Estevan Mercury 20221228 1-10

January is typically known for freezing temperatures, strong winds, storms and plenty of time spent indoors, and January 2022 lived up to its reputation. Yet many events and activities made a return in January and throughout the year.

Estevan’s Cole Davenport, who was reporting for CTV News Regina, announced on social media in early January that as of mid-February he would be taking over anchoring CTV News at 5 p.m. in southern Saskatchewan.

Legend Pain, the first baby of 2022 was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Jan. 2 to mother Misty Littlechief and father Tyrell Ermine.

The Festival of Lights entertained the community through Jan. 7 at Woodlawn Regional Park.

Young and talented Carlyle musician Morgan Robertson performed a program at the Mac Murray Theatre in Arcola on Jan 15.

Young curlers showcased their abilities during a U15 and U18 bonspiel at the Power Dodge Curling Centre on Jan. 14-15.

Estevan musician Jeff D. Michel finished in the top 10 for SaskMusic’s Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2021 competition.

An Estevan lawyer, Robert Nicolay with Estevan’s Bridges and Company law firm, was been recognized for his contributions to the legal profession and public service with a Queen’s Counsel designation. He has worked extensively with the oil and gas sector and the business community,

The Estevan Sharks water polo club hosted a home

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tournament on Jan. 16 at the Estevan Leisure Centre’s pool.

The City of Estevan was announced to receive $40,000 for traffic and pedestrian light upgrades through the provincial Traffic Safety Fund. Money was designated to the intersection of King Street and 13th Avenue, with LED traffi lights for pedestrians and motorists.

The Saskatchewan Female Hockey League announced it was adding a new U13 AA division, and the Estevan Minor Hockey Association said Estevan would be included.

The Wock family received a generous donation from the Estevan No. 113 Elks Lodge. The money helped young Wyatt Wock, living with Down syndrome, cover the expanses of special hearing aids.

In consultation with Crown prosecutors, the Saskatchewan RCMP announced on Jan. 21 it had charged Carievale area resident Michael Gordon Jackson with one count of abduction in contravention of a custody or parenting order. Additionally, investigators obtained a Canadawide warrant for his arrest. Jackson allegedly took his daughter in mid-November to keep her from getting immunized against the coronavirus.

Estevan Comprehensive School Grade 12 student Cole Blondeau, who is of Métis descent, placed second in the Saskatchewan Louis Riel Poetry Day contest for his poem I Am From… which shares his family’s ancestral past and his connection to Riel.

St. Joseph’s Hospital announced that two new physicians joined the team. Dr. David Liknes is a family physician specializing in obstetrics, general surgery and endoscopy, and Dr. Nazanin Tahbaz is a hospitalist, emergency medicine physician and family medicine physician.

Charges were laid in a child pornography investigation in Estevan. Trevor Curtis,

52, was arrested and charged with one count of possession of child pornography under the Criminal Code. The Hanson Farm unreserved land and equipment online sale on Jan. 25-26 became the biggest farm auction worldwide in Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers’ history.

The event also set a new land price benchmark for the southeast, with the large majority of farmland sold for over $400,000 a quarter.

Roberta DeRosier was sworn in as a member of the Estevan board of police commissioners before the Jan. 26 meeting.

Midale’s Keely Shaw was named Saskatchewan Sport’s Female Athlete of the Year on Jan. 27 during a virtual ceremony.

She won bronze in the women’s C4 3,000-metre individual pursuit at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, recording a time of three minutes, 48.342 seconds in what was her first-ever event at the Paralympics.

The new Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre marked the beginning of a new era for Estevan families on Jan. 31. The ribbon was cut in the presence of the board members, representatives of the South East Cornerstone Public School Division, the City of Estevan, the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, United Way Estevan and community leaders working with children. The expansion of the previous Estevan Family Resource Centre and the following move to a new permanent location at the ECS came through funding from the Government of Saskatchewan.

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Early February brought in some frigid temperatures, but residents still had lots of activities to enjoy, both indoors and outdoors, with most of the COVID-related restrictions being lifted by the end of the month.

Lynn Little, the director of education with the South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD), announced her retirement, effective June 30, after 37 years in education. She had been the director since 2014.

The ECS Elecs senior boys’ basketball team had a strong showing at the eight-team Estevan Invitational Tournament in early February, as they won two of three games and reached the A final.

The Optimist Club of Arcola held a snowmobile rally on Feb. 5, with over 400 riders covering about 100 kilometres of trails.

Sasha Mantei, a member of the Estevan Mermaids synchronized swim club, was named Synchro Sask.’s Provincial Stream Athlete of the Year for 2021 and was presented with the award on Feb. 7.

The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum opened two new exhibits in February. Unsettled by Belinda Harrow and The Flower People by Melanie Monique Rose were at Galleries I and II.

The Estevan Police Service (EPS) announced that they’ve partnered with Community Safety Net to bring in more education and create safety initiatives for local children.

Access Communications Co-operative has announced the acquisition of KRAKR Enterprises Inc., an Estevanbased rural wireless internet provider.

The city of Estevan saw a decrease in its population, according to figures released in mid-February by Statistics Canada for the 2021 federal census. The census pegged Estevan’s population at 10,851, which is down from the 11,483 residents who were reportedly in the city in 2016.

On Feb. 11., the EPS arrested a driver after a collision in central Estevan, in which a vehicle was reported to have struck a power pole. Upon further investigation, the driver was found to be impaired by alcohol.

The Estevan Exhibition Association hosted Valentine’s evening fundraiser on Feb. 12, featuring Forget musician Jacquie Walbaum, as well as debuting local young artist Daylin Ashworth.

The ECS Elecs cheerleaders took the top spot in the senior high intermediate division at the Best of the West event on Feb. 13 in Moose Jaw.

The adult day program at St. Joseph’s Hospital reopened in February.

The Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC) found a permanent home and moved into a location at 1104 Sixth Street.

Thanks to generous community and business support, the Estevan Kinettes were able to raise over $3,000 to take to Telemiracle 46.

Students at schools in Estevan participated in Pink Shirt Day initiatives on Feb. 16.

After six years with the Souris Valley Museum, executive director Mark Veneziano announced he was stepping down, leaving the attraction in great shape and far ahead in its progress. Melanie Memory took over the role of executive director/museum curator.

The ECS Elecs came up just a few points short in their effort to take back the McLeod Series trophy from the WCS Eagles. Each school won two games, so the series came down to point differential.

Several local bowlers, including Soren Peterson, Louis Ley, Kadence and Sonja Kraushaar won medals at the Canadian 10-Pin Federation Saskatchewan championships held at Estevan Bowl on Feb. 12-13.

Spruce Ridge School started their path to having a first of its kind in Estevan amphitheatre for its playground area. The project was completed in the fall.

Estevan Bruins’ winger Kade Runke

had four goals and an assist in the Bruins’ 10-0 romp over the Weyburn Red Wings at Affinity Place on Feb. 19. As part of a long-standing promotion between the Bruins and the Tower Café, everybody in attendance won a free pizza. The announced crowd was 2,370 people – by far the largest crowd for an SJHL regular season game.

The first full season for the Estevan Steelhaus U18 AAA Bears came to an end on Feb. 22 in an 8-2 loss to the Regina Pat Canadians in Regina.

Michael Gordon Jackson and his daughter Sarah were found in B.C. in late February. Sarah was safe and was soon reunited with her mother, Mariecar Jackson, in Regina. Michael was arrested without incident and was in police custody in Vernon.

A couple of drug busts occurred in Estevan on Feb. 18 and 26. Three individuals were arrested and charged under Criminal Code.

Ocean Man First Nation signed a landmark agreement with Marc Miller, the federal Minister of Crown‐Indigenous Relations, which officially recognizes Ocean Man’s status as a Treaty 4 First Nation.

The Estevan Public Library (EPL) hosted its firstever silent art auction with over 30 art pieces available on Feb. 22-26. People could bid online and in person.

A new anti-racism campaign was brought to the Estevan Leisure Centre by Estevan Settlement Workers in Schools, Transition Services and Southeast Newcomer Services.

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Fifty-two weeks can be a blur

It’s amazing how quickly a year can go by.

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At this time 52 weeks ago, we were looking forward to 2022 and all the potential that it had in store. Not only were we looking forward to the Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship that would be coming here, but we were also anticipating the day in which we could plan and host big events without having to worry about COVID-19 restrictions, vaccine mandates and masking requirements.

It took a couple months to have those widespread restrictions lifted, and it took longer to see some of the big events return again, but most of the events and the activities that we enjoyed so much before 2020 are back.

As for the Centennial Cup, it proved to be a memorable week for our city and the showcase of Estevan that we hoped it would be.

Of course, this year was more than just events. It kept us busy with the different news stories that were happening here. It kept you, our readers, busy as you tried to keep pace with all that we were covering, either through the pages of the Mercury or online through our provincial news hub, www.sasktoday.ca.

Every year is busy. Every year is memorable in its own different ways. Every year has its interesting moments.

We were crowned SiriusXM’s Music Town for Western Canada because we wanted to be Music Town. We won because we had the most votes. And we deserved to have the Dallas Smith concert in September.

We discussed, at length, the future of our community once again. We thought about what it could look like if industries that have been vital to us since our inception weren’t accessible any longer. And this is a conversation that is going to happen for a number of years.

Our community has been enriched by the arrival of people from Ukraine, who were forced to flee their homeland. We don’t know how long these recent arrivals from Ukraine will be here, but we’re thankful Estevan is their chosen home.

The support for the people of Ukraine is another example of the generosity of the people of our southeast communities.

It hasn’t always been easy in the past 12 months in southeast Saskatchewan. We’ve had our share of tough times and adversity. There have been stories and tales we haven’t wanted to hear, but we can’t take an ostrich approach and bury our heads in the sand.

So, what’s next for us?

We’re going to have more marquee events. Two curling events in late January and early February – the Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts women’s curling event and the

SaskTel Tankard men’s curling provincials –will bring a lot of people to Estevan.

Yes, it’s going to be tough to see Affinity Place unavailable for hockey games and figure skating for weeks, but nobody can deny these two provincial curling events will have a big impact on the local economy, and hopefully set the table for bigger curling competitions.

We’re hoping to move another step closer to the normal we knew before 2020. Those who didn’t get to have their event in the first few months of 2022 might finally get that chance this year. It’s been 10 months since the last of the widespread COVID restrictions were lifted. We hope they won’t have to return.

We’re hoping that the price of oil will remain strong and that we will experience the economic benefits. When the price of oil is high, it’s better for the southeast.

We’re looking forward to discussions about small modular reactor nuclear technology, progress on the new nursing home that we so richly deserve and further talks on ways to improve the community.

It’s been, for the most part, a great 12 months for Estevan and the other communities in southeast Saskatchewan. We’re hoping it will be even better this year.

And it’s our intention to be there every step of the way.

Don’t forget to have a look at the expiring year

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This year flew by in no time. It felt like it was two times shorter than any other one.

I can’t say that I didn’t notice it, as it was one of the most difficult years in my life, but it sure went fast.

Early on I ended up finally getting my load of the weaselly coronavirus, which drained me of energy, brain capacity and happiness, and turned me into a witch for a good month, if not longer. And at about the same time my worst nightmare made headlines all across the globe – my home country invaded neighbouring Ukraine. The ongoing war and everything that comes out of it on all levels painted everything after Feb. 24 grey and up to black at times.

Yeah, this year will definitely be on the very bottom of the list of my best years. And hopefully, 2022 will keep its spot there forever.

So, when a friend of mine recently asked about any good things and achievements that I could recall from this past year, I went quiet for quite a while. But then she started asking me more specific questions.

Have you reached any personal goals, she asked. Have you visited at least one new place, even if it’s small? Have you felt absolutely happy next to your loved one at least one time this year? At least once this year, have you felt like you have wings? Have you learned anything new? Was there at least one time when you were laughing so hard you couldn’t help it? Was there something that you did and were involved with that made a difference?

These questions gradually filled my long pause with pictures from this past year. It

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…

wasn’t that easy to find the answers, and it took me some time. But after a while, I realized how many great memories I actually made in 2022 despite all the odds.

I didn’t get to travel much, but I finally made it to Castle Butte, and absolutely loved it. I got to meet some really great people. I shared some precious memories with my hubby. I got to have some wonderful moments with close friends. I got to do some interesting-to-write stories. I had a hat trick plus one with Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association’s awards. And there is more.

If you really think about it, there is always something good – bright moments you capture, achievements you’ve been working on for so hard, wonderful people you meet, beautiful views you encounter, sincere laughs you get to share with loved ones or with complete strangers – there is always something to be grateful for.

There are always good things that happen to us. We just need to make sure we notice them, and the questions that my friend asked actually help with that. Once I focused on the many great moments I had throughout my least favourite year, I realized that one way or the other many of the wishes I made a year ago came true.

In my last 2021 column, I listed a few things I was looking forward to in 2022 personally and professionally. Of course,

not all of them came true, but some did. There were many great happenings in Estevan I got to attend. I enjoyed the live play at the Souris Valley Theatre and many other great returns. I didn’t get to see any new national parks this year, but I ended up going to the Calgary Stampede for the first time and visited a few new spots in Banff

And of course, I got my Canadian passport. (Once again, thank you so much for the support and all the kind words that flooded my feed when I shared that milestone with you!)

These observations once again reminded me why I love making wishes so much – because it helps them come true. Once I word what I want, I think, it actually turns into a goal, and then, consciously or not, I start working towards it. Not always I get there fast or at all, but in most cases I actually do.

With all that said, as 2022 is already at the door and 2023 is ready to bring in some new adventures and hopes, there are two things I want to wish everyone.

First, take time and go through the list of questions above. Ignore those that are irrelevant or add some, make it your personal list of questions, but try to remember what made the past year meaningful, special and good. (And maybe offer people around you the chance to answer them. It worked amazingly for me.)

And second, make wishes. Be it on New Year’s Eve or with any other occasion, word your dreams, and come the end of the next year, let’s see how many of them come true.

Happy New Year!

EDITORIAL

In March, wildlife was seen entering city limits, while various sports events also kept the community engaged and entertained.

The ECS Elecs’ senior girls’ basketball team finished second at its 10th annual Victor Elias Memorial Shoot for a Cure tournament, held March 4-5 at the school. The tournament is also a fundraiser for the fight against breast cancer.

The Kinsmen and Kinettes’ Telemiracle set a record of $8 million for the 46th annual broadcast on March 6. Money will be used to help the people of Saskatchewan.

The Estevan Exhibition Association welcomed Crystal Ross as their new president.

Figure skaters from throughout the province were in Estevan on March 5-6 for the Winter Classic – the largest event of the year hosted by Skate Canada Saskatchewan.

The Estevan RCMP responded to a fatal collision by Hitchcock on March 7. A semi truck and train collided. The driver of the semi was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A cougar feasting on a deer was caught on camera from March 8-11. The concerns of a cat being present in the area were discussed on social media and in the community in the days previous.

Reports of “moose on the loose” were flooding Estevan’s social media in March and earlier in the winter. While there were no major incidents, on March 11 conservation officers, EPS and firefighters had to tranquillize and relocate one of the giant animals, which made its way to the 1600-block of Third Street.

The Wawota Parkland School Wildcats won the gold medal, while the Carnduff Education Complex Tigers brought home the bronze, from the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s female curling provincials in mid-March.

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation announced on

March 11 that Breanne Van De Woestyne had resigned after more than three years as executive director. She was replaced by Lori Gervais, who joined the foundation in late 2018 and had been working with the foundation in a finance role.

On March 16, the Carnduff RCMP responded to five fires in Alida and a report of an assault involving two men. All buildings were destroyed; no injuries were reported. As a result of continued investigation, 29-year-old Colten Erickson was arrested and charged with four counts of arson, two counts of breach of probation and one count of assault.

The Carnduff and District Music Festival was staying true to its core goals and showcasing participants’ performances on video through their Facebook page in March to ensure talent doesn’t go unnoticed.

Estevan’s fire department celebrated its many dedicated members during an awards night.

Estevan’s Brayden Pachal made his NHL debut for the Vegas Golden Knights in their 7-3 loss to the host Winnipeg Jets.

The ECS Elecs cheerleader team won the silver medal at the provincial championship March 19 in Saskatoon.

The Estevan Humane Society was pleased with the support shown for its annual Whiskers and Wine Gala on March 19.

Scottish-Canadian musician Johnny Reid performed before a sold-out crowd of approximately 380 people at the Orpheum Theatre for his Love Someone tour on March 20.

Additional money for new regional nursing home committee in Estevan was among the local highlights from the provincial government’s budget, tabled on March 23.

For the first time since 2007, the Carnduff Red Devils captured the Big Six Hockey League’s title, defeating the Redvers Rockets 6-2 on March 25.

A Duelling Pianos concert, featuring Barry Lough and Craig Learmont, was a fundraiser held for Creighton Lodge on March 25.

The Estevan Recreational Dance Club hosted their annual recital on March 26.

The Estevan Steelhaus U18 AAA Bears hockey club announced the hiring of Ryan Pilon as the new head coach, effective the end of March.

The B&T Gun Show made its return to

Estevan on March 26-27, drawing people to the Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch.

Twenty-four teams entered the Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s (OTS) Open Bonspiel, which was held March 25-26.

The Stoughton Central School Bulldogs senior girls’ basketball team won a bronze medal at the provincial Hoopla championship on March 26-27.

Estevan’s Phillip Zajac became the first elected leader of the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan, defeating Clint Arnason of Vanguard.

One person was arrested for aggravated assault following a shooting in Estevan on March 26. Members of the EPS responded to the incident in the Pleasantdale area where the victim had been shot in the face, torso and arms with a fully automatic BB gun.

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Lampman’s re department and ambulance services held an open house on March 30, seeking volunteer firefighters, emergency medical responders and medical first responders, and they had recruits sign up after the event.

The Redvers Rockets won their third straight U18 D provincial title in March after defeating Macklin in the best-of-three provincial final.

The EPS arrested two people in a drug bust March 30 in the Pleasantdale area. Both were charged under the Criminal Code.

Saskatchewanderer Felipe Gomez and his travel buddy Fozzy stopped by Estevan at the end of March and promoted the city’s attractions.

After several snowstorms and blizzards, Estevan turned towards spring later in April. The city celebrated the return of several bigger events and enjoyed many sports tournaments and activities.

The Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur Crusaders’ Skills Academy wrapped up its first season April 1 with a demonstration at Affinity Place. The students who were part of the hockey program participated in drills and demonstrations of their abilities, and then played an exhibition game versus some of their parents.

The first Estevan Farmers’ Market indoor sale of the year took place on April 2 inside the Estevan Market Mall.

The SECPSD announced the appointment of Keith Keating as the new director of education, effective Aug. 1.

Estevan city council attended an in-person convention for the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association April 3-6 in Regina.

Many local organizations set up their tables at the spring city-wide registration on April 5 at the Estevan Leisure Centre.

George Harris’s team showcased a suggested virtual model of the downtown area, created out of what people in the community said they wanted to see for the future of the Energy City, at the third and last community engagement session at the Estevan Leisure Centre on April 5.

The Estevan Apex U18 AA Bruins saw their season come to an end in the Saskatchewan AA Hockey League’s U18 South Division final.

The 58th Estevan and District Music Festival wrapped up on April 10, after two successful weeks filled

with music and performances. The festival was held in person for the first time since 2019. Many awards were handed out.

Members of the ECS Elecs’ table tennis team had a great showing at the provincial high school tournament in Saskatoon. They were second overall and came home with 15 medals, including five gold, two silver and eight bronze.

The Estevan Strippers recreation hockey club held its Spring Bust tournament – the largest recreation hockey tournament in the province – April 6-10, with 40 teams.

The Estevan Wildlife Federation hosted its awards banquet April 9. Dozens of skillful anglers, hunters and wildlife photographers were celebrated during the ceremony.

Local military historian Craig Bird hosted the Vimy Day event at the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on April 9, the day of the 105th anniversary of the famed battle. For the first time in his tenure, Saskatchewan’s lieutenant-governor Russell Mirasty was able to make a public appearance in Estevan. He attended the Vimy Ridge presentation. Later that day, the contributions of many of the legion’s members were celebrated during the awards night.

The Sun City Prop Busters club held its annual static display at the Estevan Market Mall on April 9.

An incident involving a dragline for the Westmoreland Coal Company occurred April 9 near the Shand Power Station. No one was injured.

The RM of Enniskillen raised a whopping $57,000 for a new ambulance at a fundraiser on April 9.

Saskatchewan entrepreneur Joseph Bourgault was in Estevan on April 9 as part of his efforts to get on the federal Conservative Party’s leadership ballot. Bourgault would later be kept off the ballot due to a clerical error, although he said he met the requirements.

The Estevan Lions Club celebrated

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tions.

The Estevan Wildlife Federation saw a return of its annual fundraising dinner and auction on April 23, with supper, raffles, auctions and more – all in support of the organization.

e National Day of Mourning for those who were killed, injured or stricken with illness from the workplace was observed April 28 in Estevan and elsewhere in Canada.

The United Mine Workers of America Local 7606 organized the service at the coal car adjacent to the Estevan Courthouse.

The Estevan Flamethrowers senior men’s team hosted an adult basketball tournament at ECS on April 30 and May 1.

Allan Senchuk,

one of its long-time members, on April 19. He was presented with a certificate honouring his nearly 60 years of service.

Southeast Saskatchewan became home to a new U15 Southeast Sun Devils girls softball team with players hailing from Estevan, Alameda, Oxbow, Alida, Carievale, Carlyle, Carnduff and Weyburn.

Estevan Islamic Centre opened its doors for community members to indulge in their culture and learn more about the month of Ramadan and associated tradi-

Students from Sacred Heart School/École Sacré Coeur in Estevan had the opportunity to hear from a Paralympic medallist Brittany Hudak on May 3.

The Radiothon for Life on May 4 raised over $110,000 for St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Unit A.

The Estevan Wildlife Federation kicked off the 2022 fishing season by hosting its annual Opening Day Walleye Classic on May 7 at Boundary Dam.

The City of Estevan’s annual spring clean-up campaign, known as Operation Clean Sweep, was held from May 9-15.

Members of the Estevan Gymnastics Club invited the SJHL champion Estevan Bruins for Grips Versus Sticks, on May 12, to see how the hockey players would fare in a different sport.

The Coal Country Run returned to an in-person competition on May 14, and for the first time in its history, it offered an option for bicycle adepts.

The Estevan Extreme volleyball program’s teams thrived at provincials. The five teams who competed

combined to win three gold medals and a bronze medal. The other team finished fourth.

Estevan Kinsmen Club invited the community to a fundraiser for a family of one of their own. Keith Wakely passed away in mid-March, and a Dutch auction was held at the Wylie-Mitchell Hall on May 14.

The Estevan Oilfield Technical Society hosted a wet, but fun and successful, second annual Top Gun Trap Shoot on May 14 at the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s range.

The Town of Bienfait and the RM of Estevan announced they have received targeted infrastructure funding from the Prairies Economic Development Canada’s (PrairiesCan) Canada Coal Transition Initiative-Infrastructure Fund.

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In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, the Envision Counselling and Support Centre launched a new Family Intervention Rapid Support Team (FIRST) program.

The Warm Welcome Kitchen had its largest crowds ever in spring, and so it decided to extend its season and stay open for May.

The Estevan Mercury was one of the big winners at this year’s Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association Awards, announced May 13. The Mercury won seven awards, including best paper for Class D, which is papers with a circulation over 6,500. Reporter Anastasiia Bykhovskaia won four awards, the most for any reporter in the province.

The Southeast Sun Devils 15U softball team played its first-ever home game on May 15 at the Pleasantdale Softball Diamonds.

Estevan was selected as a Smart 21 Community for 2022 by the Intelligent Community Forum. The Energy City was competing against communities from around the world.

On May 18, the City of Estevan invited the community to join them to celebrate the grand opening of the Southeast Innovation Business Development Centre at the building on Ninth Volunteers turned out to show their support for others in the community during the United Way Estevan’s annual Day of Caring on May 25. Numerous projects were completed during the day for those who wouldn’t have been able to complete the tasks otherwise.

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It was announced in May that staffing in the SECPSD was to be reduced by a total of 35.26 full-time equivalent positions, including cutting 23.8 FTE teachers, for the next school year due to insufficient funding from the provincial government. The government would later provide more money to the school division, so most of the job cuts were reversed.

The Estevan Bruins used their annual Sportsman’s Dinner on May 26 to pay tribute to the team’s past. Three Bruin alumni – defencemen Joe Watson and Brayden Pachal, and forward Alan May – spoke at the dinner. The team’s awards for the 2021-22 season were also handed out.

Drewitz School of Dance hosted a fascinating recital Into the Spotlight May 28 – the first time in three years the event was able to happen.

The ECS hosted an open table tennis tournament on May 28. More than 30 players competed in several categories

Estevan’s Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History was held May 29 at Woodlawn Regional Park.

Estevan’s Rebecca Duncan was the recipient of the provincial Youth Volunteer Service Award for her time and efforts with the Estevan Area Literacy Group over the years.

Sherese Tardif-Cress, working out of the North Portal border crossing as a detector dog handler for the Canada Border Services Agency, was the recipient of the Saskatchewan Women in Policing’s Mentoring and Leadership Award.

Dennis Day of Fast Trucking Service in Carnduff revealed June 1 that he was donating $250,000 to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The Estevan Comprehensive School saluted student achievement from the 2021-22 school year during its annual awards night June 1.

Two well-known members of the Saskatchewan oilpatch were recognized during the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show in Weyburn. The Saskatchewan Oilman of the Year, Grant Fagerheim, and Southeast Sask. Oilman of the Year, Derrick Big Eagle, were presented their awards. Several oilfield workers were named Southeast Legends.

It was a few weeks later than hoped, but the Estevan Motor Speedway opened its 2022 season with a doubleheader June 3 and 4. Racing was held in five classes.

Scottish culture was celebrated in Estevan on June 4 during a ceilidh night. The Drewitz School of Dance and the pipe and drums band performed.

The Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s annual oilmen’s golf tournament was held June 3-5 at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course. Drew Fenwick won the 36-hole championship flight.

Walter Family Farm, a mixed operation located just outside of Lampman, became this year’s recipient of the prestigious Estevan Farm Family of the Year Award. A presentation took place at the farm June 6.

Tracy Peters had her indoor exhibit, Subconscious Terrain, installed at the EAGM and an off-site installation, Bog Sensing, was placed at the Woodlawn Regional Park. At the same time, Ruth Langwieser finished her year as the artist in residence. The EAGM also completed a restoration project at the North West Mounted Police Museum.

Premier Scott Moe announced a cabinet shuffle on June 7, and among those affected was Estevan MLA Lori Carr, who became minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement, minister responsible for the Public Service Commission, and

minister responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

Students from the ECS had an impressive showing at the track and field provincial championships in Regina, bringing home medals and posting numerous top-10 finishes.

The Estevan Public Youth Centre held its first-ever girls-only art project. Life in an Instant was a four-week adventure and also a study on rural girlhood that started with training June 9.

Numerous classic vehicles could be seen at the John Dyck Show and Shine June 10 at the ECS’s parking lot.

The Energy City Ex Fair and Rodeo, organized by the Estevan Exhibition Association, happened June 9-12 at the exhibition grounds with tons of entertainment, events and activities. Not only did the fair and rodeo occur on the same weekend, but also back after years away was the Rodeo Queens contest. Thousands of people attended the various events.

Community Futures Sunrise launched a new regional multimedia Explore SE Sask. campaign that drives regional tourism goals forward. Several area residents were named Southeast Explorers.

The Estevan Salvation Army and Canada Post hosted a successful Stamp out Hunger food drive on June 11.

T&T Rods Show and Shine returned to the Gervais’ property. On June 11 hundreds of admirers gathered to share their love for classic vehicles and enjoy a great day together.

The Alameda Regional 4-H Show and Sale saw a greater turnout than probably ever before. The Alameda Agricultural Society invited participants and spectators to join them on June 11 and 12.

The Dr. Neil Howard Memorial Dog Jog, one of the bigger fundraisers for the Estevan Humane Society, saw many participants walking at Woodlawn Regional Park on June 12.

Buffalo Potash Corp. and the City of Estevan announced the company formally committed to setting up a solution mining research and development (R&D) facility and the Estevan Fertilizer Production Facility.

The Southeast College’s Estevan campus had two rea-

sons to celebrate on June 17. One was the presentation of awards. The other was a graduation ceremony.

This year’s graduation celebration for the ECS brought together some traditional elements and a relatively new favourite concept June 18. The cap and gown ceremony was held at Affinity Place, and a grad parade was held throughout the streets of northeast Estevan.

Boundary Bass Classic returned to Boundary Dam June 18.

The Estevan Downtown Business Association’s night markets returned for the second season on June 23.

Cardinal Energy presented the Midale/Cymri Fire Rescue & First Responders with a cheque for $100,000 to go towards their new building.

St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan welcomed Dr. Vijay Prabhu.

The Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the EPS announced the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) program became operational in Estevan.

Ceres Global Ag Corp. announced on June 24 that it was suspending its previously-announced canola crush project at Northgate.

The Estevan Elite girls won the softball Highway 39 league on June 25.

Just three days into the new role and on the first day of the Official Leader’s Tour, newly-elected Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck visited the Estevan area.

The Lampman Recreation Board received a $514,000 grant to help with the upgrades of the Lampman ice rink system.

The Estevan Arts Council celebrated four 2022 scholarship recipients during an in-person ceremony on June 28.

July brought plenty of summer activities. Community events, championships and a touching tribute to honour the victims of a tragedy were all part of summer in Estevan.

Canada Day was celebrated in communities throughout southeast Saskatchewan, with parades, fireworks, music and more to attract people.

Top young golfers were at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course on July 2 and 3 for the RE/Max Blue Chip Realty Classic, which is Estevan’s stop on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour.

Dale Feser announced his resignation as Estevan’s fire chief on July 6 after 6 1/2 years on the job. Rick Davies, who had been the deputy chief, was later promoted to chief. Kyle Luc was then promoted from captain to deputy fire chief.

The annual Estevan Rotary 4-H Show and Sale, held July 7 at the Estevan Exhibition Association’s grounds, had outstanding support. Casie Brokenshire’s grand champion steer was sold for $12 per pound and the average sale price was $5.25 per pound.

Former Estevan resident Parker Bell was selected in the fifth round by the Calgary Flames in the NHL Entry Draft on July 8. Bell was born in Estevan and spent several years playing minor hockey in the Energy City.

Activities were held in Estevan on July 8 and 9 to honour the victims of a plane crash that occurred south of the city in July 1946. People from around the world were in Estevan for the occasion, as family members of the deceased came to the city to learn more about the crash, pay tribute to their family members and meet others affected by the crash. At a ceremony on July 9, a cairn was unveiled to pay tribute to the victims. The crash occurred on Sept. 15, 1946, at the site of the old Estevan Airport. Twenty RCAF pilots and a crew member died.

Another sad anniversary was observed on July 9. It marked 18 years since Courtney Struble vanished. She was 13 years old when she disappeared.

The Estevan Golden Eels Swim Club finished in top spot at their annual home meet July 9 at the Estevan Leisure Centre’s pool.

Two teams from the Estevan Girls’ Softball Association won provincial championships on July 10. The Estevan Elite U11 and the Southeast Sun Devils U15 club brought home gold medals.

City beautification was a big focal point in Estevan this year, with numerous murals popping up on businesses and decorated benches also showing up. One of the most talked-about murals was on the wall of the Sussex Arms apartment building.

Live theatre returned to Estevan on July 12 with the opening night for The Ladies Foursome at the Souris Valley Theatre’s Frehlick Hall. It was among the initiatives for the theatre in 2022.

Twenty-three teams were in Estevan to compete in provincial baseball tournaments from July 15-17. Estevan had a team entered in each of the three divisions for U11 A, U11 AA and U15 AA.

A new rescue truck for the Estevan Fire Rescue Service, which has been in the works for a couple of years, arrived in the middle of July and went into service about three weeks later.

More than 1,000 people gathered in downtown Estevan for the Downtown Business Association’s Street Dance 2022.

An 18-year-old from Regina was killed on July 19 after the car he was driving collided with a semi-truck outside of Bienfait.

The Estevan Golden Eels Swim finished second in the provin-

From

cial competition held in Regina on July 25 and 26. Estevan had won the previous five provincial titles.

The South East Performance Pump U18 AAA Twins, who play the bulk of their home games in Estevan, and the Estevan U18 AA Brewers reached the semifinals of their respective tournaments.

The Twins’ Carter Beck, who hails from Carnduff, was named the most valuable player and the top hitter for the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League’s U18 AAA division. For the third consecutive year, the Carlyle Cardinals won the Saskota Baseball League’s championship. The Cardinals defeated the Oxbow Chiefs 14-4 in five innings to win the Harbourne Memorial Tournament, which was held in Estevan for the first time in many years.

The Saskatchewan Golf Association held its senior men’s and women’s golf championships, and the midmasters men’s tournament, at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club in the final weekend of July.

Thousands of fans were treated to two nights of entertainment at the Estevan Motor Speedway, thanks to the Monster Mania monster truck show.

The Souris Valley Antique Association’s annual Pioneer Echoes Weekend was held in Midale on July 30 and 31.

An antique tractor parade, threshing demonstrations and other attractions were popular.

Created by local tattoo artist B.J. Ziegler as part of a video project, it depicted his wife on their wedding day. Another mural was later painted there.

Summer continued in southeast Saskatchewan, with more fun activities and plenty of reasons to be outdoors.

For the second consecutive year, Daryl Donovan won the men’s division of the Frametech Classic at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course. Rick Hallberg won the senior men’s division, Paige Wheeler took the women’s division, Carson Harcourt won the Dave Price Memorial Horse Race elimination event and Preston Erickson won the Fast Hands longest drive competition.

Weightlifter Alexis Ashworth of Oungre won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, on Aug. 1 in the 71-kilogram weight category.

The annual crime severity index (CSI) report, released Aug. 2 by Statistics Canada, showed that Estevan’s rating for 2021 stood at 91.13, down from 109.96 the previous year. The violent crime severity index was up, thanks to an alleged homicide, while the non-violent crime index was down.

Pierre Poilievre was in southeast Saskatchewan on Aug. 3. Poilievre, who was running for the Conservative Party of Canada’s leadership, stopped by the farm of Jason LeBlanc to meet with more than 100 invitees. A few weeks later, he would win the Tory leadership race and become the leader of the official opposition.

Premier Scott Moe was in the southeast on Aug. 4, as he stopped to meet members of 4-H clubs in Alameda and was also at an event in Arcola that night.

One person died from injuries he suffered in a twovehicle collision Aug. 4 on Highway 47 at the south end of the city. It was later confirmed that alcohol was a factor in the collision. The motorist in the other vehicle suffered serious injuries.

For the first time since 2019, the paddling pool at the Churchill Playpark was opened, after the completion of a renovation.

Dr. Ihab Kamel and his wife, Dr. Rania Eldin, started a medical practice in Estevan. Two other physicians, Dr. Alexander Arthur and Dr. Reza Fatoorechi, arrived later in the month.

The 10th edition of the Bow Valley Jamboree south of Oxbow on Aug. 6 showcased the talents of musicians and

artists in southeast Saskatchewan and elsewhere in the province.

A cougar was caught on a trail camera in a forested area southwest of Estevan on Aug. 6 by a local bowhunter who went to check his equipment. The fullygrown cat was passing by the camera and even sat in front of it for a picture.

Woodlawn Regional Park celebrated its 60th anniversary as a Saskatchewan Regional Park on Aug. 12. A presentation commemorated all the volunteers and others who helped the park’s Souris River and Boundary Dam campgrounds thrive.

A flag was raised in Estevan on Aug. 12 in honour of Warrant Officer Tammy Monteyne, a former local resident now residing in Nova Scotia who dedicated over three decades of her life to serving Canada’s military. She retired earlier in the year.

The Southeast College’s board of directors has announced the hiring of Dr. Vicky Roy as its next CEO. Her first day with the college was Aug. 15.

The Cancer Survivor Garden arch, which was a fixture at the Estevan Relay for Life, was installed Aug. 17 at St. Joseph’s Hospital’s back entrance. This beautiful piece will now be a part of the décor in a peaceful little rest area.

For the first time since 2008, Estevan Minor Baseball hosted a Western Canada Baseball Championship, and an Estevan team won a title. The Estevan TS&M U13 AA Brewers routed B.C.’s North Langley Trappers 15-5 in six innings Aug. 20 at Mel Murray Cactus Park in Estevan to win the Western Canada Baseball Championship.

Estevan also hosted westerns at the U15 AA and U18 AA divisions. Estevan made it to the final at the U15 division and the semifinals in U18 baseball. Teams from throughout Western Canada competed.

A street fair was held in downtown Estevan on Aug. 20, drawing people to Fourth Street for a variety of activities and in-store specials from businesses.

The Expressway Family Centre in Oxbow held its

grand reopening in its new home on Main Street

The Roche Percee Recreation Site and Campground invited the community for its first-ever Commemorative Family Fun Day on Aug. 27.

It was revealed in August that former Estevan police chief Paul Ladouceur received a severance package after he stepped down as chief of the Estevan Police Service in 2021. Ladouceur received a lump sum equivalent to 24 months’ salary, and the transfer of ownership of an SUV, and his cellphone.

The Estevan Motor Speedway crowned its champions for 2022: Kody Scholpp eds) and Leevi Runge (sport mods) won their respective classes for the third consecutive year, while Chris Hortness (stock cars) won that division for the second time in three years. Kaiden Tuchscherer (hobby stocks) and Cash Saxon (slingshots) won their classes for the first time.

Carlyle Fun Dayz on Aug. ered a variety of activities that appealed to people of all ages. Live entertainment took place throughout the day.

The Estevan TechHub, located at the Estevan Innovation

fully oper-

on Aug. 24, just in time for fall programming.

Centre on Ninth Avenue, became

ational and invited the community to capitalize on its services. It’s part of the economic development efforts in the community.