day on
26.
New attractions, ag experiences and family fun WEYBURN FAIR DAYS
Submitted
The Weyburn Agricultural Society is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for the 117th annual Weyburn Fair Days, a celebration of agriculture, community, entertainment and family fun that has been bringing people together for more than a century.
This year’s festivities extend far beyond the traditional three-day fair, with over a week of activities beginning with 4-H programming and culminating in a packed weekend of attractions, competitions, live entertainment, agricultural showcases, midway rides and community events.
Organizers said the continued growth of the fair reflects the community’s strong support and the importance of maintaining the connection between agriculture and everyday life.
“The growth of our Ag Pavilion that was introduced a couple years ago has been instrumental in bridging the gap between our urban and rural communities, as not all those living in the city can get a hands-on experience at a farm,”
said Lisa Vick of the Weyburn Agricultural Society. “We are excited to continue building on that success and offering families new opportunities to learn about agriculture while having fun.”
A Week of 4-H Activities
The festivities begin June 27 with several 4-H Club Achievement Days, providing local members the opportunity to showcase the projects and skills they have developed throughout the year.
Activities continue June 28 with the 4-H Light Horse Show and additional achievement day events.
The 4-H days show will showcase beef, sheep and has expanded this year to include poultry.
The inaugural Co-op to Crown Poultry Show has proven to be a successful addition to the 4-H events with close to 60 chickens to be showcased.
The Interclub 4-H Show started Monday and will end today, July 1. This event highlighted the hard work and dedication of young livestock exhibitors from across the region. The annual 4-H Livestock Sale will take place in the Souris Valley Industries Show and Sale Arena today, July 1, beginning at 2 p.m.
The 4-H program remains one of the cornerstones of the Weyburn Agricultural Society’s mandate and serves as an important opportunity to recognize youth leadership and agricultural excellence.
Continued on Page 2
DIVE IN TO SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Young readers will have a chance to enjoy fun craft activities during July and August for the Summer Reading Program at the Weyburn Public Library.
Olivia Vogel is the Summer Reading Club programmer. She recently finished her first year studying Anthropology at the University of Saskatchewan.
“This job combines my love for books and reading with my creativity,” said Vogel. “It also gives me the opportunity to get to know some really amazing kids!”
‘Dive In’ programs will be guided for ages two to 12, with weekly themes like pirates, mermaids, marine animals and sea monsters. Crafts and activities will be held at the library on Tuesdays for ages two to five, Tuesdays and Thursdays for ages six to nine and ages 10 to 12. Each week will pair recommended books along with the theme and activities.
A special Pen Pal Program is available for ages six to 12. Participants send postcards to new friends at other Library branches across the province. Sign up for this program can be completed during registration. Register for the Summer Reading Program by calling the Weyburn Public Library at 306-842-4352.
Rwards for reading are available for those registered in the Summer Reading Program. Entries started on June 30 and must be submitted by August 19 to qualify for a prize. There are also Take and Make kits at the library for the participants.
St. Michael School students proudly displayed Canada Day love during a red-and-white spirit
June
Back row, l-r. Josie, Blaze, Nadia, Nora, Rakisha and Hazel. Front row, Ivan, Sophia and Jace.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Community News
Agriculture remains at the heart of attractions held during the Fair
While entertainment continues to grow, agriculture remains the foundation of Weyburn Fair Days.
Visitors can enjoy educational agricultural displays, livestock exhibits, demonstrations and interactive opportunities designed to help people better understand Saskatchewan’s farming industry and rural heritage.
The Adventure Wranglers will be bringing their Nature Nerds show to the stage at the Exhibition Hall on July 3 and 4. This is an up-close action packed look at the coolest creatures around providing hands on learning and science fun. Shows will run three times a day on Friday and Saturday.
Attractions for the Entire Family
Throughout the three-day fair, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy:
• Canuck Midway rides and games.
• Petting Zoo.
• Tractor Town.
• Kids Tractor Pull.
• Household Arts Display.
• School Artwork Showcase.
• Knocker Balls.
• Turner Curling Museum Tours.
• Adventure Wranglers Science and Reptile Show.
• Midway Marketplace.
• Food Alley.
• Commercial exhibits and vendors.
• Agricultural displays and demonstrations.
• Live entertainment.
The highly anticipated Souris River Rodeo will once again be one of the weekend’s marquee attractions.
Rodeo performances will take place Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 beginning at 6 p.m., with rodeo slack scheduled for Saturday morning at 8 a.m. The Souris River DQ Kids’ Rodeo will take center stage on Saturday at noon.
Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment all three evenings outside the Swayze Saloon, providing the perfect way to wrap up a day at the fairgrounds.
Ag Pavilion continues to grow for Fair
One of the most popular additions in recent years has been the Ag Pavilion, which continues to expand its offerings for families and visitors of all ages.
At the centre of the pavilion is Tractor Town, an interactive agricultural obstacle course where children navigate pedal tractors through a miniature rural landscape complete with barns, farm animals, and a variety of farm-inspired challenges.
The exhibit provides children with a
hands-on opportunity to learn about agriculture while having fun and remains one of the fair’s most unique attractions.
The long-running Kids Tractor Pull will also return once again.
“The Kids Tractor Pull has been a Weyburn Fair staple for many years,” said Vick.
“Generations of families have participated in Tractor Pull over the years, making it one of those traditions that truly connects the past and present of our fair,” said Vick.
Celebrating talent through Household Arts
Sharing space within the Ag Pavilion will be the Household Arts Display, which has become one of the most admired attractions at the fair.
Submissions are currently being accepted in a variety of categories, with entry forms available through the Weyburn Agricultural Society.
Organizers encourage community members to showcase their talents by entering as many categories as they wish.
“The community has truly enjoyed
having Household Arts return to the fair,” said Vick.
“It is a wonderful space to simply wander through and admire the talented people we have in our community.”
The display features everything from crafts, baking, and photography to artistic creations and hobby projects.
Another favourite feature is the school artwork display, where students showcase their creations for family members, friends and community residents to enjoy.
Thursday Night Thunder brings new energy
A major new addition for 2026 is Thursday Night Thunder, presented by Southern Industrial and Truck Ltd.
Designed as a high-energy family entertainment event, Thursday Night Thunder will feature the Global FMX motocross show, kids power wheels derby, lawn mower races, horses vs. horsepower burnout competition and A Smash It Show.
Thursday Night Thunder action starts at 6 p.m. in front of the grandstand.
The event promises to provide an action-packed start to the fair weekend and showcase attractions unlike anything previously offered at Weyburn Fair Days including the addition of Corgi Races, Old Time Dance and Horse Drawn Wagon Rides.
Midway Marketplace debuts during weekend
New for 2026 is the Midway Marketplace, located inside the Exhibition Hall on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Approximately 30 vendors from across southeast Saskatchewan will participate, of-
fering a wide range of products, demonstrations, displays and specialty items.
Visitors can browse handcrafted goods from local artisans, discover unique products and sample food offerings that include both Canadian and international cuisine.
Admission Information
Weyburn Fair Days runs July 4–5. Daily admission is:
• Adults – $10
• Youth (6–18 years) – $5
• Children 5 and under – Free Parking on-site is $2, with free street parking available nearby.
All buildings and grounds are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
For more information, Household Arts entry forms, sponsorship opportunities, or volunteer information, contact the Weyburn Agricultural Society.
Volunteers still needed
As preparations continue, organizers are reminding residents that volunteers remain critical to the success of the event.
“We could not run Fair Week without our dedicated volunteers,” said Vick. “By the time we get all the jobs and various shifts filled, we are probably filling 150 shifts for a variety of jobs.”
Additional assistance is especially needed for the popular Knocker Ball attraction, where participants bounce and collide
in giant inflatable balls across a large turf playing area.
“We are always looking for more volunteers,” added Vick. “We have about 15 dedicated board members who put in countless hours planning, setting up and running the week of activities. More helping hands are always appreciated for a variety of jobs, from taking tickets at the gates to helping with attractions and maintaining the grounds.”
About the Weyburn Ag Society
The Weyburn Agricultural Society has been promoting agriculture, education, community engagement, and family entertainment for more than a century. Through annual events, youth programming, agricultural exhibitions, and community partnerships, the Society continues to celebrate the agricultural heritage and community spirit that define southeast Saskatchewan.
Visit their website www.weyburnagriculturalsociety.com and Facebook Page for complete details as well as several opportunities to win some prizes through our colouring contest and our Social Media giveaways.
Community News
Adult programmers let go from Estevan, Weyburn libraries
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Southeast Regional Library says it is ending the adult programmer positions at its two city branches in Estevan and Weyburn.
Southeast Regional Library director Kate-Lee Nolin said the library made the “difficult decision” to restructure its programming staff at the branches to have one full-time programmer at each, focusing on children’s activities.
“This is a necessary step to cope with the rising cost of operations and ensure we can continue to offer core library services for our patrons,” Nolin said. “We are deeply grateful to our adult programmers and are working to support and assist them in their transition.”
She added the Southeast Regional Library plans to take the summer to evaluate — with its branch managers and programming staff — how the overall programming compliment operates at the city branches.
“We expect to have a plan for sustainable adult programming in the fall. We are committed to navigating this change transparently and focusing on a stable structure moving forward,” she said.
AnnaRose Lawrence,
who was the adult programmer at the Estevan Public Library for almost 3 1/2 years, said the role stretched her skills both creatively and professionally, and she enjoyed the opportunity to think outside the box.
This included co-creating several escape rooms and organizing the Plains of Imagination Book Fair with local authors in 2025. She is also proud of the two Christmas socials, which she helped host, that brought the community together for music, fun and laughter. “As I look beyond my time at the library, I’m ready for whatever challenges come my way,” she said. A petition has been created, calling for the reinstatement of the adult programmer role in Weyburn. Started by Barbara H., it had 441 signatures as of 1:15 p.m. on June 24. The goal is 500 signatures. The petition is addressed to the Southeast Regional Library, the Weyburn Public Library, Weyburn Mayor Jeff Richards and Weyburn-Bengough MLA Mike Weger.
The petition’s creator Barbara Howe noted that in 2024, she was eagerly planning to move out of
City reminds mobile food vendors to meet with Planning Department
Submitted
Before a food truck starts serving customers in Weyburn, the City wants vendors to make sure they have the right approvals in place.
Mobile food vendors require a permit approved by the City of Weyburn Planning Department before operating on private or public property. The approval process helps ensure vendors have the required documentation in place to avoid delays once they are ready to serve customers.
“Food trucks can bring great energy to community events and public spaces,” said Planning Coordinator Shara-Lee Malcom. “The goal is to make sure vendors are prepared before they set up on location, so their lineup is for food, not permit questions.”
A mobile food vendor application helps the City confirm important details related to health regulations, fire safety, business licensing and other safety requirements. The review process also considers how a food truck may impact traffic flow, parking,
bustling city life with her mother, and they were seeking solace in a smaller community that offered “enriching cultural and educational opportunities”. One of the main reasons she chose Weyburn was what she called the “excellent” adult programs at the Weyburn Public Library.
“The library’s programs were a beacon of community interaction, learning and growth, which I believed would enrich our lives profoundly,” she said.
She was disheartened to learn that the adult programmer position has been removed and programmer Krista Klemmer had been laid off.
“This decision not only affects me personally but also impacts countless residents who benefited
from the innovative and diverse programs that were once available,” she wrote.
“Adult programs at libraries are crucial; they serve as hubs for lifelong learning, community engagement and offer invaluable resources for personal development.
Krista was the heart and soul of Weyburn library’s adult program,” the petition stated.
Removing the adult programmer position undermines the library’s mission to be a centre of learning and cultural exchange, she said.
“Weyburn has always been proud of its community spirit and dedication to providing inclusive and beneficial resources to all its residents. Without an adult program, many are left without access to
critically-needed educational opportunities, mental stimulation and social interaction,” she wrote.
Paige Tenbult from the City of Weyburn said the city is aware of the changes affecting the adult programmer positions in both Weyburn and Estevan, and recognizes the important role library programming plays in the community.
The city provides funding support to the Weyburn Public Library through the municipal budget.
Weyburn city council also has representation on both the Southeast Regional Library board and the Weyburn Public Library board. These roles help maintain communication to city administration as well as volunteer support for library events such as the annual book sale. These board roles do
not give the city authority over library staffing decisions, Tenbult said. Weyburn Councillor Laura Morrissette said: “As the board chair, I can say we are disappointed by the decision by the regional library to cut the adult programming position in both Weyburn and Estevan and we understand the importance that role played in attracting more patrons to our library. However, we will do what we can, within our roles as volunteers, to support the current staff throughout the summer while a longterm plan is created by the regional library and public library staff.”
pedestrian access, garbage and cleanup, nearby businesses, event spaces and accessibility.
Before a permit can be issued, vendors must provide required documentation to the City. This may include Saskatchewan Health Authority approval, a City of Weyburn business license, fire safety documentation, gas inspection certification, vehicle registration and photos of the mobile unit.
“Mobile vending involves more than where a truck parks,” said Malcom. “There are health, safety, licensing and inspection pieces that all work together to make sure the vendor is ready to serve. The more prepared vendors are when they contact Planning, the easier it is to keep things moving.”
Permits are required annually and expire on December 31 of the year they are issued.
Mobile food vendors planning to operate in Weyburn are encouraged to contact the Planning Department before booking an event or arriving on site to serve.
Weyburn Theatre Cooperative representative Laila Bader, with daughter Renate, accepted a $2,500 donation from the 2026 Weyburn Comprehensive High School graduating class, represented by Elizabeth Hamel and Cara Johnson.
Photo Submitted
Agriculture, Oil & Business
Ellie and Nora examined a sewing table on display at Heritage Village on June 25, during a tour given to the Assiniboia Park Elementary School Grade 4 students.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
SE producers wrap up seeding, hoping for warm weather
Most producers have largely wrapped up seeding within the southeast region and are at 99 per cent completion, according to the weekly crop report for the peroid of June 16 to 22.
Overall, producers are reporting good moisture conditions with the rainfall received in the region this past week. However, the persistence of cool and cloudy conditions and excess moisture in some areas have slowed crop development and in-crop spraying activities.
Producers will be hoping for some warm weather over the coming week to continue with incrop spraying and to help crop development.
The Weyburn area received the highest rainfall amount with 54 millimetres (mm), followed by the Indian Head area with 51 mm and the Francis area 49 mm. Topsoil moisture conditions are mostly rated as adequate in the region with some areas reporting surplus.
Cropland topsoil moisture is: 25 per cent surplus; 69 per cent adequate; five per cent short; and one per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is: 14 per cent surplus; 69 per cent adequate; 14 per cent short; and three per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is: 13 per cent surplus; 71 per cent adequate;
12 per cent short; and four per cent very short.
Despite cool weather conditions slowing crop development, the majority of the crops in the region are mostly rated as normal in their development stages, with oilseed crops the furthest behind their normal development stage for this time of year.
Crop development for this time of year in the region is rated as follows:
• one per cent of fall cereals are reported as ahead, 80 per cent as normal and 19 per cent behind.
• three per cent of spring cereals are reported as ahead, 72 per cent as normal and 25 per cent behind.
• two per cent of oilseeds are reported as ahead, 65 per cent as normal and 33 per cent behind.
• four per cent of pulse crops are reported as ahead, 82 per cent as normal and 14 per cent behind.
• one per cent of perennial forages are reported as ahead, 78 per cent as normal and 21 per cent behind.
85 per cent of annual forages are reported as normal and 15 per cent behind.
A total of 3 per cent of the land that would normally be seeded did not get seeded this spring in the region due to excess moisture. Of the seeded
Weyburn moves forward on new leisure centre, selects architectural firm
Sara Parks SaskToday.ca
Weyburn City Council approved the selection of P3 Architecture Partnership as the prime consultant for the new Weyburn Leisure Centre project during the June 22 meeting, accepting the firm’s $1.86 million proposal for design and project management services.
Council also authorized Colliers Project Leaders to finalize negotiations and facilitate the execution of the agreement between the city and P3 Architecture Partnership. The project will replace the indoor pool that was closed in 2024 after structural engineers discovered failures in the pool basin.
“The evaluation was comprehensive and based on several key criteria,” Kolten Weber, project manager for Colliers Project Leaders, told council. “Mandatory requirements were first reviewed to confirm eligibility for further evaluation.”
land this spring, producers indicate that 4 per cent has excess moisture and is unlikely to produce a crop. Similarly, four per cent of forage crops are reported to have excess moisture and are unlikely to produce a crop, while two per cent of pastureland is not accessible or is not usable.
Areas within the region that are experiencing reduced moisture have expressed that 10 per cent of the land seeded this spring is struggling due to lack of moisture. 20 per cent of forage crops may have their yield significantly affected and 26 per cent of pastures may have their carrying capacity reduced.
Most livestock water supplies are considered to be adequate for the region. While no moderate shortages are reported, 5 per cent of livestock water sources may be short within the next two months while 95 per cent are not expected to be short
A total of 95 per cent of livestock producers in the region are not concerned about water quality while only 5 per cent of producers have water quality concerns.
Moderate to severe damage to crops was reported from excess moisture, wind and gophers. Hail also caused minor damage in some areas in the region, with minor to moderate reported damage from flea beetle pressure.
held with 10 organizations over eight separate sessions. Groups consulted included the Silver Seals Swim Club, artistic swimming, water polo, Inclusion Saskatchewan and the Weyburn Group Homes.
“The City of Weyburn was left out of those meetings so that people aren’t holding back on their comments,” said Henning.
Flexible design
Sidloski asked about the RFP saying a six-lane, 25 metre pool was the baseline.
Weber said that the scope provided in the RFP was a starting point.
“The process is flexible, and there is the ability to alter the scope as needed,” said Weber.
Councillor Corrigan asked for confirmation that no final decisions have been made regarding the pool size, and additional amenities like water slides or hot tubs, or the facility’s location.
Weber said there is flexibility in the design process.
The evaluation framework prioritized quality and expertise over cost, with the technical components carrying more weight than the financial proposal.
Five key roles were considered critical to project delivery, said Weber. They were design project leader, design architect, mechanical discipline lead, contract administrator, and aquatic specialist.
The evaluation committee consisted of two members from Colliers Project Leaders and two members from the steering committee. Each evaluator completed their scoring independently before a consensus meeting was held to discuss any changes. P3 Architecture Partnership was the top ranked bidder.
Councillor Ryan Janke asked how the city established requirements from the community. Director of Leisure Services Richard Henning said the city engaged RC Strategies to conduct a public survey, with approximately 10 per cent of the population providing feedback.
Councillor Kellie Sidloski asked about user group consultation.
Henning said community group meetings were
“The first stage in predesign is going to be requirements gathering, verification of the information we know to date, and then developing the functional program, which is going to be how many spaces are going into them, how big do they need to be, what are the programming aspects, what are the operational maintenance areas that are needed, what are the other administrative areas that might be needed.
“The next stage from there would be to move into developing some conceptual plans of how those different spaces can be pieced together to work together to deliver the scope and program of the facility,” added Weber.
Budget and operational concerns
The fee proposal submitted by P3 Architecture is $1,860,652, including taxes. Weber said this doesn’t pose a concern to the overall $30 million project budget.
Councillor Laura Morrissette asked about operational budget considerations, saying citizens want to know what the facility will cost them in the future.
Weber said the RFP showed an operational
budget of approximately $918,000 per year for the future facility.
Councillor Todd Bedore said the “basin-up” approach is important, building from functionality instead of creating a grandiose facility.
“That’s near and dear to my heart,” said Bedore. “I’ve had kids involved in swimming, water polo. What I don’t want is a big, grandiose facility with no functionality.”
Cost recovery and lifespan
Henning said the now closed indoor facility operated around 26 per cent recovery and the hope of the new aquatic facility is to reach 33 to 34 per cent, with 35 per cent being a reasonable target. The city aims for 50 per cent cost recovery across all leisure activities.
Weber said facilities can be designed to last 50 to 100 years, but 50 to 60 years is typical for municipal facilities.
Councillor Corrigan asked Weber if the lifespan would be “significantly longer” for a new facility than trying to renovate an existing building.
“With renovations, there’s always a question of what’s behind the wall that we don’t know,” said Weber. “These are all capital cost considerations that don’t weigh in the favour of a renovation project, most because they’re unknown, which presents a large risk to the city.”
Future of existing facility
Councillor Kellie Sidloski said the city earmarked a million dollars for the demolition of the current facility if they were to build new. She asked if that money could be put towards a renovation or a repurposing of that facility if the city builds new. Henning said that was correct. Next steps
Colliers will finalize contract documents with P3 Architecture Partnership, which is expected to take about two weeks.
Councillor Sidloski said she appreciated the residents who have engaged with council on the project and she encouraged anyone with questions to reach out to city administration or council.
Reuse and Recycle
Editorial & Opinion
WPS respond to assault complaint, impaired operation, health checks
The Weyburn Police Service responded to 103 calls for service during the week of June 21 to 28, 2026.
Assault with a Weapon
Members of the Weyburn Police Service responded to a complaint on June 26 involving an adult male causing disturbances within a family residence. Investigation revealed the male was responsible for a number of concerning incidents that resulted in criminal charges.
The male was charged with: Uttering Threats (x4) and Assault While Threatening to Use a Weapon (x2). The accused was arrested without incident and later released on strict conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Impaired Operation
Police received a report of a vehicle backing into a parked vehicle on June 26 before leaving the scene. Thanks to the keen observations of a witness, officers were able to identify both the vehicle and the driver involved.
Police quickly located the adult female driver at a residence and arrested her for impaired driving. The female subsequently provided breath samples nearly twice the legal limit. She was charged accordingly and also issued a ticket for failing to report a motor vehicle collision.
The Weyburn Police Service would like to thank the witness for their assistance. Public reporting continues to play an important role in keeping impaired drivers off our roads.
Mischief Over $5,000 Police responded to a report on June 28 of significant damage to a new vehicle located on a local dealership lot.
Review of surveillance footage identified the suspect as an adult male who had been arrested earlier that morning at approximately 4:35 a.m. for being intoxicated in public.
The male was subsequently charged with Mischief Over $5,000. Alcohol and drug use are believed to have been contributing factors in this incident.
Public Intoxication
An adult male was removed by event security from Party in the Park on June 25 due to his behavior. The male later returned and attempted to re-enter the event.
Officers who were already on scene arrested the male for being intoxicated in a public place and on an outstanding warrant. The male resisted arrest but was safely taken into custody and lodged in police cells until sober.
Aside from this isolated incident, Party in the Park was a successful event, with attendees enjoying themselves responsibly and making safe transportation choices, including walking or utilizing sober drivers.
Mental Health and Well-Being Checks
Officers responded to more than 20 incidents related to mental health and wellbeing during the reporting period.
In four cases, individuals were apprehended under Saskatchewan’s mental health act and transported to the Weyburn General Hospital for further assessment and care. Several other incidents were resolved with the assistance of family members, friends, and community supports, while some individuals voluntarily attended the hospital for treatment.
MEET OUR STAFF
Publisher/Sales Manager: Andrea Corrigan • acorrigan@sasktel.net
Production Supervisor/Sales: Leslie Coulter • lcoulter@sasktel.net
Accounting/Circulation: Debbie Stuart • dstuart@sasktel.net
Reporter/Production Assistant: Sabrina Kraft • skraft@sasktel.net
Commercial Print Department: printing@sasktel.net
The Weyburn Review
FROM THE SIDELINES: Post Fathers’
Norm Park/ SaskToday.ca
I have never been a father, so we can let that one go in terms of informational reflections.
But I did have a father and although our times together were not as consistent as most father and son interactions, the moments I did get to share with him taught me some interesting lessons.
For example, I still recall vividly the night I got a lecture from pop about how I seemed to be fostering a mostly negative attitude on a daily basis at the age of nine and that had to end … quickly.
Dad and I were walking to the local movie theatre, about four blocks from our home and I was grumbling all the way for the first two. I didn’t want to go to this stupid movie where people ended up doing more singing and dancing than acting and nobody would be riding a horse or shooting a gun. So boring, but I had to go. I grumbled on and on and then suddenly my father stopped walking while we were right in front of the local post office/ fire hall/police station complex. He turned to me and delivered a quick lecture I have never forgotten. He began by stating there weren’t many people in this world that appreciated hanging out with pessimists. He realized quickly I wasn’t too sure what a pessimist was, so he added that a pessimist was a person with an almost continual negative attitude and it seemed I was becoming one of them.
“You will have a lot of difficulty making friends if you continue this way,” he warned me, but without even shaking his finger in my face. It was a just a firm message of shape up or you’re in for a world of hurt as you keep growing and developing a personality.
“No one likes a pessimist. It’s best to look for the positives, not always looking for the bad things and then complaining about them all the time,” he said in a voice I also recall quite clearly because it was said with a slight tone of anger, but not outright anger, just let’s say more of a positive anger that allowed me to “catch the drift” of what he was trying to tell me.
Being more positive, kinder, brighter was a better path, he said. It would help me as I grew older and began to understand human nature a little better.
“Maybe you’ll like one of the songs or dances in this movie, maybe you’ll laugh at someone’s acting. There should be at least a few moments in this movie you will like and maybe even remember,” he said. “It can’t be all bad. Look for the fun, look for the good.”
So we went to the movie and I stewed a bit in my seat and by the end of the movie I was pretty sure that Dad had been right. I needed to do a little resurrection of my spirit moving forward. I probably had not
The Weyburn
Day reflections
realized how bad-a**ed I had become for no apparent reason than perhaps I thought it was a cool thing to be thought of as a tough kid. Well, not so … and apparently he had felt a need to help me turn a corner toward maturity.
Now I must add here that my mother and father separated before I entered my teens and were divorced a few years later so connection with my father was somewhat erratic. I went more than a few years without seeing him. We never hugged, but we exchanged fun-like handshakes when we did re-engage. The separation and divorce proceedings were almost amicable as they progressed. So there were no long lasting emotional bruises for either my sister or me. I even lived with my dad as a 21-year-old entering into my new profession of journalism in Ontario. That only lasted two weeks, because he got a transfer notice and was gone again.
Alzheimer’s got the best of him. We eventually arranged to have Dad moved back to Saskatchewan so he could be near me and the bride for the final chapter since my sister, who had made plans for his future well-being, died suddenly, so that quickly changed the script.
I was getting re-acquainted with my father in a completely different setting, but soon discovered he was still a positive personality even though he wasn’t sure where he was or why he was. He still enjoyed the life he was being given.
Dad passed away suddenly and I didn’t get to his bedside before he left, but I did, very deliberately give him a hug before the nurse came back in to direct follow up activities.
I did attempt to follow his lecture advice. I’m sure I have often faltered along the way in terms of pessimism, but I’m also sure that I’ve shared more laughter with people than tears or anger, so the emotional ledger is clear.
I also remember the movie I was so reluctant to see because it had nothing but singing and dancing and stupid stuff.
It was called Singing in the Rain, and dammit, it I loved that song and dance thing that Donald, Gene and Debbie did as they sang Good Morning and how they had “danced the whole night through.” It wasn’t a bad movie and my father I had discovered, actually knew a thing or two about his bratty kid that he was able to turn around before it was too late.
Thanks dad.
Belated Happy Fathers’ Day to all the dads out there. It can’t be easy, but it also can be fun I’ve heard. So good luck and make it positive so the kids can follow by example and won’t need that lecture. And I repeat. I have never been a father, so you can also ignore the aforementioned advice.
welcomes
to the
Sports & Leisure
Soccer teams finish Forge Spring League
Submitted
The inaugural Forge Spring League season came to an exciting close during the June 19 to 21 weekend, with Weyburn Soccer represented in every age division.
U13 Boys Prairie Fire FC finished fourth overall, while the Weyburn Devils secured fifth place. Warner Ripplinger won the U13 Boys Golden Boot with an incredible 20 goals in 12 matches, the second-highest total across all league divisions.
U13 Girls
After a semifinal loss, the girls responded with a fantastic performance to defeat FC Regina and earn bronze medals.
U15/17 Girls
The girls also claimed bronze, bouncing back from a semifinal defeat to beat Moose Jaw Excelsior FC.
U15/17 Boys
The boys captured the inaugural Forge Spring League title, defeating Swift Current in the semifinals and Yorkton in the championship match. Their title run capped an outstanding season with just one loss in nine matches, 61 goals scored, and only 11 conceded.
A special shoutout to U9 Girls, U9 Boys, U11 Girls, and U11 Boys teams. While standings aren’t kept at these ages, their effort, sportsmanship and development played a huge role in Weyburn’s success throughout the season.
The Forge Spring League has created meaningful competition, strengthened player development opportunities and shown what is possible when clubs work together.
Summer Skills Camp available for
soccer players
Looking to get more touches on the ball this summer?
Want to improve your skills, build confidence, and play more soccer?
The Weyburn U15
Swift Current in the
boys
team
and Yorkton
the Forge
Canaan Braun Soren Grass, Caleb DuHamel, Rayane Benabdallah, Ranson Jordens, Lexington Roy, Logan Payak, Leif Clark and head coach Rob Jordens. Second row, Owen Goodfellow, Zaven Travis, Jaxon Porter, Brady Toszak, Tave Fladeland and Tyson Nicolay. Front, goalkeepers Jesse Travis and Michael Kevins. Missing were assistant coaches Kelly Cochrane and Richy Roy, manager Terry Jordens and players Bodhi Cochrane, Ben Ejiofor, Kamsi Ejiofor, Reese Fleischhaker and Victor Magawa.
Silver Seals compete in Saskatoon, Rosetown
Submitted
Swimmers from the Weyburn Silver Seals were in Saskatoon during a meet held June 27.
Results in alphabetical order:
Alexander Hambly - 1112 boys - 11th in the 100 m backstroke, 10th in the 100 m freestyle and 19th in the 50 m freestyle and 50 m backstroke.
Milly Ho - 11-12 girlsthird in the 100 m freestyle, fourth in the 50 m butterfly, 50 m backstroke and 100 m butterfly and sixth in the 50 m freestyle.
Presley Logel - 9-10 girls - sixth in the 25 m backstroke, 10th in the 25 m butterfly and 50 m backstroke, 13th in the 50 m breaststroke and 17th in the 50 m freestyle.
Kassandra Madriaga13-14 girls - second in the 50 m breaststroke, third in the 100 m breaststroke, frouth in the 100 m backstroke, fifth in the 50 m backstroke and sixth in the 100 m individual medley.
Ayza Manzoor - 7-8 girls - silver medal overall - first in the 100 m individual medley, second in the 25 m butterfly and 50 m breaststroke and third in the 25 m breaststroke and 25 m freestyle.
m freestyle, eighth in the 50 m freestyle, 10th in the 50 m breaststroke and 11th in the 50 m backstroke.
Daniel Nikulin - 11-12 boys - seventh in the 50 m breaststroke and 100 m freestyle, eighth in the 100 m breaststroke, ninth in the 100 m freestyle and 10th in the 50 m backstroke.
Nikolas Nikulin - 13-14 boys - silver medal overall - first in the 100 m backstroke, 50 m backstroke and 100 m individual medley and second in the 200 m freestyle and 100 m freestyle.
Sakoda Seitz - 13-14 girls - second in the 100 m freestyle and 400 m freestyle, third in the 100 m butterfly, fifth in the 50 m butterfly and sixth in the 50 m breaststroke.
Ishanne Kir Subna-en9-10 boys - bronze medal overall - first in the 50 m butterfly and 100 m individual medley, second in the 50 m backstroke and 50 m freestyle and third in the 50 m breaststroke.
Brenna Torkelson - 1314 girls - sixth in the 100 m freestyle and 400 m freestyle, seventh in the 100 m backstroke, eighth in the 50 m breaststroke and 10th in the 100 m breaststroke.
100 m breaststroke and 100 m individual medley.
Cody Wig - 11-12 boys - fourth in the 200 m freestyle and 50 m freestyle and fifth in the 50 m breaststroke, 50 m backstroke and 100 m breaststroke.
Elizabeth Wig - 11-12 girls - fifth in the 50 m freestyle and 100 m breaststroke, sixth in the 50 m breaststroke, seventh in the 100 m freestyle and ninth in the 50 m backstroke.
Anastasia Wilson - 1112 girls - seventh in the 200 m freestyle, 11th in the 100 m breaststroke, 12th in the 50 m freestyle, 15th in the 50 m breaststroke and 20th in the 50 m backstroke.
Izadora Wilson - 7-8 girls - 14th in the 50 m freestyle and 25 m backstroke and 16th in the 25 m freestyle.
Persephonee Wilson13-14 girls - fourth in the 200 m freestyle, eighth in the 50 m backstroke, 12th in the 50 m breaststroke and 100 m breaststroke and 14th in the 100 m individual medley.
Ryker Wilson - 9-10 boys - 10th in the 50 m backstroke and 50 m freestyle, 12th in the 25 m backstroke and 16th in the 25 m freestyle.
m butterfly, 25 m breaststroke, 50 m freestyle, 25 m freestyle and 100 m individual medley.
Rehaam Manzoor - 1314 year old girls - third in the 100 m freestyle and 100 m butterfly, fifth in the 50 m backstroke and seventh in the 50 m freestyle and 50 m breaststroke.
Daniel Nikulin - 11-12 year old boys - third in the 50 m breaststroke, fourth in the 100 m breaststroke, fifth in the 100 m freestyle and 50 m freestyle and sixth in the 50 m backstroke.
Sakoda Seitz - 13-14 year old girls - first in the 100 m butterfly, third in the 200 m freestyle, fourth in the 50 m breaststroke, fifth in the 50 m butterfly and eighth in the 50 m freestyle.
Nash Warren - 15-17 year old boys - third in the 200 m freestyle, 200 m backstroke and 100 m backstroke and finished fifth in the 100 m freestyle.
Shay Warren - 13-14 year old girls - bronze medal overrall - first in the 40 m freestyle, second in the 50 m butterfly, 100 m breaststroke and 200 m individual medley and fourth in the 100 m backstroke.
Rosetown Meet
The skills camps are open to all age groups. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills before the next season, this camp is designed to help players develop in a fun, challenging, and positive environment.
Spots are limited and registration is now open.
The Weyburn Soccer Association will host Summer Skills Camp from July 20 to July 30. The camps include eight one-hour sessions Monday to Thursday evenings. There will be small-sided games, as players work on technical development, ball mastery and skills.
Minsa Manzoor - 11-12 girls - 15th in the 100 m freestyle, 16th in the 100 m breaststroke, 20th in the 50 m breaststroke and 100 m individual medley and 21st in the 50 m freestyle.
Rehaam Manzoor -1314 girls - third in the 100 m freestyle and 50 m freestyle, sixth in the 50 m backstroke, eighth in the 50 m butterfly and 10th in the 50 m breaststroke.
Bentley McKinney - 1112 boys - seventh in the 200
Nash Warren - 15-17 boys - second in the 100 m backstroke, fourth in the 50 m backstroke, fifth in the 200 m freestyle and sixth in the 100 m freestyle.
Shay Warren - 13-14 girls - silver medal overallfirst in the 100 m freestyle, 50 m freestyle and 100 m breaststroke, second in the 50 m butterfly and third in the 100 m backstroke.
Zane Warren - 11-12 boys - gold medal overall - first in the 200 m freestyle, 50 m butterfly, 100 m freestyle,
Eight swimmers from the Weyburn Silver Seals were in Rosetown during a meet held June 20.
Milly Ho - 11-12 year old girls - silver medal overrall - first in the 100 m backstroke and 50 m backstroke, second in the 100 m freestyle, third in the 200 m freestyle and 100 m freestyle and fourth in the 25 m butterfly.
Ayza Manzoor - 7-8 year old girls - gold medal overrall - first in the 25
Zane Warren - 11-12 year old boys - gold medal overrall - first in the 25 m butterfly, 50 m breaststroke, 100 m freestyle and 200 m individual medley, and second in the 50 m backstroke.
Upcoming meets include Swift Current on July 4, Assiniboia on July 5, Estevan on July 11 and Oxbow on July 12. Weyburn will host the semi-finals at the Leisure Centre on July 28, with provincials set in Regina on July 25 and 26.
Celtics
soccer
won
Spring League title after defeating
semi-finals
in the championship match. Back row, l-r, Jevon Doud,
Photo courtesy of Rob Jordens.
Zane Warren won gold during a swim meet in Saskatoon.
Ayza Manzoor won silver during a swim meet in Saskatoon.
Nikolas Nikulin won silver during a swim meet in Saskatoon.
Shay Warren won silver during a swim meet in Saskatoon.
In Memoriam
In memory of Donnie Knibbs 1942 – 2025
What would I give to clasp his hand, His happy face to see, To hear his voice and see his smile, That meant so much to me.
Lovingly, Loretta
Coming Events
SE Cornerstone approves budget for 2026-27 school year
Submitted by Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD
and an overall deficit of just over $88,000 might be considered even better.
(403) 543-0927 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca
The Knox Fellowship Hall will host ‘Rainbow Forest’ as a Vacation Bible School. Tuesday, July 14 to Friday, July 17 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Registration open for Children ages 5 to 12. Register by contacting Cheryl at 306-861-1529.
Legal/Public Notices
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the estate of CAMERON
GEORGE COFFEY, late of Carlyle, Saskatchewan, deceased. All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 22nd day of July, 2026.
Bridges & Company LLP 1329 Third Street, Estevan, SK. S4A 0S1 Solicitors for the Executrix *26/27
Please recycle this newspaper
When push comes to shove in the educational funding world, it quickly boils down to the bottom line and survival techniques and a lot of innovation plans to make things work within the world of financial restrictions.
South East Cornerstone Public School Division has seen a slow diminishment of overall financial resources, but still has been able to make things work while reducing deficits.
Shelley Toth, superintendent of division services and chief financial officer for Cornerstone delivered the proposed 202627 school division budget to board members during their June 22 open business session in the division head office in Weyburn.
When it comes to the operations budget, the cash on the barrel head if you wish, Toth noted that the division once again faces an operations deficit, but it will be a more modest one, if one cares to say that a $384,000 shortfall is modest
Cornerstone expects to receive $127.8 million in total revenue with operating expenditures slated to come in at around $130.2 million.
Capital expenditures will be around $3.8 million and SECPSD will pay 1,173.60 full time equivalent (FTE) employees. That includes 530.65 FTE teaching positions and 642.95 non-teaching roles. The increase in FTE teachers will be 4.72 while a further 14.50 FTE educational assistants will be hired to fill the educational needs moving forward. As a result, salaries and benefits will take up the bulk of the budgeted amount at $95.9 million or 74 per cent of the total budget.
As usual, the bulk of the revenue will come from the provincial grant system with $120.8 million anticipated for Cornerstone. That will represent about 95 per cent of the total budget with school generated and tuition fees along with a few other incomes making up the difference.
Further on the expendi-
ture side, Cornerstone will be required to pay a very modest $400,000 to service debt while $7.3 million will be directed to amortization elements and $26.6 million or 20 per cent of the budget is slated for goods and services.
The capital expenditures will be held to a modest $3.8 million with the majority of that money ($2.16 million) targeted for the purchase of school buses while another $1.32 million will be for computer hardware and equipment with six schools scheduled for refreshed network equipment upgrades and VoIP phones.
The purchase of furniture and other equipment should amount to about $173,000 Toth suggested and $130,000 will be devoted to replacement of fleet vehicles.
SECPSD still remains in a diminishing but enviable position of being able to call on previous surpluses to help make the system work with efficacy but that surplus will come in at around $16.46 million compared with $16.84 million noted for the current school year.
Community News
City approves sale of lots for major housing build
Sara Parks SaskToday.ca
Weyburn council has approved the sale of 10 residential parcels on Veterans Road, paving the way for a new development of single-family homes aimed at boosting the city’s supply of affordable housing.
Council voted to sell the properties at 1410 –1446 Veterans Road for $315,500, taxes included at its June 22 meeting. The offer reflects a discounted bulk-purchase rate the city has applied when multiple parcels are bought together.
The lots are fully serviced and zoned R1 Residential Detached. In his proposal to the city, developer Kevin Quist told council the homes will vary in design and price, with an estimated value of $250,000 to $350,000 each, aligning with the city’s Weyburn Builds Incentive Program.
City manager Mathew Warren said the lots have been listed between $148,846 and $152,258 since the original subdivision was created, but those prices haven’t been updated to reflect current market conditions or construction costs. Selling the parcels now, he said, supports the city’s goals of encouraging residential development, reducing maintenance obligations, and returning underused land to the tax roll.
Mayor Jeff Richards said the project aligns with the city’s economic development priorities.
“These entry level
homes, that $250,000 to $350,000 range, that is exactly what our market needs right now.”
Councillor Ryan Janke called the development “an exciting, ambitious project.”
Councillor Kellie Sidloski agreed, saying affordable single-family homes are badly needed in Weyburn.
Councillor John Corrigan also praised the development saying it will significantly reduce the city’s remaining inventory of serviced residential lots.
“I don’t think this is a business that we need to be in,” he said. “We should pass this on to those that want to develop within the city.”
Warren confirmed that once these lots are sold, the city will have “very little left” in its serviced lot inventory.
Sidloski asked for clarification on what would happen if the developer failed to meet construction targets.
“Should the project not go forward and these targets not be met, the lots would revert back to the city, is that correct?”
Warren said safeguards are in place.
“We do put penalties within that. Any lots that are not started, they’re coming back into the city’s inventory with the penalty attached.”
Construction times will be tied to the conditions of the sale, with penalties applied if development doesn’t proceed as agreed.
A giant Canada Day flag is created by students at St. Michael School on June 26, during a red-and-white spirit day held on the last day of school.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
A large crowd gathered at the Exhibition Grounds on June 25 for the Kickoff to Summer Concert, hosted by Weyburn Tourism and the Young Fellows Club of Weyburn. Entertainment was provided by Sask Steel, Switch, the Johner Brothers, Toque and headliner Brett Kissel.
Photo courtesy of Young Fellows Club of Weyburn
Weyburn Credit Union staff handed out boom sticks during the Kickoff to Summer Concert hosted by Weyburn Tourism and the Young Fellows Club of Weyburn at the Exhibition Grounds on June 25. Pictured, l-r, Chris Christie, Stuart Dunn, Brittney Crozier, Maria Forsberg and Laura Pelechaty.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review