. And because Florence really wanted a baby brother Estevan’s Lisa Beaulieu. or sister, they needed a mommy to help them. So mom used her belly to help grow Tim said becoming parents has been great for them.

“It’s good. I think we’re both pretty familiar around kids with both having young her a little sister, and they loved that without us, she wouldn’t be able to be a sister nieces and nephews. And we’re pretty excited. It was nice to be home in Canada, we and they wanted that for her,” Melissa explained.

While Florence is still young, her fathers have already started explaining how were here for four months after Florence was born. And both of our parents live in Canada, mine are in Estevan and Chewn’s are in Saskatoon. So it was nice to have their family works as well.

“As soon as we can talk, we start talking about how our family came to be. It won’t that extra family support while we were trying to figure things out,” Tim said.

The Bangsunds, a family with a strong connection to Saskatchewan now residing be a surprise that we needed extra help to make our family, but our plan was just in Australia, said they always wanted to have several kids as they both came from to be truthful and honest right from the get-go. We just talk about how our family came together, we needed help from a lot of different people and therefore there’s a bigger families and were close with their siblings.

“For us being kind of split between Australia and Canada, and Australia being lot of extra love in the world for [Florence and Josephine],” Tim said.

“She just knows that she has a dada and a papa, and then some others have a mom home, I think we just wanted to make sure that we were more of a family in terms of a bigger family, and that Florence would have a sibling, especially with travelling, and a dad,” Chewn added.

Books also help with showing that families can look very different as well as and I work in mining,” Chewn said. “And while we have a good community and a more diverse surrounding in Australia. friends in Adelaide, Australia, where we live, I think we just wanted a “We’re pretty fortunate in where we live in South Australia and bigger family unit, just to support each other and so the girls can the community that we have there as well. It’s quite diverse. grow up supporting each other.”

[Florence] was born one month before one of our closest But they couldn’t have guessed that they’d have their big friends also went through surrogacy,” Chewn said. family started with the help of two wonderful women from They are staying in touch with Lisa, who Florence Estevan, their hometown. calls tummy buddy, and plan to be in touch with Me“We didn’t know how we would do it because obvilissa. They will be spending a year in Canada, since ously, we need a little bit more help than other famiChewn was able to get a contract in Saskatoon and lies. Obviously, there is a lot of different ways to make Tim took parental leave for a year from his work to families, but we felt it might not happen because it stay with their daughters. really depends on a special person with surrogacy to While it was an organic decision for the Bangbe able to help you. But we were lucky,” Tim said. sund family and their surrogate mothers to keep “Even before we started looking for a surrogate, the relationships, the fathers noticed that deciMelissa had contacted Lisa, our first surrogate, sions about the connection going into the future just to find out about the process, get some adshould be based on what works best for both vice for her because she was interested in doing families. that herself. And then Lisa got Melissa in contact “I think every certain story is different. Keepwith us and we hit it off right away.” ing in touch for us just comes natural as Estevan Melissa said for years she’s known she wanted is our hometown and so it’s just an extended famto become a surrogate mother, but that dream ily within the community of Estevan, which is a started coming true and her relationships with the nice thing because not all surrogates and intended Bangsunds started after she learned about Lisa’s parents’ relationships are like that,” Chewn said. story that the Mercury shared in 2019.

And in their case, the decision to stay connected “Being a surrogate was always something I wanted worked for everyone involved. to do since having trouble conceiving our first child.

“We are all doing great and love visiting with our After eight years of fertility appointments, we were special family. We stay in contact and talk often. I have blessed with our son Huxton. Not knowing if we would Melissa Mosley with baby gained an amazing family that includes me in many activiget the chance to have more than one blessing was the moJosephine Pham Bangsund ties and events as well as being ever so lucky to watch a little ment that I decided one day if I could help create a family, it she carried for nine months. human that I helped create grow for her first year of life before was something I was going to do,” Melissa shared. returning to Australia next summer,” Melissa said.

“Two years later we got the surprise of our second child Oaklyn.

Both families hinted that one day there might be another continuation Having the million-dollar family we decided that was all we needed, and our family was complete, and it was time for me to search for a couple who needed to their story.

“We have talked about the future and the last little embryo that is remaining and my help. I talked to Lisa, who was the only person I knew personally that was a surrogate, and got some information and advice from her. We joked that maybe one hopefully we are gifted with one more perfect little human,” Melissa said.

The Bangsunds said they haven’t decided if they want to keep growing their famday we would carry the same DNA and that she would get me in contact with those ily yet and time will tell. But their whole experience with both daughters has been dads that she helped.

“It was a small world when we found out who they were and that we all some- great from A to Z, and they are very grateful for that. They also noted that having both kids born at St. Joe’s was a pleasure. what knew each other,” Melissa said.

“Both Florence and Josephine were born in Estevan at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and “It started feeling like it was meant to be,” Tim said.

Melissa’s surrogacy journey started in 2020. She said Tim and Chewn have always we just had the best experience with the nurses and the doctors and all of the staff. been known to them through family and school, with growing up in the same city They’re just so welcoming, helpful and supportive. We’re forever grateful for the of Estevan before they moved to Australia. But they’d get to know each other bet- people of Estevan,” Tim said.

Melissa also had a wonderful experience. ter preparing for the next step for the Bangsund family. They’d talk over Facebook “I am very blessed to be called a tummy mommy and am open to helping others messenger and FaceTime, as after Florence was born, the Bangsunds caught almost the last flight from Canada to Australia right before COVID shut everything down. with any info they need to create a family of their own.”

Melissa said people can reach out to her with any questions about her experience Melissa’s first doctor’s appointment was a screening that took place in Regina to determine if she was a suitable candidate. Results came back positive and their and process through Facebook messenger or over the phone at 306-421-7678.

Melissa and Travis’ kids Huxton and Oaklyn Mosley were also happy to welcome baby Josephine Pham Bangsund.

Baby Josephine Maple Pham Bangsund was born in May to parents Tim and Chewn Bangsund, carried by Melissa Mosley.

A10 August 10, 2022

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presents:

THINGS

o d to in the

Southeast Find free mini workshops at Fresh Air Fitness. See Facebook for more information.

Pick up fresh baking and produce at the Estevan Farmers’ Market Saturdays.

See Facebook for more information

Take the family to the races at the Estevan Motor Speedway.

See Facebook for details

Check out Tourism Estevan’s Blog Page

Visit the Roche Percee rock formations

Take a drive on Estevan’s Backroads Guided Audio Tour.

For more information, visit Estevan.ca/ the-backroads-of-estevan-tour

Fish at the walleye “Hot Spot” at Mainprize Park.

Mainprizepark.com

Plan your winter trip with CAA Travel, Estevan caask.ca

See the Soldiers’ Tree Organize a scavenger hunt

Walk a dog at the Estevan Humane Society

Try your luck at the Bear Claw Casino & Hotel at White Bear Bearclawcasino.ca

101 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER...

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August 10, 2022 A11

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THINGS to doin the Play a round of disc golf at Torgeson Park Have a bonfire and roast hotdogs and marshmallows Sign the kids up for the TD Summer Reading Club at the Southeast Regional Library

Fish for largemouth bass at Boundary Dam Reservoir

Arrange a free tour of Shand Greenhouse by calling (306) 634-9771 Cool off at the Padwick Park Splash Pad Drive through the beautiful Moose Mountains and stop at the Bear Claw Casino & Hotel Bearclawcasino.ca Take photos for the Estevan Mercury Photo Contest this fall Cheer on the Saskatchewan Roughriders Go birdwatching Catch a sunset over Rafferty Dam

SOUTHEAST

Explore the walking paths throughout Estevan Pop some popcorn and go stargazing Get tickets for one of the Estevan Culinary Tours at Visitor Information at the Estevan Leisure Centre

“Take me out to the ball game” at Lynn Prime Park

Save at hotels, car rentals, retail stores and more.

In addition to 24/7 roadside assistance, members enjoy a wide selection of discounts, savings and perks.

TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE YOU TRUST

1208 4th Street, Estevan 306.637.2185

GET YOUR PASSPORT PHOTOS HERE

Estevan Farmers Market in the Estevan Market Mall Parking Lot

• Food Trucks • Baking • Vegetables • Crafts • Home Based Businesses and more!

#FindYourSummerAtCoop on the grill! Meat dept + bakery + deli salad = a winning combination Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboat at Woodlawn Regional Park Woodlawnregionalpark.ca Find all three “rock snakes” started by Brae and Maddyn Wolensky

CREATE A BEAUTIFUL

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

Find the Hidden Riverbend Bridge near Estevan Take the kids to a City playpark for morning crafts, activities and games Go to estevan.ca for details

Run through a sprinkler on a hot day, no matter your age

Sleep in

Hit the skatepark with your unmotorized wheels of choice

Take your dog to the dog park

Offers More Than Just Towing and Roadside Assistance while exploring the southeast this summer!

Do a random act of kindness

EVERY SATURDAY | 8:30AM - 1PM

Camp out in a tent in the backyard

Read or listen to a book from your library

CAA Membership

Find out more about the Estevan Public Youth Centre by visiting theepyc.ca

Borrow a Park Pass from your Library for free entry to Saskatchewan Regional Parks Southeastlibrary.ca

Enjoy bouncy houses and bumper cars August 28 at Mainprize Park Mainprizepark.com

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A12 August 10, 2022

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Drive to Arcola to see the historical brick buildings built in the early 1900’s Visit the Hirsch Community Jewish Cemetery Hike the Preddy Trails at Woodlawn Regional Park Woodlawnregionalpark.ca Eat at a restaurant you haven’t tried before Catch the Late Models and track championships at Estevan Motor Speedway See EMS Facebook page for details Stay up to date and follow SASKTODAY.ca Check out the Estevan Farmers’ Market Vendor lineup for Saturday on Facebook Volunteer for a non-profit organization Explore the southeast with a CAA membership caask.ca Visit the Bienfait cemetery and the Coalminers’ monument Be the next millionaire on Smoke Signals Progressive at Bear Claw Casino & Hotel Bearclawcasino.ca Register your kids for Estevan Minor Football at estevanfootball.com Join Tourism Estevan for a guided Historical Walking Tour.

Call 306-634-1892 to book Treat yourself to an ice cream cone or milkshake Plan next year’s Family Reunion

Family Loop Course is OUR

THINGS to doin the

SOUTHEAST

Find the Tourism Estevan Selfie Spots

Visit your grandparents

Cruise around Estevan to see the beautiful new murals and benches

See the Grant Devine Dam near Alameda

Enrol your kids in the TD Summer Reading Program at the Library

Mainprize Regional Park keeps busy throughout summer

By Ana Bykhovskaia Mainprize Regional Park has had a busy summer so far and plans on staying on track with many more community events and activities.

General manager Michelle Walsh said they’ve been enjoying their great and busy summer. And while some of their numbers in different areas are a bit down as people are back into the swing of things, they still have many campers joining them on regular basis to take advantage of the gorgeous area and have a good time with loved ones.

“On average, our weekends are super busy and during the week it’s a little bit quieter. Mainprize park hosts quite a few more seasonal campsites than some parks,” Walsh said. “One big feature at Mainprize park is we have the public beach area. And we also have the Dam Store, which is a privately owned business within our park. And they offer all sorts of treats. They also run fishing equipment and host rentals. So you can come out for the day and rent a kayak or paddleboard. We have a lot of people that will sometimes come out during the evenings after work, rent one of those when the water’s nice and it’s hot weather, and just go off for a little paddle. We have a little bit of everything for every age or interest.”

Mainprize Regional Park has a lot to offer throughout the summer months. Photos courtesy of Michelle Walsh Also, Mainprize Regional Park offers numerous events throughout the summer.

“We had our regular different golf evenings. We’ve had a couple of events in the park, we had a really big July 1 weekend. And then for August long, we did a movie in the park and we had a really busy park that weekend because it was a long weekend. We’ve had a little bit of different collaborative crafts, and then just some different smaller events around the park. We also have Singo that’s going on into the next few months. And then our Pederson Place has been rented for different private functions,” Walsh shared.

Mainprize Regional Park is trying to have events every weekend for everybody in the family to keep their

guests entertained. And there is a lot of fun planned for August and into September.

On Aug. 10, the park will host a ladies’ golf tournament. As of the end of last week, they already had over 90 golfers registered, so the event promised to be a big success.

“We’re hoping that we can host our full capacity, so it should be a good one,” Walsh said.

Coming up next will be Halloween in the Park in the afternoon of Aug. 13. It’s open to everyone, and kids ages two to five are welcome to dress up and go trick-ortreating through the park, showcasing their costumes and enjoying nice summer weather.

A13 » MANY

Eat lunch while enjoying the Garden on 4th in Estevan

Pick up your pace at the Chamney Family Running Track near ECS

Spend an afternoon with the kids at Rusty Duce Park pool

Have fun at the Dennis Moore Centennial Splash Park

Find a great new puzzle at The House of Stationery and do it together as a family

Find the Hidden Swinging Bridge near Roche Percee

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We cannot wait to see all Juniors this summer!

For any questions, please contact the Golf Shop!

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August 10, 2022 A13

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THINGS to doin the

Enjoy a cold drink on a patio

SOUTHEAST

Adopt a pet from the Estevan Humane Society

Play a game of tennis or pickle ball at the Estevan Leisure Centre

Call 306-636-1620 to book your child’s time at the Estevan Public Library’s “Makerspace”

Go to the Leisure Centre and enjoy the pool and waterslide

Many events planned at Mainprize Regional Park « A12 That same day in the evening, their parents will have an opportunity to enjoy the Get the Fire Burning rib supper and live music cabaret at Pederson Place.

On Aug. 14 at 2 p.m., Mainprize Regional Park is hosting a collaborative craft event “There are six different crafts that you can do. Some are geared for the younger audience, and some are geared for moms or dads, so we just put a wide variety in there and you can choose your craft and sign up for that,” Walsh explained.

Every Tuesday they also invite golfers to take advantage of their Tightwad Tuesdays, which is a two-for-one golf promo.

Each Wednesday is their ladies’ night, every Thursday is men’s night and on Fridays, they do mixed skins.

“That’s a fun, good turnout to kick off every weekend in the clubhouse there,” Walsh said.

Mainprize Regional Park is also a part of a regional park partnership with Saskatchewan public libraries this year.

“Regional parks did a partnership with a Library Pass Program. So if you go to any of your local libraries, you can actually check out a regional park pass with your library card to come down and visit any

Save the date – City Wide Registration is September 8 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Leisure Centre Go to Estevan.ca for details Book a cabin at Mainprize Regional Park Mainprizepark.com #FindYourSummerAtCoop with a Big Cool Slush or cold drink from Southern Plains Co-op C-Stores Take your little ones to the Hillside playpark for the day See Estevan.ca for more information Hit a bucket of balls at the driving range at TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course Estevangolf.com

Mainprize Regional Park is rich with wonderful views and endless activities. local regional park in your area,” Walsh said.

“And every other Wednesday we have Library on Location. Our local librarian out of Midale comes in and she usually does a little craft or event for some of the little guys.

And you can take books out and then return them the next Wednesday she’s at the park. Weather permitting, we do that right on our beach or else we take it up into our Pederson Place here if it’s a not-so-great weather day.”

Aug. 20 they are hosting a juniors’ tournament for golfers, and non-golfers will have a chance to enjoy Singo hosted by a DJ at Pederson Place.

Aug. 27, the park invites guests for the Glow Golf

Try a variety of Saskatchewan craft beers

event, which Walsh said is really popular and usually attracts many participants.

The Labour Day long weekend will be the last one for this season, so the park will have a fun party.

Sept. 2 will see another edition of Singo, and the following day will offer a cornhole tournament and a movie in the park.

“It’s a family fun weekend. And we still have lots of temporary campsites available, so people can book in and grab a site and come out and enjoy that for the weekend, just after school starting and we all get back into the swing of things,” Walsh said.

More details about planned events can be found on the Mainprize Regional Park Facebook page.

Buy a fishing license and go fishing

Visit or call someone you haven’t seen in a long time

Keep your home cooler with Graber Blinds from the Floor Store Floorstoreestevan.ca

Visit Mainprize Park with your family.

See their website for special events www.mainprize.com

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee

Available at the Estevan Southern Plains Co-op C-Store locations only

Find out about current promotions and events at Bear Claw Casino & Hotel Bearclawcasino.ca Support a fundraising BBQ for the cause of your choice Freshen up your deck and fence with Cloverdale stain from the Floor Store in Estevan and Carlyle Floorstoreestevan.ca Visit all the swimming pools in the southeast Try the famous SIGA Burger at Growlers Restaurant at Bear Claw Casino & Hotel Bearclawcasino.ca Take the family to Hillcrest Playpark for a picnic Check out Estevan Bike and Brew.

See their FB page for details Be brave and start that DIY project Leave a gift on a friend’s step for no reason

A14 August 10, 2022

Book a tee time at TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course by calling (306) 634-2017 Shop and eat at the Night Markets Thursdays in downtown Estevan Visit all 31 of Estevan’s Parks/ Greenspaces

www.SASKTODAY.ca

THINGS to doin the

SOUTHEAST

Check the City of Estevan playpark schedule and go for a swim estevan.ca/paddling-poolplaypark-programs/

Stay up late and watch the Northern Lights Have a water balloon fight Enjoy reading the Estevan Mercury each week

5TH STREET AUTOBODY

SPORTS

Don’t Cuss! Call US

306-634-7101

A15 | Wednesday, August 10, 2022 | SASKTODAY.ca

UI 4U t &TUFWBO 4,

Ashworth wins silver at Commonwealth Games

By Greg Nikkel of the Weyburn Review Weightlifter Alexis Ashworth of Oungre felt “pretty incredible” when the silver medal was put around her neck at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, and now has her sights set on the world championships and then the Olympic Games in 2024.

Competing Aug. 1 in the 71-kilogram weight category, she lifted 91 kg in the snatch, and then lifted a personal best of 123 kg in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 214 kg, good enough for the silver medal.

Ashworth, 23, grew up on a grain and cattle farm near Oungre, and started on the road to the Commonwealth Games by

Alexis Ashworth of Oungre received her silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England on Aug. 1. Photo by Al Bello of Getty Images

qualifying at a meet in Toronto in February.

“It was a very challenging experience for me,” she said. “This was my first international meet so it was a really big one to do for my first.”

Dealing with the pressure was a challenge for her, and she learned a lot about pushing through and persevering as an athlete at this competition.

“I was physically prepared. I am stronger than I have ever been but weightlifting is just as much mental as it is strength based. You can be the strongest lifter there and [you will] finish last if you aren’t mentally prepared, however there’s really no way of preparing mentally besides through experience,” said Ashworth.

“I was very stressed out and overwhelmed at the beginning of the competition and I wasn’t really able to get a hold of my emotions. I didn’t do very well in the snatch. But in Olympic weightlifting, it’s based off your total so I had to clean and jerk more than I ever had to fight back.”

She noted she missed her first attempt in the snatch to lift 91 kg and succeeded in her second attempt.

“On my third attempt, I missed 94 kg, which was

tough because I knew I was capable of lifting way more. So I had to pull myself together for the clean and jerk portion of the event. I ended up having to take a seven-kg jump for my third attempt in the clean and jerk and ended up lifting 123 kg, which is a personal best for me by one kg,” explained Ashworth, adding her emotions turned from stressed out and nervous to happy and relief.

“Receiving the medal was pretty incredible. I knew all my friends and family were at home watching and my parents were in the stands. Coming from a small town in Saskatchewan, it’s a tight knit community, so I could feel the support from back home,” she said of the experience of being up on the podium for the medal ceremony.

“Aside from the silver medal, this was a very important meet experiencewise. I learned a lesson to fight back and put up the total I needed to podium,” she said.

Coming up, she is hoping to qualify for worlds in December, which will be held in Colombia, and is the first qualifier meet for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

“I will try to do one more meet before then to put up a better total hopefully.

Alexis Ashworth makes her silver medal-winning lift at the Commonwealth Games. Photo submitted Worlds is the first qualifier meet for the Olympics.

It isn’t mandatory but it is beneficial if you can make it. So I’m just going to try to take one meet at a time,” said Ashworth, adding that there are quite a few meets that will count over the next two years but the Commonwealth Games were just a bit too early to count towards the Olympics.

She noted that the Olympics will be very,

very tough to qualify for as they cut the number of weight categories for women’s weightlifting from 10 to five, “so the competition will be even stiffer. You have to be ranked in the top 10-12 in the world in your weight category.”

Aside from her weightlifting, Ashworth will be living in Saskatoon to finish her final semester of nursing school and will be done in December.

Sun Devils competed hard at Western Canadians The South East Sun Devils U15 softball team put forth a strong effort at the Western Canadian championships that were held in Stonewall, Man., from Aug. 4-7.

The Sun Devils – comprised of players from Estevan, Alameda, Alida, Carnduff, Carievale, Carlyle and Weyburn – went 0-6 at westerns, but that didn’t diminish the pride that coach Devin Aspinall felt for the team.

“They played their absolute best,” he said. “They put it all out there and they really did play at a high level. We just found some really stiff competition. I can’t complain with how they played. They really played hard and did everything we’ve asked of them to do all year.”

The Sun Devils started off with an 8-1 defeat against Manitoba’s Central Energy team, then fell 10-0 to Alberta’s Beaumont Blitz U16 team, 11-7 to B.C.’s Richmond Islanders, 7-0 to the Outlaws 07 15U of Abbotsford, B.C., 13-6 to the host Interlake Phillies, and 15-2 to the CAFA Calgary Adrenaline 15U Black.

The loss to Richmond was likely their best game of the tournament, Aspinall said. They came out strong and had the lead for most of the game, only to have one bad inning dash their chances of victory.

And despite the score in the final game against Calgary, Aspinall pointed out it was close for the first three innings.

“Calgary was definitely the favourite going into the weekend … and they were worried [against us].

It was the third inning and it was 4-2 for them, and we were hitting the ball and moving around the bases a little bit. It was just a fun game. The crowd was going crazy. The girls were screaming back and forth from dugout to dugout, trying to pump up their team.”

Had the Sun Devils won the game, they might have knocked Calgary out of the tournament, he said.

The Sun Devils played well defensively during the six games and some players hit the ball well, he said. They added a pitcher Abbey Arntsen and a

..

The South East Sun Devils softball team represented Saskatchewan at Western Canadians in Stonewall, Man. Photo by Devin Aspinall catcher Riley Gramlich, both from Swift Current, and those two players added a lot.

“They just fit in perfectly. Our girls welcomed them with open arms, and our girls played really well, too, but just having picked up players definitely made us a little bit deeper,” said Aspinall.

The Sun Devils qualified for westerns after winning the provincial

championship last month.

He noted that any of the squads at westerns could have been the best team in the tournament.

Saskatchewan sent their top two teams from the BW level, which is between the A and B levels, while other provinces sent their third and fourth places teams from the A level.

Aspinall believes the experience will make a

big difference for the Sun Devils.

“The girls got to see it and participate in it, and nobody got down and out losing every game. They all learned from it, and as coaches, you see where the next level is, and you know you’re close, but you’re not close enough, and you can see where you need to get to,” said Aspinall.

“We’ve seen the best of the best, and if you want

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to get there, there’s certain things that we definitely need to do a little bit different.”

Aspinall also praised the organizers of the tournament. It was a great atmosphere with excellent opening ceremonies and a banquet for all of the players.

“We were proud to represent Saskatchewan, and hopefully our girls are holding their heads high.”

A16 August 10, 2022

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Lloyd Sehn survives Alberta’s Death Race through mountains, muck, forest and more

By David Willberg Lloyd Sehn’s second foray into an event known as the Death Race provided to be much better than his first.

Sehn was among those to complete the rigourous competition held at Grand Cache, Alta., during the August long weekend. He completed the 116-kilometre journey in 21 hours, 33 minutes and 43 seconds, placing 63rd out of the 332 competitors entered, and 22nd among the 114 entered in the masters’ category.

Runners have 24 hours to complete the race, and they have to finish each of the five segments within a specified amount of time.

“It’s a really international race, so it fills up pretty fast, and even just registering is a race,” said Sehn.

“I believe they opened the registration at 11 p.m. Saskatchewan time, and I was on my computer with my payment information ready to go ahead of that. I registered right away and made sure I got in.”

Sehn has competed in Ironman Triathlons before, which incorporate running, swimming and cycling, and actually last longer than the Death Race. And he was in the Death Race in 2013, but didn’t complete the event due to the worst storm in the event’s history.

“I missed the 68-kilometre cutoff by one hour, and I spent half of that hour hunkered under an evergreen tree, avoiding a huge hailstorm that came through,” said Sehn.

The course, which is treacherous to begin with, became muddy and slippery that year, so he had to drop out after the third of five legs.

The death race is held on the August long weekend each year, and begins at 8 a.m. on the Saturday morning.

The first leg, which is

Lloyd Sehn of Estevan was among the contestants in the Death Race in Grande Cache, Alta., recently.

Photos courtesy of Lloyd Sehn 16.6 kilometres, has to be completed in four hours to qualify for the second leg.

There’s less elevation, but it’s covered with muskeg and mud bogs for a singletrack trail.

“There’s a high degree of difficulty in your footing,” said Sehn.

There are also extra competitors on the trail to contend with, as there is a mini Death Race that has just the first two legs, and a relay race that is happening.

“You have all three events running through that small channel, because there’s a lot of single-track trails … so only one person can go at the same time,” said Sehn.

Leg 2 is 29.8 kilometres in length and has to be completed by 5:30 p.m.

Sehn called it the most difficult stretch, because there are two mountains to summit: Flood Mountain at 6,100 feet and Grand Mountain at 6,500 feet.

“The area between those mountains is a valley, and

The finish line for the race was a welcome sight for Lloyd Sehn.

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that valley is called Slug Fest for exactly what it sounds like. You’re slugging. You’re pushing bush.

You’re in the mud bogs. It’s incredibly technical. It’s extremely steep, both on the down elevation and in the up elevation.”

Two sections are called the Bum Slide because it’s so steep going down, trying to run down is a risky proposition. Many entrants will slide down on their butts to avoid falling.

When you get to the bottom of Slug Fest, it’s back to mud bogs and muskeg. The trail isn’t clean cut and designed for people. It’s full of rocks, roots, branches and fallen trees.

At the bottom of Slugfest, before heading up Grand Mountain, is what they call the Stairway to Hell vertical.

“If 90 degrees is straight up, it’s probably greater than 75 degrees, for sure.

It’s so steep and wet and muddy that all you can do is try to find these roots to get your footing to climb up and out of there,” said Sehn.

Coming down Grand Mountain is the Power Line, which Sehn said many racers believe is the toughest part of the race, with six kilometres of steep decline down boulder fields. Competitors will often emerge with battered toes and painful quads.

Leg 3 is 20 kilometres and starts in a community, but then they run through the Smokey River Valley, which is the lowest altitude point of the race. It’s considered one of the easiest sections, but the terrain still includes boulders, roots, mud bogs and knee-deep water.

The fourth leg is called the Hamel Assault, which is the third mountain and the highest peak at 7,000 feet. The first half is still in the forest but then it shifts to a mountain.

About halfway up, there is a brief reprieve with some flat ground for a few hundred metres, and then it’s all rock and shale.

“Once you get through that first half, the second half goes a lot better because you’re not taking the elevation nearly as fast,” said Sehn.

To finish the fourth leg, he faces a steep descent, with each step creating 600 pounds of pressure.

“When you’re coming down the Hamel, every foot strike at that point is absorbing at least that much pressure, if not more.

And it’s all in boulder fields.

There aren’t many places where you’re running down dirt.”

He reached the peak of Hamel in the daylight, but night settled in partway through his descent.

The final leg is about 18 1/2 kilometres and has to be started by 4:45 a.m.

Sehn started around 1:30 a.m. He had to go through thick forest to reach a river, and then he had to pay a toll – using a coin he picked up on the fourth leg – to cross on a ferry. The final sailing is at 6:30 a.m. and if you don’t make it on time, your race is over 10 kilometres from the finish line.

After the ferry, it’s another 1,000 metre climb at a 75-degree elevation.

“You hit the gravel road to take you back to the highway to take you back to town for the last three or four kilometres,” said Sehn.

The finish line is in the community’s recreation centre.

There were also transition points between each leg that provided a brief rest.

The average person burns 30,000 calories during the course of the race, he said, so a nutrition plan is essential. He took in approximately 14 litres of water, about 6,000-8,000 calories, and roughly 40,000 milligrams of glucose, sodium and potassium.

Training for the Death Race started during the winter months. It was difficult to train, because he doesn’t have trees and hills to contend with here.

“I ran, in training, a little more than 2,000 kilometres getting ready for this race, but somehow I had to get prepared to run mountains.”

Working out at Studio C Fitness, he spent three hours on a stairmill, which simulated climbing the Hamel, and then he ran for 30-60 minutes on a treadmill.

“I did a lot of core and strength work, too, specifically lower body and core, because when I’m running, I’m carrying two or three litres of water, all my food, my safety items, a change of clothing and jackets. All of that had to be on your back.”

And he trained a lot in the heat, which paid off on a hot July day in which temperatures reached 27 C. Approximately 50-75 per cent of entrants will finish most years, but only 40 per cent completed this year.

“I am pretty happy to have been able to complete it in my second attempt.”

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Lloyd Sehn with his fiancée and crew chief Roanna Fleischhacker.

His fiancée, Roanna Fleischhacker, was also his crew chief and was all business.

“She packed my gear, hydration and nutrition, dressed my wound and would not let me stay in the transition area any longer than necessary. As soon as my pack was ready and my needs for the next leg met, she would kindly say ‘alright, time to get back out there.’”

And the community was very supportive, including family, friends, the running community and people he plays hockey with.

“There was a big group of people rooting for me.

And that helped. There was times when I was climbing Hamel in which my legs started to cramp up,

and then they started to spasm.”

That was the one time in the race where he thought he might not be able to finish, but it was in those times he dug deep and heard the voices of family and friends rooting for him.

“You know they’d be proud of you no matter what, but it just gave me that extra motivation to keep going. And it was all about relentless forward progress. That was the one phrase that I kept saying in my mind the whole time, especially when you’re suffering.

“Over 118 kilometres, it’s not about if you’ll have pain or if you’ll suffer. You know you’ll have pain and it’s about how long you can suffer with it.”

The view from Flood Mountain – one of three mountains participants have to scale.

Tournament attracts anglers

Brian McQuinn caught the longest fish during the Bass Battles fishing derby on Boundary Dam. Photo submitted Competitive anglers could be found on the Boundary Dam Reservoir during the August long weekend for the Bass Battles fishing derby.

The catch-and-release tournament ran from July 30 to Aug. 1. Using the catch photo system that became common during the COVID-19 pandemic, the anglers could fish as often as they wanted and catch as many fish as they pleased, but it was the cumulative length of the five longest fish they caught that determined the winner.

A prize was also handed out for the longest fish.

They measured their fish

using the MyCatch app offered by Angler’s Atlas.

Matthew Terleski was the winner, as he caught five fish with a cumulative length of 242.7 centimetres. Kyle Poirier was next at 238.7 centimetres and Derek Robins was third at 235.9 centimetres. Ryan Dyck (235.3 centimetres) and Brian McQuinn (231.8 centimetres) were fourth and fifth, respectively.

McQuinn had the longest catch at 49.5 centimetres. Terleski had the next four longest fish.

Angler’s Atlas hosted the tournament with Tourism Estevan as the presenting sponsor.

CLASSIFIEDS A17 | Wednesday, August 10, 2022 | SASKTODAY.ca

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erratic driver near Midale. As a result of the traffic stop, a 33-year-old man from Fillmore was arrested on warrants out of the Weyburn detachment.

He now faces new charges related to the possession of firearms.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

••• Members of the Estevan Police Service responded to a number of calls on Aug. 3.

Police received a report of mischief to a vehicle parked in a residential backyard. The matter is under investigation.

Officers received a request for a welfare check.

The caller’s long hauldriving husband had stopped in Estevan to get some rest before continuing on with his commercial trucking route.

She had been trying to reach him and was unable. Police attended to where the caller thought he might be parked and woke him up. Everything was fine.

Members received an erratic driving complaint in relation to a red Dodge Charger. The matter is being investigated.

Police were called regarding an individual operating a motor vehicle without a licence and while suspended. The matter is under investigation.

Officers received a re-

port of criminal harassment. Police attended and spoke to parties involved. The matter is still under investigation.

Police received a 911 call Aug. 2 about youths playing pranks. Police were able to locate the young people on an acreage outside the city.

They were warned about their behaviour and the amount of time and resources they consumed.

The care provider was updated as to the behaviour and was going to address the issue with the youths’ parents.

Officers were called to a residence in the Centennial area for a report of an unwanted guest. The subject had left prior to police arriving on scene. The matter remains under investigation as the subject damaged property and committed a theft prior to leaving.

Police received a report Aug. 1 of an individual possibly in a residence unlawfully. The complainant was cleaning out a rental suite and believes someone has been crawling through the window and sleeping there. No property appears to be missing. The matter is being looked into further.

Members were called to a reported assault that occurred near the Estevan Market Mall on July 31. The matter is still under investigation.

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Beatrice “Bea” Ann Lukye 1944-2022 With broken hearts, the family wishes to announce that “Bea” Lukye, late of Estevan, SK passed away at Estevan, SK on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at the age of 78 years.

Bea was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Mary Karstad; parents-in-law, Fred and Marie Lukye; brother Bertram and sister Bernice (Paul) Ogryzlo; son Jeff Lukye and daughter Heidi Vicary.

Left with precious memories are Bea’s husband of 43 years, Walter Lukye; sons, Jeremy (Wendy) and Wally; daughter-in-law Keri Lukye and son-in-law Jason Vicary. Grandma will be greatly missed by grandchildren - Sophia, Emma, Maya, Lynaia, Alyssa, Tanisha, Kade, Ryan and Tyler; three great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The Memorial Service was held on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Estevan, SK with Sandy Dalziel officiating. Interment took place at the Estevan City Cemetery, after which a luncheon was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Estevan.

Those so wishing may make donations in memory of Bea to the New Estevan Regional Nursing Home, 1201 2nd Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0M1.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to Bea’s family - Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

Thank You We would like to thank everyone for their phone calls, texts, visits, thoughts and prayers, as well as the gifts of food, flowers, cards and other various gifts of kindness. Your thoughtfulness has eased our sorrow and made a difficult time more bearable. It will always be remembered!

-Walter, Jeremy, Wendy and family

In Loving Memory of Herman & Nancy Kleebaum Herman Wilhelm Kleebaum was born on February 25, 1938 in Russell, Manitoba and passed away on July 27, 2022 in Estevan, Saskatchewan. Frances Loretta “Nancy” (Klyne) Kleebaum was born on January 27, 1935 in Estevan, Saskatchewan and passed away on April 8, 2022 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

Precious memories of Herman & Nancy will be forever cherished by their daughters: Charlotte (Gerry) Briemon and their children: Alayna (Dan) and Dayna (Jesse); Janet (Dick) Boniface and their children: Robert, Vanessa and Jennifer; Lynne (John) Squirechuk and their daughter Kristianna; Gwen Pettit and her son Daxton (Rhegan); Rhonda (Brent) Dzuba and their children: Teneille (R.J.) and Nashton. They are also survived by Herman’s brothers: Otto, Edward (Donna) and Willy (Mavis) and sisters: Eleanor MacFarlane and Lillian Demyen; Nancy’s sisters: Gertie Granrud and Beulah Shields, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

They were preceded in death by two infant daughters: Vivian and Mary Rose; Herman’s parents: Gustav & Olga Kleebaum; brother Lawrence and sister Isabelle Naf; Nancy’s parents: Frank & Della Rose Klyne; brothers: Victor, Joe, Bill, Lawrence, Gilbert and Buster.

A Memorial Service to honour Herman & Nancy will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Estevan, with Pastor Martin Olson officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium at the Estevan City Cemetery, after which a luncheon will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Estevan.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Herman & Nancy may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 738 - 2nd Street, Estevan, Sask., S4A 2B3.

The Kleebaum family would like to extend a special thank you to the management and caregivers at Creighton Lodge in Estevan, Tatagwa View in Weyburn and the Estevan Regional Nursing Home for the loving care provided to their parents.

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

Dale Cornell Malmgren Dale Cornell Malmgren, late of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the age of 80 years. He was predeceased by his parents Edner and Annie; and his brother Wayne. He is survived by his loving wife Judith; son Luke (Keetha); daughter Brienne; grandchildren Kaj, Dalen, Clementine, and Rooney; niece Lindsay (Mike), and their children Jax, Baron, and Lee; nephew Brad; sister-inlaw Marilyn; brother-in-law Nick (Shirley); niece Sophie, and her son Freddie; and many cousins.

Family and friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3 or the Cancer Research Society - Montreal office, Suite 402 - 625 PresidentKennedy Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 3S5.

A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held at Faith Baptist Church, 437 Broadway Avenue, Regina, SK on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. There will be refreshments in the gym after the service.

To view the livestream of the service or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com

Pat R. Smyth 1959 - 2022 Pat passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the age of 62 years.

Pat is survived by his family, son Christopher (Kaley) and her son Ryker, son Jesse (Courtenay) and their children, Abbigale, Cullain and Oliver; brothers, Terry (Sharon) and Richard (Charmaine) and sister-in-law Candy Smyth.

Pat was predeceased by his parents, George and Vera Smyth (Prescott); brother Brian and his niece Kristy Hoffart.

In keeping with Pat’s wishes there will be no public funeral service.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (Designate Allan Blair), 200 - 4545 Parliament Ave., Regina, SK S4W 0G3 or online at cancerfoundationsask.ca or to the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, 2110-439 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8 in memory of Pat. Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Pat’s family Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

A18 August 10, 2022

www.SASKTODAY.ca

The Bad Hombres perform at Woodlawn The Bad Hombres performed Saturday night at the stage for the Woodlawn Regional Park’s Boundary Dam Beach Site.

Many people turned out to sing, dance and listen to the music. The next event on the stage will be a visit by Saskatchewan Express on Aug. 11.

Photo courtesy of Impact Creative Digital Services

The blessing that can be found in the unexpected Three weeks ago, I loaded up my motorcycle for a weeklong vacation.

That was not unusual.

I have taken a motorcycle trip every summer for the last 10 years or so. However, several details made this trip feel different.

First, I was going alone.

Typically, my brother goes with me, but this summer he had other plans. Second, I was planning to tent

Tim Pippus of the Estevan Church of Christ

every night. This made me a little apprehensive because the weather has been so unsettled recently.

Lastly, the most unusual part of the trip was the fact that I did not have a plan.

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Typically, I have a destination in mind and, every day, I have something I want to see or explore. If someone asks, “Where are you going?” or “What are you going to do?” I have an answer.

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Surprisingly, I did not need to worry at all. Everywhere I went, I found something interesting.

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One day, I was riding by the Red River and saw a sign that said Historic Stone Church, so I turned down the road. That spot turned out to be one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on the entire journey. The unplanned and unexpected parts of

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call Joy at 1-778-694-3897 Bonded since 1967

Available now – Estevan, SK Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) offers the Life Lease Program as a housing option for seniors who can live independently and provides flexibility and opportunities that are not available with homeownership.

Who is eligible?

Couples who are 60 years or older.

The Life Lease Program has household asset and annual income limits that are slightly higher than those of the Social Housing Program.

• 1 Bedroom Senior Life Lease Unit Available At Valley View Heritage Place 705 – 2nd Street

CONTACT

1330 5th Street Estevan, SK S4A 0Z8 306-634-6700 E-mail: estevan.ha@gov.sk.ca

Occupants provide an initial deposit and pay monthly occupancy fee.

22082ps0

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST

FORM 2 (Section 4)

Rural Municipality of Cambria No. 6 PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

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 the 20th day of October 2022, 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.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

Total Arrears

Costs Advertising

Total arrears and Costs

107193809

$478.77

$36.00

$514.77

2

107193821

$475.73

$36.00

$511.73

2

142186013

$639.30

$36.00

$675.30

102016156

149542128

$3,318.38

$36.00

$3,354.38

102220142

151473461

$2,926.84

$36.00

$2,962.84

Part of Lot

Lot

Blk

Plan

PT of Sec.

Sec

Twp

Range

Meridian

NE

36

3

10

2

NW

36

3

10

SW

36

3

10

BLK/PAR

A

BLK/PAR

A

Title No.

Dated this 10th day of August, 2022

Monica Kovach Treasurer

the trip were the most memorable.

Now, I am trying to bring that lesson back to my everyday life. I still want to have a plan for my day, but I also want to make room to enjoy the unexpected parts. I want to learn to see those things as a blessing rather than just as an intrusion.

With this mindset, even the most difficult events in our lives can help us grow and become stronger.

We cannot control everything. Fortunately, we can trust the one who is in control.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

August 10, 2022 A19

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Flashback – Wednesday, Aug. 6, 1969 These were the five winners who placed on top in their respective categories in early August 1969 at the annual bicycle rodeo sponsored by the Estevan Recreation Board. The winners flank recreation director Ed Brandt following the presentation of prizes.

From left, Mark Harder, Grade 4, Clarence Rolfes, Grade 1, George Lepine (on bicycle), preschooler, Michael Collins, Grade 6, and Brian Callfas, Grade 8.

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

MAYOR’S MESSAGE: Churchill Play Park is now open!

Please come out and enjoy the pool!

CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN KING STREET The City of Estevan is undertaking construction for the Watermain replacement.

The affected area includes All of Kohaly Avenue, as well as Lynd crescent from 1316-1332 Lynd Crescent Property access and parking restrictions are to occur.

This work will commence July 4, 2022 and will take approximately twelve (12) weeks to complete (subject to weather) City of Estevan will perform this work within the current Bylaw regulations and specifications.

Safety

Sanitary Sewer Main and Storm Sewer Jetting Program

Construction site could be dangerous. If you have children, please ask them to keep a safe distance from the site. We will take every precaution to ensure public safety, but we need your assistance to constrain the natural curiosity of younger children. Please DO NOT attempt to go close to areas affected.

Beginning Monday May 2, 2022, and continuing to Friday, August 26, 2022 the Water and wastewater Division will be carrying out Sanitary Sewer Main jetting, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. During the periods of jetting, residents and businesses are advised to securely cap basement floor drains. You may smell an odor in your home, this can be resolved by simply opening windows for a short period of time and running water to ensure all traps are full of water. Storm sewer will have no effect on homes and business’ and will commence August 29, 2022.

Theft or Vandalism

2022 Program Area will encompass all streets South of Railroad Tracks, and East of Souris Ave within City limits including:

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience. If you have any questions or concerns, please call at 634-1800 or approach the supervisor or foreman on site.

Jubilee Place Murray Street Duncan Road McDonald Road McLeod Ave Galloway Street Rooks Ave Perry Crescent Perkins Street 1st Street A

1st Street 2nd Street 3rd Street 4th Street 5th Street 6th Street 2nd Avenue 3rd Avenue 4th Avenue 5th Avenue

6th Avenue 7th Avenue 8th Avenue 9th Avenue 10th Avenue Souris Avenue South Sun Valley Drive Park Drive Sunset Bay

Mississippian Drive Devonian Street Escana Street Imperial Avenue Pacific Street Superior Avenue

If you see any act of vandalism, theft or anyone suspiciously tampering with equipment, signage or barricades, please contact 306-634-1800, or after hours call Police.

Questions and Concerns The City of Estevan, Engineering Services apologize for any inconveniences that this work may cause.

Position: BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Hours of Work: Full Time / Monday to Friday Wage: $24 per hour • 18 month Temporary Full Time Position Duties and Responsibilities: Enforce City of Estevan Bylaws Property Maintenance Inspections • Parking Enforcement • Animal Control Respond to Bylaw complaints and public inquiries • Issue Bylaw Offence Notices Maintain a daily report management system Applicant must possess the following requirements: Pass a Police Security Clearance check • Valid driver’s license Computer skills • Excellent interpersonal communication skills Ability to work independently and efficiently with accuracy Comprehend and work within the justice system Previous experience/education related to Criminal Justice, Policing, Bylaw Enforcement, etc., would be an asset. Training provided.

Applications are available on our website at www.estevanpolice.ca or the Estevan Police Service. Return completed applications, including a current resume, to:

Street Sweeping Schedule can be seen on our website at: http://estevan.ca/ street-sweeping-schedule/

Christa Gingras • Estevan Police Service 301-11th Ave., Estevan, Sask. S4A 1C7 No phone calls. Only successful candidates will be contacted. The closing date for applications is August 15, 2022.

A20 August 10, 2022

www.SASKTODAY.ca

3DƭR 3DUW\

GIVEAWAY! Enter to win a Patio Party for you and 15 of your closest friends! *Must be 19+ to enter You will win your choice of a Pizza Party or an Appetizer Party, on the Tap House Patio August 25th!

(VWHYDQ V %HVW 3L]]D You can enter at these participating sponsors: A & A Jewellery, Murray GM, The Floor Store, Sholter & Horsman, Estevan Motors.

Watch the Estevan Mercury Facebook page, along with sponsor Facebook pages for chances to win your personal Patio Party.

SAVOUR THE

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

WE BUY USED

VEHICLES! ANY MAKE ŏ ŏđŏ ŏ

Sale ends Aug. 24, 2022

SAVINGS Event

BIGGEST TRUCK STOCK IN SE SASK

Buy any 2 qualifying freestanding major kitchen appliances, SAVE AN EXTRA $200* Buy any 3+ qualifying freestanding major kitchen appliances, SAVE AN EXTRA $300*

BUILT-IN SAVINGS EVENT TH

SALE ENDS SEPTEMBER 28

BUY MORE, SAVE MORE

MurrayEstevan.com (306) 634-3661

Estevan Motors Ltd has the

UP TO

9250 IN DISCOUNTS!

$

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SHOLTER HORSMAN Furniture & Appliance

sholterandhorsman.ca HWY 39E, Estevan, SK PH: (306) 634-4775

306.634.3629 • estevanmotors.ca The Estevan Mercury is pleased to present the

Blinds

CELEBRATING SUMMER

anniversaries!

Paint

2022

3DƭR 3DUW\

at Willy’s The Tap House Patio!

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Estevan 306.634.5588

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floorstoreestevan.ca

306.453.2519

1226 12 226 6 - 4th St., Este Estevan, evan, SK

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Thank you to our sponsors and good luck to those who enter!