A kick-off event for the Ride for Paws fundraiser was held at Weyburn Dodge on Monday. Residents will have a chance to win a 2025 Jeep Compass North 4x4 in the fundraiser, which supports the Weyburn Humane Society. From left are Jeff Tosczak and James Bell, with Weyburn Dodge; and Colleen Morrice, Beverly Paul and Randy Bakaluk, with the Weyburn Humane Society. For more information, follow the Humane Society on Facebook.
Two long-term members of Weyburn’s Horticultural Society, Heather Cugnet and Grace Plonka, were nominated and inducted as honorary members of the Saskatchewan Horticultural Association at the annual provincial convention, held in Weyburn last October.
Both of these women have made major contributions to the club’s success. To be eligible for nomination, one must be a resident of Saskatchewan who has rendered valuable service to the cause of horticulture; who has demonstrated leadership ability in horticulture at the local, district, or provincial level; been involved in furthering horticultural information in Saskatchewan; and to have demonstrated leadership in local, district and provincial organizations.
Heather Cugnet joined the Weyburn Horticultural Society in 1983. In her 41 years as a member, she has held the following positions within the club: director, vice president, president, and archives.
She has been instrumental in the longevity of
our local club. For many years there were only a few individuals willing to hold executive positions.
Heather was named an honorary member of the Weyburn Horticultural Society in 2018 and has convened and co-convened both the Weyburn Lily, Rose and Perennial show and the Annual show several times held in Weyburn. She has chaired and cochaired the annual spring plant sale for many years.
Heather has been active as both a presenter, and as clerk at times, at shows held, and has hosted Provincial Shows two years consecutively (2012 and 2013).
Heather sat on the SHA Board from 2013-2015, has coached numerous individuals on how to effectively present entries when showing and has participated as a guest speaker at our locally held meetings giving presentations about the guidelines and tips for presenting and showing plants successfully.
In her time as a member, Heather has made over 1,100 combined entries in local and provincial shows.
She has received numerous trophies and rosettes for her entries.
Heather has always kept a beautifully landscaped farmyard. She opened her home to host the June potluck supper for members several times.
As members toured the varieties of plants she has on her property, she always welcomed members to grab a shovel and take a portion of something if they liked it.
Heather specializes in perennials, tulips, and roses. Her substantial garden, although she humbly would call it nothing special, has been used functionally to sustain her family for over 50 years.
Grace Plonka joined the Weyburn Horticultural Society in 1995. In her 29 years as a member, she has held the following positions within the club: secretary, vice president, president, past president, programming, hospitality, and archives.
Grace was named an honorary member of the Weyburn Horticultural Society in 2018. She has convened and co-con -
vened both the Lily, Rose and Perennial show and the Annual show held in Weyburn multiple times, always being active as both a clerk and a presenter at shows held.
Grace has chaired and co-chaired the annual spring plant sale for many years and hosted provincial shows for two years consecutively (2012 and 2013).
Grace sat on the SHA Board from 2010-2012. She served as the liaison person for the Weyburn Show in 2012, and also the silent auction, and bus tour during her term. She organized bus trips to Manitoba-Neepawa and International Peace Gardens, Watrous for provincial show, Radville and area, and Carrot River.
Grace, in her time as a member, has made over 1,000 combined entries in local and provincial shows (Regina, Windthorst, Weyburn). She has received numerous trophies and rosettes at both local and provincial level.
Grace has always kept a meticulous, picturesque yard. She specializes in
lilies and currently has 25 Asiatic varieties. Grace has grown over 50 cultivators of roses from hardy roses, miniature and floribunda varieties.
Grace was instrumental in keeping the Weyburn Horticultural Society afloat for many years as there were only a few individuals willing to hold executive positions for a long period of time.
Liam carefully applies ears to his clay bunny creation, during a Kids Program at the Sparks Centre held last week.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Pastor Brian Hopfe
Generations Pastor
Weyburn Free Methodist Church
As we listen to the news, I am sure many of us are thinking, “What next?” It seems that the world today is in chaos and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. If it is not the wars that are going on, it is the weather. And if it is not the weather, it is the plane crashes. To say nothing about the politics that are going on around us.
Rev. Christine Burton,
All Saints Anglican March 20th was the first day of spring. Not that the wind, freezing rain and snow have taken much notice. But I’m confident spring is on its way, and will be wonderful when it gets here.
The Christian seasons of Lent and Easter are quite similar. If you observe Lent by giving something up, or taking something on, or if you’re in a desperately ‘cold’ season in your life, it can seem as endless as a prairie winter. And although we just passed the mid-point of Lent, Easter might still seem quite a ways away.
But just as every winter contains within it the eternal promise of spring, so too does the season of Lent
contain within it the eternal promise of Easter renewal. Indeed, better even than our physical seasons, where one has to go south to escape winter’s frozen blast, Easter is not just an attraction that is ‘coming soon,’ but exists in every day and will bloom in our hearts, including during the contemplative and sometimes regretful days of Lent.
The good news that God loves us exactly as we are, who we are, where we are, in the midst of regrets and failings and ‘I wish…’ and inter-personal conflicts in an imperfect world full of imperfect people. And this love is not restricted to the Easter season. God is right there with us even in the most difficult seasons of our lives, whether that’s during
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Halbrite for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days: Tuesday and Wednesday, April 4th to June 4th, 2025.
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Village of Halbrite, Box 10, Halbrite, SK, S0C 1H0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $350.00 appeal fee, which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Nicolle Hoskins, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 4th day of June, 2025.
Dated this 4th day of April, 2025.
Tammie Kwochka Assessor
Lent or any other moment.
All we need to do is ask.
So, how do we ask?
The simplest prayer, said with a sincere (even if skeptical) heart is enough. If you aren’t sure what to say, something as simple as, “this sucks, God please help me” works. And another piece of good news – you don’t have to be in a church to pray for God to hear you. Not that I wouldn’t love to see you at my or any other church in town, but God welcomes – hopes for! – you to reach out in your daily life, and not just on Sundays.
Looking for something a little more structured and specific to your circumstances? Reach out to a clergy person – this is what we live for! To help people connect with a God who isn’t just ‘loving’ but the original source and most
perfect expression of Love. Want to pray with other people? Then come to a service. While we’re likely to greet and welcome you, nobody is going to oblige you to do anything – just like spring comes and doesn’t oblige you to plant seeds or till the earth, although that can help…
The first Easter was a surprise to all who experienced it. Experiencing the love of God for the first time in our very secular society can be surprising as well. But like spring, it brings joy and new life, and if you look carefully, you can see both in the ice in the ditches, the snow on the stubble, and in the still frozen pieces of our hearts.
May the warm sun of spring and the warmest love of God be yours today, and in the eternal Easter season to come.
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the RM of Griffin No 66 for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday April 11, 2025 until June 12, 2025.
A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the RM of Griffin No 66, Box 70 Griffin, SK S0C 1G0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $100 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Nicolle Hoskins, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., Box 149 Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 12th day of June, 2025.
Dated this 11th day of April, 2025.
Tawnya Moore, Assessor
Many are scared and wonder what is going on, and if there is a God, does he really care? Why does He seem to be distant and not care about all that is going on in our world?
If this is you I would suggest to you to find a Bible and read Psalm 91.
In verses 1-4 we read, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings.”
Psalm 91 shows us that God, “the Almighty,” is not intimidated or frightened by our world’s chaos. Instead, God is so gentle and concerned for everyone that they can find refuge in him like hatchlings under the care of a hen.
As people, we must learn that we can trust the Lord
fully because he will surround us, guard us against dangerous threats, and deliver us. Resting in the shadow of God’s protective wings means that we don’t need to be afraid of chaotic things happening around us.
There is a time for us to walk courageously into situations with God’s help, and there is a time to retreat and be still in his caring presence. As chicks take cover under a hen’s wings, one notices that they stay very still and quiet, completely out of view of danger, while the hen is alert and watchful and will do whatever she can to protect her young. Just because we have Christ in our lives and we have His protection this does not necessarily mean He will fix everything so our lives are smooth and untroubled, but we can rest assured that He will walk with us through the deep waters.
Isaiah 43:2 tells us, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” What a great promise for us to hold on to.
I close by reminding you that if you are a child of God he will help us if we stay close to Him and when danger threatens, we will be safe in His care. May He gather us in and hold us close.
Artist Wilbur Sargunaraj shared stories during the opening reception for “Exploring C.Q.”, a photography exhibit now on display at the Weyburn Art Gallery. His experience is also shared in an ‘Exploring CQ’ book, where he uses insightful and humorous stories from his travels to explore cultural values, cultural clusters, and the subtleties of unconscious bias.
Paul Kimball, Freelance Reporter
It is very interesting watching the skies these days.
Wave after wave of Canada geese are flying overhead, returning to their northern domain after being snowbirds for the winter. They vacation in places like the southern U.S., Mexico and even as far as Central America to escape our winters. There are many fascinating details regarding their migration, but only one is relevant for this column.
Canada geese fly at altitudes ranging from one-half to two and a half kilometres. Unbelievably, they have been spotted flying as high as eight kilometres. For those who think in feet, that’s 29,000 feet, the height of Mount Everest.
One day, as I watched another skein (yes, that’s an official term) of geese fly overhead, I wondered whether geese ever suffer from acrophobia, the fear of heights. Many of us have experienced that when we’ve been at the top of a tall building or looked out the window of a plane. Do geese ever become afraid when there is nothing between them and the ground from that high up?
I don’t know. I’ve never talked to one. But the world of phobias is something that has interested me for many years. I’m amazed at
how many different phobias there are.
A Google search reveals that the growing list of phobias is now around 500. And some of them are pretty bizarre.
We’ve likely all heard of the fear of closed-in spaces (claustrophobia) and of open spaces (agoraphobia). Maybe you’re familiar with aquaphobia, the fear of water or arachnophobia, the fear of spiders.
But what about gephyrophobia? There is such a thing. It’s the fear of bridges. It’s a common enough phobia that, according to Wikipedia, there are bridge authorities that will drive your car over a bridge for you. Apparently, about 1,000 drivers use this service every year at the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan.
Several years ago, my wife and I were visiting with a lady who suffered from alektorophobia – the fear of chickens. To her credit, she tried to cope with this phobia. She had a chicken coop where chickens laid eggs for her and on that visit, she showed us how she collects the eggs. She trembled the whole time while she was around the hens.
Perhaps one of the most unusual phobias that I’ve heard of but have never come across is anatidaephobia. It is the fear that you’re being watched by a duck. It’s very rare, but there are
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people who are terrified by the thought that their every move is being observed by a duck. I wonder if seeing Peking duck on a menu brings terror to them.
These are just a few of the many, many phobias that are clinically diagnosed. I hate to mention this phobia in case any who have it are reading this article hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. That’s a fear of very long words. Or how about arachibutyrophobia, the irrational fear of having peanut butter stick to the roof of your mouth? Or the phobia of all phobias, phobophobia – the fear that you might have a phobia of some sort or another?
As I wrote earlier, it’s a fascinating study and a very interesting one at that.
Let’s get back to the geese. Who knows whether any suffer from acrophobia or not. I’ve never seen evidence of it, but I know they do suffer from one kind of phobia –anthropophobia. That’s the fear of people. I recently approached a gaggle (yes, that’s another official term) of geese as they were sitting in water in a field and before too long, hundreds of them took flight as I got closer. I wondered…were they avoiding their phobia of me by escaping to their non-phobia of heights?
The Government of Saskatchewan introduced legislation that will see the creation of a new Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Tax Credit.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are foundational for the strength of our Provincial economy, during a time when increasing local investment is more important than ever,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “With this new incentive, more small and medium-size businesses will be able to build equity, allowing them to grow, which leads to more jobs for our growing workforce. This is just one of the many ways that our budget delivers to the people of the province.”
The program is a three-year pilot, which will function similar to the province’s successful Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI). The pilot targets enterprises in the food and beverage manufacturing, and the machinery and transportation equipment sectors.
The program will include a 45 per cent non-refundable tax credit for individuals
or corporations who invest in the equity of an eligible Saskatchewan SME. It will have an annual cap of $7 million on the total non-refundable tax credits awarded, processed on a first-come first-served basis. An eligible SME is defined as a Saskatchewan-based business with between five and 49 employees, with a minimum of 50 per cent of those employees residing in Saskatchewan.
Since 2014, the number of small businesses has risen 4.9 per cent in the province.
Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces for growth. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.
The SME Tax Credit pilot program will be in effect from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. The program will begin accepting applications in late 2025.
The Weyburn Duplicate Bridge Club meets at the Wheatland Senior Centre on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. and on Thursday afternoons at 1 p.m. All bridge players are welcome to join in playing duplicate bridge.
On March 3 with three tables, Gord Bell and Marg Stewart placed first with a strong game playing at 76 percent, while Barry Mactaggart and Lucie Nickel placed second.
March 6 had three and a half tables and Terry
Bendickson and Joanne Molnar finished in first place; Gord Bell and Denis Tremblay placed second; and Jerry Ponto and Millie Nimegeers came third.
Two and a half tables played on March 10 and Gord Bell and Boyd Stewart were the top finishers, while Terry Bendickson and Jeanne molnar placed second.
On March 13 with three tables playing in a very close game for all, Boyd Stewart and Terry Bendickson took top honours edg-
ing out the tie for second between the pair of Gord Bell and Marg Stewart, and the pair of Barry Mactaggart and Gwen Wright.
Two tables played on March 20 and first place went to Barry Mactaggart and Lucie Nickel, and there was a tie for second place between the pair of Erskine Sandiford and Theresa Istace, and the pair of Terry Bendickson and Lloyd Muma.
March 24 also had two tables and Gord Bell and Barry Mactaggart claimed
Priyanka drew a henna tattoo on the arm of Abby, during a youth program held at the Weyburn Public Library on April 8.
first place, while Erskine and Mildred Sandiford took second.
On March 27 with three and a half tables playing, Marg Stewart and Diane Bell finished in first place; Terry Bendickson and Lloyd Muma placed second; and Jeanne Molnar and Lucie Nickel in third.
With three tables playing on March 31, the month ended with Denis Tremblay and Jim Kaz taking first place edging out Diane Bell and Marg Stewart who came second.
Any
The Secretary of the Board of Revision Western Municipal Consulting Box 149 Meota, SK S0M 1X0
Peter Kvarnstrom Glacier Media
The past few weeks have certainly been a challenge for us all as we grapple with the constant rhetoric and bluster from
the new American president. Has it really only been two weeks since his inauguration?
I don’t often write columns, but felt compelled to write this one, especial-
ly after most of the other leaders across the country are calling for a strong response to the tariff threat from us all. The response is simple: buy Canadian, whenever and wherever
possible.
We must answer the call. We must consider our personal decisions and habits when it comes to supporting those who support us, by buying Canadian from local businesses.
The businesses in Saskatchewan and Canada survive against a host of competitors from south of the border. Most noteworthy are the American companies that were represented by their CEOs at the inauguration, right behind the president. Yes, you all saw them there, leaning into the new president’s agenda: Amazon, Google, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X (formerly Twitter) to name a few. These are the richest companies in the world and they are all American.
Premiers across the country are calling Trump’s tariffs exactly what they are –– a fight we didn’t start, but one we’ll still likely face head-on. The response was clear in the call for us all to do
what we can to support Canadian businesses when spending our Canadian dollars.
However, just last year, soon after Meta removed all news from its platform, Provincial. governments doubled down with Meta in its expenditures to ensure that critically important information gets out to you all during crises, like wildfires. This is exactly the kind of information that we’ve being distributing to the public for decades. Our industry wasn’t consulted on that deal. We should have been.
It is time that our provincial government follows its own advice. Stop spending our hard-earned tax dollars with American digital giants. Same goes for our federal government. There is still a strong local news industry in Canada, against all odds. We are Canadian-owned and operated and we support causes in every community across this country, and yet the governments support our American competitors. It is time to change.
The Saskatchewan and federal governments need to support Canadian media. By moving all their
millions of dollars of advertising to Canadian local media (in print and digital), they would show us the leadership we need to make the same choices. It is time to “buy Canadian.”
Local municipal governments, local businesses and our local MLAs and MPs, have been the ones leading by example, prioritizing support for local newsrooms. They understand the importance of keeping small businesses running and of keeping vital information available within the community. So, kudos to our local mayors, councils, MLAs and MPs for getting it right, for putting their money where their mouth is when it matters most. While we all hope that we can avoid a trade war with our neighbour, it is obviously time we all take stock in our situation. We are very susceptible to the whims of the new president and the economy he commands. We need to look for every opportunity to support Canadian businesses in everything we do. We can no longer allow our reliance on trade with America to meet our needs as a sovereign country.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The organizers of this year’s Southeast Women of Distinction Awards are busy planning for the event.
A luncheon was held April 2 at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus. Nominees and nominators were introduced, and details on this year’s awards luncheon were announced. The awards, organized by the Women for Women committee, will be handed out May 2 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre.
Event chairwoman
Becky Cassidy said a good leader is someone who will have the hard conversation they don’t want, and the consistency to do the right thing when nobody is watching.
“The best leaders that I’ve had have been leaders who have looked at someone and believed in their potential, even before they believed in themselves.”
The room where the nominee luncheon took place was filled with these female leaders.
“Leadership is dynamic, personal and powerful, and
today we get to recognize the many women who lead with heart, courage and purpose, in ways that truly matter,” said Cassidy.
She also noted that event sponsor Stacey Wempe Support You Life Coaching and Consulting helped make the event possible, and Cassidy said Wempe is an example of leadership in the community.
The luncheon was also an opportunity to announce the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, St. Joseph’s Hospital of Estevan, is this year’s inductee into the Trailblaz-
David Willberg SaskToday,.ca
Guy Mehler has been coming to the Estevan Strippers Molson Spring Bust Tournament since it began in the early 1980s.
Mehler, age 75 years and 11 months, won the Frank John Oldest Player Award at the 41st edition of the tournament, held from April 2-6 in Estevan and Bienfait. He was playing defence for the Estevan Broken Arrow Bruins team this year.
Mehler said he keeps coming back because he
loves playing hockey, and he enjoys the social element of the tournament.
Prior to the tournament’s inception, he spent 11 years playing for the Bienfait Coalers of the Big Six Hockey League. He also played for more than 40 years with the Estevan Flyers; his last season was in 2020. He played a game in the 30-and-over division at age 73 a couple of years ago, and then he played for the Broken Arrow team for the first time this year.
“That was a good
choice. They’re a good bunch,” said Mehler.
The tournament also has a good social element.
“The people you see from all over come to this tournament each year, and they look forward to it,” said Mehler.
The award is named after John, who played in the tournament for decades and was a big part of the Strippers organization. He won the oldest player award in 1992 – the second year it was handed out.
A player can win the award only once.
ers Memorial Walk, presented by SaskTel. The sisters join 2023 charter members Shirley Carson, Melodye Pierson, Shirley Orsted and Ida Petterson, and last year’s honouree, Gertie Lev.
“Let’s honour the memory and contributions of our
past inductees,” said Cassidy, who called this year’s honourees “inspiring”.
Cassidy noted they will have more information on the impact of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s at the awards luncheon in May, and people will be able to learn more about all of the
members of the Trailblazer Walk.
Funds raised through the Women of Distinction Awards will be directed to a scholarship fund, with $2,000 going to the young visionary award recipient and money also going to the nominee.
SaskToday staff
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan recently announced that the much-anticipated MRI project is officially moving forward.
In a news release, the hospital said that after months of planning and fundraising, this project aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities, improve access to MRI services, and improve patient care within southeastern Saskatchewan.
On April 2, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation board of directors approved the purchase agreements for the new MRI system and the construction project. Purchase orders were issued to Siemens Healthcare Canada for the MRI system and to SDI Canada for the modular MRI cassette room and construction project.
“Although we still have more fundraising to accomplish in order for us to reach our fundraising target of $6.5 million dollars, we are confident that the people and communities of southeastern Saskatchewan will continue to support this MRI project, which will bring care closer to home for our residents,” said hospital foundation executive director Lori Gervais.
The new MRI machine will provide advanced im-
aging technology, enabling medical professionals to diagnose a wide range of conditions more efficiently and accurately. The installation and integration of this state-of-the-art equipment is expected to significantly reduce wait times for patients, reduce the burden of travelling for MRI services, and increase access to critical imaging services in the region.
“We are thrilled to take this important step for-
Notice is hereby giventhatthe assessment roll forthe Town of Bienfait forthe year 2025 has been prepared andisopeninthe office of the assessor from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days:MondaytoFriday, April2 to June 2, 2025
Abylaw pursuanttoSection214 of the MunicipalitiesAct hasbeenpassedand the assessment noticeshavebeensentasrequired. Anypersonwho wishes to appeal againsthis or herassessmentisrequiredtof ile hisorher notice of appeal alongwitha fifty-dollar ($50.00) feeto: TheAssessor, Town of Bienfait,Box 220, Bienfait,SK. S0C0M0 by the2nd dayofJune2025.
Datedthis2nd dayofApril 2025.
J. Franklin,Assessor
ward in bringing cuttingedge medical technology to our community,” said hospital executive director Candace Kopec. “The new MRI machine will allow us to provide even better care for our patients and help improve health outcomes. This is a key investment in both our medical infrastructure and the well-being of those we serve.”
The MRI project is set to kick off with construction design planning in May 2025, with the goal of being fully operational by May/June 2026. The St. Joseph’s Hospital MRI project is being funded through a partnership between the community and the Government of Saskatchewan.
Local fundraising will cover 100 per cent of the capital costs for the MRI system and construction, while the provincial government has committed to funding 100 per cent of the ongoing operational costs to run this new MRI program. To date, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation has raised $5.225 million toward the $6.5 million capital goal. The support of surrounding communities, rural municipalities, local businesses, community members, and donors has been crucial in making this project a
David Willberg SasKToday.ca
John Gormley has been retired from his work as a current affairs radio show host for well over a year, but he continues to pay close attention to what is happening in the world.
The lawyer, best-selling author, retired host of John Gormley Live and former member of Parliament delivered the keynote address at the recent Estevan Farm Family of the Year Award night at the Beefeater Plaza. He criticized the Lib -
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Broken Arrow Youth Ranch is grateful for the support shown during its annual fundraiser in Estevan.
More than 150 people attended the benefit April 5 at the Estevan Leisure Centre’s multipurpose room. They enjoyed a supper from EB’s Catering, music from the Daae Family’s Daniel and Lauren Daae and their children, and a speech by former professional hockey player Brad Cole. Lara Moroz, who operates the ranch with her husband Todd, a former Estevan resident, among others, said they believe this year’s fundraiser was the “best ever”. The program flowed nicely and people were generous.
eral Party that has been in power since 2015, telling the crowd that Canada has been governed by a climate change-obsessed government that is focused on net-zero emissions. It’s had an impact on coal mining, power generation, the energy sector, foreign investment and more.
The ballot question for many, according to Gormley, has become which party – the Liberals under new leader Mark Carney or the Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre – is best-suited
“Some people that have come to every one, they just thought the entertainment was so good, as was the speaker, and they just enjoyed the evening,” said Lara Moroz.
Cole reflected on his hockey career and what he’s done since retiring. He played more than 230 games in the Western Hockey League over four seasons, and then played 11 seasons of professional hockey in North America and Europe.
He talked about his battles with alcohol, and how a former teammate helped him turn his life around and become a Christian. Cole and his wife have four children and operate a bee farm in Manitoba.
The ranch has been hosting a fundraiser during the
to taking on U.S. President Donald Trump. Gormley thinks Carney, on the surface, is suited to that role, with his background, including his time as the head of the Bank of Canada, although Gormley did ask if Carney felt like Justin Trudeau 2.0.
But Gormley said the ballot question should be if we’re ready for a continuation of the last 10 years of the Liberal government.
“If that’s the ballot question, you don’t have much to worry about with Mr.
Estevan Strippers Molson Spring Bust Tournament for years, often in the form of a luncheon. For the first time, the event was a supper.
The Estevan Broken Arrow Bruins also compete in the tournament each year.
Moroz said the staff with the City of Estevan was very good and patient.
A music video for the song “If I Die Tomorrow” by Judah Wardrope was shown. Wardrope is a musician now living in B.C. who lived and studied at the ranch years ago and also worked with Broken Arrow.
A final total for the event has not been tabulated.
The ranch also held a Pick your Pig fundraiser during the tournament. Supporters purchased tickets, and either wrote their own name down or that of some-
Carney because he won’t be here after the election. But I’m not sure, in those big urban markets of Canada, that Marc Carney won’t do very well indeed.”
He also dedicated time to talking about U.S. President Donald Trump, who was elected to a second term as U.S. president last November by tapping into a desire for change and populism that is very real.
“America was ready to challenge the elites,” said Gormley. “Populism isn’t a left-right thing, it’s what
one else. The winner could either pick the pig or give it back to the ranch for a donation.
Proceeds of the dinner and the pig draw will be directed towards the ranch’s operating expenses to pay bills associated with having young people stay at the facility. Moroz noted they don’t charge families the cost of staying at the site.
Moroz said they currently have one youth living there and another on the wait list. The ranch mother is awaiting back surgery and so they can’t accept new residents. Young people stay there for a number of different reasons, and they learn chores and life skills, and attend classes.
If people want to support the ranch, they can reach out Broken Arrow.
breaks out when people have a mood of defiance. They’re tired of elites talking down to them, they’re tired of people who don’t get it, they’re tired of people who aren’t them.”
In his first two-plus months, Trump has issued numerous executive orders, many of which Gormley said will be transformational. “He is doing things to the American voting politic that nobody has done in our lifetime,” said Gormley.
The relationship between Canada and the U.S. has been extraordinary, he said, and the Trump tariffs have been difficult for many. He enacted tariffs in his first term on aluminum and steel, and has shifted his message from fentanyl and border security to one of the U.S. carrying Canada.
“Those of us who know the trading relationship, Canada doesn’t get carried by America or anyone else,” said Gormley. “But the tariff challenge is going to be really significant.”
When someone puts a tariff on your goods, it’s to discourage consumers from buying them. When Canada retaliates, it costs Canadians more. Gormley predicted a trade war that hasn’t occurred since the early days of Confederation in what is the largest two-way trading relationship on the planet.
He also pointed out that the tariffs were connected Trump’s disdain for for-
mer prime minister Justin Trudeau. And Gormley reminded the crowd Trump has said many of the same things about Trudeau as people in the room, to the delight of the audience.
As for other topics Gormley told the crowd the farming community continues to grow and evolve, and he pointed out that those in rural Saskatchewan who don’t farm are well aware of the impact of agriculture.
While he expects Canada will emerge from the tariff war with the U.S., he’s more concerned with the 100 per cent tariff on Canadian canola from China.
“That’s a real challenge and we have to get through that,” said Gormley.
Gormley also focused on mental health and happiness. He cited a 1938 study at Harvard University which examined the feelings of people from different demographics. That survey is still happening today.
The most important factor for happiness is relationships, he said. It’s also important to have a strong sense of purpose, choose the positive, choose to have a good attitude and be resilient. “Life is 10 per cent of what happened to you, and it’s 90 per cent how you choose to react,” said Gormley. “A choice you consciously make when you react.”
The full story can be found on SaskToday.ca
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In the estate of FLOYD BRUCE
HEMPHILL, late of Stoughton, in the province of 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 9th day of May, 2025.
McGEOUGH ZEPICK LAW OFFICE 1222 - 5th Street
Estevan, Saskatchewan S4A 0Z6 Solicitors for the Executors 13/14
us
Something
So that we can meet you again Somewhere
Forever loved and deeply missed Mom, Dad and Nathan
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Submitted
by
Emma Zieglgansberger
Individuals attend the Weyburn Public Library book sales in-depth , not just as customers but also for the outstanding volunteer experiences. On the first and the last days of the sale, people were lined outside the library waiting to go inside.
People were buzzing with excitement over the wide variety of books at the sale, with many saying, “How could there be so many books?” and “I look forward to the book sale every time there is one.”
People were genuinely excited to come for a quick visit while finding many wonderful books.
The sale also included DVDs, CDs, games, and
even magazines for those with different interests.
Laura Morrissette is one of the many people involved with the library, and the City of Weyburn rep. She has a significant role on the board for five years, two as chair and she loves being involved in the community, especially during the book sale. She said “They do what they can, so the books go to a good home.” She thanked the community for all its support.
Based on my experience volunteering, I was delighted to meet so many people who shared a love for books and the library. It was a pleasure to see the hard work and dedication put into the sale behind the scenes. It takes a community to prepare and donate
books to keep the sales going. This sale took about two weeks to organize with a lot of support.
Consider donating extra books to free little libraries in the area or your local library. Thank you to the volunteers who sorted books by genre, carried boxes, and tidied the sale tables. After a successful book sale, the money from the sale goes back into the Weyburn Public Library to continue improving the programs and services offered.
Weyburn can rely on the library for its knowledge and as a safe, quiet place for students, adults, and seniors. The library also hosts opportunities for the community members to connect, learn and grow.
Book sales are a won-
derful way to reuse and recycle books, which is an efficient way to keep the written language alive. It is important to support local and help the community become a stronger and healthier environment for all. “When we are collecting books, we are collecting happiness.”
-Vincent Starrett.
• More than $100 million in local economic benefits, including municipal tax revenues, over the project’s expected life.
• Approximately 200 construction jobs will provide significant spin-off benefits to local businesses, like hotels, restaurants, shops and services.
• A communit y benefit fund supporting local needs throughout construction and operation.
• Road repair and upgrades that will enhance local infrastructure—Enbridge-paid.
For more than 75 years, Enbridge has been more than just pipelines in Saskatchewan. We’re your neighbour, dedicated to the communities where we live and work Learn more at enbridge.com/sevenstars
