Estevan Mercury 20240214

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Love thoughts.

Local students talk about love in Cupid’s Cuties special spread throughout the paper

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Economic diversification and development efforts continuing in Estevan

By David Willberg

Partying for animals. Shelter’s Whiskers and Wine Gala attracts attention and funds.

PAGE A3

Exciting return.

Southeast Women of Distinctions Awards’ committee shares latest news.

PAGES A6

Spreading kindness one gig at a time.

Hillcrest School uncovers the story of new extracurricular group.

PAGE A8

Impressive showing.

Estevan hockey player shines in significant games with two different teams.

PAGE A11

The people who attended the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s latest Coffee Talk on Feb. 7 received an update on economic development on multiple fronts.

Angud Singh, who is the city’s outgoing co-ordinator of economic development, and Gordon More, who is the executive director of the Southeast Techhub, talked about their recent efforts.

Singh noted they are working on trying to turn Estevan’s lignite coal into graphite, which he said is part of their efforts to find other uses for coal. It has already been tested.

“So far everything is looking good. The next play would be to have a 12-kilowatt laser testing a larger sample of coal, ultimately with the goal of converting it to quality graphite in terms of yield and in terms of just overall composition.”

The graphite could be used for lithium-ion batteries and other applications. Patents, licences and company structure would have to be ironed out.

The city is also looking at taking the yields from carbon capture and using it for formic acid, Singh said, and it is also promoting Estevan as the destination for the first small modular reactors (SMRs) in the province.

More said he and Tania Andrist, the applied research lead officer with the Southeast College, have formed an agreement for Innovation Centre, in which the college would be handling academic work like training

Angud Singh and Gord More, pictured speaking to Estevan city council last year, were the guest speakers at the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s latest Coffee Talk. File photo and applied research. More would focus on business.

“We are now going out into the world and asking people to come here, big corporations as well as … start-ups. I’m focusing on the U.S. market,” said More.

He’s turning to the U.S. because of the size of its gross domestic product and the money spent on research and development. The focus is on energy generation, storage, transmission and transportation. The community knows a lot about the generation, but other elements aren’t as familiar.

“A lot of the countries in the world are doing micro-grids, so with micro-grids, your farm, your business or your home has its own generation of power, you have your batteries and

then you have a grid that oversees it,” he said.

A plan was announced in June 2022 to have Buffalo Potash build a solution mining research and development facility. More said the lab will proceed and he has shown to the government that the lab is needed.

He has been working with an organization to add a 140-megawatt data centre, which is a server where computer systems and associated components are stored.

“Once they get the land and an agreement with SaskPower is sorted out, they’ll have it up and running within 24 months. It is not new tech,” said More.

During the question-and-answer session, city manager Jeff Ward

addressed the recent controversy regarding the cost of the downtown revitalization project. A group called Concerned Citizens Estevan recently posted a video to YouTube, claiming the full cost of the project would be $40 million-$50 million.

Ward pointed out the city met with the Downtown Business Association on Feb. 6 to clarify some points on the video. He said the cost would be $33 million to do everything at once, but he stressed the city isn’t doing everything at once.

Right now the city is looking at the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street, which would cost $8.3 million, with most of it coming from the federal government. The city’s A2 » ECONOMIC

Estevan’s youth centre is seeking support for growth and sustainability

By Ana Bykhovskaia The Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC), a non-profit organization that was started in 2019 to provide extracurricular activities and engagement opportunities for local youths, is now seeking community support to be able to grow the program offerings and establish a more sustainable operation.

The centre is in need of financial support, as well as a bigger and more sustainable volunteer and board base.

Previously, they reached out to the United Way Estevan, which they are a community impact partner with, in hopes of receiving some additional support and eventually becoming one of their member agencies.

“We’ve now received our charity status, so now, what we’re seeking is that sustainability piece,” said EPYC treasurer and volunteer Michelle Walsh.

“We have some brand new, great programming partnerships, so we are looking for not only sustainable donations

Must be Present to Win

and grant funding but also the volunteer base and some fresh board members to get behind the EPYC youth sector. And it’s not always easy when you’re in the middle of operations and sustaining the not-for-profit to find that.

“We’re putting a call out because the community has been supportive in the past with the efforts to begin the centre, and we want to keep that going.

We are looking at the strategic longevity of the youth centre itself.”

EPYC has been working with a local strategic planner, and now they reached the next stage in their development. Walsh said it also ties into the mental health awareness for youth since COVID-19.

“We are looking at giving a more inclusive and accessible place for the youth because our current funding and our current volunteer base can only offer a few programs,” Walsh added.

The EPYC currently has one fulltime employee, and they are open several nights a week and some weekends.

The Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC) is located at 1104 Sixth Street and provides space and programming for youths in Grades 7-12.

Ideally, the board would like EPYC to be available to the youth in the community six to seven days a week.

“We want to give the youth in our community a bigger place to thrive, a safe, inclusive, accessible place,” Walsh said. “The ones that are accessing it right now have definitely come a long way. But kids are always growing older.”

The participation went up over the summer months and into the fall, and remained at that level through the winter. Walsh noted they have a number of families asking for more evening programming. But there are many more youths that could benefit from the centre, so the board hopes interest and A2 » WE

A2 February 14, 2024

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Storm brought a blast of winter back to the southeast Southeast Saskatchewan residents were digging out late last week after a storm brought snow, strong winds and some freezing rain to the region.

Estevan received a few inches of snow on Feb. 7 and 8. Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for the southeast region on Feb. 7, after the Estevan area had already received some snow. The advisory was upgraded to a snowfall warning on Feb. 8 for some parts of the southeast, including Carlyle, but not for Estevan.

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure's Highway Hotline reported that winter conditions existed on area routes from Feb. 7-9, with such challenges as icy or

slippery sections, snow packs, snow drifts and drifting snow.

But visibility was generally good.

Jacquelyn MasseyRounds, the manager of marketing and communications for the City of Estevan, said the focus for last week and into this week was to ensure the clearing of priority 1 and 2 roads, and then to monitor for further snowfall.

She noted there was little or no frost in the ground prior to the snow due to the unseasonably warm temperatures in the southeast in recent weeks. It led to difficulties in hauling snow to dump sites.

As a result, she said the community may see windrows up for a longer period of time

while the City of Estevan roads and drainage division waits for colder weather to firm up the ground.

The storm forced the postponement of the first two games of the annual McLeod Series basketball showdown between the senior boys' and senior girls' basketball teams from the Estevan and Weyburn Comprehensive Schools. Those games were to be played on Feb. 7 in Estevan, and were rescheduled to Feb. 13. (Results were not available at press time).

The final two games of the McLeod Series will be played Feb. 15 in Weyburn, with the girls' game at 5:30 p.m. and the boys' game to follow. (Recaps and photos from the games can be found

Estevan was hit by a blast of winter last week. on our provincial news hub at SaskToday.ca).

Also, a supply chain conference on small modular reactors that was scheduled for Thursday at the Southeast College's Estevan campus

had to be an online webinar to accommodate the speakers.

(More on that event can be found on Page A7).

The Este van Police Service assisted with one motor-vehicle collision due

to the storm. A few speeding tickets were also issued.

The EPS reminds the public to slow down especially when road conditions are not ideal and visibility is reduced.

Economic development can be a slow process « A1 contribution would be $1.5 million for underground utilities that need to be replaced anyway.

“The video that was put out did have a lot of the facts in it as you read through it, but I think the $40-$50 million scared a lot of people to start, but that was to build out the whole program, which is $33 million, and that would never happen all at one time. We wouldn’t be able to afford it.”

The two per cent property tax increase in this year’s budget is not related to the downtown project.

The money, which is from the Canadian Coal Transition Initiative, is a fund that applies to coal communities for city infrastructure that increases business transportation or economic development.

Ward was asked about how this could affect the Estevan Market Mall and recent investment for the shopping centre. He noted the current mall owners are pleased with the mall and its location, it has good anchor tenants and they are looking forward to having the new food court

finished. He added the mall supports the work downtown and wants to create more of an experience for shoppers, just like the city wants to do for downtown.

“You go, you park, you get your stuff and you leave for both the mall and downtown,” said Ward. “And that’s what both of these projects are trying to change, so that people go, they will mingle around both of them and then spend a little more dollars.”

More pointed out tourist destinations like Whistler and Revelstoke

in B.C. successfully revamped their respective communities. He also stressed that if Estevan wants physicians to stay, they need to give them a reason to remain with things like coffee shops and shopping destinations.

The city is continuing to work with LCE2 Energy out of England on a biomass project, which Ward said would turn agricultural waste into power. They have been working steadily on getting feedstock and a power purchase agreement with SaskPower. The federal government

has also indicated biomass would fit under the federal government’s clean energy standards.

Singh noted that economic development is a slow and steady process, and they hope their efforts will eventually pay off.

Ward encouraged those in attendance to ask city hall for updates on economic development.

“There is a lot of stuff that is pretty prime within two years, especially with the SMR announcements and the uses for coal,” said Ward.;

‘We don’t want EPYC to be a niche market’ « A1 awareness will keep growing.

“We don’t want the EPYC to be just a niche market,” Walsh said.

The EPYC board works with other youth centres in Saskatchewan learning from them. One of the projects that saw success was the EPYC Youth Closet, an event in which

families could come in and purchase clothes for $1 apiece, with all clothing being donated.

Walsh said, “That was a huge resource for a lot of families.” And they want to keep growing that and other resources.

Along with community partners, they are currently working on future program-

ming and welcome any feedback and suggestions from the residents.

“We have to have a plan … So, we’re dialling in with some great partners on what our programming for the future looks like. After that, we are going to start seeking our grants or donations. And then from there, we’ll start [seeking more] volunteers and the board and sustainable jobs as well. Right now, EPYC can only have one employee. So we’ve put it out to potentially get some summer students and just keep growing that,” Walsh said.

She noted that outside the support from the United Way Estevan, they had a lot of donations from local businesses.

With sponsorship and help from the Estevan Kinettes, they also ran their inaugural cornhole tournament and fundraiser last year and plan on doing it again this April.

“We have had great community support, and now we’re asking the community to continue to support us. And another big ask is getting the awareness out into the community,” Walsh said.

“We want volunteers, we want new board members, we want the community’s ideas, and we want the community awareness of the centre itself …

As soon as possible …

“We’re very positive about the vision and the direction of the centre, we just need those

missing pieces of the funding and the people, all of that to come into place … It is such an integral part for the youth that are utilizing it right now.

“We have a zero to five and six to 11 programming, but after that, there isn’t a lot for those kids who maybe don’t play sports, or maybe aren’t involved in a bunch of extracurriculars.

EPYC is an all-inclusive place, and even kids that are involved in extracurriculars, enjoy and utilize the centre.”

The EPYC is located at 1104 Sixth Street. For its hours of operation and programming check the Estevan Public Youth Centre Inc. Facebook page and stop by to learn more about their activities.

“We are excited with the support that the community has already provided for EPYC, and we’re excited to see the longevity at where EPYC is headed. We have great people on board right now. We’re just asking for more.

And in typical Estevan fashion, everybody is always so great in our community with supporting the initiatives, so we’re putting it out into the community, we need a little bit of support with this initiative. And we’ll get all hands on deck.”

To support the not-forprofit, volunteer, join the board or discuss any ideas and suggestions, reach out to Walsh through the centre’s messenger or at info@ theepyc.ca.

Pleasantdale students share their thoughts about love The Estevan Mercury is proud to present the annual Cupid’s Cuties special in this week’s edition of the paper, with answers coming from Pleasantdale School’s Grade 4 class.

The Mercury approached Pleasantdale School about participating this year, and the school was eager to accept the offer. Six questions about love and Valentine’s Day were given to the students. One answer

from each child was selected and will be sponsored by a local business.

Pleasantdale principal Michelle Smart said the answers supplied always make her laugh. Some were serious, but others were light-hearted.

She was pleased to see most of them thought they should wait until they’re at least 24 or 25 before getting married.

Others thought people should wait until they’re at least 30.

“I also laugh at the part where they’re … asked what would be a good first date,” said Smart. “Most of them said going to all the local restaurants.

The one boy said ‘a sit-down restaurant.’ So it wouldn’t be good to go through a drivethru for a first date.”

When asked about how someone knows they’re in love, one boy said it would be when someone winks at them.

Another said when they have butterflies in their stomach, and a couple of kids admitted they don’t know.

One girl said an ideal gift would be a private jet.

They feel loved when

somebody takes care of them, gives them a hug, is kind to them or gives them a compliment.

Smart said the kids are always excited to be part of promotions like Cupid’s Cuties.

“They’re just cute with their outlooks on the world, with how they see things until they start to get things figured out,” said Smart.

Family members are also pleased, as the answers often wind up on fridges, creating extra awareness for the advertisers.

The answers can be found throughout this week’s edition of the Mercury.

How do you know you are in love?

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Whiskers & Wine – fundraiser that is fun for people and helpful for animals

By Ana Bykhovskaia Another successful fundraiser is in the books for the Estevan Humane Society after this weekend.

The annual Whiskers and Wine Gala attracted about 170 people, who had a chance to enjoy a great night out while also supporting the local non-kill animal shelter and its residents.

The festive event was held at the Estevan Exhibi-

tion Hall on Feb. 10 with entertainment by Weyburn’s American Idol participant Brayden King and his band.

“Brayden King did so good. People were up dancing all night, he kept everybody’s attention to the very end. He was really personable, he was chatting with everybody after,” shared shelter board president Tayja Lakusta.

She noted that King also liked the cause. During the performance, he said he and

Many local businesses and individuals donated items for the silent and live auctions held during the gala.

the band got 50/50 tickets to support the Estevan animal shelter.

The night also saw cocktails and supper, raffles, and silent and live auctions.

“The newest thing that we added this year that went over really well was a Paws and Pours wine pull. We had local individuals and businesses donate bottles of wine, and we would hide the wine in bags, so nobody knew what wine was in what bag. It ranged from $15 bottles of wine up to $100 bottles of wine. And they would pull a card and whatever card number you pulled would be the wine bag that you would get. It was just luck of the draw,” Lakusta said.

Another addition was a slideshow sharing stories, pictures and videos of shelter animals in their daily lives.

Lakusta said the humane society used to do it, but it was on pause for a while.

“It went over really well.

People, I think, really understood the issue we are facing seeing some of the animals we have in our care, some longterm animals,” Lakusta said.

“The time and the effort it took by a few parties to get that put together is unreal. But it came together, and it looked awesome. I think people really

Weyburn’s Brayden King and his band entertained the crowd at the Estevan Humane Society’s annual Whiskers and Wine Gala. enjoyed it and were able to see the plead and the plight that we’re in on a daily basis and the things that we need. It really helped push our message across better,” she added.

“We’re hoping that slideshow pleading for Maggie to find her forever home after almost two years in our care is working. We had a couple of applications come in for her. So, if that slideshow got Maggie a home, it was worth every minute that it took to get that done.”

While final numbers weren’t in at press time, Lakusta said the support in

the form of donations and bidding was “amazing” and made for a really successful event.

“Raffle items this year for the silent and live auctions were our best yet. Companies and individuals put together baskets. Quilts were donated, paintings were donated. I think this was our best set of baskets and individualized donations that I remember,” she said.

“People were very generous in bidding on the items as well. It was really well received.

“I’d like to thank our amazing community. None of this happens without our

community support. Pulling off the event without a hitch, people buying tickets to support us, people donating items and all their time and volunteering. It’s really a community effort. We just pull it together.

“We could not do this without everybody in our corner helping us achieve what we do,” Lakust concluded.

Animals, available for adoption through Estevan Humane Society, can be found on their website at estevanhumanesociety.ca and on their Facebook page.

Lampman author releases second book in new series

By Ana Bykhovskaia Popular Lampman novelist and playwright Maureen Ulrich – the author of the Jessie Mac hockey series – recently

published the second book in her new saga.

Gabrielle Rouge, Winds of Change Book 2 follows the adventures of the main character introduced in Gabrielle and the

Gabrielle Rouge; Winds of Change Book 2 was released online at the end of 2023 and in print in early 2024.

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Ulrich said the new book is a "mishmash" of coming of age, historical fantasy, alternative history, romance, action and adventure, and also STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

"I packed quite a bit in there. It's a historical fantasy. It feels like it might have happened, but it actually didn't happen," Ulrich shared.

The book was also influenced by a trip to Northern France, where Ulrich and her husband toured a lot of battlefields, which is similar to where the story is set.

In the sequel, the main character, Gabrielle, returns home, seeking peace and quiet after a lot of turmoil that took place in book 1. Her father died, so the question is who's going to take over and look after everything? Her mother and the local populace aren't ready to accept a 16-year-old girl taking on that role. Besides, Gabrielle has some important secrets to keep. But someone has to save her town from impending invasion by the Imperial Army.

"Lots of very, very high stakes," Ulrich said.

"Most books start where they're at home, and then they go away, but I started away and now

she's come home because to me that seemed natural. After your father dies, it would be natural to want to go home to your mother and comfort her and take comfort from her. So that's the direction I took."

Ulrich noted that the first book in the series "almost wrote itself" since she already had all the ideas in place, but writing a sequel was difficult.

"I probably wrote three different versions, before I settled on this one, and was happy with this one. I've been working on this since 2018. But this particular version I crafted in about a year and a half," Ulrich said.

She also recently visited the Estevan Public Library to talk about her experiences with different ways of publishing.

"I've had experience in traditional publishing, and hybrid publishing, where I put some money in but work with a professional publisher, and also self-publishing," Ulrich said.

She said she opted for self-publishing for the latest book and for the first time she's created her own ISBN (the International Standard Book Number, a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally), which gave her a little more control over the

Meet Stone

Lampman’s author and playwright Maureen Ulrich recently published the second book in her new series.

Photos courtesy of Maureen Ulrich content. Gabrielle Rouge was released as an e-book on Dec. 15 and as a paperback on Jan. 15. It's available online through Kindle Unlimited and other platforms, and will be available locally at Henders Drugs.

The book is suitable for youths and adults alike, and Ulrich said the first feedback has been positive.

"It's been good. Some people have told me they like it better than the first one. I think maybe the first one might feel a

little strange at first, as [readers] are figuring out where this is, who are the characters. But once you are settled in that world it feels more familiar, so maybe that's why the second book gets a little bit of a higher vote of approval," Ulrich shared.

She will be doing a launch at the Lampman Public Library on Feb. 15.

In the meantime, the work on book three has already begun, and Ulrich hopes to have it released in print by Dec. 15.

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Could this opinion piece be considered illegal one day?

The latest attack by critics of fossil fuels is courtesy of veteran Ontario New Democratic Party MP Charlie Angus, who wants to make promotion of fossil fuels illegal.

Angus tabled a private member's bill in the House of Commons last week. He has compared his proposal to legislation in the 1990s and early 2000s that banned tobacco advertising. Frankly, it's absurd that he would compare the energy sector, with its vast benefits for the Canadian economy, to tobacco, with its myriad of health consequences.

He says he wants to outlaw corporate campaigns making false claims about the benefits of burning fossil fuels. But when you read through the act, you see the sweeping list of items that would be banned if Angus has his way.

For example, he wants to jail those who speak well of fossil fuels.

Does that mean this editorial would become illegal? Does this mean that previous opinion pieces that have promoted the oil and gas sector, or the use of carbon capture and storage in coal-fired power, should have resulted in fines or even jail time?

This isn't the first opinion piece to appear in the Mercury that promotes fossil fuels. And it won't be the last, no matter what an MP in Ontario wants us to do.

But it goes deeper. Social media posts

promoting oil and gas would be illegal. That "I love Canadian oil and gas" bumper sticker on a vehicle? According to this private member's bill, it should be banned.

It would become a crime for anyone to argue that one fossil fuel is less harmful than other fossil fuels. Or there could be jail terms for anybody arguing that the oil and gas sector is a key funder of the Canadian health-care system or schools in Saskatchewan.

Maybe Mr. Angus doesn't realize this, but police in this country have better things to do than to round up people who promote oil and gas. And our already clogged justice system has better things to do than to handle Angus' fantasy cases.

Remember when Regina city council passed, and then backtracked, on that bizarre legislation a couple of years ago that would have made it illegal for fossil fuel companies to advertise and sponsor with the City of Regina.

Angus has gone further.

Well, if Angus is serious about creating legislation similar to that facing tobacco, then TS&M's naming rights would be gone from the Woodlawn Golf Course.

All of the youth hockey teams and baseball teams that are sponsored by energy companies would have to turn to somebody else.

Would you see an energy company's name

attached to fundraisers? Nope. Would they be able to make a cheque presentation during the United Way Estevan telethon? Probably not.

Oil and gas companies make donations to recreational and cultural groups that benefit so many people. Westmoreland Mining LLC and the United Mine Workers of America Local 7606 make big contributions as well.

It feels like he's so intent on controlling the narrative when it comes to our energy sector that he'll try to silence anybody who opposes him, even though there's nothing illegal about the energy sector, and even though there's no hatred or discrimination in their message. Oil and gas just wants people to know about its benefits.

The provincial NDP in Alberta and Saskatchewan have understandably and justifiably distanced themselves from Angus' absurdity. The only mistake they made was not doing it sooner.

The good news? It's a private member's bill from a federal NDP MP. They have 25 MPs. It's highly unlikely this will pass. The Liberals haven't been known for adopting great policies over the past eight years, but they have enough pragmatic people left in their caucus that they will stop this.

Mr. Angus is entitled to his opinions, no matter how wrong they might be. It's too bad he's so insecure in what he believes that he feels the need to muzzle others.

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I wasn't a very rebellious kid, more of a "good" (read convenient) and quiet girl early on.

But, like most of us, once I hit my teens, I became really curious about the world that lies behind the word "no" and all the adults' restrictions. Curious, also stubborn in my willingness to break every rule and absolutely certain that I knew better. (Again, don't we all go through that beautiful time?)

I think I tried my first cigarette when I was 13. Like any first-ever-smoked cigarette, it was disgusting, but I pretended I liked it and worked hard to make smoking a habit.

The first drink outside my home came around the same time. Once the teenage spirit spoiled our blood, my friends and I couldn't resist the drive to prove that we were independent and grown up, which, in our eyes then, could have been done with the help of skunky beer or chemical-tasting spirits purchased in the kiosk around the corner and consumed right at the playground, where we, the teen renegades, skipped classes.

I really loved my parents, and even though teenage me gave them hard times, I never swore around them. But my swearing vocabulary back then was pretty impressive, and I proudly used it when they wouldn't hear. So did most of my girlfriends, and the guys were just as bad.

I know it all may sound bizarre, but that's how it was in the early 2000s in St.-Petersburg.

Kids hardly ever were questioned when buying tobacco or alcohol, as they often did that for parents. We weren't questioned by anyone but parents, if they caught us, when consuming it either. And unless the grades fell low, there wasn't much control over school attendance. I never had problems with keeping up with the curriculum. So, opportunities to screw up life

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About… were endless.

There are many more stories I could have shared from those years, but I think you get the picture.

That fight against everything and everyone lasted for a couple of years, and who knows where it would have taken me if not for a couple of great turns my life took (or choices my parents and I made, if you wish.)

First, was a school switch. While both old and new schools were public and to a point special (the old one was art and language-oriented, and the new one was really language-focused with many other benefits), the new school was for stronger students, had a loaded program and also offered some cool extracurriculars. And even with all that, we found ways and time to maintain old habits and break rules.

The second life-changing moment was the youth centre I joined. In my case, it started with a summer camp, which granted me many great friendships and my first love. That first experience then led to the youth centre becoming my second home for several years. It gave me opportunities for community engagement, leadership skills development, travels, adventures and even first gigs. It was a safe and fun place, where I was surrounded by many interesting people, and together we had so much to explore that we almost forgot about our rebellions.

Even when organized activities were over we stuck together. Sometimes together with our

leaders, other times on our own, we'd gather in the nearest park. (I'll be honest, some still would get a beer or a smoke, but that wasn't the focus anymore.) The conversations we had there, the plans we came up with and then brought to fruition leading camps for younger kids or doing other projects, and the philosophic topics we uncovered were all really fulfilling.

So, when local community members got together and announced the establishment of the Estevan Public Youth Centre a few years ago, the story of my teen ages flashed before my eyes. I know things are different here, but no matter where in the world, teens are not easy. It's not an easy time for the parents, and it's not an easy time for the teens themselves.

It's the time when, in my opinion, any family can use any support they can get. Sports help a lot, but first, not all kids do sports, and second, the temptation to break rules and prove something may overcome any good intentions.

The first steps for the EPYC were successful, and they've achieved a lot. But to make a real difference a youth centre needs to feel indeed like a second home and have the capacity to welcome youths on a regular basis. Sustainability for a full-time schedule is a difficult-to-achieve goal for a non-profit. But they're working in that direction, and, hopefully, with backing from the community, we soon will see it coming true.

For some, youth centres may seem like another entertainment option for teens. But to this day when I get to go home and happen to be around my youth centre's old building, I can't resist the smile and some reflections.

I really don't know where I'd be without that support.

BUSINESS A5

Melanie Tribiger Hearing Aid Practitioner Clinic Owner

3

1320 3rd Street, Estevan, SK

| Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

(306) 636- 3277

SCH@SunCountryHearing.com

Town of Redvers earns provincial award The Town of Redvers will receive a Corporate Vision Canadian Business Award for Rural Community Excellence for Saskatchewan for the town's ability to pivot during a challenging time.

Jena Cowan, the assistant chief administration officer for the town, said they received a call for nominations and filled out an application for the award.

In the application, Cowan said she discussed the many steps the town has taken since its administration shifted two years ago.

"It was a big change for both our office and maintenance departments, as we had two employees retire that had been with us for decades," she wrote in an email to the Mercury and SaskToday.

"We were lucky to have two highly qualified staff members,Tricia Pickard and Dwight Jorgensen, who had been with the Town of Redvers for 10 years, to fill the chief administrative officer and maintenance foreman roles.They did so without hesitation and with their usual hard-working attitudes."

Within the first two months of the new positions,

the town was tasked with several large and unexpected projects, she said, the biggest of which was working with the Water Security Agency to begin a complete overhaul of the town's water supply and treatment process for the community.

The town's well, which supplies water to the town, was past its projected life span.

It was still functional, but the town needed to be proactive and plan for the future before a major breakdown.

"Digging a new well was our first step. Our new well would become our primary water source, and our older well will still function, but as our backup," Cowan said.

The Water Security Agency advised the town that a community of its size should have two or three wells for its water supply.

"We are happy to say that our new well is complete and functioning."

The town is looking forward to the next phase of its project, which involves the water treatment plant.

"We are piloting a new water treatment system this

spring to determine the filtration type we require, and have started developing plans for an expansion of our facility," Cowan said.

Once this phase is completed, she said the Town of Redvers will have reverse osmosis water right from its taps.

While this was the biggest project the town faced, administration and maintenance were also tasked to create and implement an occupational health and safety policy, procedures, forms and committee for the municipality, as one was not yet in place.

"We were given a threemonth deadline to complete this, and we succeeded," she said.

While dealing with these large projects, the team kept on top of its daily tasks, and Cowan said they "even went above and beyond" with some grant applications.

"We were lucky to have been awarded several grants, one for our senior residents, and another for the installation of a push-button crosswalk on Highway 13, near our school," she said.

Financial goals to promote long-term security The importance of saving for retirement is emphasized from the moment young adults enter the professional arena.

Whether it's parents urging their grown children to save, financial firms advertising their retirement planning services or employers sponsoring retirement investment vehicles, professionals need not look far to be reminded of the significance of saving for the day when they call it a career.

Despite the ubiquity of the message emphasizing the importance of saving for retirement, millions of people are behind in their retirement savings.

Forty-four per cent of 2,000 Canadian employees surveyed have not set aside any money for retirement recently, while 32 per cent acknowledged they had not set aside any money for retirement at all.

Such figures can serve as a lesson for all professionals, but especially young adults who recently entered or are about

to enter the professional arena.

Each individual is different, and those who aspire to retire early will need to save more at a younger age than those who plan to retire at age 70 or later.

In an effort to help individuals ensure they save enough to enjoy their golden years, there is an age-based system that can serve as a guideline for professionals who want to stay on track as they save for retirement.

These figures are based on retiring at age 67 and are intended to ensure such individuals can maintain their preretirement lifestyles.

Individuals who want to retire before or after that age are urged to work with a financial advisor to meet their goals.

Age 30: Individuals have at least one year of their salary saved by age 30.

Age 35: This approach calls for individuals to have double their salary saved by age 35.

Age 40: If retiring at 67

is the goal, having triple your salary saved by age 40 can help make that a reality.

Age 45: Four time your salary should be saved by age 45 to retire comfortably at age 67.

Age 50: Individuals should have six times their salary saved by age 50.

Age 55: Seven times your salary is the suggested savings benchmark to reach by age 55.

Age 60: Individuals who aspire to retire at 67 are urged to save eight times their salary by the time they reach age 60.

Age 67: When the day comes to retire at 67, individuals should have 10 times their salary saved.

These figures are just a benchmark and are not intended to take the place of professional financial advice. Though these goals can serve as motivation to save, individuals should know that savings goals can exceed these recommendations as well.

"As if that wasn't enough, remember that all of our staff were in brand-new roles, with training to complete, and navigating new tasks that they had never seen before," she wrote.

"We are so proud of our team here at the Town of Redvers, and we are so thankful that our council is so supportive, progressive, and open-minded," Cowan wrote.

"Council has been a key part to the success of our municipality. With their input, ideas, and knowledge, we have and will continue striving to provide our residents with high-quality services."

Employees for the Town of Redvers include, back row, from left, Dayna Germain, Dwight Jorgensen and Zach Lees. Front row, Jade Kovach, Tricia Pickard, Sandy Russell, Raylene Gordon and Jena Cowan. Photo courtesy of Jena Cowan

The Mercury has a new Facebook group The Estevan Mercury is encouraging people to join its new Facebook group.

The group, simply named The Mercury, was launched in mid-January, and as of Monday morning, had 1,060 members. It’s a place where people can stay up to date on what is happening in the southeast region of the province, as it is updated several times per day with articles from our provincial news hub, SaskToday.ca.

People will also be able to find details on the Mercury’s upcoming promotions, contests and giveaways.

“Since Facebook blacked out our content to users in Canada last August, we have

been looking for ways to regain that line of communication with our readers on a daily basis,” said Mercury editor David Willberg. “We believe we have found the solution.”

Just like the Mercury’s old page, the new Facebook group will feature a variety of local content that can also be found in the Mercury each week. There will also be breaking news from different sources in the community, web-only exclusives, and extra photos from many of the different events happening in Estevan. It is a one-stop shop for what’s happening in Estevan.

Willberg noted the Mer-

cury was able to still engage readers through different avenues since August 2023. The Mercury has often generated the most traffic to SaskToday. ca of any market, including Saskatoon and Regina. The Mercury also directed more traffic to the website in October and November 2023 than it did for the same months the previous year.

“People were still reading our articles, both print and online. But now we have that link again.”

Readers can also go to estevanmercury.ca to see the Mercury’s page on SaskToday and learn more about what is happening in Estevan.

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What is the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift?

A heart with chocolate in it.

What is the best first date?

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When the girl winks at you

- Imogen

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A6 February 14, 2024

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Nominations open for Women of Distinction Awards The tradition of honouring outstanding women in the southeast region will continue in 2024 with the announcement of the return for the Southeast Women of Distinction Awards, presented by Support You Life Coaching & Consulting.

The awards ceremony is set to take place at a luncheon on May 2 at the Wylie-Mitchell Hall.

This year marks the second edition of the Women of Distinction Awards, established by a dedicated organizing committee known as Women 4 Women. The local group is committed to upholding the legacy of recognizing and celebrating the exceptional women who contribute to southeast Saskatchewan communities.

Following the success of last year's event, it has been

moved to a larger venue at the Wylie Mitchell Hall. The awards luncheon will feature inspiring stories, a celebration of all nominees, lunch and more as the community honours the local women.

Becky Cassidy, chair of the event, emphasizes the importance of continuing the tradition.

"Taking the time to celebrate the contributions of the outstanding women from southeast Saskatchewan is not something that should be left in the past. This event was an important pillar in the community, and there is a need to keep the tradition going," she said.

The Southeast Saskatchewan Women of Distinction Awards are open for nominations to all women residing in the southeast corner of the

province. Details on the nomination process are available on the event's official website.

A "Woman of Distinction" is recognized for her impact on the community, demonstrating vision, creativity and initiative.These exceptional women serve as role models, inspiring others through their leadership.The awards span five categories: •Innovator Award (Entrepreneur/Leadership); •Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace Award; •Outstanding Young Visionary Award (Youth Award); •Equity and Inclusion Award (Non-traditional, Overcoming Barriers); •Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award.

The Southeast Women of Distinction Awards will also

Former Estevan resident found dead after missing person report Former Estevan resident Kolby Fleury is being remembered for his energy and his personality, after he died last week at the age of 28.

The Calgary Police Service issued a missing person alert in the evening of Feb. 7 for Fleury. He was reported missing to police the day before, and hadn’t been seen since Feb. 5.

An update posted early on Feb. 10 reported Fleury had been located deceased.

“As his death is deemed to be non-criminal in nature, no further information will be released,” Calgary police said in the post.

“We would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.”

After the Calgary police confirmed Fleury’s passing, family members and friends took to social media to pay tribute to him on Facebook, X and elsewhere. They shared fond memories of him from

when he was younger.

Fleury was an accomplished athlete in multiple sports. He was selected as Estevan’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2012, based on his achievements on the football field and elsewhere.

The Estevan Tap House Wolves senior baseball team, for whom Fleury played a few years ago, described him as a “one-of-a-kind human” in a post on X. “We’ve never met someone with his mix of personality, energy, spunk and fire.

He gave us all so many great memories together. We will miss ya dearly brotha,” the Wolves wrote.

F leur y played senior Hockey for the Oxbow Huskies and the Midale Mustangs of the Big Six Hockey League.

The Mustangs announced that 100 per cent of 50/50 proceeds from their final home game of the regular season on Feb. 11 against the Moosomin Rang-

What makes you feel loved?

When I get greeted in the school yard.

Kolby Fleury. Photo courtesy of the CPS ers would go to Fleury’s two young children.

“Mustangs will remember Kolby as the life of the room. They mourn his loss and send condolences to all his family and friends,” the Mustangs wrote on their Facebook page.

Tickets were sold online as well to help raise funds for Fleury’s children.

The winners of the awards will be announced at the awards luncheon taking place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on May 2.

Tickets for the luncheon are $40 each or $300 for a table of eight and can be purchased

at Henders Drugs or from any committee member starting on March 1.

For more information and to submit nominations, please visit www.sewomenofdistinction.com.

Southeast men sought in Wanted Wednesday Two of the three people featured in a recent Wanted Wednesday post, issued by Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers on Feb. 7, are sought by law enforcement in southeast Saskatchewan.

Dusty Bonner is wanted by the Carnduff RCMP. He is in non-compliance of multiple conditions of a court release order. Bonner is 21 years old, stands six feet tall and weighs 200 pounds.

Tristen Bonner is wanted by the Estevan Police Service and Carnduff RCMP. He is in non-compliance of multiple conditions of a court release order. He is 26 years old, stands six foot six and weighs 240 pounds.

The other person is Jesse Edward Phillip McKenzie wanted for being unlawfully at large. McKenzie is 26 years old, stands five foot nine, and weighs 189 pounds. His last

Dusty Bonner, left, and Tristen Bonner were included in Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers' latest Wanted Wednesday. known location was in Saskatoon.

If you know the current location of these wanted individuals, click the 'Contact Us' button on the Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers Facebook page or call 1-800-222-8477 to leave an anonymous tip.

If your tip leads to an arrest or charge, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

For more unsolved crimes, wanted or missing persons, or to donate, please visit ww.saskcrimestoppers. com.

What would be the best first date?

When I get a hug.

Beatz Eatz

- Ava

Age: 8

Age: 9

Lori Carr, MLA

79 Perkins Street Estevan

Estevan • Constituency Office

admin@regensmetals.com

The 2023 Southeast Women of Distinction Awards recipients. File photo

What makes you feel loved?

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306-637-2727

introduce a $2,000 scholarship to the Young Visionary Award winner, plus additional scholarships given to the other nominees in the category. These no-string-attached bursaries represent funds raised at last year's event. The intent is to create an annual award to assist the Young Visionary achieve her future goals.

A touching tribute initiated at the Women of Distinction Awards last year is the Trailblazer Walk, recognizing historical figures in the region in order to keep them from being lost to history. One new Trailblazer will be unveiled at the awards luncheon to join the inaugural group of four Trailblazers.

Nominations close on April 2 and previous nominations are welcome.

306-634-7311 • lcarrmla@sasktel.net

Farm Photos Wanted!!

- Anna Age: 9

306-634-0111

204 Souris Ave Estevan beatzeatz.com

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The Estevan Mercury is in search of farm photos for the annual ON THE FARM edition coming out in March! Receive the credit you deserve for the beautiful photos you have taken around your farm.

Email your pictures to production@estevanmercury.ca

by February 23rd, along with a description of the photo and your name.

Your pictures could very well be chosen for our next edition of ON THE FARM! Please send photos as a high resolution jpg or pdf.

24021MM3

ENERGY | Wednesday, February 14, 2023 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

A7

114 Perkins St, Estevan, SK Phone: (306) 634-3641

Estevan hosts SMR supply chain web conference The Southeast Techhub, alongside the Southeast College, hosted a day of education and discussion with SMR Supply Chain and Mining Innovation on Feb. 8. The event, which was to take place at the college's Estevan campus, shifted to an online format due to the weather.

Fortunately, most participants were able to join the educational gathering, said Techub executive director Gordon More. Around 40 people had a chance to learn from speakers – specialists of different profiles in small modular reactors [SMRs] and mining.

Opening the day was Eric Anderson of the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA), who talked about the current situation in energy generation, both in Saskatchewan and in the world, and nuclear as the opportunity for energy baseload generation in Saskatchewan.

The next presenter was Al Shype from the International Minerals Innovation Institute,

who touched on mining innovation and potential future job growth.

"The draw for this conference/webinar was the SMR. But there is a real need for supply chain innovation when it comes to mining. Don't forget that the nuclear reactors' fuel is mining – uranium.

So, there's a lot of opportunity here. And a number of the mining companies have been making overtures saying that we need more innovation in mining in Saskatchewan," More noted.

"So Al talked about that … And he asked the group, what solutions do you have in oil and gas that can be brought over to mining, and we had some interesting discussions."

Next up was Tom Kishchuk of SIMSA, who worked for Hitachi for years.

"The boilers that are at our power plants now are Hitachi boilers, so a nuclear reactor is just another way to boil water. Coal boils water, and nuclear reactors boil water.

After the core part of a nuclear reactor, it's pretty much the

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same as what we already have here," More said.

"So, with [Kishchuk's] understanding and knowledge working for Hitachi, knowing the nuclear reactors or GE Hitachi, he was really breaking down, what kind of certification and documentation you, your employees and your company would need to have to be able to be making parts for the supply chain.

"He then broke down the different parts of the supply chain and talked about what parts would be made right

by GE Hitachi, like the core parts; what parts would be part of the global supply chain; and what parts would be part of the local supply chain. So it was really technical, and it was really good."

Kishchuk also touched on international SMR projects currently in the works in Europe and elsewhere, which can be of interest to local businesses as well moving forward.

The next presenters were Anne T. Ballantyne, the manager of program development & co-ordination, strategic initiatives and ecosystems with Prairies Economic Development Canada, and then Tammy Francis, client engagement advisor, industrial research assistance program with the National Research Council (NRC). Both touched on funding for businesses to retool and retrain to become a part of the SMR supply chain.

"Both Prairies Canada and NRC have pathfinding to different government funding as well as government funding for that," More noted.

SaskPower project manager Darcy Holderness did an overall review of the Saskatchewan SMR project and touched on SaskPower's role as an auditor of CSA certification.

"He did a backwards timeline saying that, if you're

The SMR Supply Chain and Mining Innovation conference, hosted by the Southeast Techhub and Southeast College on Feb. 8, was switched to an online format due to weather. Photo courtesy of Southeast Techhub going to supply parts for the two SMRs here, they start building it around 2031, you actually need to start the process now, because if you wait to 2030, all these other people that have already started the process will be way ahead of you," More recollected.

More also addressed participants, noting that as the executive director of the SE Techhub, his responsibilities include helping companies reach out and get private or venture capital or angel investments.

More said their marketing efforts attracted southeast Saskatchewan business owners who are looking to diversify their manufacturing and customer base through the SMR and mining supply chain.

"I saw people who deal with the electric side of the oil and gas industry there, as well as pressure vessels manufacturing, pipeline manufacturing and control valve companies there … It was the right

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group of people," More said.

"This conference was to help build up the supply chain because the first GE Hitachi BWRx-300 [SMR] is being built in Pickering, Ontario, and they are discovering that the Ontario supply chain is lacking. So GE Hitachi really is reaching out to Saskatchewan, in particular, because there's such a good push from our provincial government and from SaskPower to help build up the supply chain because Ontario has fallen behind," More said.

"And that is the right thing to do because if we get these two SMRs, that's great, we get 3,000 construction jobs, something like that, for a decade. Most, if not all the workers that are working at the coal-powered power plants here, their jobs will translate over there. Fantastic.

But then what happens? Do we then return back to what Estevan is right now? I say no.

"When you have the

largest construction project in the history of Saskatchewan in the backyard, it's about building the spin-off so that when you come back out the other side, you have more jobs, more industry, more people working and a larger population here because of that," More said, sharing his vision.

"So one way to do that is to say look, they're building the second and the third SMRs in the world in our backyard, and the skill set needed to build the supply chain parts is 80 per cent the same as oil and gas manufacturing or mining. To me, it's a no-brainer.

"The challenge is an opportunity," More summarized.

He is looking into organizing another similar event in the late fall or early winter.

The presentations from the event can be found at the Southeast TechHub's website under past events.

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Hillcrest School’s club helps spread kindness in Estevan

By Ana Bykhovskaia Hillcrest School's kind heart is beating more intensely as their Kindness Club is back in action after a long break.

The project, created and spearheaded by learning support teacher Shannon Brown, was first started before the pandemic, and soon was put on pause. But students' willingness to get back into spreading kindness motivated Brown to get it off the ground again.

"Looking around our kiddos, there are a lot of extracurriculars that are sports-minded.

But for our students that aren't sports-orientated, they have the potential to have leadership skills and to do stuff, but sports was not in their interest range.

So, the reason I made the club is so that other kids could be involved and do stuff and feel important and have a place," Brown shared.

With a push from the students, the club activities returned at the beginning of 2024, and Brown says she sees more kids joining all the time.

"The purpose of the club is just to do random acts of

About 50 children in Grades 1-8 are working on multiple projects to spread kindness within Hillcrest School and in the community. Photo courtesy of Shannon Brown kindness," Brown explained.

"We have approximately 50 members from Grades 1-8, but it's hard to keep track because every day they seem to get another kiddo.

"Kids were super excited to get this going … And it's really easy to do stuff when the students are really passionate about making a difference."

Officially, the club meets weekly, but with so many students and numerous projects underway, Brown said it seems that they get together more often.

Club members will be delivering flowers to longterm care residents at St. Joseph's Hospital on or around St. Valentine's Day. Earlier,

they hosted a float fundraiser and were able to attract $485 to purchase the flowers.

"There's been a huge support from the families and the kiddos themselves. We received a lot of donations from families because they like what we're doing and they want us to do more of it," Brown noted.

In the past, they went

around the community and collected rubbish to protect the environment, planted pots of flowers and left them at people's doorsteps, went to the mall and handed out $5 Tim Hortons gift cards to anyone there, filled vending machines at the leisure centre with coins and raised money for animals.

The Hillcrest Kindness Club plans on having random kind projects throughout June.

They want to repeat their coin project and also hope to fill shopping carts at Clifton's No Frills with loonies. They are also going to hold a friendship bracelet trade show towards the end of February.

"We're going to invite a few other schools into our gym after school and with a food donation for the Warm Welcome Kitchen, they get to come in and the kids are going to make them a bracelet. And they can bring their own in and trade bracelets and make bracelets and make friends," Brown explained.

February is also their challenge month, when every day they have random acts of kindness challenges announced by the club ambassador. Feb. 12 is

International Epilepsy Day, and club members are motivating their pals to wear purple shirts in support of those students living with the condition. They also plan to have an event for Pink Shirt Day, and they are working on a surprise for the school for Feb. 17, which is the National Random Acts of Kindness Day. "We do just random, weird acts of kindness to brighten people's days," Brown said.

"The kids have really huge plans, so we'll see what we can accomplish.

"We start talking about kindness ripple effects, so if you're kind to one person, they might be kind to another person, which creates a lot more people being kind and doing random acts of kindness."

Older students lead the group, and Brown says she notices how kids of all ages start spreading kindness of different types, not only through their joint projects but also in their daily lives outside school.

Students are eager to do projects, and the club is open to partnerships and support from local businesses and individuals.

Envision launches new Connected Families parenting program Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. will be launching a new parenting program geared towards parents and caregivers who might be struggling with some dynamics within their homes. Connected Families will run every Monday in Estevan and every Tuesday in Weyburn from Feb. 26 through the end of 2024.

Both will start at 6 p.m.

"Have you ever wished you could help your child willingly co-operate without the use of bribes, threats, punishment or even perhaps yelling?" said Raven Daer, communications specialist with Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. "Do you want to feel more connected and confident as a parent? Then this new parenting program

What is the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift?

A Card

might be the right fit for you."

Pre-registration is required for these upcoming parenting programs and will open Feb. 1. Space is limited, so those interested are asked to register.

The focus of this group is confidence and connection.

It's geared towards individuals who feel they might require some additional support in the

areas of connecting and communicating with their children.

"Parenting is no easy job, so this program will allow folks to share stories and learn strategies that may ease some stress within the home as children grow and evolve through the different stages," Envision said in a press release.

"We have found that there are limited opportunities for

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Notice to Creditors

In the estate of Alvin Howard Griffin, late of Estevan, in the Province of Saskatchewan, Deceased.

In the estate of

McGeough Zepick Law Office 1222-5th Street Estevan, Saskatchewan S4A 0Z6 Solicitors for the Executors

program, please call the office nearest you (Estevan 306637-4004, Weyburn 306-8428821), or email info@envisioncounsellingcentre.com.

Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. continues to provide innovative programming and diverse counselling and support services to individuals, couples and families. Learn more on Envision Counselling's website at www. envisioncounsellingcentre.com.

Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Age: 9

Notice to Creditors

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 8th day of March, 2024.

free educational programming, within the community, that is outside of typical business hours," Daer said. "We are hopeful that by offering this parenting program in the evenings, it will support those who may otherwise be unable to access our services. We are also hopeful that by having these conversations, we can normalize the reality that parenting isn't easy, but folks shouldn't feel the need to struggle on their own."

For more information or to pre-register for the Connected Families parenting

- Jackson Age: 9

Dane William Ernst, Late of Estevan, Saskatchewan, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 21st day of March, 2024.

At what age should you get married?

27

Moffat & Company Barristers & Solicitors 5 First Avenue NE Weyburn, SK S4H 0M6

Public Notice Rural Municipality of Estevan No. 5 Notice of Intent to Amend Zoning Bylaw Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Estevan No.5, intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw 5-2014 known as the Zoning Bylaw.

Intent: The proposed bylaw will increase the size of free standing signs in the Agricultural Resource District, increase the size of free standing signs for Institutional/Recreational Uses and make signage attached to buildings less restrictive in the Commercial and Industrial Districts.

Reason: The reason for the bylaw amendment is to allow for increased size of free standing signs and signage attached to buildings in the Commercial and Industrial Districts to improve visibility and make the standards for signage more consistent within the districts and uses.

- Ella

Age: 9

306-634-3666

1220 4th Street, Estevan

Public Notice Rural Municipality of Estevan No. 5 Notice of Intent to Amend Zoning Bylaw Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Estevan No.5, intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw 5-2014 known as the Zoning Bylaw.

Intent: The proposed bylaw will add definitions, regulations and development standards to the zoning bylaw to address the development of both small and commercial-scale wind and solar renewable energy projects.

Reason: The reason for the bylaw amendment is to ensure wind and solar energy projects are developed, maintained, and decommissioned in a manner that protects the interest of the municipality.

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

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

Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing at 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 in the Council Chambers of the R.M. of Estevan No. 5, #1, 322 4th Street Estevan, Saskatchewan to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw.

Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing.

Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing at 11:30 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 in the Council Chambers of the R.M. of Estevan No. 5, #1, 322 4th Street Estevan, Saskatchewan to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw.

Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing.

Dated at Estevan, Saskatchewan this 7th day of February, 2024.

Michelle Dickie, Administrator

Dated at Estevan, Saskatchewan this 7th day of February, 2024.

Michelle Dickie, Administrator

CLASSIFIEDS A9

| Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Flashback – Feb. 7, 2001

Obituaries Vernon A. Perkins 1926 - 2024 Vernon Allan Perkins passed peacefully on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at the Estevan Regional Nursing Home. Bernice, his loving wife of 60 years was at his side, where she had spent every day for many months. Vernon lived a long and happy life and will be joining his parents, Norman and Louise (Conrad) in Heaven.

His oldest daughter Margaret Banuilis waited for him with open arms. His granddaughter April Glab and great grandchildren Hunter and Amery also predeceased their Grandpa Vern. He will be reunited with his brothers Wes and Bruce and his sisters Lucille, Irene Carver, Marian Sneider, Jean Slotsve and so many other family and friends.

Vernon was born in Lampman, Sask and lived on a farm with his eight siblings. He married Margaret Storey in 1950 and moved to Taylorton to work as a coal miner. They had three young children, Don, Duane and Margaret, when Vernon was widowed in 1958. He was devastated and his family helped him carry on. In 1963 he found love again and married Bernice DeBruyne. This began his second chapter in life and it turned out to be a long and beautiful love story. Together they had five more children. Vernon worked at SaskPower for 27 years and was very proud of the life he and Bernice made on their little farm north of Estevan. They raised pigs and chickens and tended a huge garden. Vernon’s life and home was busy and central to his children and many of his extended family. He retired in 1991 and spent many years travelling and spending precious time with his people. There are so many wonderful times, special memories and so much laughter.

The loss of Vernon is a huge void, but his legacy is even larger. He will be forever remembered by all who knew him for his sense of humour, his friendly, kind, and giving spirit, and his fierce loyalty to the people he loved. He leaves behind his two sisters, Norma Kuntz and Florence Hall.

His seven children Don (Evelyn), Duane (Janet), Keith (Joanne) Kelly (Roxanne), Kathy (John) McKelkie , Kevin (Richelle), Kurt and his son-inlaw Gene Banuilis. He was a big part of the lives of his 19 grandchildren and their families: Terrace and Thomas Glab, Jaquie Perkins, Crystal Yunick, Curtis Perkins, Michelle Veroba and Christopher Perkins, Logan and Kyle Banuilis, Cole and Kayla Perkins, Megan Tangjerd, Brooklyn and Cassidy Willerth,Taylor and Parker McKelkie, Carson, Hunter, and Noah Perkins. His 17 great grandchildren brought him so much joy.

Vernon leaves behind so many extended family and friends whose lives he touched.

To know him was to love him. He never met a stranger.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church with Sandy Dalziel officiating. The luncheon will be held immediately following the service in the auditorium.

The private family interment will take place at a later date.

For livestream details please visit Vernon’s tribute page at www.hallfuneralservices.ca In memory of Vernon memorial donations may be made to the Estevan Regional Nursing Home Auxiliary, 1921 Wellock Rd., Estevan, SK S4A 2B5. Bernice and the family would like to thank the Estevan Regional Nursing Home staff for Vernon’s excellent care.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Vernon’s family - Yvonne Clark, Funeral Director.

HealtH ServiceS

Feed & Seed

Wanted

Young authors from Sacred Heart enjoyed a visit with their adult counterpart, Lampman area teacher/author Robin Lycette, seated, in February 2001. The visit wrapped up the school’s special Reading Month.

The young writers were, from left, Laura Olheiser, Amy Renkas, Callie Waldner, Stephanie Weisgerber, Alyssa Podhordecki, Jessica Bath and Kayla Seipp. Front, Akeela Jundt and Jessica Matte.

Card of Thanks Thank You The family of Murray Allan Ksenych, wife Patti, children Clayton, Stephani, Jackie, their spouses and Murray and Patti’s grandchildren wish to say our heartfelt Thank You for the enormous outpouring of love, shown to us by our beautiful community, family, and friends on the passing of Murray on July 30, 2023 We want to give special thanks for the cards, flowers, food, visits, and all prayers. The prayers that have held us up during this difficult time.

Thank you to St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic church Estevan and Father Thuy Nguyen, for the wonderful service. Thank you to Dustin Hall and his staff for taking such exceptional care of our family and to Dustin and daughter Grace for the beautiful singing during Murray’s service. Thank you to Connie Wheeler for her support and organization.

Thank you to the CWL parish ladies for the lunch following the service as well. A special thank you to Pastor Sandy Dalziel for her love and support during prayer night.

Thank you to all our family and friends who travelled for miles to attend and support us. It was clear Murray was loved by all.

Murray was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother, friend, coworker, and neighbor. Murray will be most remembered for his big smile, quick sense of humor and his huge heart. Some will remember Murray as “Smiley,” and to many old friends he will be remembered as “Mert.”

Murray was born in Lampman, Sask. Nov. 18, 1955. As a young boy, growing up on a farm twelve miles north of Alameda, Sask., Murray enjoyed playing hockey, riding horses, skidooing, and curling in bonspiels. Murray especially enjoyed the huge family gatherings at his Grandparents farm. Murray began working in the oilfields as a young man in the early 70’s. He also worked with his dad on the farm, eventually purchasing land and machinery. Murray moved with his parents and sisters to Estevan in 1976. He continued to work in the oilfield during the winter months in Alberta while continuing to farm in the summer. Growing up Murray and Patti were neighbors, in the Alameda district, riding the same school bus to Alameda School. They began dating in 1976 and Murray’s family would often tease him, saying he was going “East” to see Patti East. Murray and Patti were married in Oxbow, Sask., on July 14,1979. They began setting up their own home and yard ten miles north of Estevan. They had three children and in 1990 they moved one mile north when they purchased Murray’s parents farm and yard when his parents Leo and Margaret Ksenych retired to Medicine Hat. Murray continued farming as well as working at SRI Homes until 2008 when he began working for the RM of Benson. Murray retired from his foreman position with the RM in 2020 and he began working for LA Borde Enterprises Ltd. at Benson, Sask. Murray especially enjoyed every spring and fall with LA Borde’s farming crew helping during seeding and harvesting.

Murray’s love was his family and farm, he enjoyed the quiet life of the farm and family gatherings. Spending time with his grandchildren, quadding, bonfires, hosting BBQs, and playing cards and board games were Murray’s joy. Murray and Patti enjoyed camping with their kids, visiting relatives, trips, hockey games, baseball games, music, dancing, concerts, and many fun games with the grandchildren. Murray enjoyed learning to play the drums, and he especially had fun playing with our little family band in our basement, playing his favorite oldies.

Murray’s legacy will continue to live always in the hearts of his family, friends and loved ones. As a husband, dad and grandpa Murray was a perfect example of strong faith, loyalty, and dedication. He was a humble man, a man of integrity and perseverance. Murray would help anyone in need, and he portrayed all these traits in his daily life.

Murray will remain in our hearts and in our memories forever…and we take comfort knowing we will someday be able to hug him again.

Thank you again.

Sincerely Patti & Family

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

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Business services

Barristers & Solicitors

Paul Elash K.C. Aaron Ludwig, B.Sc., LL.B. Genevieve Schrader, B. Mgt., J.D. Gainsborough: Thursday a.m.

Carnduff: Thursday p.m.

1312 - 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0X2

P. (306) 634-3631 • F. (306) 634-6901 • www.kohalyelash.com

Two Estevan men face drug charges Two Estevan men are facing drug-related charges after they were arrested on Feb. 9.

As a result of a traffic stop in the 500-block of First Street A, in which police service dog Max was utilized to search a motor vehicle, Cody Klyne, age 38, and Roderick Thomas, 46, were arrested.

They been charged with possession of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking in a controlled substance (cocaine) and trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), all under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking under the Criminal Code.

Thomas was also arrested and charged with refusing or failing to comply with a breath sample demand.

Klyne was held in custody and was remanded for court on Monday, while Thomas was lodged in cells for the evening of Feb. 9.

The CDSA charges against Thomas were added after those for Klyne.

The same day, police received a report of a theft from a local service station.

A male was obser ved on security video shoplifting an object and was identified. He was later arrested and c harged with thef t under $5,000 and breach of release conditions. He has since been released.

Police received a report of mischief at an apartment complex in the downtown core on Feb. 6.

The matter remains under investigation.

Police received a report of a break and enter in progress at a residence in the city on Feb. 8. Upon arrival, members arrested two males in relation to the break-in as well as uttering threats.

One male was released

without charges, and the other was charged with uttering threats and given a future court date.

In relation to the above occurrence, a third male was issued a 72-hour dr iver ’s licence suspension and his vehicle was impounded for three days.

O n Fe b. 1 0 , p o l i c e tended to a three-vehicle collision at King S treet and Bannat y ne Avenue.

Al l three vehic les were drivable. EMS and Estevan Fire Rescue Service were dispatched as a precaution.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the collision remains under investigation.

A report of tires and rims being taken from the driveway of a residence was received the same day. The matter is under investigation.

A scam was reported in which the victim was offered an investment opportunity.

The victim provided financial information but cancelled the account prior to any financial loss. The victim is now receiving unwanted phone calls from the scammers and has been advised to block the calls.

This matter is being looked into.

• • • The Estevan RCMP responded to a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 39 north of Hitchcock on Feb. 9 at approximately 10:45 a.m.

Investigation determined an SUV collided with a pick-up truck towing a trailer. A car attempted to avoid the collision and went into the ditch.

No injuries were reported to police, said RCMP. The driver of the SUV was ticketed for driving at a speed greater than is reasonable and safe.

The Highway Hotline reported that winter conditions existed on Highway 39 from Estevan to Midale that morning. There were icy or slipper y sections, packed snow and an ice cover.

A10 February 14, 2024

www.SASKTODAY.ca

Southeast sets the pace for $10 million land sale The southeast region once again led the way in the Government of Saskatchewan’s latest Crown petroleum and natural gas public offering.

The sale, held on Feb. 6, brought in a little more than $10 million for the province.

Of the 46 lease parcels posted for this offering, 42 received acceptable bids, bringing in $3,921,093.

These covered 14,651.566 hectares, which worked out to $453.93 per hectare.

Two licences, covering 6,013.485 hectares, were sold. They generated $6,121,019, or $1,017.88

per hectare.

In the southeast, the total revenues generated were $7,223,245, an average of $824.90/hectare for the 8,756.552 hectares available. This compares to $11,277,440.47 in the last offering.

Twenty-three of the 26 leases available in the southeast, encompassing 4,557.210 hectares, were sold, bringing in $2,167,363, or $475.59 per hectare. The one licence available was also sold, bringing in $5,055,881, covering 4,199.342 hectares, or $1,203.97 per hectare.

The exploration licence

was awarded to Millenium Land (222) Ltd. and is located 26 kilometres southeast of Radville, adjacent to the Neptune Ratcliffe Beds Oil Pool.

The highest bonus bid received on a lease in this area was $1,022,921, an average of $1,121.69 per hectare, for a 911.947-hectare lease located nine kilometres southwest of Kipling, near the northern boundary of the Viewfield Bakken Oil Pool.

The successful bidder was Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. The highest dollars per hectare received on a parcel in this area was

$2,710.36 per hectare, or a total of $175,213.74. This 64.646-hectare lease was awarded to Millennium Land (444) Ltd. and is located eight kilometres northeast of Alameda, adjacent to the Alameda East Frobisher Beds Oil Pool.

The total bonus received in the Lloydminster area was $1,916,571.78, an average of $356.54/hectare for the 3,561.271 hectares sold.

Seventeen of 18 leases available were gobbled up, generating $851,434. The one available licence cov-

How do you know you are in love?

Public Notice Rural Municipality of Estevan No. 5 Notice of Intent to Amend Official Community Plan

You feel happy and warm

- Kayden Age: 9

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Estevan No.5, intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw 4-2014 known as the Official Community Plan.

Intent: The proposed bylaw will update the policies respecting renewable energy projects.

88 Devonian Street Estevan, SK Ph: 634-4041 (24hr) Fax: 634-4040 www.samstrucking.ca

Public Hearing: Council will hold a public hearing at 11:15 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 in the Council Chambers of the R.M. of Estevan No. 5, #1, 322 4th Street Estevan, Saskatchewan to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw.

Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing.

located in the Lloydminster area, near the Tangleflags North Oil Pool.

The total bonus received in the Kindersley-Kerrobert area was $902,295, an average of $1,736.52 per hectare for 519.6 hectares.

Elk Run Resources Ltd. was awarded both leases posted in this area. One lease received a bid of $770,510.55, or $2,365.67 per hectare, and the other lease generated $131,784.61, or $679.67 per hectare. These leases are located 16 kilometres northeast of Dodsland, adjacent to the Kelfield Mannville Sands Oil Pool.

This was the final public offering of six for the 202324 fiscal year. The province has received $75.5 million in revenue.

The next scheduled date for a public offering in Saskatchewan is April 2. This offering features 145 leases covering 17,676.045 hectares and two exploration licenses covering 2,092.343 hectares.

What is the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift?

Reason: The reason for the bylaw amendment is to ensure consistency between the policies respecting renewable energy projects and the regulations for wind and solar energy development established in the zoning bylaw.

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

ered 1,814.143 hectares and generated $1,065,137, or $587.13 per hectare. This exploration licence is located 13 kilometres northeast of Macklin and is near the Eyehill Sparky Sand Oil Pool and Evesham North Sparky Sand Oil Pool. This lease was awarded to Millennium Land (111) Ltd. The highest bonus bid received on a lease in this area was $216,169.51, an average of $3,342.19 per hectare. This 64.679-hectare lease was awarded to Synergy Land Services Ltd. and is

A Card

- Isla

Age: 9

306.634.5172

1037-5th Street www.johnsonplumbing.ca

What would be the best first date?

Dated at Estevan, Saskatchewan this 7th day of February, 2024.

Michelle Dickie, Administrator

Going to a fair.

- Kohler Age: 9

306-634-1800 www.estevan.ca

City Hall: 1102 4th Street 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1800

Leisure Office: 701 Souris Avenue 8 am to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880

Mayor’s Message

Please take advantage the opportunity to spent time with your loved ones with Family Day next week.

For Public Safety Please help keep our sidewalks safe so all citizens can enjoy a safe passage while walking Traffic Bylaw 2022-2064 Depositing Substances 53. (1) No person shall deposit any natural substances on any highway, public sidewalk, boulevard or ditch within the City of Estevan, excepting: (a) On 4th Street from Souris Avenue and 14th Avenue where the building is abutting the property line; (b) On 5th Street from 13th Avenue to Souris Avenue where the building is abutting the property line; (c) On 11th Avenue from 3rd Street to 5th Street where the building is abutting the property line; (d) On 12th Avenue from 3rd Street to 6th Street where the building is abutting the property line; (e) On 13th Avenue from the north side of 4th Street North 40 meters.

(2) No person shall dump any substance on any highway, public sidewalk, boulevard or ditch within the City of Estevan.

(3) The occupier of property in the City of Estevan shall remove any snow, ice or other obstruction from the public sidewalk adjacent to such property within twenty-four (24) hours of the time such snow, ice or other obstruction appears on such public sidewalk. In the event that this subsection is not complied with, the City may remove such snow, ice or other obstructions at the expense of such occupants or owner, and in the event of the nonpayment of such expense, such expense may be charges against the property as a special assessment to be recovered in like manner as and with the taxes. * In the event that this subsection is not complied with, the City may remove such snow, ice or other obstructions at the expense of such occupants or owner, and in the event of the non-payment of such expense, such expense may be charges against the property as a special assessment to be recovered in like manner as and with the taxes.

The Estevan Police Service is seeking applications for the position of Police Constable.

The Estevan Police Service offers a competitive salary and benefits package, ongoing professional development, and a range of career opportunities.

Currently serving and trained Canadian police officers are encouraged to apply.

All candidates must possess minimum qualifications, including the following: • 18 years of age • Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent • Excellent physical condition and health with no medical conditions that would prohibit your ability to safely complete recruit training and perform all aspects of police work • Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, or have a permanent residency at the time of application • Valid driver’s license (unrestricted for a minimum of one year) and good driving record • Good moral character • Exemplary employment record • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral • Computer skills For more information on the requirements, selection process, and the application package, please visit our website, www.estevanpolice.ca (Employment Opportunities). A fully completed Personal Disclosure Form must accompany each application. Please submit completed packages, including an up-to-date resume, in a sealed envelope to: Chief of Police Estevan Police Service 301-11th Ave., Estevan, Sask., S4A 1C7 Thank you for your interest in the Estevan Police Service.

No phone calls, please. Only successful candidates will be contacted. The closing date is March 15, 2024.

SPORTS A11 | Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | www.SASKTODAY.ca

Estevan’s Carter Onrait has big games for Bears and Bruins on the same day Estevan hockey product Carter Onrait has been one of the top players in the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL) this season, and he continued his great campaign Saturday afternoon in Regina with a two-goal game.

Then on Saturday night, he helped the Estevan Bruins defeat the top-ranked team in Canadian junior A hockey.

Onrait, 18, is the captain of the Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears in his final season of minor hockey. He had both of Estevan’s goals for the Bears in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Regina Pat Canadians.

Onrait now has 23 goals this season, which is the sixth-most in the SMAAAHL. While on the Bears’ bus after the game, he received a message from Bruins’ head coach and GM Jason Tatarnic, asking Onrait if he could suit up for the Bruins against the Flin Flon Bombers on Saturday night at Affinity Place. Onrait jumped at the chance.

“It was pretty unexpected,

rolling on the bus back from Regina after we played a game there, but I wanted to suit up with the boys,” said Onrait.

He played a regular shift for the Bruins on Saturday night against the league-leading Bombers. Onrait had a glorious chance to score on a breakaway late in the second period when the game was tied at 1-1, but was stopped by Bombers’ goaltender Harmon Laser-Hume.

Estevan went on to win the game 4-2.

“He played really well. He played a regular shift … and had the breakaway, could have scored a big goal there, but he missed the pre-scout [report] on the goalie, so he didn’t know what we were looking for,” said Tatarnic with a laugh.

Onrait said his legs were pretty tired after the Flin Flon game, but he wished he could have been back on the ice for more.

He thought the Bears had a good game against the Pat Canadians, one of the top teams in Saskatchewan’s U18 AAA loop and a perennial contender

for the title.

“We stuck with them. We just need to bury some chances,” said Onrait.

The Bears will be his priority for the rest of the season, he said. The club currently sits tied for seventh in the SMAAAHL’s standings with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Each team has 39 points with five games remaining, but Moose Jaw has the tie-breaker because they have more wins. The top eight teams make the playoffs.

Estevan will visit Regina again on Feb. 14, and then host the Warriors on Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. and the following day at 1:45 p.m. Both games will be at Affinity Place.

“We’re making a playoff push right now, and hopefully we can get to the playoffs and make a run” said Onrait.

The Bears are in their third full season in the SMAAAHL, and are looking to make the playoffs for the first time.

The Bruins have already announced that Onrait has committed to play for them next season.

Carter Onrait (21) played for the Estevan Bruins Saturday night, just hours after suiting up for the Estevan U18 AAA Bears in Regina.

Bruins knock off the top-ranked team in Canada Ilya Chmelevski scored the winning goal with just over two minutes to play in the third period, and the Estevan Bruins defeated the Flin Flon Bombers 4-2 Saturday night at Affinity Place in front of more than 1,500 fans.

The win snapped the Bombers’ nine-game winning

streak. Flin Flon has been the top-ranked team in Canadian junior A hockey for most of the season, and had lost just twice in regulation, and four times overall, prior to Saturday night.

F lin F lon came out strong, too, as the Bombers appeared to take a 1-0 lead

Estevan hosts school doubles curling event

The Oxbow Prairie Horizons School entered the doubles event.

Youth doubles curling was on display at the Power Dodge Curling Centre on Friday and Saturday for the South East District Athletics Association's districts event.

Eight teams were entered in each of the junior and senior age divisions. In each age group, there was a round robin with two pools of four. All teams made the playoffs.

Gladmar Regional School won the senior age group, defeating Lampman School in the final. Oxbow Prairie Horizons School's team 1 defeated Lampman to win the junior division.

Doubles curling has tandems of two as opposed to the conventional teams of four and a variety of different rules designed to speed up the game from a traditional contest.

early in the first on a shot

by Alexi Sylvestre during a delayed Bruins’ penalty. The goal was waived off after a long conference by the officials because a Bruin player touched the puck before Sylvestre scored, but the Bruins were still short-handed.

Bombers’ captain Justin Lies scored on the ensuing power play to give Flin Flon an early 1-0 lead. The Bruins switched goalies, with Cam Hrdlicka replacing Jackson Miller.

The Bruins settled down and trailed by a goal until early in the second when Zachery Burns tied the game for Estevan on a rebound from a Chmelevski shot.

Estevan outplayed the Bombers in the second, outshooting them 14-8 and forcing Bombers’ goalie Harmon Laser-Hume to make some big saves, including one on a breakaway for Bruins’ forward Carter Onrait, an affiliated player who had played earlier in the day with the Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears.

The Bruins finally took the lead early in the third on a goal by defenceman Blake Heward, who skated in from the point and beat LaserHume with a hard shot.

Flin Flon tied the game with just over five minutes to play on a goal by Riley Niven, one of the few quality chances the Bombers had to score in the third.

“That was a broken-down play by us in the defensive zone. We made a mistake and they made us pay. But give the guys credit, they dug deep and scored the game winner,” said

Keagon Allison (12) fends off a Bombers’ defender during Saturday’s victory.

Bruins’ head coach and GM Jason Tatarnic.

With overtime looming, Chmelevski capitalized on a Bomber turnover late in the third and fired the puck past a sprawled Laser-Hume.

Alex Papaspyropoulos finished the scoring with an empty-net goal moments later.

Laser-Hume made 33 saves for Flin Flon, while Hrdlicka (27 saves) and Miller (three saves) shared the Bruins’ goaltending duties.

“I think with where we are in the standings and the whole playoff race, points are important, and our opponent was Flin Flon tonight, and we needed points,” said Tatarnic.

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“Everyone knows they’re a rival and I don’t think you need anything besides an Estevan-Flin Flon game to get up for it.”

Onrait said it felt “amazing” to beat the top-ranked team in Canada.

“Playing with the Bruins is unreal and I was so glad Tatarnic got the chance to give me the call so I could show up and be here with the boys. It feels good,” said Onrait.

The Bruins played the game without forwards Zach Burfoot, Daniel Tokariwski and Raine Hodge. The latter is expected to be back on Tuesday, while Burfoot and Tokariwski are sidelined with

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injuries. Burfoot is expected back before the end of the season.

Meanwhile, forward Ben Wright has left the club to join the Merritt Centennials of the B.C. Hockey League.

“He made the decision that it’s the better option for him, so be it. It opens the door for another guy and we’ll continue on,” said Tatarnic.

Estevan (20-20-1-2) sits tied for sixth in the standings with 43 points, one back of the fifth-place Kindersley Klippers. The Bruins will return to the ice Tuesday night when they visit the Yorkton Terriers.

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Estevan hosts U11 hockey tournament The Estevan Minor Hockey Association hosted its annual U11 tournament from Friday to Sunday. Teams from throughout the southeast and eastcentral Saskatchewan entered the competition, providing lots of action on the ice and a boost to the local economy. Results of the tournament were not available at press time. Photo

by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Young archers best Estevan police officers in showdown Members of the Estevan Police Service recently received a lesson in archery from the youth members of the Estevan Archery Club.

The two entities met at the Estevan Archery Club's indoor range on Feb. 4. Twenty-six youths, ranging in age from six to 14, represented the club, while four current EPS members and one retired officer offered competition.

The archery club tallied the scores for both sides, and the youngsters had a score of 4,403, or an average of 169.

The EPS had a score of 990, or a 198 average. Blaine Stropko with the archery club noted club's top five scorers had a 1,198 total, or an average of nearly 240.

"We were really happy," said Stropko. "The kids really enjoyed it, and the police, from what they said, they all enjoyed it all."

Stropko pointed out some older club members opted not to compete.

"They shoot from different distances, depending on

their category. We start them out at 10 metres shooting, and then they earn badges when they get certain scores. Once they do, then they can move up to a 15-metre target or an 18-metre target. Those kids were all shooting from a range of three different distances."

Det. Landon Polk with the Estevan Police Service said one of the club's members reached out to the police to see if the officers would be interested in a fun match. The EPS was represented by Polk, Sgt. Tyler McMillen, Const. Katelynn Ruthven, Spec. Const.

Brienne Malmgren, as well as retired officer Barry Schulte.

Other officers were ready to compete but were tied up with work and other commitments.

"Everyone who came out had a lot of fun. I know a lot of our members are looking forward to next year's competition, and hopefully we can pull out the win, since the kids had the victory this year," said Polk.

Schulte is a long-time archer whose children used to be part of the club. Polk has used a

Members of the Estevan Archery Club’s youth program and the Estevan Police Service met for a fun competition. Photo courtesy of Blaine Stropko bow and arrow when hunting, but is new to target shooting.

But for other members, it was the first time trying archery.

"There are some really good shooters there [at the club]," said Polk. "It's a lot harder than it looks."

It was good community engagement for the EPS, he said, as there were a lot of people in attendance and everybody had a lot of fun.

The last time this competition was held was in

2006. Both Stropko and Polk said they are looking for ward to it happening once again. Stropko suggested having all of the emergency services in the area join the EPS team.

It's been a busy porting stretch for the EPS in terms of community engagement, as officers also recently competed with junior curlers from the Estevan Curling Club in a bonspiel. The youngsters won by a point.

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