Estevan Mercury 20240522

Second round.

Former Estevan resident shares his experience with evacuating Fort McMurray.

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Older than the province.

Estevan Chamber of Commerce celebrates big date with two events.

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Thank you for your service.

The Mercury and the community mark EMS Week.

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Building the future together.

St. Mary’s School students share tech ideas through pitch competition.

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Welcome to new season. Speedway hosts first race and fundraises for local family.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2024

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Great-horned owl new generation

A great-horned owl was spotted on the nest with two owlets in the forested corner of a farmyard west of Oungre earlier this month.

The great-horned owl population has increased in the Prairies over the past decades, mainly due to the species’ high adaptability. It now has the highest population in North America of any owl species. The growth in numbers in the region is potentially attributed in part to fire suppression, increased tree and shrub cover, and availability of various structures like power lines, abandoned buildings and fences.

Quick reaction helped Estevan family after close encounter with bat with rabies

By David Willberg

Crystal Mack is pleased with how her family handled recent contact with a rabid bat in their yard, and hopes that other people take steps to ensure their pets are safe.

Mack recalled seeing a bat on a fence at the family’s property in Estevan on May 5, but they left it alone.

“We decided that we would give it some time because we don’t really know anything about bats, and they’re wild animals. And he appeared to have left within a few hours,” she said in an interview with the Mercury and SaskToday.

The bat eventually left, but Mack believes it might have gone into a tree in their yard.

Three days later, on May 8, her daughter Emily Schott was playing with one of their dogs Cola in their backyard. While they were running around, the dog stepped on the bat, and the flying mammal made what Mack called “a shrieked, hiss sound”. Emily came inside and was worried about both Cola and the bat.

While Mack was making phone calls, she was directed to a rabies hotline, and she spoke with the Rabies Risk Assessment veterinarian, who told Mack to safely collect the bat without touching it, and to send it to the Prairie Animal Health Centre in Estevan the next morning, so it could be sent to Lethbridge, Alta., for testing. Mack’s partner Mark Schott safely captured the animal.

They were also encouraged to revaccinate Cola, whose vaccinations were up to date, but Cola still receive a booster. While Cola was getting his shot, the Rabies Risk Assessment veterinarian called on May 10 to confirm the rabies diagnosis for the bat.

The family’s other dog had just had his yearly exam, so both canines were fine.

“We didn’t have to quarantine or anything, so

they should be good. They don’t have any official observation period or quarantine. We just have to watch to make sure nothing weird goes on,” said Mack.

Nobody in the family touched the bat, but Emily had been running around in close proximity to where the bat was, and after talking to Public Health, she was given a series of shots to be on the safe side. She handled it very well, Mack said, and didn’t cry or complain at all.

On May 15, Emily received five shots. Another came on May 18, and she will get one more on each of May 22 and 29.

The family had never seen a bat in their yard before, and Mack doesn’t know of a rabies case occurring in Estevan before.

She was pleased with how her family handled the situation, and she also praised the Prairie Animal Health Centre for their promptness in not only sending off the bat but getting Cola in for an updated booster, the Rabies Risk Assessment Agency, Public Health and others.

“The nurses were very kind and understanding considering she’s … 10,” said Schott. “Everyone we dealt with was very, very helpful.”

When she talked with Public Health, they were very understanding.

“The thing with the bat was if it didn’t make a noise, we wouldn’t have even known he was there, because he was so little. And then I looked at the dog’s paws, and I didn’t see any wound or anything that looked like a bit, but then they told me that because the teeth are so small, the dogs might not have even felt it, and we wouldn’t be able to see a bite anyways,” said Mack.

She urged people to make sure their pets are up to date with their vaccines. Wild bats are great for mosquito control, she said, but people and pets should keep at a safe distance. If there is ever a

question about potential contact with a rabid animal, Mack encouraged them to reach out to Saskatchewan’s Rabies Response Program and follow their recommendations.

“If the advice is to get the rabies vaccine, then do so because rabies is basically 100 per cent fatal by the time symptoms appear,” she said.

There is no way to determine if a bat has rabies by simply looking at it; the disease can only be confirmed in a laboratory. A bat that is unable to fly and easily approached could very well be sick.

Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Emily Schott with her family’s dog Cola, days after Cola came into contact with a rabid bat. Both Emily and Cola are doing fine. Photo courtesy of Crystal Mack

Support radiothon to help bring MRI to

By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca

St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation is gearing up for its annual Radiothon for Life, which will take place June 5 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the hospital’s grounds along the Royal Heights Veterans’ Memorial Park.

Bouncy castles will be set up from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Estevan Market Mall donated two e-bikes which will be raffled off towards the end of the day, with all proceeds going towards the radiothon total. Southern Plains Co-op is sponsoring a barbecue. A lunch by donation will run between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and a barbecued supper will take place between 5 and 7 p.m.

This year, the radiothon will be part of the fundraising campaign aimed at bringing an MRI to Estevan, with all proceeds going towards the $6.5 million total cost of the project. Estevan’s Elaine Walkom’s donation of $2 million in memory of her late husband Grant, and the subsequent lobbying for the equipment to be installed at St. Joseph’s Hospital, launched the project.

St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation accepted responsibility for fundraising the remaining $4.5 million, and Gervais said that reaching all across the southeast corner, the foundation is already seeing a lot of progress.

“This is our 13th annual Radiothon for Life, so we’ve been doing this for 13 years and every year it supports an impor-

tant project here within the hospital. … We generally do not have a dollar amount goal for our radiothon, we are always unbelievably amazed by the generosity of the community and are always wholeheartedly thrilled with amounts that we have donated,” Gervais said.

“This year, having a $6.5 million goal seems out of the realm of craziness. But this project has begun, and we have Elaine Walkom, who’s been our advocate, and her persistence and unbelievably generous pledge of $2 million has gotten us to where

we are now. And we’ve gotten approved by the government, we are allowed to raise the $6,5 million for the project, and then they are committing to operating costs in the 25-26 budget. So that is our purpose.

“With this, the foundation itself has started our MRI campaign and we’ve been spreading the information to the entire south end of our province, and we’ve had donations coming in by mail, by phone, online; people are coming into the office here at the hospital. Every single donation, big, small and in between, comes in with

Assaults, thefts still on the rise in Estevan

saw an increase in the number of crimes against the person and crimes against property in April.

According to the monthly crime statistics, released at the April 14 meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners, the EPS had 18 crimes against the person in April, up from 10 for the same month in 2023. Last month there were 13 assaults, three sexual crimes, one assault causing bodily harm and one attempted murder; the latter charge stemmed from the shooting incident that occurred on April 8.

From Jan. 1-April 31, the EPS had 55 crimes against the person, compared to 54 for the same period a year earlier. Assaults have increased from 34 to 42, while sexual crimes have dropped from 20 to nine. There were 38 crimes against property last month, with 24 thefts under $5,000, 11 mischief/willful damage complaints, one residential break and enter, one theft of a motor vehicle and one theft over $5,000. In April 2023, there were 25 crimes against property. In the first four months of the year, there have been

144 crimes against property, including 75 thefts under $5,000, which is up 92 per cent from 39 a year earlier; 42 mischief/willful damage complaints, up from 30 the previous year; and 14 thefts of a motor vehicle, up from two in 2023.

Other crimes against property are seven residential break and enters, three business break and enters, one break and enter listed as other, and two thefts over $5,000. All crimes against property are up this year, except for residential break and enters.

In a report for the meet-

ing, Deputy Police Chief Warren Morrical said one individual was responsible for 10 of the thefts and four of the mischief complaints. Nine are under investigation. The EPS has identified a few individuals as suspects, and now they have to catch them.

“There is no real connection other than a small number of individuals who are breaking into backyards, those kinds of things, stealing property from others when they can,” said Morrical.

There weren’t any charges under the Controlled Drugs

a personal story, a story of why this affects most people so personally, and if not themselves then someone they know.

“And because of that, I think we will raise the funds that are needed. It seems like a huge amount of money, but if almost every person who will benefit from this would give any amount that they could, it would take us so much closer to that goal,” Gervais said, underlining that having an MRI would not only benefit people in the southeast but also everywhere in Saskatchewan, cutting down the waiting times.

Gervais said she expects the campaign to go on for about 18-24 months with all of the foundation’s fundraising efforts contributing to the total.

Local businesses started their own campaigns in the days leading to radiothon. Suds Zone Car Wash, A&W and Domino’s Pizza all have promotions, in which parts proceeds are to be donated to the hospital foundation. People can also already donate online at their website radiothonforlife.com, over the phone and in person.

On the day of the radiothon, all payment options will be available at the location. Donations can also be made over the phone at 306-687-0310 and online.

“We are always so thankful to the community that they show up for us. No matter what, no matter what the economy, no matter what the situation, health care is always important to everyone,” Gervais said.

As of Thursday morning, the foundation’s MRI campaign has raised more than $3 million, including Walkom’s pledge.

and Substances Act (CDSA) in April, compared with one in April 2023. For the first four months this year, there have been 15 CDSA charges, with nine for trafficking and six for possession, down from 21 in 2023.

There were eight Criminal Code traffic violations in April, the same as in April 2023. Five impaired/exceedrelated charges and three impairments by drug charges were issued last month. So far in 2024, there have been 40 Criminal Code traffic violations, down from 48 the previous year.

Morrical believes the

Estevan man charged with sexual assault

An Estevan man who currently has outstanding matters with the College of Physicians and Surgeons has now been charged criminally with sexual assault.

Mehdi Horri is charged with one count under the Criminal Code. His case was heard in Estevan Provincial Court on May 13. The matter was adjourned to June 10 so that the de-

fence can review disclosure. Horri was charged criminally in late March. His first court appearance wasn’t until May 13. No other details have

been released, and none of the charges have been proven in court.

“Dr. Horri denies the allegations,” his attorney Darren Kraushaar said in an email to the Mercury “He intends to plead not guilty if the case proceeds to trial. As the case is currently before the court, we are unable to provide a

more detailed comment at this time.”

Earlier this year, the College of Physicians and Surgeons revealed 13 charges had been levied against Horri for unprofessional conduct, stemming from his interactions with three female patients. He has since been restricted from seeing female patients.

increase in impaired-bydrug charges from five to 10 this year is related to the EPS’s improving capability to detect those individuals through roadside devices. Overall, the EPS had 522 calls for service in April, down from the 560 they received for the same month in 2023. For the first four months of this year, the EPS had 2,183 calls, down 7.6 per cent from the 2,363 received to start 2023.

The five-year average for the first four months is 2,386 total calls, which exceeds the number the EPS had this year.

Previously, he had his licence revoked in Saskatchewan in 2017 and 2018 for having a sexual relationship with a former female patient while he was still practising in Ontario, and has had his licence suspended by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan in 2020 and 2023.

Elaine Walkom,right,presentedachequefor$2millionforanMRItoSt.Joseph’s Hospital Foundation director Lori Gervais. Photo courtesy of Lori Gervais

The Estevan Police Service

COMMUNITY

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

By David Willberg

The wildfire that struck Fort McMurray in 2016 is still fresh in the mind of former Estevan resident Nolan Haukeness and his wife Jenine.

They had to scramble to flee the flames and smoke. Their duplex home in Fort Mac’s Abasand subdivision was destroyed. They opted to rebuild in the area, and have since started a family, with two daughters, Maren and Aiden.

The latest wildfire outside of Fort McMurray has forced the family to evacuate again, although this time the situation is different, thanks to the size of the fire, the time they had to prepare and some other circumstances.

In an interview with the Mercury and SaskToday, Haukeness said they had been under an evacuation alert this time due to the fire that had been southwest of the city, but the wind changed direction, pushing the flames from about 15 kilometres from the city to 10.

An evacuation notice was issued on Tuesday, telling residents they might have to leave in two hours, and it was bumped up to an order later that day.

“We had already had a bag packed, so we figured maybe we would use that

time to pack a little more stuff, so we packed up about three or four suitcases, and a bit of food for the road, and made sure we were gassed up, and were a lot better prepared than we were the last time.”

They gathered all of their important documents, phoned the insurance company, and took photos and videos of everything in their home.

Only the southern part of Fort McMurray was evacuated this time, so it took less than six hours to make the 400-kilometreplus trek to Edmonton. Traffic moved steadily, which is a different story from 2016, when the entire city was evacuated and vehicles were often at a standstill.

“Everybody that needed to get out is out right now,” said Haukeness. “And half the town is still functioning. The north end of town is still a semblance of normal.”

The time they had to prepare marked the biggest difference from eight years ago, they said. In 2016, they escaped with their vehicle, a few bags, prescriptions, their dog and the deed to the home. Eventually, they had to leave the vehicle and bags behind.

“They lost track at how close the fire was [in 2016] just because of the smoke.

This time they didn’t even want to take the chance. They evacuated everybody with time to spare,” said Haukeness.

Eight years ago, they had to head north before driving south to Edmonton, and the journey took 30-35 hours.

There were a couple other differences this time around. For starters, they’re parents. Jenine Haukeness was pregnant with their first daughter Aiden the last time they had to leave. Maren was born a couple of years later.

Nolan Haukeness praised his kids for how they have handled the situation. They were scared at the start, and he joked that half of the luggage they packed was stuffed animals, because the kids didn’t want to leave their favourite toys behind.

“The kids are pulling through. We’re trying to keep them busy with fun activities and stuff.”

They have a doorbell camera on their home, so the kids want to check in on how the duplex is doing.

Their dog, who was two years old in 2016, is now 10, and has handled the latest evacuation well.

His parents, Lyle and Jody, were visiting in Fort McMurray for Maren’s birthday, which is May 17. They arrived at Nolan and

The Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre (EEYFRC) wrapped up Bicycle Safety Week by hosting a clinic for children on Saturday at the Wylie-Mitchell building. Employees from Hutt’s Safety offered instruction, advice and even demonstrations to children on how they can safely operate their bicycles and scooters during the next few months. The participating children had varying levels

Jenine’s home about 90 minutes before the evacuation order was issued. The elder Haukeness couple has now returned home to Estevan.

“It was their first evacuation experience,” said Haukeness with a laugh.

Support has been great, he said. When Haukeness spoke for the interview, he and his family were at Edmonton’s Telus World of Science, which offered free admission for evacuees that day. There are friends from Fort Mac they have been able to reconnect with in Edmonton, and there have been birthday celebrations for Maren.

“She’s getting a little birthday love wherever she goes,” Haukeness said.

The family has also had a lot of support from friends in the Estevan area. He received a lot of messages after they were evacuated, including some from people he hadn’t heard from in a long time.

“It’s always nice to get that support,” he said.

The evacuation order was lifted on May 18, allowing the family to return home. The weather was favourable for fighting the forest fire. Rain fell throughout the Victoria Day long weekend.

Due to his job, Haukeness had to be back in Fort McMurray on May 19, and

Former Estevan resident evacuated from Fort McMurray for second time in eight years

Haukeness, back row

, and their children

he had made arrangements with a friend who hadn’t been forced to clear out.

“We were saying when we left, even if we did lose the house, everything that is important is in the car.

with his

We’ve been through the insurance thing before.

We’ve been through rebuilding before. The first experience shapes the way you think about the second experience.”

Priya Nillesh and Liam Fleck practised what they learned during the bicycle safety clinic.

of experience, and some still had training wheels on their bikes. Participants had to know how to ride a bike, and caregiver participation was required.

Young people learned the rules of the road, how to use hand signals, and how to wear their helmets.

Bike Safety Week is held each year in May in Saskatch-

ewan. It is not only a chance to spread awareness and tips to adults and children regarding the importance of properly operating bicycles, but it is also a reminder to motorists of what to watch for with cyclists.

The EEYFRC will host another bicycle safety session on June 17 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., again at the Wylie-Mitchell building. Pre-registration will be required.

Nolan

right,

wife Jenine

Maren, left, and Aiden. Photo courtesy of Nolan Haukeness

Desmond Bilsky with Hutt’s Safety offered tips to Raven Severson

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EDITORIAL

Spring sitting ended with a bang

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The spring sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature wrapped up Thursday. It had a lot of the moments that you would expect. The governing Saskatchewan Party handed down its budget, which included a few things for the southeast, such as additional support for a new nursing home in Estevan and a new school in Carlyle; funding for improvements for Highway 18 between Estevan and Outram; and thankfully, the green light to begin fundraising for a new MRI scanner at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan.

We heard the government tout the budget’s theme of classrooms, care and communities, almost ad nauseum.

It was the type of fiscal plan you’d expect to see before a provincial election, except for a small deficit. But most people would tell you they’d accept a deficit if there’s more money for health care, education, highways and other government spending needs, and they would certainly accept the deficit over tax increases.

The opposition New Democratic Party struck at the government on numerous fronts. The government fired back. Sometimes they didn’t answer the NDP’s questions. Each side heckled the other, making it difficult to hear responses. The Sask. Party sometimes brought up the NDP’s record on a number of fronts from when the NDP was in power from 1991-2007.

It was the last sitting of the legislature before October’s provincial election. Both

parties were looking to score points with undecided and independent voters.

After all, summer is just a few weeks away. Our thoughts are turning to campgrounds, golf courses, lakes, summer events and the many other fun things that we can do and experience from Victoria Day to Labour Day. Most people aren’t thinking about politics and an upcoming provincial election.

Most people don’t want to hear anything about something happening in October. It’s just another reminder of how short our summer season really is.

Also hanging over the spring sitting was the shadow of the labour strife between the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation and the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee. Nobody was surprised when the teachers rejected the government’s “final” offer. A pact that both sides refer to as a tentative agreement is now in place; hopefully this situation is finally resolved and we won’t have to worry about work to rule, sanctions or even the risk of a strike in the final weeks of the school year.

Perhaps one of the most interesting developments came in the final days of the spring sitting, when the speaker of the house – 25-year Sask. Party MLA Randy Weekes – criticized the direction of the party. Some will accuse Weekes of sour grapes, since he lost the party’s nomination in the riding of Kindersley-Biggar, but it was still stunning to hear the allegations of intimidation and harassment by the party stalwart, directed

toward MLAs, including Estevan MLA Lori Carr.

Weekes also posted his cut-up Sask. Party membership card on X, with the caption of “enough is enough”.

It’s going to be a very interesting election. It’s unlikely we’ll see a change in government. The Sask. Party still has its base in rural Saskatchewan, and even with a number of long-time caucus members not seeking reelection, there are likely at least two dozen ridings that should be considered safe. That means the Sask. Party would need seven ridings to win a fifth majority government.

The Saskatchewan United Party (who now has a new leader) and the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan will eat away at the support for the Sask. Party in rural areas, but it will be a large challenge to unseat the Sask. Party in those ridings.

Expect to see the Saskatchewan NDP make gains in the big cities. If they can return to or even exceed the 20 seats they had after the 2007 election, it should be viewed as a victory for them. It would allow the NDP to have a stronger opposition with more MLAs to hold the government to account.

The NDP has spent much of the past 13 years with less than a dozen MLAs. Most of them have been located in Regina, Saskatoon and northern areas of the province.

The spring sitting gave us lots to discuss. We’ll see how much is remembered by the voters come October.

A hazy summer on the horizon

We got our first sip of wildfire smoke coming from the west a couple of weeks ago, and it didn’t feel well.

Wildfires broke out in Canada as early as May this year, mainly affecting B.C. and Alberta so far. The fires threatened Canada’s largest oilfields, with Fort McMurray particularly impacted. The neighbourhoods of Beacon Hill, Abasand, Prairie Creek and Grayling Terrace were ordered to evacuate.

(Check Page A3 for an article that shares the experiences of a former resident who recently evacuated Fort McMurray).

Canada’s 2023 wildfire season was like no other in the country’s history, with about 18.5 million hectares of land burned (the last record was set in 1989 with 7.6 million hectares consumed by fire). However, with this early start and continuously dry conditions, it doesn’t seem that we’ll have a break this year.

One may say that forest fires have always been a part of Canada’s natural landscape. They definitely were. Wildfires play an important role in the forest regeneration process as well as in maintaining ecological balance. However, the intensity and frequency of forest fires have seriously escalated in recent years, posing threats to the environment, human health and the economy.

The most significant factor contributing to the increase in forest fires is climate change. Since Canada has a large land mass, much of which is located at high northern latitudes, warming across Canada has been about twice the global average, and in the Canadian Arctic, the warming has been about three times higher.

This rise in temperatures leads to drier conditions, creating a perfect environment for wildfires. Extended periods of heatwaves and reduced precipitation dry out forests, making them vulnerable to fires.

Climate change has also altered weather patterns. As a result, we see more frequent

Ana Bykhovskaia Twenty Lines About…

and severe storms, which often come with lightning – a natural ignition source. This combination of dry conditions and increased lightning strikes has been a recipe for disaster.

Climate change sets the stage, but human activity is often the spark. Many fires are caused by human negligence or intentional acts. Campfires left unattended, discarded cigarettes, and sparks from equipment are all recorded causes of catastrophic blazes. Urban expansion into forested areas increases the likelihood of human-caused fires and puts more communities at risk.

But human inaction also costs. One thing I noticed during my first-ever visit to a national park in Canada was how many dead trees were just lying there, turning into the perfect fuel for a forest fire. In Europe and Russia, forests I’ve seen were much cleaner, as dead wood gets removed one way or another. (In some areas, people are allowed to come and take it for their needs; in other regions the government cleans it.)

Why isn’t it done here? My only assumption was a prohibitive cost of taking dead wood away. However, prescribed burns, which mimic natural fire cycles, while also costing money, can help reduce the amount of flammable material in forests and lower the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, thus also lowering the consequences in the long run.

And the consequences of wildfires are profound.

From the ecological perspective, entire ecosystems can be destroyed, with plant and animal species losing their habitats and often lives. The loss of forest cover reduces

biodiversity. In addition, it can lead to soil erosion and degradation of water quality in nearby reservoirs.

Beyond the immediate destruction, forest fires release huge amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, further worsening climate change in a vicious cycle. Then, the loss of trees, which act as carbon sinks, diminishes our ability to offset these emissions.

Human health is another part of the equation, as it is also severely impacted by forest fires, not only in the areas of the cataclysm but halfway across the country. Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems and worsening pre-existing conditions.

The economic toll of forest fires is hard to underestimate. The costs of firefighting efforts are substantial. Infrastructure damage, including the destruction of homes and businesses, results in billions of dollars in losses. Tourism, a fundamental industry in many forested regions, suffers in the short and long terms. Some of the other longterm economic impacts include the loss of timber resources and the costs associated with health care for those affected by smoke and fire-related illnesses.

Bad all around, right?

Mother Nature is hard to negotiate with, but there are still many things everyone, from grassroots to first-hand leaders, could do. From watching our fires, equipment and cigarette buds, to addressing climate change, improving forest management, and enhancing firefighting capabilities, Canadians can at least try to turn the tide on this growing catastrophe.

With these first smoke waves already making it to Saskatchewan, the summer seems to be hazy, and if we don’t act, this and the next ones may be even worse.

By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca

This year’s Smile Cookie campaign will be one to remember for the Estevan Tim Hortons.

Not only did they set a new local record, raising $46,832.50 for the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre (EEYFRC), but they were among the top most successful fundraising locations in the country. And the most memorable part was the phenomenal community support.

“We are so grateful. The community all came together to support us for this. And we want to thank Mandy and Ryan [Irwin] and their staff for going above and beyond to make it a success,” said Misty Pennington, director of programs and community engagement at the EEYFRC.

Mandy and Ryan Irwin, the owners of the two Tim Hortons in Estevan, said they sold over 25,000 cookies within a week from April 29-May 5 this year, with the EEYFRC taking on a lot of work in searching for sponsors and promoting the campaign. The cookie price went up to $1.50 to help raise more funds for local charities.

Also, a lot of sales were accompanied by matching donations. McComb Automotive, Captive Oilfield Rentals, Handy Andy’s Mechanical, L&C Trucking and Highline Rentals all matched cookie sales on a particular day, up to a set amount, and Top Torque Service and Mid-City Plumbing and Heating matched all cookie sales on their respective sponsorship days.

Many businesses and individuals also sponsored cookie orders to be delivered to classrooms in different schools, first responders and others in the southeast.

“It was very communityorientated. Everyone really came together. We had 13 schools sponsored,” said Pennington, noting that kids later made cards to thank the sponsors for the cookies and the smiles.

Tim Hortons staff were baking and preparing cookies all nights and days during the week of the campaign, while the EEYFRC board, staff and volunteers took care of decorations and delivery of the sponsored sets.

“Our staff smashed it out this year. They do a great job. They hit our marks every year, so thanks to them

and the community,” said Ryan. “It’s a very humbling experience,” said EEYFRC executive director Sydney Wanner. “You don’t realize all the little things that have to happen for it to build up to that. So, I will never judge a decorated smile cookie ever in my life after doing it seven days straight,” she added with a laugh.

“This [$46,9832.5] is an outstanding amount made possible by the incredible group of volunteers who helped us decorate to keep up to the demand of the cookie sales all week; our teams at both locations for stepping up to bake, cool and package each and every cookie that went out the door; the awesome community sponsors for matching cookie sales each day; and to you – all of our valued guests who smiled all week long,” local Tim Hortons posted on their social media. “We are so excited to see what the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre is able to do with these funds in expanding their programming and resources available to you.” Funds raised will help the EEYFRC to develop their programming for the six to 11 age category, and

also build their future outdoor space.

The Irwins noted the annual campaign is open to all local non-profits to apply as potential beneficiaries, and all funds raised stay in the community.

“Are you part of a charitable organization that is in need of something like this? Make sure to follow us on socials as we will be putting out applications for our 2025 Smile Cookie recipient in the coming months,” Estevan Tim Hortons added in their post.

Asian restaurant in Estevan reopens after upgrades

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

An Estevan Asian cuisine

gem – Jino’s Asian Delight, located inside the Wicklow Centre on Fourth Street –reopened in mid-May after a significant facelift.

Owner Jino Kim said he’s been thinking about doing some major changes for a long time and was happy to finally bring his vision to life.

“It’s a completely new look. I got rid of the boards, painting, old furniture. Everything was changed. There used to be a red wall, but now it’s a black theme, it’s darker. It’s a more elegant, luxurious atmosphere. That’s what I was aiming for,” Kim said.

The restaurant closed in April to have major work done on the interior. Kim, who opened it in 2016 and has been operating the restaurant ever since, said having it closed for a month was stressful, but now that the work is completed, he hopes the community will appreci-

ate the changes while enjoying their all-time favourites.

“I’m really trying to serve good food to the people in the area. That’s my philosophy to provide great food and healthy food,” Kim said.

He noted he’s been aiming for the current concept for quite a few years.

“I’ve been looking at a more of a modern style, more of a luxury dining concept. And I’ve been waiting for many years [to implement it],” Kim said.

While the restaurant looks very different now, the menu, which has claimed awards in the past, remains the same, offering a variety of Japanese and Korean as well as some Canadian options. Kim said he will update the menu this summer, adding some appetizers, which pair well with wine and beer. He added that he plans on bringing in more drink options. He also plans on developing some gluten-free

options in the near future. The restaurant currently has 12 employees.

Kim also said they are slightly expanding work hours. The Jino’s restaurant is to be open from 11:45 a.m. through 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Ryan and Mandy Irwin, the owners of the two Tim Hortons in Estevan, presented a cheque for over $46,000 raised for the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre, through a week of the Smile Cookie campaign, to Misty Pennington, Sydney Wanner and the centre’s patrons.

Jino Kim, owner of Jino’s Asian Delight in Estevan, and Mayor Roy Ludwig cut a ribbon to reopen the restaurant after renovations.

EstevanChamber of Commerce

By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca

The Estevan Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 120 years of serving the community in May. To mark the milestone, they are bringing two major events on May 30.

First up will be the Southeast Success Summit – a day filled with informative sessions at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus. Following that will be a 120th anniversary banquet at the Beefeater Plaza featuring special greetings from Premier Scott Moe; guest speaker Steve McLellan, who is the former CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce; and other dignitaries and surprises during the celebration of the chamber, its history and the local business community.

Chamber executive director Jackie Wall said the business summit was started as a recurring event, but it has been on pause since 2018 due to outer circumstances. They decided to bring it back this spring under a new name.

“We thought, let’s go back to the business summit, but instead of calling it that, let’s call it a Southeast Success Summit. And the reason for that was we wanted to be able to celebrate the success that we have within our region. There’s been a lot of stakeholders that are working on

really exciting projects. So, let’s see if we can highlight that. And let’s see if we can also highlight different sessions that business owners can use to further their success,” Wall explained.

The summit will feature a variety of sessions. Andria Brady with Community Features Sunrise will speak about their unique Go Digital Sask. program that is changing the lives of rural entrepreneurs across the province. David Hammermeister will make a speech on behalf of MNP.

Guests will also have an opportunity to listen to the Community Changemakers and the Creation of a Tourism Destination in SE Sask presentation by Trevor Keating of the Southeast Sask Economic Partnership. Aron Bacon, Business Development Bank of Canada’s Business Centre manager in Regina, will talk about ways to protect profits against rising costs. Gordon More of the Southeast TechHub will speak about innovation creating jobs in southeast Saskatchewan.

The day will also see a Success in the Southeast panel with Estevan MLA and Minister of Highways and Infracture Lori Carr, Christina Birch of CF Sunrise, Monica Osborn of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and other panellists. The panel guests will discuss where they are seeing success in our region and how people can continue to

on 120 years to the Estevan Chamber of Commerce! Your commitment to our community’s economic growth is inspiring.

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work together to collaborate for continued success.

In the evening of the same day, the community is invited to join the chamber for the celebratory banquet.

“They are two separate events,” Wall underlined.

“We knew that people have different capacities and it’s a different focus. Of course, the summit is focused on information sessions and networking. And the banquet also will have networking, but it’s celebrating the chamber. So, we thought we would do them as separate registration items. And people also might be available in the evening and not during the day and vice versa.

“Our main focus is let’s celebrate where we’re at and where we’re going in this community and let’s have some really good valuable positive conversations,” Wall noted.

Both events are open to anyone in the community, but there are special rates for chamber members. To register, people can go to the chamber’s website at www.estevanchamber.ca.

“I just really would encourage people to get registered as soon as possible because there is always a limit to the amount of people that can attend,” Wall added.

Registration ends on May 23 at noon.

Souris Ave N Estevan, SK Christine Jones, Sales Manager | cjones@glaciermedia.ca |

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The Estevan Chamber of Commerce installed its 2024 board of directors. From left, Ashley Gallaway, Linda Mack, Twyla Bauman, Tania Hlohovsky Andrist, Denise Taylor (president) and Cory Casemore Missing from the picture are John Williams and Melanie Tribiger

Estevan Chamber of Commerce executive director Jackie Wall. File photos

Estevan city council approved its leave-of-absence policy at the May 13 meeting, after tabling the document several times.

The most contentious part of the document was whether council members should continue to receive payment if they need a leave and can’t fulfill their duties, and if they do still receive their wage, how much should they receive.

Coun. Shelly Veroba noted on multiple occasions that council members should not receive full pay since being on council is not their full-time job.

“A member of council may continue to receive their salary during an authorized leave of absence. If a member of council taking leave chooses to participate in some activities of council, they may receive 55 per cent of the wage. However, salary will not be paid to members that have alternative council members representing them during the approved leave of absence.”

Also at issue was how many council members could be on leave at one time. Council agreed they would not grant leave if it meant there wouldn’t be enough members for quorum.

The purpose of this policy is to provide for maternity and adoption leaves for members of council, medical leaves for members, and supports for members during a leave to ensure the public continues to be represented.

Veroba thanked city clerk Judy Pilloud for taking council’s feedback and weaving it into the document.

•••

The Rotary Club of Estevan received a community events permit for its annual Lobsterfest fundraiser on June 21 at Affinity Place. The event is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year, and money raised will go to various Rotary community projects

•••

Three building permits worth $537,801 were issued in April, bringing the total for the year to nine for more than $2.91 mil-

lion. All three permits were classified as miscellaneous.

Council gave first reading to several bylaws related to property taxes. The first was to fix the rate of taxation. The budget that was approved in January had a two per cent property tax increase, the first community-wide hike in property taxes since 2019.

The other bylaws were for the health levy, the library levy and the business improvement district. The health levy is expected to generate $101,962, which will be directed to the fundraising campaign to bring an MRI scanner to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The library levy will bring in $403,000 for the South East Regional Library and local library operations. The money raised will cover the city’s provincially-mandated commitment to the library.

The business improvement district levy will fetch $27,500.

Second and third readings will follow at a later meeting.

•••

Council approved a research collaboration agreement for the development of small modular reactors.

Mayor Roy Ludwig said the city has been working on the document for a while, and the city’s contri-

bution will be up to $5,000 for work in kind.

The other partners –Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd., Westinghouse Electric Canada Inc., SaskPower, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization and the University of Regina – will each contribute $10,000.

Coun. Rebecca Foord wanted to know what the work in kind would be. Ludwig said it likely wouldn’t be too onerous, and the city would be able to say no.

Coun. Lindsay Clark

said SMRs represent the city’s future.

“We’ve been working on this file for a number of years,” added Ludwig, who agreed this would help the community in the long term.

In the inquiries portion of the meeting, Veroba asked about signs in the parking lot at the intersection of Fifth Street and 13th Avenue. People want to know why the city is restricting parking spots during the downtown revitalization project. She said it’s to ensure downtown

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EMS Week

Long-time Estevan EMS paramedic finds helping others in time of need to be rewarding

By David Willberg

Working with Estevan Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has proven to be a rewarding and at times unpredictable career for Bobbi-Jo Davis.

She started working as a primary care paramedic (PCP) in Estevan in June 2003, about a year after she graduated from the Estevan Comprehensive School. In an interview with the Mercury and SaskToday, she said she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do once she finished at the Comp. until a school counsellor suggested a career with the EMS.

“It was something that she had thrown out there as an idea, and it seemed like a good one, so I went to school for it,” Davis recalled.

After graduation, she worked briefly before starting school at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in December 2002. She graduated in May 2003.

“It’s very fast-paced,” said Davis. “It’s set up like a 9-5 type of education. You don’t have breaks. You wouldn’t take a class in the morning and then have a three-hour break. It’s class all day … it’s very busy, and they cram a lot in.”

The course has changed a lot since she was a student, and she believes it now takes a year to complete.

“Back when I went to school, you had to have an 80 per cent to pass, and it was per item, every final, every mid-term, everything had to be over 80 per cent,” said Davis.

When she started, her role was still listed as an emergency medical technician. She has a hard time believing it’s been nearly 21 years already, since, as she said with a laugh, “I’m definitely not old enough.”

Her experience also makes her one of the most tenured members with the Estevan EMS team, which consists of 12 people.

Davis said she enjoys supporting and helping people in the community during challenging times. And much like other first responder professions, she pointed out that no two days are the same.

“It keeps you on your toes, and means that you have to adapt to changes on the fly. And we always work in a team. There’s always two of us, so you’re always working with somebody that you spend a lot of your time working shift work with, and on call,” said Davis. Her shift partner changes roughly once per year, but that partner will inevitably need to take time off dur-

ing the year for a holiday or illness, so she will wind up working with a few different people.

Davis is thankful to be able to work with great people at Estevan EMS. They sometimes spend very long stretches of time together, and everyone has a role to play that they do well.

Working as a paramedic requires her to continually refresh and upgrade her training. When she was an EMT, she had to secure her National Occupational Competency Profile 2011, which added a bunch of skills to her repertoire.

“We weren’t able to give IVs, nebulize medication

and things like that prior to then, so they increased our skill level, and then every year we have to do continual education to keep our licence with the College of Paramedics,” said Davis. “They have a bare minimum requirement of different areas.”

Each year they take courses for CPR, documentation and mental health, and there’s a trauma life-support program every two years.

“From that, you have a more variable area that you can pick and choose what you want to refresh on education or renew, and it could be on anything from childbirth to burns,” said Davis.

As a PCP, Davis said there are a lot of things they do that the public would understand, but there are other things that people might not be aware of. They work with the local palliative care program. They provide treatment to people who choose not to be transported to the hospital.

“In some situations, we’re able to help you at home, and you don’t need further care. We don’t always travel to all of our calls with our lights and sirens on. The majority of our calls, you wouldn’t even know. We’re just driving to them with no lights and sirens on,” said Davis.

She said a career in EMS has proven to be rewarding. When she decided to go to school in 2002, she was only 18, so she didn’t know what to expect.

“There are definitely moments where it is very rewarding, how you can help someone and change things, or just be there and support them in a challenging time for them,” Davis said.

In recent years, Estevan EMS has had its Spooky Ambulance promotion at Halloween, which proved to be a hit with people in the community. Staff members decorated one of the ambulances in a Cars theme one year and a Ghostbusters theme in another. They have also had a display at the Woodlawn Regional Park’s Festival of Lights.

Estevan EMS has occasional tours for school kids in their facility attached to St. Joseph’s Hospital, and other times an ambulance will be taken to schools, daycares or camps so kids can tour it.

“They’re usually very excited, and typically they’re able to come into the trucks and touch and see. And usually, there’s somebody in the group that wants to tell their story of how they rode in an ambulance, and they’re usually quite happy to see us,” said Davis.

“I know we enjoy doing it because it makes it a safe place for kids, so if they are to need the ambulance, it’s not big and scary. They’re somewhat as familiar as they can be with the situation that they’re in.”

Davis said the majority of people are appreciative of Estevan EMS’s efforts. They have to deal with people in stressful situations, and people can be emotional, but Davis said the EMS crews understand people’s reactions aren’t personal.

Call volumes for Estevan EMS have definitely increased from 20 years ago, she said, but it’s a great career that she would recommend to anyone who is interested, especially since they and other units in the province are short-staffed, like other health-care professions.

Bobbi-Jo Davis has been a primary care paramedic for more than 20 years. Photo courtesy of Bobbi-Jo Davis

EMS Week

Diane Adams has experienced a lot during her tenure with Stoughton’s Emergency Medical Services

By Stephanie Zoer

Being a first responder is not for the faint of heart. Every call out is different and the first responders never know what they may face when they arrive on the scene of an accident.

Diane Adams has been a first responder for the Stoughton and District Ambulance Service for 20 years.

Born and raised in the Stoughton area, it was her plan to become a nurse out of high school but decided not to and sought employment elsewhere.

She worked in Calgary at a nursing home for five years and upon her return to Stoughton, it was suggested that she become a first responder. Adams works at the New Hope Pioneer Lodge (NHPL) in Stoughton and has been the longest employee there.

Adams took her primary care provider (PCP) course, which was offered through the Sun Country Health Region in the early 2000s. It was offered as long as a two-year contract was signed.

She completed this course in 2006 on a part-time basis.

Today it needs to be done fulltime. She has remained with the Stoughton First Responders service ever since.

There are six other resolute members on this team, and they are emergency medical responders (EMR).

Back in the day, Adams said things were done a little differently as now the rules have changed and there are many things that no longer can be done if a person is an EMR.

Adams said their shifts are long. Often they are on call for 24 hours, and the wage does not reflect the work that they do. She feels that this needs to be changed.

Most of the staff members have other full-time jobs and when they come home from work, will be on call for the ambulance service. This service is a vital part of the community and a service that communities cannot do without.

When Adams is on call, she is prepared to go within minutes. Once she hits the road this is the time she gets herself mentally ready for what might be ahead of her, but she will also talk to

her husband for added support.

Once on the scene, it is all work and one’s emotions are put to the side to do what is needed to save someone’s life. Coming from a small community, it is often someone they know, and this can be difficult once they arrive home.

Adams said they have a great support team within the service and often check up on each other to make sure everyone is okay. They also have services that they can call if the burden becomes too much to manage.

In any given month, Stoughton’s ambulance goes out on 35-

40 calls. This can be transfers from one hospital to another, or someone from a nursing home needing hospital care.

The severity of the situation, the level of care needed and the location of the patient’s doctor will determine which hospital a person is transported to.

If the accident is severe, a call will go to the STARS Air Ambulance or there will be an advance care intercept done in transit. This is when a doctor or PCP meets them on the road, jumps into the ambulance, and continues to its destination.

Adams and her team are al-

Ways to show support for EMS workers

The often-unheralded contributions of first responders garnered considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic, when much about COVID-19 was still a mystery, first responders put their lives on the line and worked long hours to help people in need.

EMS workers were on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. Even though life is now much closer to normal, EMS workers continue to bravely provide an invaluable public service. The contributions of EMS workers are worthy of recognition and celebration. There are several community-based efforts that can be great ways to celebrate EMS workers who save lives and help make their towns and cities safe every day.

•Host a blood drive. A blood shortage during the pandemic left many hospitals scrambling for potentially life-saving blood. Though the blood supply had stabilized in many places in the early months of 2023, shortages remain a possibility. Community leaders can work alongside local EMS agencies and help them to organize local blood drives to reduce vulnerability to shortages in the future. Leaders and local business leaders can work together to offer incentives

to donors, such as discounted meals, items or services at popular restaurants, stores and service providers in town.

•Highlight EMS workers on community social media accounts. Leaders can use these platforms to shine a light on local EMS workers. Interview a different EMS worker each month, speaking to them about what inspired them to become a first responder and what they like about the job, but also their own interests and hobbies when they are not on duty. Articles on EMS workers, similar to those found in this week’s edition of the Mercury, would be another great way to say thanks.

•Highlight life-saving efforts. Communities also can utilize social media platforms and other programs to showcase EMS workers who have gone to extraordinary lengths to help others. Share information about EMS workers who have saved a life and even promote public events when those workers are commended. Encourage people affected by EMS workers’ life-saving efforts, including the person who was saved and their family members, to share their stories and express their appreciation.

•Let residents tour EMS facilities. It’s easy to take

ways taking courses to improve their education and get the latest information.

Gayla Gilbertson is an EMR with the Stoughton service and she has been accepted to school for the fall to become a PCP, which is needed in the Stoughton community.

Adams said being the only PCP is difficult and 2 PCPs are needed at all times.

“We are in need of more people,” said Adams. A nyone wanting to get into this line of work can contact Adams at Stoughtonambulance@sasktel.net and she will gladly answer questions. It also important that when an emergency vehicle is seen on the road, a person slows down to 60 kilometres and pulls over so that the emergency vehicle can pass safely.

Keep an eye on the rearview mirror in case an emergency vehicle is coming down the road.

Adams said that most people are good for following these rules, but at times they will need to honk their horn at someone who is not moving over or slowing down.

EMS workers for granted because they do not often seek attention. But that does not mean they’re not worthy. Allow locals to tour EMS facilities during certain times each month, which can help locals gain greater recognition of everything EMS workers do to keep communities safe.

EMS workers are worthy of recognition and celebration. There are many ways for community leaders and residents to express their appreciation to these invaluable workers.

The Stoughton ambulance is a 2013 model and needs replacing in the near future, due to the kilometres that it has seen. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

St. Mary’s Grade 8s pitch innovative projects

By Ana Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca

St. Mary’s School Grade 8 students were at the Southeast TechHub on May 10 to pitch innovative projects they developed under the guidance of teacher Agnes Garrioch.

While everyone was recognized as a winner at the end and received a gift card from project partner Southern Plains Co-op, the jury, consisting of TechHub’s executive director Gordon More, Estevan’s innovation council chair Rebecca Foord and Joseph Toth with the National Research Council Canada, asked students questions to help them improve their ideas and keep growing.

Garrioch pointed out that the innovation pitch, hosted at the Southeast TechHub’s second anniversary, highlighted the innovative solutions St. Mary’s students created to address local, provincial, national and global problems through technology. “Through the past two months, our students engaged in a dynamic process of brainstorming issues that mattered to them. From this, they identified significant problems and, using the design thinking model, worked diligently to devise tech-based solutions. This method not only fostered creativity but also honed their ability to think critically and iteratively,” Garrioch said, ex-

plaining the process.

The projects varied from apps and software to robotics and more.

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The pitch competition allowed the students to showcase their prototypes and ideas, which they did with confidence and poise, Garrioch said.

“Their ability to articulate their ideas and respond thoughtfully to inquiries demonstrated the depth of their understanding and thoroughness of their preparation,” she noted.

“This project also significantly enhanced the student’s skills in communication, research and technology application. They utilized a variety of tech tools, including Arduino, Micro:bit, AI, robotics, 3D printer, CSS, JavaScript, and app creation platforms to bring their innovations to life. Watching them navigate and master these technologies was incredibly rewarding. As their teacher, I am incredibly proud of our students’ achievements, and witnessing their pride and success, truly makes me excited for where their ingenuity and skills will take them next.”

Report from the Legislature

May 16, 2024

Affordability for Saskatchewan families remains a top priority in the 2024-25 provincial budget. Our government continues to introduce and enhance programs to make life more affordable for residents of the province.

Saskatchewan has among the lowest personal taxes in the country. Since 2007, Personal Income Tax (PIT) exemptions have removed 112,000 residents from the income tax roll. In total, PIT reductions during that time have provided over $830 million in annual income tax savings to Saskatchewan people. In 2024, Saskatchewan residents will save $70 million on their income taxes from indexation of the provincial income tax system.

tax-free threshold in Canada – and more than twice as much as in 2007, when a family of four began paying provincial income tax once their combined income reached just $26,150. When combined with utilities and housing costs, Saskatchewan also comes out on top; the province is the most affordable place to live in Canada for a family of four when taxes, housing and utilities are considered.

child care for children under the age of six, as well as programs to help fund insulin pumps and glucose monitors. The budget also includes a $4-million increase to continue to meet the needs Program.

For those looking to put down more permanent roots in their communities, the budget funds the PST Rebate on New Home Construction Program, which is helping make new home ownership more affordable. The Saskatchewan First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit provides a non-refundable from the Saskatchewan Secondary Suite Incentive (SSI) Grant Program, which was developed to increase housing and rental availability in the province.

Further contributing to affordability in Saskatchewan is our government’s decision to stop SaskEnergy and SaskPower from collecting the carbon tax on natural gas and electric residential home heating. This is in addition to a SaskEnergy rate decrease that lowered bills for the average residential customer by nearly eight per cent beginning in October 2023.

Our government is providing additional funding support for people with disabilities in the budget. This includes $10.4 million in additional funding to support the changing service needs of current adult clients with intellectual disabilities, as well as the delivery of residential and day programs for new clients.

completing their post-secondary education. The budget includes $34.4 million for the Student Aid scholarships and bursaries.

The budget continues to deliver the Graduate Retention Program. It provides up to $20,00 in tax 81,600 graduates to date.

eligible seniors up to $360 per month, while the monthly income threshold for the Personal Care

The budget provides support for the most vulnerable residents, helping low-income individuals

As

Ideas featured during the event were: a GSS or grocery store sensor – a system which would improve shopping experience for visually impaired people (by Samantha, Marchette, Ayesha and Ashanti); the Eezy Breezy Fan on Wheels – a robot allowing people to cool down on the go (by Ethan and Kelsey); Bye Sunburn – a system alerting the user when to put sunscreen to prevent sun damage (by Jill and Izzy); Dogi – an app aimed at simplifying dog care (by Madzia and Maddy); a Sibling Detector – a system aimed at alerting siblings in case of room invasion (by Grace, Kaylee and Ava); a food delivery drone (by Johnelle and Cale); PhoneSafe – a system to store cellphones safely during school hours (by Princess and Joeben); Ecoquest – game aimed at improving the ecology (by Michael and Lucas); the Pill Provider (by Nathan);

the Legdo mower – a robotic lawnmower (by Anton and Zander); Family Finder (by Joel and Carter), the Infinity Crate (by Kale and Lexxus), and Minecraft Sorting Machine (by CJ and Derek).

Students shared their feedback on their experiences. Some said developing a prototype was their favourite part, while others enjoyed the pitch or teamwork components of the project. Some said they appreciated the problemsolving approach.

“My favourite part about working on my innovation project was when we had succeeded in our goal. Mine was so that it could go by itself with my program. Once I had figured that out, I was really happy and that was my biggest moment,” said Peyton, who was a part of the group working on Eezy Breezy Fan on Wheels.

“My favourite part about working on our innovation was getting to test out new technology that I haven’t

used before. This includes creating a game, making a sensor from an Arduino, using a 3D printer, and coding. This innovation project gave me an opportunity to improve my skills with technology as well as having fun,” said Marchette, who was a part of the team working on Grocery Store Sensor.

“My favourite part about working on my innovation is having more ideas every time I work on it,” said Madzia, who was a co-creator of Dogi.

Wrapping up the event, More encouraged the students to keep working on their ideas.

“The great, great grandfather of Spotify was created by a 16-year-old kid in Exeter, England. So just because you’re not adults, doesn’t mean you can’t create a business. So, if you want to take this to the next level, not just us here at the TechHub, but all of us in the community would love to see you do that,” More said.

St. Mary’s School Grade 8 students partook in a pitch competition at Southeast TechHub, introducing their innovative ideas to the judges.

(L-R) Daniel Daae, Nicki Berg, Rodney Phillips (Torquay Community Centre), Jonathan Kowal, Tundra Oil & Gas

CLASSIFIEDS

and Unit A staff

Very special thanks to Dr. K. M. Sheikh, Dr. M. Rokn, Dr. I. Kamel, and Dr R. Eldin. Thank you to St. Joseph’s for having our wonderful chapel and spiritual staff as part of your service. Special thanks to Dr. A. Christie in Regina, Dr. Ritesh Kumar, and the Neuro team at RGH.

Thank you to all those who sent flowers, food, well-wishes, made phone calls, or took the time to spend with us on Tuesday. Thank you to St. Giles Anglican Church and the Venerable Wilma Woods for her inspiration, prayers, and Scripture. Thank you to Heather Pyra for her music.

Thank you to Hall’s Funeral Home Services and Deb Heidinger for her kind and professional guidance. Finally thank you to our wonderful family who all pitched in to support and help Ralph and me over this difficult time. We are truly blessed. Thank you. Yvonne Schoff and family

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Jason Weening wants to educate parents about the dangers associated with pornography, whether it be online or in publications.

The Estevan resident will be hosting a presentation, Parents and Pornography, on May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Estevan Alliance Church. The discussion is from a Christian perspective and is for those ages 18 and up.

Weening said he is not a pastor or a counsellor, but he is a married father of 10. Their oldest child is 18 years of age and the youngest is a month old. He concedes that talking to children, as they get older, about such topics as sex and pornography can be uncomfortable at times, and a lot of parents face similar challenges.

“I just started doing some research, reading some books, listening to podcasts and reaching out

to some different organizations, and there are guys out there who know a lot about this stuff. I just put a little bit of a talk together to encourage parents and to give them actual scripts … on what they can say,” said Weening.

If a parent asks to see a child’s phone, Weening said it’s out of love and a desire to see what’s best for the child.

Also appearing will be Caleb and Verlynda Simonyl-Gindele, who are also from Estevan. Weening said they are family therapists and Caleb is a certified sex addiction therapist. Once Weening is finished his presentation, he will host a panel discussion with the couple, and then the audience will be able to ask questions.

“There’s a range of topics, scenarios and situations that parents go through, so we’re going to have the Q-

and-A to go through some of that,” said Weening. He shares some of his own story about his first encounters with pornography when he was eight years old, and discusses statistics about the prevalence of porn in society and how it can impact marriages and families. He says he isn’t trying to bring shame when discussing the topic, and he stressed it isn’t intended to be preaching against sex within marriage.

This will be the third time that Weening has held this talk. He previously presented to parents at a Saskatchewan homeschooling conference in Regina and at similar event in Winnipeg for Manitoba homeschoolers.

Weening said the presentations went over very well, and he has received some positive feedback from his audiences.

Multiple calls lead to impaired driving arrest

The Estevan Police Service apprehended an impaired driver May 19.

Police received a call regarding the motorist coming into Estevan on Highway 18. A description and licence plate number were provided, but members were not able to locate the vehicle.

A second call came in approximately two hours later for the same vehicle. The motorist was seen passed out in the driver’s seat of the vehicle at a downtown business. Members attended and arrested a 63-year-old man from

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Torquay for impaired operation. He will speak to his charges in July. A woman was arrested on outstanding warrants on May 17. The EPS said members attended to a residence to apprehend the woman, who was unlawfully at large and had numerous arrest warrants. She remained in the building, and police obtained a search warrant to enter the residence and arrest her. She was located and was lodged in cells to appear before a justice of the peace, and was remanded for a future Provincial Court appearance.

Officers were dispatched to a local business for a report of uttering threats.

A 22-year-old man from Estevan was arrested and charged. He will appear in court in July.

Officers were called May 18 to a local service station for a report of shoplifting. A 51-year-old Estevan man was arrested and charged. He was released and will appear in court on

those charges in July.

Police received a report on May 16 of a suspicious man leaving a BMX bicycle in some trees in the central part of the city.

Members attended, located the bicycle and transported it to the police station to hold it for the owner.

A traffic stop early in the morning of May 15 resulted in a 30-year-old man from Duchess, Alta., testing positive on an oral fluid device. The man received a three-day driving suspension and his vehicle was impounded.

Members received a report of a theft from the local laundromat on May 14. A suspect has been identified. The matter remains under investigation.

Police are investigating a mischief incident after a vehicle was egged on the evening of May 13. Surveillance video was obtained from a neighbouring residence, revealing a suspect vehicle and two individuals. The matter remains under investigation.

–May 25, 1977

Rhea Hesselink, 11, left, and Heidi Hesselink,7, dressed up in Norwegian costumes to take part in the Constitution Day celebration at the home of the Chapman family at 410 Second Street on May 17, 1977. Other Norwegians living in Estevan also attended the celebration.

Midale Public Library celebrates grand opening

By Ana Bykhovskaia SASKTODAY.ca

The Midale Public Library celebrated its grand opening in its new space on May 15. The library is now located at 203 Main Street.

The day of the grand opening offered a comeand-go event with a ribbon cutting, cake and speeches.

“We had an amazing response from our community who showed up to support us,” said branch librarian Jeri-Lee Jones. “It was just amazing to have our local council come and celebrate us, our local community members, our board and just so many of our library patrons. At one point, we packed our library with all the littles who came, and it was overwhelming to see how many

City Hall: 1102 4th

8

8

people can now fit in our new library.”

She noted the move was indeed beneficial for the library and the community.

“The library relocating to a new space has allowed us to have a larger library. We have a grass space for programming as well as access to a kitchen now, which is phenomenal. Our location is now on Main Street, which is great for people who are coming by. We are no longer out of the way, so people can just drive by, see the library, know we’re here and open, and just stop in. And it’s been a tremendous response from the community,” Jones said. The move allowed the library to offer more programs to the community. Jones said they now offer activities outside as well as

to 4:30 pm | (306) 634-1880

some cooking-related programming on top of the previous programs, and just regular services provided by the library. And the community has been appreciating the facility.

“On the days that we don’t have programming, we tend to have more people just come and hang out. Our new location is much larger than the other location, which has allowed us to get furniture, some armchairs and couches, and a nice play space for the children. So, families just come by and hang out and read together. It’s just been amazing to see people here in our community utilizing the library as the living room of our community,” Jones said.

The relocation process started last year and came

to a happy conclusion earlier this spring.

“We started conversations back in July; the actual building came into possession of the town January 1. And once the minor

Mayor’s Message

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Council of the City of Estevan pursuant to the Cities Act that the Council of the City of Estevan, gives notice of its intention to implement bylaws to establish tax rates, health levy, library levy, BID levy under statutory authority of City of Estevan

On May 13, 2024 meeting the first reading of these bylaws was passed and the final readings is expected to be on May 27, 2024.

The proposed Bylaws 2024-2079, 2024-2080, 2024-2081 and 2024-2082, may be inspected by any person in the City Clerk’s Office, on the main level of City Hall, between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Dated this 14th day of May, 2024.

Judy Pilloud 1102 4th Street

Estevan, SK S4A 0W7

renovations were done, we were given the green light to move. So in March, we decided to carry through and get the move done. We opened up here on April 4, and as of this week, May 15, we had our grand reopening,” Jones said.

The hours of operation remain the same. For the library’s latest news and updates, follow the Midale Public Library page on Facebook.

Help Make Cystic Fibrosis History – join the walk Sunday May 26, 2024 at Woodlawn Regional Park starting at 9:00 am, please support this valuable cause.

CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN

The City of Estevan is undertaking construction for the Watermain replacement. The affected area includes First street between Souris Avenue and eighth Avenue, as well as 8th avenue between First street and Valley Street.

Property access and parking restrictions are to occur.

This work will commence May 27, 2024 and will take approximately eight (8) weeks to complete

(subject to weather) City of Estevan will perform this work within the current Bylaw regulations and specifications.

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

Theft or Vandalism

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

Questions and Concerns

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

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

Participating in the ribbon cutting were, from left, Vanessa Lund, James Richards, Gregg Prawdzik, Al Hauglum, Desiree Simpson, Zoey Simpson, Jeri-Lee Jones, Lois Feaver Melanie Braun and Becky Schofield. Photo courtesy of Jeri-Lee Jones