Estevan Mercury 20240313

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Project update.

New nursing home committee shares latest details.

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Big deal. Long-time teacher launches first book, recollecting years of experience.

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Political announcement.

Buffalo Party leader to run provincially in Estevan in the fall.

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Sask. premiere. Orpheum showcases independent movie with directors on hand.

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Black & Gold on the raise. Bruins claim spot in playoffs with victory over Hounds.

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Council approves downtown revitalization for Fourth Street after fed money comes through

By David Willberg

The 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street are going to look very different at the end of 2024.

The City of Estevan has received $7.75 million in federal funding for the upgrades to Fourth Street from the federal government. Estevan city council approved the funding during Monday night’s meeting and also agreed to spend $1.5 million for the underground infrastructure upgrades in the two blocks of downtown Estevan as part of the work.

City manager Jeff Ward said the project represents a full rehabilitation. It will include new mature trees with underground planters, new sidewalks and paving stones, all of the connections into the buildings, new pavement, asphalt and street lighting.

“There won’t be much left from what’s there,” said Ward.

Streetscapes will be the most expensive component, he said. There will be a significant amount of paving stones as the sidewalks will be much larger to encourage pedestrian walkways and people gathering in the downtown core.

“Everything from lighting to benches to all of those amenities is covered in the estimated engineering designs,” said Ward.

New parks and other attractions won’t be included in this phase, he said.

A request for quotes has been issued so that potential bidders can look at the design, and submit their qualifications and estimated costs.

“As we get closer to knowing who the general contractor might be, we’ll make sure that we do stakeholder engagement with all of the downtown businesses to see how they’re going to be impacted by the scope that’s being done at certain times,” Ward said.

In a report to council filed for Monday night’s meeting, Ward said the money will come from the federal government’s Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) fund, which is administered through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). The city was advised on Feb. 29 that it would receive the money.

“A requirement of the funding is that the city must also contribute funds towards the project. Through discussions, it was determined the city would allocate $1.5 million … to complete the underground utilities on the downtown revitalization project,” Ward wrote.

He noted the city has been looking at downtown revitalization dating back to the summer of 2021 through

their meetings with Doug Griffiths and his company 13 Ways, which promoted the benefits to communities that invest in the area. George Harris Collaborative was awarded the design contract later that year. The company worked with city administration and council, along with the Estevan Downtown Business Association, to begin the discussion.

Multiple open houses and surveys gave citizens and businesses the chance to provide input on the design. Ward pointed out there are eight optional phases, totalling $33 million, for council to consider, as part of the downtown project.

For council to be awarded

the funding, it would have to allocate city funds for the project, and the undergrounds were selected.

The first component of the Fourth Street project will be removing the existing trees prior to April 15. Stakeholder engagement will continue through the entirety of the project. All of the work associated with the federal funding has to be completed by March 31, 2025. Council members voiced their support for the project. Coun. Shelly Veroba said it was great news for the community. She pointed out a lot of people who called her wanted to know if this money would go to another

community if Estevan didn’t accept it.

“Yes, the federal money is taxpayer dollars. It comes from all of us. But if Estevan, Saskatchewan, didn’t do this and do the downtown revitalization project, then another city in Canada, maybe not even in Saskatchewan … was going to get these funds,” said Veroba.

Coun. Rebecca Foord added some people wanted to know why the funds couldn’t go to the new Estevan Regional Nursing Home, but the way the granting works, the city had to apply for a specific project. Other people were concerned about the timelines.

Proposal for Estevan development and growth offers hydrogen hub, solar datacentre and more

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Potential future projects that are currently in the works, and that might bring in billions of dollars in investments to Estevan, were discussed during the Our Energy, Our Future three-year development proposal presentation at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus on March 6.

A lot of community leaders and residents attended the event to learn more about what Estevan’s future might look like, listen to what’s currently being done and what makes Estevan an attractive place for innovational technologies. Southeast Techhub executive director Gordon More and Tania Andrist, the applied research lead officer with the SE College’s Centre of Sustainable Innovation (CSI), talked about how the southeast can empower a future of economic growth through innovation and technology.

A8 » IBEW

A conceptual design of what Fourth Street could look like after the work is complete.

Photo courtesy of the City of Estevan

Southeast Techhub executive director Gordon More and Tania Andrist, applied research lead officer with the Southeast College’s Centre of Sustainable Innovation, presented Our Energy, Our Future – a three-year development proposal for Estevan.

Photos by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The amusing moments from 25 years of a teacher’s career were shared Saturday afternoon at the Estevan Public Library.

Betty McGillivray launched her first book Fun is Where You Make It. Amusing Tales from a Teacher’s Life. About 50 guests filled the library to listen to McGillivray talk about her writing journey and read a few stories from her new book. Visitors also had an opportunity to purchase their copies and have them signed by the author afterward.

Lampman writer Maureen Ulrich moderated the event, asking questions and telling guests more about the author.

“I have known Betty for at least 20 years, could be close to 30, both as a colleague as we taught in the same school division, or sister school divisions … and also we’ve been in the same writers’ group for a long, long time,” said Ulrich.

McGillivray taught in several communities for close to 35 years. The first 2 1/2

decades of her career provided the basis for her book, in which McGillivray – in a “signature, effervescent, inimitable style, complete with a spontaneous giggle,” as Ulrich put it – described some of the funniest stories.

“I’ve read [McGillivray’s stories] as part of the critique process offered in a writers’ group. But I have to confess, when I read Fun Is Where You Make It, I was stupefied by the number of stories I had never heard or read before,” Ulrich said.

McGillivray said she’s always wanted to be an author, and her dream finally came to fruition with the first book’s publication.

“When I was in Grade 3, my teacher praised my writing, and that planted this little seed. And I’m an avid reader,” McGillivray shared. “One time I was at a teachers’ early childhood convention, and a children’s author was speaking, and I looked at her and I thought, ‘She’s a person just like me, if she can do it, maybe I can, too.’

“That was over 20 years ago. My good friend was at the same conference, and she encouraged me to join this

Local author presents her first book to crowd’s delight

[writers’] group, and I started writing children’s stories.” McGillivray said she’s also been a storyteller her whole life.

“I love to tell stories about the silliest things that happen to me. … We were out for lunch with the writers’ group, and I was telling one of my silly stories, and one of the writers looked at me and said, ‘You should write these stories down. This could be

a book.’ And I said, ‘Oh, no, these are just crazy things that happened to me. I’m writing children’s books.’ But I got thinking and the other people agreed. … So over 20 years ago, I started saving these stories and I tried to remember the old ones, and I ended up with this,” McGillivray said, showing her newly published book. “And I’m thrilled. My name is on it.”

McGillivray said she collected many stories, but her publisher wanted her to be really detailed, so she had to dig deeper and go back in her memories.

“It’s been really cool living my life through again. It’s been quite an experience,” McGillivray shared. She ended up going for quality over quantity, leaving some episodes out. At the book launch, she said

they may end up becoming a separate book one day.

The book’s chapters and little notes all recollect funny moments. Some people in the crowd – like her husband Lyle, sons Curtis and Matthew, colleagues and friends –appeared on the book’s pages, and others recognized some plots described in anecdotes.

“There were times when I thought, I’m not going to publish this book, it’s too personal. But I just felt that we need more laughter in our lives, so I kept going,” McGillivray shared.

She said the book would be entertaining for anyone.

“I believe everyone will enjoy this. If you lived in a small town, if you had small children, if you went on a family vacation, if you’ve gotten older and been called a boomer like me, there’s all those things. So, it’s not just for teachers. It’s for everyone, and I hope that everyone enjoys it.”

The printed version of the book can be purchased from the McGillivray family or ordered through Amazon. It’s also available as an ebook on Amazon and will be on other platforms.

Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt a new option

The Souris Valley Museum decided to add a twist to their Easter celebration this year with a bit of a glow.

The big Easter egg hunt is slated for March 28. The traditional egg hunt at the museum will start at 5 p.m. and will run until 8 p.m. Weather permitting, the glow-in-the-dark hunt through the museum’s courtyard will run from 7-8 p.m.

The Easter Bunny has confirmed its visit, and a photo booth will be set up for fancy pictures. There

will also be crafts available and cotton candy will be for sale. The museum decided to change the time this year to accommodate the new element and also to allow families more flexibility to partake in different Easter events around the southeast. “Before we’ve done it on a Saturday or even a Sunday, but we changed it to an evening event to do the glow-in-the-dark outside. … And we’ll still have the egg hunt inside,” said museum executive director/

curator Melanie Memory.

“And also, we know there are other things going on in the community and in the area … So we [changed the time of the event] to have it not at the same time as theirs.”

The museum will have some glowing elements for the glow-in-the-dark egg hunt, and guests are encouraged to boost it with their own attire as well.

Memory said, out of previous experience, they might need some help rehiding the eggs during the

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event, as they usually get hundreds of people participating.

“In the past, we’ve had our board, a couple of

families, kids and parents, or my family help us out hiding the eggs,” Memory said. Once eggs are found,

kids will receive treat bags for a prize

The event is $10 per family and is open to kids of all ages.

Report from the Legislature

Later this month, the new provincial budget will deliver the largest ever increase in school operating funding and a record new commitment to address classroom size and complexity. Premier Scott Moe recently took the unusual step of announcing part of the education budget prior to budget day, to clearly demonstrate our government’s commitment to address teachers’ concerns around classroom supports.

The 2024-25 provincial budget will include the largest increase in school operating funding in Saskatchewan’s history. There will be $180 million of increased funding, up nearly 9 per cent, to $2.2 billion. This increase will include over $356 million that is per cent since last year.

action so that teachers and students can return to their classrooms, and the teachers’ union can return to the bargaining table.Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector continues to experience growth, further fuelling a strong provincial economy. Agri-food exports to India have increased in volume by over 71 per cent from 2022 to 2023. Exports of Saskatchewan lentils and peas to India, the province's largest pulse market, experienced Our government ensures Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry can continue to grow through strategic investments that support the industry. Details of the 2024 Crop Insurance Program have recently been released, building on the existing suite of Business Management Programs offered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC).

All producers are encouraged to take a proactive approach to tailor their coverage to further manage and mitigate their risk. March 31, 2024, is the deadline for Saskatchewan producers to apply, reinstate or cancel their Crop Insurance contract. Producers must select insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes by this date. remain the same as the previous year.

A strong and growing economy ensures investments can be made in key services, such as health care, as well. Saskatchewan is investing in several breast cancer and screening initiatives to support substantial detection and treatment enhancements for patients. imaging, consultation with specialists and surgeons, and patient education, support and navigation. It will also provide on-site access to post treatment care, such as therapies and rehabilitation.

new centre, helping to reduce wait times. The new centre will be located at Regina

The province is also making changes to the screening age eligibility from the current 50 and older to include women aged 40-49. In addition, new 3D breast imaging and breast tumour localized “seed” technology will enhance breast cancer detection, result in fewer delays and cancellations, and offer less discomfort for patients. Our government is committed to continuing to make targeted investments in health care so you can receive the care you need when you need it.

As our government continues to move through the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly and prepares for the presentation of the provincial budget on March 20, we look to share any comments or concerns. You can reach us at 306-634-7311 or loricarrmla@sasktel.net.

Betty McGillivray launched her first book – Fun Is Where You Make It. Amusing Tales from a Teacher’s Life – at the Estevan Public Library on Saturday.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

- abykhovskaia@estevanmercury.ca

Production Manager

Ana Villarreal - avillarreal@estevanmercury.ca

Administration

Morgan Hodgens - mohodgens@estevanmercury.ca

EDITORIAL

Time to get to work on new-look downtown

It’s been nearly two years since the City of Estevan released the designs for its new-look downtown.

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The video followed months of meetings, open houses and public engagement sessions regarding the future of downtown. But even though the city had the plans for the area, the project wasn’t going to proceed until the federal government came through with money.

The city now has the money. And it’s going to have to get to work on the project.

Estevan city council revealed at Monday night’s meeting that it had received $7.75 million in funding through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative for upgrades to the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street – the area that most would associate with downtown Estevan. Any of the work will need to be completed by March 31 of next year, so it doesn’t leave the city with a lot of time to get things done.

As part of the project, the city will complete a $1.5 million water main replacement in the two affected blocks, a project that would have had to be completed at some point in the future anyways. (The underground infrastructure on Fourth Street was discussed back in 2005 and 2006 when resurfacing those blocks).

The city has held off on projects in the

past while waiting for federal funding to come through. It was the same approach with the master pathway and sidewalk project that didn’t happen until 2021 when the federal and provincial money was finally in place. And the shift of the city’s primary water source from Boundary to Rafferty Dam didn’t happen until the other governments stepped forward with money.

Now that the city is moving forward with Fourth Street, we’ll see what happens with the other areas of downtown Estevan. Fifth Street needs attention, but would the city be willing to shell out money without government support? It hasn’t exactly shelled out big bucks for projects in recent years without other levels of government stepping to the table.

The two blocks of Fourth Street that will be upgraded already have a lot going for them. There’s a good variety of shops and businesses, ranging from retail to professional services, and health and beauty to hospitality. Occupancy is pretty high right now. You don’t see a lot of for rent signs on Fourth.

There are a number of businesses that have been around for a long time, which creates familiarity for local residents and visitors alike. But there are areas that need improvement.

It’s not pedestrian friendly. The most at-

tractive downtown cores are relatively narrow, with ample room for parking, allowing people to park, browse, stroll through the area and visit multiple businesses.

The width of Fourth Street through downtown is good for motorists, but it’s one in which if you stop, you’re likely going to one business and moving on. It doesn’t encourage you to take your time.

And a good downtown isn’t just about businesses. It’s about other amenities. We’ve seen the difference that the Garden Park on Fourth has made over the years with the esthetics of Fourth Street. It creates that place that people want to go to and relax.

The cenotaph and Soldier’s Tree monument aren’t in downtown, but it’s close enough to be a good attraction.

Parks and other amenities will help draw people. So will events, like the Downtown Business Association’s night markets in the summer.

It’s going to be interesting to see how Fourth Street will look once the work is complete, how it changes the amenities that are offered, and if it has a big impact for businesses and the amount of time people spend down there.

But one thing’s for certain: the city can’t afford to dilly dally if it hopes to finish everything in time.

War theme wins across the board

I’ve never been a fan of the Oscars ceremony, but I always kept a close eye on it.

It was one of the first, and for years the only event, that allowed audiences to see our favourite actors and movie creators in realistic and emotional settings. Besides, there are those unbelievable costumes, beautiful decorations and of course some drama – a reality show with the greatest cast, which no one would ever be able to afford.

(I think that reality show resonance was what kept me from being all into the Oscars – I prefer my favourite characters to stay in the movie world).

But two things keep me interested in the Academy Awards, which became pretty predictable lately. Oppenheimer won the most awards with seven, including some of the most coveted ones, like best picture and best director. Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy were named best supporting actor and best actor; the movie also took home awards for cinematography, editing and score. But did we have doubts about this triumph?)

First, the ceremony gives me a list of the best new movies, saving time researching to find something to watch. (And that list is usually widened by most nominees as well).

Ana Bykhovskaia

Twenty Lines About…

stylish artistic mirror, which captures the main themes and tendencies of here and now.

What’s interesting about the 96th ceremony, is that all the main movies recognized with statuettes this year were one way or another exploring the theme of war. That theme was the base for the biggest winner of 2024, Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan, and, of course, 20 Days in Mariupol by Mstislav Chernov (outstanding documentary feature), and The Boy and the Heron by Hayao Miyazaki (best animated feature film), and the harrowing Holocaust drama The Zone of Interest by Jonathan Glazer (best international feature film).

It was as if the award ceremony was telling us the story of a global timeless war and its seats smouldering or fully burning in different manners here and there.

history. And I’m honoured. But probably I will be the first director on this stage who will say I wish I had never made this film.”

He called on “some of the most talented people in the world” to ensure that “the history record is set straight, and that the truth will prevail and that the people of Mariupol and those who have given their lives will never be forgotten, because cinema forms memories and memories form history.”

And then there was Poor Things directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Another big winner (four statuettes) was a contrast to the main theme – bright, colourful and giving hope somewhat.

It seemed like there were no surprises again this year. There was a bit of a closer competition in the best actress category, which saw Emma Stone (Poor Things) and Lily Gladstone, the first Native American woman nominated for best actress (Killers of the Flower Moon by Martin Scorsese, who by the way was left with nothing once again) as the top two. I didn’t have any questions about Stone’s victory but wish there were two statuettes for this category this year.

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Through the years, many Oscar-recognized movies didn’t make my top list, but I’d say all of them were worth watching, as they offer a new perspective, unique emotions, interesting visual imaginary, creative music elements, strong acting, inspiring costumes, great and appealing plots, and always something on top to take away. The movies that make it to the Oscars shortlist, each and every one of them, have at least one, but most times many elements making them worthy of everyone’s attention.

Second, the Oscars serve as a bright and

A part of last year’s Oscar-winning documentary Navalny, which opened the memoriam segment of the ceremony, paying tribute to all filmmakers who passed away last year, became a nice epilogue to that central theme. The pull quote was, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.” It felt like an artists’ and filmmakers’ motto in the world of war moving into the future.

Of course, many will remember 2024 as the year of Oppenheimer, with Nolan finally receiving his well-deserved Oscars. But for others, it was the year of Ukraine’s first-ever Oscar and the strong speech by the director. Chernov started off with a unique statement, “This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian

After all, the 96th ceremony had a good proportion of humour, politics and glamour. Winners looked excited and made nice speeches. Some non-winners seemed upset, like Martin Scorsese. Some winners didn’t show up at all, like Miyazaki. Some seemed surprised and embarrassed, like Stone, whose dress zipper broke when she was dancing with her former co-star Ryan Gosling during his fancy I am Ken performance.

All in all, the last Academy Awards felt like a nice Hollywood movie with a solid plot, beautiful costumes, a nice soundtrack and an all-star cast, all of whom played their roles well. And thanks to it, now we have a confirmed list of the greatest films of today to enjoy.

Zajac to run for Buffalo Party in Estevan

By David Willberg

The leader of the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan will run in the Estevan-Big Muddy constituency in the 2024 provincial election.

Phil Zajac will carry the party’s banner for the Oct. 28 vote. Zajac, who resides in Estevan, also ran for the party in Estevan in the 2020 election, finishing second with 1,713 votes, or a 24.26 per cent share. He had more votes than any other Buffalo Party candidate.

He was elected as the party’s leader in March 2022 and acclaimed as the Estevan-Big Muddy candidate earlier this year. Zajac said that since he is the party’s leader, and since he ran in Estevan four years ago,

the party’s board decided he should run in Estevan.

“I love this community, so I got into politics to help my friends that live here and to be a voice for the people of Estevan and the surrounding area,” said Zajac in an interview with the Mercury and SaskToday.

Zajac said the Buffalo Party will continue to use coal-fired power generation by retrofitting units with carbon capture and storage technology, extending their lifespan by 30 years.

“We have a plan to create jobs for the province and for the Estevan area. Coal has been around for decades and built this city, so to say, and there’s enough coal there for another 300 years,” he said.

Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan leader Phil Zajac

Zajac said the party has passed more than 100 policies in its two conventions. It would scrap the carbon tax, and it would “embolden” rural, small-town Saskatchewan hospitals by

creating plans to encourage physicians to come and stay in rural communities.

“We have a fantastic idea of how we’re going to get more Saskatchewan kids into medical school and into nursing. It’s a brilliant plan and it will work. It just has to get put into effect,” said Zajac.

When asked for specifics, he said they would be saved for the election.

The party is also continuing to push for an MRI scanner at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and changes to the Workers’ Compensation Board. Zajac also sees people are having a difficult time making ends meet, which he believes has been an ongoing issue for 15 years.

Zajac said he will be

Two people charged for drugs and stolen property

The Estevan Police Service (EPS) has arrested two people following a drug trafficking investigation.

The EPS says 1.4 pounds of methamphetamine, along with stolen property and counterfeit currency, were seized by investigators while executing a search warrant at a residence in the 700-block of George Street on Thursday.

The EPS says two individuals have been charged

and were remanded in custody until their next court appearance in Estevan Provincial court on Monday.

Jodi Neufeld, age 44, of Estevan, has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime. Jimmy Swayze, age 38, also of Estevan, has been charged with possession of

methamphetamine, possession of property obtained by crime and failing to comply with a release order.

The EPS initially reported that members of the Estevan and Weyburn Police Services’ Joint Tactical Support Team (JTST), along with EPS patrol division officers, executed the search warrant. The EPS said the warrant was judicially authorized in relation to a drug trafficking inves-

tigation being conducted by the Drug Intelligence Unit and Criminal Investigation Unit.

Police were at the scene until the search of the property was complete. There was no risk to the public.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact detectives with the EPS Criminal Investigation Unit at 306-634-1505.

able to spend a lot of time in Estevan during the provincial election campaign, despite his commitments of being the party’s leader. He and his supporters will knock on every door in the area, and when he’s needed in other parts of the province, he will go.

“There will be a huge focus on my time in Estevan because we need to win this seat,” said Zajac. “We just have to do a really good job of letting people know what we can do and direct them to our policy and find out who we are. We’re ready to go on the first day [after the election].”

He’s not concerned about a vote split with the governing Saskatchewan Party and other parties in the province such as the

Progressive Conservatives and the Saskatchewan United Party. Zajac said he believes that people should vote for the candidate who would do the best job, rather than for the party.

Prior to the 2020 provincial election, Zajac ran for the nomination for the federal Conservative Party in the 2015 Canadian election. He was also the candidate for the People’s Party of Canada for the 2019 election, finishing fourth with 702 votes, which was 1.69 per cent support.

The Buffalo Party is currently in the process of vetting 25 candidates, which he said is a fairly lengthy process. They have eight candidates already selected, including Michelle Krieger in the Cannington riding.

We’re not going anywhere

In this week’s edition of the Mercury, you’ll find two advertisements for commercial listings.

One of them is for the Estevan Mercury’s office on 68 Souris Avenue North, and the other is for the Estevan Web Printing building at 1 Breeze Street, adjacent to Highway 39 west of the city.

While the buildings are for sale, we want everyone to know that we’re not going anywhere. We’re still going strong. The Estevan Mercury is Estevan’s oldest business.

It’s been around for 120 years. And it’s going to remain, telling the stories of the people of southeast Saskatchewan and covering events that are happening.

As for Estevan Web Printing, it will continue to be the place where many publications and other items are printed.

The Prairie Newspaper Group is selling the buildings of its other newspapers in Saskatchewan.

For more information on the buildings, please see Page A12.

Keep our environment looking

Please recycle this newspaper!

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BEST OF ESTEVAN

Unveiling Excellence – 2024

RULES:*

- Fill in your favourite local business/service name on the lines below.

- A minimum of 25 categories must be completed in order for your vote to be counted.

- Every ballot with 25 categories completed will be entered to win $100 Gift Card.

- Ballots must be submitted by April 1, 2024.

- To enter, drop off a newsprint ballot at the Estevan Mercury (68 Souris Avenue), send a picture of a completed newsprint ballot to contests@estevanmercury.ca or complete the online ballot at https://forms.office.com/r/zbkGfr0ewQ.

- Only ONE ballot per person will be counted.

Businesses that receive the most votes in their category will be declared the ESTEVAN MERCURY’S READER’S CHOICE BEST OF ESTEVAN.

AUTOMOTIVE

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BUSINESS & SERVICES

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ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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HOME & GARDEN

Hardware Store ___________________

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Paint ____________________________

Painter ___________________________

Plumbing & Heating _______________

Roofing __________________________

Window Covering ________________

Windows & Doors_________________

ENERGY SECTOR/OIL & GAS

Completion Services _______________

Drilling Services ___________________

Equipment Rentals _________________

Hotshot __________________________

Production Services ________________

Safety Service ____________________

Supply Store ______________________

Transport/Trucking ________________

SHOPPING

Appliances _______________________

Art & Home Decor ________________

BBQ/Smoker & Supplies ___________

Bicycle Shop _____________________

Cell Phones ______________________

Computer Sales/Service ___________

Discount/Thrift Store _______________

Electronics________________________

Florist/Plant Shop _________________

Fresh Produce ____________________

Furniture _________________________

Gift Shop ________________________

Grocery _________________________

Grocery Pick- up/Delivery __________

Jewellery _________________________

Liquor Store ______________________

Mattresses _______________________

Meat/Butcher _____________________

Men’s Clothing ___________________

Office Supplies ___________________

Sporting Goods ___________________

Toys/Hobbies/Games _____________

Women’s Clothing _________________

BEST OF THE BEST

Best Customer Service:

- Business ________________________

- Individual _______________________

Best New Business (as of Jan 1, 2021)

Favourite Place to Shop ____________

By Ana Bykhovskaia

Estevan residents were invited to reflect on motherdaughter relationships captured through the independent Mother of All Shows movie.

The Saskatchewan premiere took place at the Orpheum Theatre Sunday afternoon.

Director, co-writer and star Melissa D’Agostino and co-director and editor Matt Campagna came to Estevan for the local debut and answered guests’ questions after the movie, which also stars Wendie Malick, known for her roles in Just Shoot Me, Shrinking, Hot in Cleveland, Young Sheldon and more.

This musical traumedy tells the story of Liza (D’Agostino), who is trying to cope with the impending death of her estranged mother Rosa (Malick). She creates a 1970s-style variety show in her mind in which the all-powerful host is her mother, who leads a cast of people from Liza’s past and present.

The creators used an assortment of techniques to help viewers submerge into the world of variety shows, through which they were offered to explore family

The Estevan Mercury is excited to announce that the Best of Estevan contest is back for another year.

The Mercury has had lots of people tell us they are excited to see Best of Estevan’s return. New for this is year is the top-three finishers in each category will be notified, as opposed to just the winners.

Also, as part of this year’s competition, we have changed some of the categories, including the ones for the energy sector/oil and gas section. We sought the feedback of clients in those sectors.

Also new for this year is best place to eat for under $15.

trauma, mental health and the ties that bind mothers and daughters.

“The film was born out of a desire to explore a motherdaughter relationship in a slightly different way. It’s slightly based on some of my own experiences, but cowritten with someone else, so it’s fictional,” D’Agostino said.

“In terms of how much of me is in Liza, Liza is a combination of me, Liza Minnelli, Carrie Fisher, my sister and other women I know who have had similar experiences, so it was a combination of those influences. There are things in the movie that did happen in my life. We reframed a lot of them and put them in different contexts, but a lot of the actual interactions from my upbringing and adulthood are in the movie. And then there are highly fictionalized things just because a) I think this is more interesting than my life, … but also because it helps to explore what David [James Brock, script cowriter] and I and the whole team are trying to explore,” she added.

She noted that externalizing her experience and making it into a character was helpful for her, both in the sense of acting and also

We are looking forward to seeing some new businesses in the spotlight and winning awards this year. You do not have to buy advertising to win, but in order to use the Best of Estevan branding and logo, and to get a winner’s certificate, you have to purchase an ad. Businesses have taken to social media, asking their customers to vote for them. There are two ways for people to vote on this promotion. The first is by filling out the ballot that can be found in the March 13, 20 and 27 editions of the Mercury. People can drop off the ballot at the Mercury’s office at 68 Souris Avenue North, or send a

from a therapeutic standpoint.

The choice of a variety show format, to a point, was dictated by personal experience, which would be something many people could relate to. Besides, it was a metaphorical way to bring different experiences together. Campagna noted that they also worked with different filters and screen ratios to make the idea work.

“The trick was very careful preparation to decide what the meaning of it was going to be. [The movie] starts with this classic widescreen look. And then it

picture of the completed ballot to contests@estevanmercury.ca. The ballot can also be found online at https:// forms.office.com/r/zbkGfr0ewQ.

A minimum of 25 categories must be completed in order for a ballot to be

goes into a TV four by three, designed to reduce your field of vision. And then as the film goes on and live to get clear on what’s happening, the metaphor had to be supported. So, by the end of it … it’s 16 by nine, filling the whole screen,” Campagna explained. The movie also has a cartoon element, which D’Agostino said was their way to create a “very sincere” setting.

Answering questions from the audience, D’Agostino discussed the challenges of acting and directing simultaneously and

counted. Every ballot with at least 25 categories completed will be entered to win a $100 gift card from a local business of your choosing.

Also, as part of the online version, we have defined what we are looking for in each category. People can send us their

the importance of a collaborative effort in filmmaking. She also talked about her experience working with Malick.

“We were lucky to get a Wendie Malick, she was a dream to work with,”

D’Agostino said. “She is as kind as she is talented, and has continued to support the film so much, has come to some of our premieres when her schedule accommodated. And acting with her was a dream, it was so easy.”

Mother of All Shows premiered in New York at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival, winning Outstanding Narrative Feature and Outstanding Director awards last May. The Canadian debut occurred at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival recently. The film has been nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards for Best Original Song and Best Hair Design.

The Orpheum was a part of a nationwide road show for the movie.

“It’s been a real joy to come and show it to audiences in independent cinemas. We are an independent film company and want to see beautiful spaces like this continue to show films and thrive,” D’Agostino said.

thoughts on the promotion and suggest new categories for future years.

The deadline to submit a vote is on April 1 at 11:59 p.m. Every ballot submitted has the chance to win a $100 gift card to the business of the winner’s choice.

D’Agostino and Campagna came to Estevan on Sunday, but that wasn’t their first visit.

“We got to spend a day in Estevan last summer on our way to North Dakota, and we loved it. So, when we were looking at all the theatres we could pitch to, we saw that there was one in Estevan. … So, we were happy to come back,”

D’Agostino said.

They added they hope it won’t be their last visit to Estevan, which was their only stop in Saskatchewan.

“This is something that we want to keep doing with Highball.TV where we can bring filmmaking to awesome communities and fantastic theatres. So hopefully we’ll see you guys again next time,” Campagna said.

“We make movies at a certain level where we have the opportunity to come and connect with people and we really want to. It’s really hard these days, after he pandemic … and with streaming the way we watch things now, we feel it’s so important to keep this experience alive. Because sitting in a theatre with other people watching something is a very special experience,”

D’Agostino added.

The full list of the winners will be published in the May 1 edition of the Mercury.

For more information, please call 306-634-2654.

You can also email Christine Jones at cjones@estevanmercury.ca or Kimberly Ball at kball@estevanmercury.ca.

1437

306-634-9228

Mother of All Shows director, co-writer and star Melissa D’Agostino and co-director and editor Matt Campagna answered guests’ questions after the movie.

114

IBEW voiced support for TechHub’s ICED proposal

“Innovation in energy is currently the largest disruption the world is experiencing. Estevan and Saskatchewan will succeed in the current challenge of energy disruption through the work of The Innovation Centre for Energy Development (ICED),” More said in the presentation, which outlined TechHub’s three-year proposal within the greater framework of ICED.

“What sectors are we going after? It’s all about energy. This is what we know, this is what our passion is, this is what our skill set is. Energy co-generation, energy transmission, energy storage, and energy in transportation,” More outlined.

He noted that ICED is not a non-profit organization yet but is a new partnership between Southeast College’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation and the Southeast Techhub.

“This partnership will provide an ecosystem for companies and institutions to complete their applied research or product development projects in southeast Saskatchewan.

This will, in turn, lead to projects being commercialized and manufactured in southeast Saskatchewan, creating new industries, companies and jobs,” says the proposal.

Andrist outlined the CSI’s role in the project, where they will provide facilities and expertise for applied research, as well as training programs in partnership with clients of ICED’s ecosystem. They will also provide education that helps to build and grow the needed skills required by the clients, and work with advanced education partners to help locate their applied research projects in southeast Saskatchewan.

The SE Techhub, in turn, will provide facilities and expertise to assist

with product development; assist with their fundraising needs with the main focus on private capital; assist with business planning; and market southeast Saskatchewan and ICED as a place for applied research, product development, commercialization and manufacturing.

To create an ecosystem that meets the needs for applied research and product development in the energy sector, ICED will need to provide a number of developments. The cornerstone projects outlined in the proposal, which are in the early planning stages, are not being promised, but are opportunities that are being actively negotiated, were:

1. Hydrogen hub – A project to provide gasification of Estevan’s lignite coal to create hydrogen with the offtake carbon dioxide being handled by the existing carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility infrastructure. While most of the hydrogen is planned to be sold to existing customers, there will be hydrogen available for applied research and product development. Potential projects may be powering agricultural machinery, aerospace, including drones, and/or rail. If it proceeds, the hydrogen hub could keep the mines open after the power plant closes, More noted.

2. Solar-powered datacentre – It is a hub, hosting websites and cloud-based computing. By 2040, this fast-growing industry is projected to account for 14 per cent of all global emissions. As such there is a strong push towards carbon-neutral datacentres. More noted the centre will also have natural gas infrastructure for backup, and solar panels will be set higher to allow for agricultural use of land.

3. Organic chemistry lab – Having a chemistry

lab is one of the biggest requirements for the target market, the proposal outlines. The closest accessible lab is five hours away in Saskatoon, and such a delay in processing would not meet the needs of the local market. Currently, there are a number of active projects needing a lab in Estevan, including coal to graphite with the University of George Washington; lithium extraction from brine with Legacy Water; and Buffalo Potash.

4. Microgrid – A microgrid will allow various energy projects to tie into other projects to mimic a real-world environment. For example, a battery storage project tied into the microgrid can see how their product works with an energy-generation project that is also tied into the same grid. This project will also provide training needed to work at a datacenter or a solar or wind project.

5. Computer science training through projects – This will have students paired with projects. Within industry with their instructor, they will develop a work plan to solve a realworld problem, Andrist explained, thus acquiring training and also helping

the industry advance. More noted that this training opportunity may also help retain local technicallyinclined people, providing them with tools and opportunities.

The datacentre and hydrogen hub alone could mean a US$4.5 billion investment, about 400 permanent full-time highpaying jobs and the potential for further spin-off projects.

All projects are interconnected and would work as an ecosystem benefitting each other. More noted that it will take a few years to make things happen, but a lot of co-ordination is already underway.

In the presentation, he also outlined the answer to the “Why southeast Saskatchewan?” question.

“Southeast Saskatchewan provides a space unlike any other in North America. From its extreme weather, -40 C winters to +40 C summers, its powerful winds to receiving 2,500 hours of sunshine. Our location makes the perfect natural laboratory for applied research and product development in energy generation, transmission and storage,” the presentation said.

The geothermal formations in the area, existing energy sector skilled workforce, connection to NAFTA, existing large aerospace, developed agricultural sector, CCS with its infrastructure, and location near the U.S. and developed transportation system, were also listed as factors that make this region set for success in filling needs and gaps with innovation in energy.

The presentation wrapped with a discussion of ways to support the proposal.

“ICED represents an opportunity where we can decide how our future looks, but that can only happen if we put our energy into this project,” the proposal says. The support can come through limited public funding options for the science-inclined projects of ICED, healthy constructive conversations and spreading the word about the opportunities offered, from federal and provincial governments, as well as from private capital.

“Both the hydrogen and the datacentre’s funding is coming from private capital. Almost exclusively from the United States of America. If you are an existing investor and know how to invest and are intrigued by either of these projects, please do reach out to us and we can connect you to right people,” the proposal pitches.

Mayor Roy Ludwig thanked More and Andrist for their work and invited the community to get involved in the conversation.

Ken Hoste, the assistant business manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 2067, representing workers at SaskPower, then took to the stage.

“For generations, coal has provided a stable living for many people in the southeast. Coal has provided us a low-cost reliable energy source for power production in the province while providing stable middle-class jobs for generations. Recent challenges have made it necessary for the coal workers of Estevan and Coronach to reconsider their options,” Hoste said.

“While the IBEW will never give up on the fight for coal and CCS technology to remain part of the mix of power generation in Saskatchewan, the Southeast Techhub is also a way for our coal workers to explore other options. Our union membership has many tradespeople, technologists and workers with ideas, but let’s face it, ideas are a dime a dozen without the resources and supports to get them off the ground. The Techhub is one way to help these innovators make their visions a reality.

“For this reason, IBEW supports the three-year proposal with the Innovation Centre for Energy Development. We’re in an unprecedented position where, as a community, we need to think towards the future and innovations, especially that have a focus on the value at its side of the coal industry. This can only make our community prosper,” Hoste concluded.

Estevan Chamber of Commerce executive director Jackie Wall voiced their support, noting that they started lobbying a similar idea to the federal and provincial governments several years ago.

“We were saying that this is the place for the Centre for Energy Excellence, I think I called it. We proposed it, but we didn’t know where to go with that. We lobbied, we talked about it with the governments, we talked to industry, we did what we could as a chamber, but what it really takes is collaboration, key people coming in with the right connections, the right collaboration and the right brain,” Wall said.

“There’s so much possibility. There is so much talent in this community. There’s so much resilience, and the synergies and the collaboration that’s happening right now, this is exciting. This is the time. This is the turning point,” she added.

To watch the full presentation and to learn more about the proposal, visit SE Techhub’s website at estevanhub.ca.

Ken Hoste, the assistant business manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 2067, representing workers at SaskPower, shared their opinion on the proposal.

A member of No. 2901

Estevan (Elks) Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) participated in a professional development workshop at the HMCS Queen in Regina earlier this year.

Cadet Warrant Officer

Akara Reeves was joined by sea, army and air cadets from Saskatchewan and Manitoba for a series of workshops designed to enhance their leadership and instructional skills. Cadets also had the chance to engage with two guest speakers from the Moose Jaw Military Family Resource Centre.

The sessions focused on mental wellness and resiliency, and provided the cadets tools that could be used in their cadet and personal lives.

“The amount of communication and involvement in not only the sessions, but the workshop itself, has truly inspired me,” said Reeves, who joined Estevan’s army cadets five years ago. This isn’t the first program that Reeves has attended through cadets.

“I really enjoyed attending the full-bore marksmanship Phase 1 [course]

in Ottawa, Ontario, at the Connaught Cadet Training Centre (CTC). I love the marksmanship program.”

Each summer, select cadets participate in training at several different national and regional camps across Canada. CTCs are located on the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Rocky Mountains, and elsewhere. Many summer training centres involve all three elements, learning and working together in one location. It is a chance for them to develop friendships that will last a lifetime.

Youth who are interested in being part of the Estevan cadet program can do so by visiting the join the cadet program page at canada.ca or emailing Estevan’s army cadets at 2901Army@cadets.gc.ca.

Adults are also needed to help train, administer and supervise the local youth involved in the Canadian cadet program.

“Becoming part of the Canadian cadet program is easier than you may think,” states a news release for the program. “It is a lot of fun, and the skills you learn are likely transferable to your regular employment. Previous military or cadet experience is not required.”

For Public Safety

Akara Reeves, front row left, attended a recent cadets’ professional development camp in Regina.

Photo courtesy of Canadian Armed Forces

Jan Daniel ter Hart 1927 - 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Jan Daniel ter Hart, our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, on February 24, 2024, at the age of 96. Jan was born in Haarlem, the Netherlands on October 13, 1927. After World War 2, Jan qualified and served as an officer in the Dutch Merchant Navy. In 1953 he immigrated to Canada where he worked for the Department of Natural Resources in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jan travelled to Paris to marry Sophia Maria Vittali in January, 1956, and the young couple settled briefly in Regina before moving to Saskatoon. Jan was granted his Saskatchewan Land Surveyor’s Commission #138 in 1956. TerHart Surveying Services was established in Estevan, Saskatchewan, in 1958. Jan was the first Commissioned Surveyor in that region. His company completed the legal surveys of Estevan’s new subdivisions, the

at the Boundary Dam Generating Station, Coronach Power

Power Station. He did the surveys for the Estevan Regional

their lives in Estevan and summers spent

in 1984, leaving behind their many Estevan

Jan is predeceased

SISTERELIZABETHLUDWIGCSJ(SisterSt.Stephen) SISTERELIZABETHLUDWIGoftheCongregationoftheSistersofSt. JosephinCanadaenteredintohereternallifeatMountSt.Joseph, Peterborough,ON,onMarch2,2024.ElizabethAnnewasbornin1930near Browning,Saskatchewan.ShewasthedaughterofthelateHenryLudwig andhiswifeCatherineFornwaldandwasoneofthirteenchildren.Elizabeth (Betty)enteredtheSistersofSt.JosephCommunityinPeterboroughin 1949andreceivedthereligiousnameofSisterSt.Stephen.

SisterElizabethissurvivedbyherbrotherJohnandsisters,LorraineTardi, CathyHoffart,AnneWelch,Josephine(Doug)Pettigrew,sister-in-lawFaye Ludwig.

SheispredeceasedbyherbrothersAlbert(Ivy)andJerome,andsisters Edna(Roland)Deland,SisterGertrudeLudwigCSJ,Elsie(Paul)Madden, SisterMaryLudwigCSJ,Christine(John)Diemertandbrothers-in-law ArmandHoffartandTomTardi.

Sheislovinglyrememberedandwillbemissedbythemembersofher CSJreligiouscommunity,herfamilyandmanyniecesandnephews.

SisterElizabethbeganherministrytoprepareforteachingandalsobegan studiesinX-Raytechnology.HerearlyministryincludedteachingatSt. Alphonsus,ImmaculateConceptionandSt.John'sSchoolsinPeterborough. However,asSisterSt.Stephenatthattime,shewastransferredtoher homeprovince,Estevan,Saskatchewan.AtSt.Joseph'sHospitalshe workedforelevenyearsasanX-Raytechnician.

SisterreturnedtoPeterboroughforthenextthirteenyearstoworkintheX -RayDepartmentatSt.Joseph'sHospital,Peterborough.However,alwaysa "Westerner,"Sr.ElizabethwasagainassignedtoEstevan,Saskatchewan, wheresheservedanotherelevenyearsinX-RayatSt.Joseph'shospital. Followingherretirement,shewasabletoresidewithhermotherwhile providingcareforherinherlastyears.

InherretirementyearsSisterElizabethmovedtoEdmontonandprovided communityservicestotheSisterslivingatSt.John'sConventandlaterat theGreyNunsRegionalCentre.Duringthoseyears,Sisterwasinvolvedin volunteerwork,includinghelpinginthesoupkitchenatMarianCenter, takingcommuniontothesickandvisitingtheshut-ins.

SisterElizabethreturnedtoPeterboroughtothenewMountSt.Josephin 2009andhaslivedattheMountforthepastfifteenyears,givingwitnessby herfaithfullifeofprayer,patientenduranceandcheerfulspirit.

SisterElizabethwillberememberedforhercommunityspiritandwisdom, herSaturdayafternoonteapartiesattheMount,loveofplayingcardsand enjoyinglifebylisteningtostoriesandsports.

AprivateMassofChristianBurialwillbecelebratedonMarch8at10:00 a.m.atMountSt.JosephChapel,Peterborough.Thiswillbefollowedby intermentatHighlandParkCemetery,Peterborough.Expressionsof sympathyinmemoryofSr.Elizabethcanbemadeatwww.cjcanada.org Donate.

TheMasswillbelivestreamedatcsjcanada.org/eludwigfuneral-2024

COMING EVENTS

FEED & SEED

Charges laid for theft and fraud in Estevan

Estevan Police Service members were called to a report of a theft from a local grocery retailer on March 9.

A description of the suspect was provided, and the individual was located a short distance away from the store. The same person is also alleged to have been involved in fraud regarding the sale of property. As a result, a 38-year-old Estevan man has been charged with theft and fraud. He will be appearing in Estevan Provincial Court later in April.

Earlier in the week, the EPS received a report of a

RM OF BENSON

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First right of refusal in

FARMLAND WANTED

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

LAND FOR SALE WANTED

light standard being struck in north-central Estevan on March 5, causing minor damage. The vehicle was not found at the scene, but was located a short time later, at which time a traffic stop occurred and a ticket was served for failing to report an accident. A semi-trailer unit was stuck on Perkins Street in Estevan on March 6 in the morning, affecting traffic on one of the arterial road. The semi was headed eastbound up the hill between Souris Avenue South and McDonald Road. The EPS was at the

TRAVEL

WANTED

NOTICE

The Tax Enforcement Act MITCHELL WARREN HASSLER

TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Macoun intends to be registered as owner under the above Act of the land described as LOT 3-BLK/PAR 16-PLAN T549 EXT 0, LOT 4-BLK/PAR 16-PLAN T549 EXT 0, Title No. 152228730, 152228741.

The municipality claims title to the land by virtue of an interest based on the tax lien registered against the existing title to the land in the Land Titles Registry as Interest Number 197055456, 197055502 and you are required to TAKE NOTICE that unless you contest the claim of the municipality or redeem the land pursuant to the provisions of the above Act within six months from the service of this notice on you and, subject to the further provisions of The Tax Enforcement Act of title will be issued to the applicant and you will thereafter be forever estopped and debarred from setting up any claim to, or in respect of, the land.

The amount required to redeem the land may be ascertained on application to the Clerk, Treasurer or Administrator of the municipality. For any questions about the tax enforcement process please contact Taxervice at 1-877-734-3113.

Dated this 5th day of March, 2024.

Carmen Dodd-Vicary, Treasurer Village of Macoun

scene while the incident was being cleared.

The EPS is investigating after it recovered a truck that was reported stolen out of Weyburn. At approximately

11 p.m. on March 7, while attending to other matters in northeast Estevan, the EPS located the vehicle, a blue Dodge Ram 1500. It is being processed for evidence by the EPS’s Forensic Identification Unit.

Police have identified a potential suspect in the matter and are requesting anyone that might have information about the theft, or who observed the vehicle or its occupants, to contact the EPS at 306-634-4767.

The EPS said any video surveillance footage of the vehicle, specifically from the inside row of the Harvest Heights Apartments’ parking lot around 11 p.m. that day, would be of assistance to the investigation.

The EPS also received a complaint of a male calling and harassing another individual on March 8. The subject of the complaint was contacted and warned regarding criminal harassment. A hit and run was reported after a grey SUV sideswiped another vehicle the same day.

When going to exchange information, the driver of the SUV fled from the scene.

An owner of a vehicle has reported a male family member refusing to return a vehicle when asked to do so. An investigation into taking an automobile without consent under the criminal code has been started.

A complaint of a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed in a school zone was received. The licence plate of the vehicle was obtained, and the matter is still under investigation.

EPS received a report of a male fraudulently selling items on Facebook Marketplace. A deposit was placed on an item and the buyer has been unable to contact the seller since. A fraud investigation is underway.

The EPS responded to 33 occurrences from March 8-10. A 24-year-old Estevan woman was arrested for impaired driving following a traffic stop in central Estevan. She is scheduled to make her first appearance in Estevan Provincial Court on April 29 to speak to the matter.

A report of shoplifting was received from a local store. The matter remains under investigation

Bruins clinch playoff spot with win over Hounds

By David Willberg

The Estevan Bruins are heading back to the SJHL playoffs.

The Bruins defeated the Notre Dame Hounds 5-4 Friday night at Affinity Place to punch their ticket for the postseason for the 13th straight season. Estevan (2525-2-2) has 54 points after Friday night, eight more than the ninth-place Nipawin Hawks, who had 45 points with three games to play.

“When you get to the regular season starting, your first goal is to make the playoffs, and that’s all you’re trying to do,” said head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic. “It would be nice to have home-ice advantage and all that kind of stuff, but at the end of the day, you want to be in the playoffs and it’s a brand-new season.”

Estevan opened the scoring less than two minutes into the game on a power-play goal by Ilia Chmelevski. Kaelen Whittingham doubled the lead a few minutes later, but the Hounds scored one late in

the first and two early in the second for a 3-2 lead.

Raine Hodge tied the game for the Bruins before the midway point, and Carson Dyck put the Bruins ahead for good when he scored in the final minutes of the stanza.

Dillon Jackson’s goal midway through the third put the

Bruins up by two. Carter Onrait of Estevan assisted on the goal for his first point in the SJHL.

Notre Dame scored with 39 seconds to play in the third to round out the scoring.

Jackson Miller had 34 saves for Estevan.

Alternate captain Owen

Barrow said it felt “really good” to wrap up a playoff spot.

“I think everyone just realized that we had to play for the guys who couldn’t play tonight [due to injury and suspension], and make sure they get more games when they come back,” said Barrow.

Two nights earlier, the Bruins lost 6-2 to the host Humboldt Broncos. Felix Allard opened the scoring 7:04 into the first period for Estevan, but Humboldt took over from there, with three goals in five minutes in the second half of the opening period, and two goals in 29 seconds late in the middle frame.

Hodge scored for Estevan in the third.

Miller made 35 saves for the Bruins.

“I thought we started really well in Humboldt,” said Tatarnic. “We had a good game plan and we probably could have been up by three in the first 10 minutes, but we were only up by one. And then we gravitated from being smart defensively and managing pucks with the short bench, and it cost us.”

The Bruins played both games without several regulars. A few were sidelined due to injuries, while Alexander Papaspyropoulos and Keagon Little were out due to suspension, stemming from an incident at the end of the March 2 game at the Flin Flon

Bombers.

Papaspyropoulos was banished for two, while Little is out for five, meaning he will miss the first game of the playoffs.

Barrow was pleased with the response on Friday night. “I’m definitely really happy with how everyone worked hard and how everyone pulled their own weight,” said Barrow.

Onrait and Chase Holt, who spent this season with the Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears, played for the Bruins on Friday night, while back-up goalie Wyatt Bouvier played U18 for the Yorkton Maulers. Other U18 players could be joining the Bruins, Tatarnic said.

Estevan will finish the regular season with a pivotal home-and-home showdown with the Weyburn Red Wings. The two teams are tied for sixth in the SJHL standings, although Weyburn has one game in hand.

The Bruins and Wings will clash on March 15 in Estevan, and in Weyburn the following night. Both games will start at 7 p.m.

Estevan U18 AAA Bears’ season ends against top-ranked Blazers

By David Willberg

The Estevan Great North U18 AAA Bears’ best season yet came to an end Thursday night in a 5-4 loss to the Saskatoon Blazers at Affinity Place.

Saskatoon won the best-offive Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League quarter-final series in four games. Saskatoon was the top team in the league during the regular season, while Estevan nabbed the eighth and final playoff spot.

Game 4 was scoreless until late in the first period, when the Blazers scored twice in 31 seconds in the final minute for a 2-0 lead. Each team scored once in the second, with Aidan Mohan tallying for the Bears, and Saskatoon scored twice

early in the third for a 5-1 advantage. With their season on the line, Estevan staged a furious comeback. Talen Wallis scored a power-play goal with 6:20 to go in the third. Riley Craigen and Thomas Ries tallied 47 seconds apart late in the third to bring the Bears to within one, creating lots of suspense in the final two minutes.

Kaden Perron had 26 saves for Estevan in Game 4.

The night before, the Bears extended the series with a 3-2 overtime win in Game 3 for their first postseason victory in franchise history. Thomas Ries scored the winner after he skated in from the point and scored with 83 seconds to play in the first overtime period.

Saskatoon opened the scoring 57 seconds into the first period frame and notched their second goal early in the second.

Gunner Moore’s powerplay goal with 8:24 to play in the middle stanza pulled Estevan to within one, and Talen Wallis scored with 4:36 to play in the third on another Bears’ power-play to tie the game. Estevan had several other great chances to score in the second and third periods. Perron made 29 saves on his 18th birthday to secure the win for Estevan.

Coach Ryan Pilon said the postseason experience will be huge for the players and the program.

“Getting that win against the top team in the league, and not quitting until the final buzzer, I think we scared them

a little bit at the end of Game 4,” said Pilon. “The experience will be massive going into next season, and when you get that little bit of success, coaching staff and players, now you’re chomping at the bit for next year.”

Pilon told the players how proud he was of the resiliency they showed, not just in the final two games, but throughout the year.

He was also pleased with the crowds for the games.

“If that was your first game watching a AAA game here in Estevan, you were in for a treat. The crowds were loud and there was a lot of kids and a lot of noise. Our players really fed off of that and I think they really enjoyed that,” said Pilon.

The game wrapped up the most successful season in the Bears’ brief history. They made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, and they set franchise records for wins (18) and points (43) in a season.

Game 4 marked the last

game in minor hockey for the graduating players. Perron and captain Carter Onrait are the two players who have been part of the Bears’ organization for all three of their full seasons.

“This program is in large part … due to their resilience and their commitment to this program. We thank them for where we are in this program, because we wouldn’t be here without them.”

Also graduating are forwards Wallis, Taye Shukin, Evhan Allan, Chase Holt and Marc Belanger, and defencemen Ries, Craigen and Kyle McLellan.

Ries was named a firstteam all-star this year, and was a runner-up for the league’s top defenceman award.

Ten other players are eligible to return and Pilon said they expect to have all of them back. The club will have its annual spring camp next month, and they can sign players afterwards.

Estevan figure skaters win at Winter Classic

Two members of the Estevan Figure Skating Club travelled to Kindersley for the Winter Classic competition from March 1-3.

Rachel Duncan competed in the Star 8 free skate and Star 9 short free skate, winning the championship plaque in both events.

Kayla Pickard competed in the Star 5 free skate program and also finished first, earning a championship plaque. The event was the final competition of the 202324 season in Saskatchewan. The winner of each free skate event was pre-

sented with a plaque naming them the 2024 champion of their event.

Ilya Chmelevski (25) and the Estevan Bruins defeated the Notre Dame Hounds Friday night to qualify for the playoffs.

Carter Onrait (10) is stopped by Saskatoon goalie Grayson Malinoski during Game 3 on March 6.

Rachel Duncan, left, was entered in Star 8 and 9 events.

Kayla Pickard was in Star 5.

Photos courtesy of Ashley Piper

By Stephanie Zoer

For the second year in a row, the Lampman School Grizzlies’ open mixed high school curling team has won the gold medal at the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletics Association’s provincial competition, and this time they did it on home ice.

Eight teams played in a two-pool, round-robin event that took place on March 8 and 9 at the Lampman Curling Rink. The top two teams from each pool advanced to the playoffs.

Lampman finished 3-0 in the round robin, and took out Yorkton Regional High School with a 7-3 win in the semifinals.

Then they played Moose Jaw Central School in the final. A large crowd cheered on their local team as they took the gold medal with a 6-5 victory.

Team members were

Tye Farnsworth, Mathias Fornwald, Sydney Willock, Jamie Johnson and Jayden Fleck. Coaches were Trevor and Dawn Willock. This is the same team that took home the gold medal in Hanley last year, and they played strong throughout this season.

Lampman first won the district championship during the weekend of Feb. 16, and then travelled to regionals in Yorkton in early March. They won the gold medal there as well, sending them to provincials.

Trevor and Dawn Willock said they are extremely proud of their team.

The championship continues a strong run of success for the Lampman School Grizzlies’ athletics program during the 202324 school year, as they won gold at the provincial 1A girls’ volleyball tournament last November.

Flashback – March 19, 1986

Estevan Bears won the petite division of a ringette tournament in Weyburn in early March 1986.

row, from left, Crystal Elford, Stacey Highfield, Kari-Lynn Calder, Melissa Durr, Amie Drader, Kelly Pierson, Courtney Ward and Darby Blue

Back row, Darlene Gudmundson, Misty McKnight, Leanne Davies, Tereen Scott, Shannon Chester, Karise Grummett, Robin Ireland and Neil Drader, assistant coach.

Front

Members of the Lampman School open mixed curling team were, back row, from left, coaches Trevor and Dawn Willock Front row, from left, Tye Farnsworth, Mathias Fornwald, Sydney Willock, Jamie Johnson and Jayden Fleck

Photo sourced from Lampman School’s Facebook page