Baby animals from Houligan Acres visited the Family Place. Children loved getting up close, learning about the animals and having a chance to gently pet them.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Midale Organization for Recreational Expansion (MORE) 2000 is marvelling at the support of the community after what was its biggest fundraiser yet.
The 31st annual supper and auction was held April 11 at the town’s Harry O Memorial Arena. A crowd of 380 people filled the rink for the benefit.
Committee chairwoman Chelea Toles said the event raised approximately $170,000 for the arena and the Joe Vilcu Memorial Civic Centre, which includes the town’s curling rink and an upstairs gathering place used for events, socials and meetings. A day care meets in the basement of the curling rink.
“We are in awe in the support in the community. It was fun to see some new faces that haven’t been at the auction before. People were super supportive,” said Toles.
A roast beef supper was prepared by Tammy’s Homestyle Cooking. Approximately 75 items were available in the live auction, including gravel, diesel tanks, patio furniture and a firearm.
“The variety in the auction is, I think, what brings a lot of people in. We have countless items that bring in lots of money to the facility, and a lot of consistent ones that come every year, and some new ones that we hope to have the opportunity to keep getting in the future,” she said.
“There’s something there for everybody, is
what I like to say. It doesn’t matter if you’re 15 or retired at home, or you like sports or are a farmer.”
Another 140 items were available in a silent auction.
A Dutch auction boasted three items, in which people purchased tickets for the opportunity to win one of the three big-ticket prizes: a $5,000 furniture package, two foldable electric bicycles and $1,500 cash. Toles noted the Dutch auction generated double what it normally does, as people were eager to win the prizes available.
A lot of the money raised will go to general operations, she said, but the committee has also worked on some larger projects over the years.
Toles noted this is likely the first time since she has been on the board that
a mandatory project hasn’t been on the list. The committee will be holding a meeting to implement a plan to get some upgrades in the facility happening.
“I’m really excited to see maybe we can do some improvements on this place that people will be able to utilize,” she said.
Improvements have included the installation of a new ice plant, upgrades to pluming and boilers, tests for the brine systems, the addition of a dehumidifier and upgrades to the kitchen. Midale Minor Hockey largely funded the purchase of a new Zamboni.
Toles said Midale wouldn’t have this kind of facility without the community and the support of everybody who attends the dinner and auction every year.
The Government of Saskatchewan will undertake a comprehensive review of the Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, including additional public and stakeholder consultations after an initial review conducted by the Farm Land Ownership Advisory Committee.
“This review will ensure any potential changes to The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act are done right and continue to meet the needs of Saskatchewan producers,” said Agriculture Minister David Marit.
The Advisory Committee met with leaders in the agricultural, real estate, legal and financial services sectors as well as conducted their own research into farm land ownership. Their work confirmed there is no evidence of foreign ownership of Saskatchewan farm land under the current legislative framework. This aligns with the Provincial Auditor’s report, which found no instances of unauthorized foreign ownership.
The comprehensive review will explore opportunities to improve ownership verification, strengthen penalty and enforcement tools, modernize definitions, and strengthen reporting obligations and oversight of permanent residents. The review will also consider other components of the Act not reviewed by the Advisory Committee, including farm security and home quarter protection, to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
“The outcome of our outreach was very informative with no evidence of foreign ownership reported,” said Farm Land Ownership Advisory Committee Chairperson Ken McDonald. “We feel this legislative review will help ensure the province’s farm land stays in the hands of Canadian
farmers and that there will be a positive path forward for the next generation.”
“We appreciate the government’s efforts to continue to bring transparency around farm land ownership in Saskatchewan,” said Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Jeff Yorga. “Producers want a level playing field, and the upcoming consultations are a great first step to ensuring that. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to make sure producer voices are heard.”
“Protecting ownership of Saskatchewan’s pasture and hayland is of critical importance to our beef cattle producers and there are no better caretakers of Saskatchewan’s grassland and farmland than ranchers and farmers,” said Saskatchewan Cattle Association Chair Chad Ross.
“The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act is an important provincial statute designed to protect, support, and provide security for Saskatchewan family farms,” said Wheat Growers Association Chair Darryl Fransoo.
“Our farmland is one of Saskatchewan’s greatest assets, and it’s important that the rules around who can own and use it keep pace with the realities of farming today,” said Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Bill Huber. “This review is a good chance to make sure the Act continues to protect family farms and support the future of our rural communities.” Saskatchewan farm land is one of the province’s most valuable assets. As the nature of farming and business continues to evolve, the Government of Saskatchewan wants to ensure the legislative framework regarding farm land ownership meets the needs of the people of Saskatchewan.
Photo courtesy of The Family Place
COMMUNITY
Rotary Club learns about gardening from Rough Bark Acres Greenhouse
Submitted by Sharlene Stanley
The Weyburn Rotary Club was thrilled to have Jon Michaud of Rough Bark Acres Greenhouse return to speak at the Weyburn Legion on April 16. Heather Sidloski, acting President, welcomed a large crowd of gardening enthusiasts. She also provided information on the many ways that the Weyburn Rotary Club helps the community and supports worldwide initiatives.
With a slide show, Jon and his staff members, Hunter and Gavin, provided a peek at the flowers that will be hot this gardening season. The photos showed the array of colours available, and the detailed slides explained all the particulars to growing each individual plant. Jon reminded the crowd to always read the tags to learn essential information such as sunlight preferences and height and width growth of each type of flower.
Michaud spoke about the importance of plant maintenance. He believes that watering is best done less often but to use more water. He reminded the group not to water only the top of the container as this stresses the roots. Michaud also demonstrated the correct way to deadhead flowers. Although removing only the petals will make your flowerpots look pretty, removing the formation of the seeds will encourage the plant to produce more blossoms.
Raffle tickets were sold for a barbecue gift basket and gift certificates from Rough Bark Acres Greenhouse. The Legion served refreshments and wings to conclude the evening.
The Weyburn Rotary Club will have one more social evening before taking a summer break. Dwayne Senft, of Regina will present on Drone Photography on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. Watch for details and follow the Rotary Club of Weyburn on Facebook.
Ministerial Message: Confidence because of Ascension Day
Submitted by
Pastor Cameron Weber
Been thinking about my mom who passed away 29 years ago on the 21st of April and the hope I have in my heart that someday I will see her again. This hope seems to be getting stronger the older I get and the closer to my own departure from this world. With the world getting darker and more violent and evil seeming to be getting stronger my desire and longing to exit this world to heaven to be with
Jesus and my loved ones is also getting stronger!
This brings me to Ascension Day (when Christians celebrate Jesus’ return to heaven) May 14, 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection he ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father to intercede for his people and to prepare a home for all those who love him and have asked him into there hearts. Acts 1:9-11
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and
a cloud received him out of there sight. And while they looked steadfastly towards heaven as he went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven, this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Here we see Jesus depart from his disciples back to heaven to prepare a place for all who love him,
so I know my parents loved Jesus therefore I can have the confidence that I too will see Jesus and all my loved ones that knew Jesus. Jesus had told his disciples that this was his plan long before his crucifixion back in John 14: 1-7. “Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there
you may be also.”
So, his accension back to heaven confirms his promise so we can have confidence that he has prepared a place for us and will come back again to bring everyone that loves Him back to heaven to live with him forever. Rev. 1:7 “Behold he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen.” Here we see again he will return with the clouds of heaven and every eye will see Him.
But why do the people of earth wail? Because they were not prepared and will be left behind and not go back to heaven with him. This is Pastor Cameron Weber asking, this accension day will you examine your life and see if you are ready for Jesus to return and take His people home to heaven? If not, you can be ready by asking Jesus to forgive your sins because of his death and resurrection and come into your heart and have a relationship with him than you will be ready for His soon coming.
Jon Michaud of Rough Bark Acres Greenhouse demonstrated the proper way to deadhead a plant.
Photo courtesy of Sharlene Stanley
Maureen and Mira glued straw pieces onto a cardboard box to create their own 3D maze during KidVentures on April 16 at the Weyburn Public Library. Participants solved their own mazes by sliding a marble through the box.
Photo by Sabrina
EDITORIAL
THE ART OF FINDING WORK: CLAIMING TO BE ‘GOOD AT EVERYTHING’ KEEPS YOU UNEMPLOYED
By Nick Kossovan
Employers don’t care about your supposed “potential.” In a tight economy, claiming to be a jack-of-all-trades doesn’t make you a “must-have” for an employer; it makes you of little value. Telling recruiters and hiring managers you can “wear many hats” signals you’re a master of nothing. Employers aren’t looking for a blank canvas to paint on. They’re looking for surgical strikes. They’re looking for candidates who are a plug-and-play solution to a specific pain point they’re experiencing.
Claiming to be “good at everything” is essentially asking to be an overhead expense, which no employer wants. Employers want specialists who can protect and increase their profitability. In today’s job market, employers hire those they identify as solutions to a profit-leaking problem or as revenue generators.
The days of the “well-rounded” employee have ended. Today, to be competitive, employers need to run lean and clinically, hence they demand that new hires generate revenue or cut costs from day one. An onboarding runway no longer exists for candidates who claim to be “good at everything,” which, to an employer, is code for “I’ll figure it out on your dime.”
During a March 2024 episode of the Diary of a CEO” podcast with Steven Bartlett, world-renowned author, entrepreneur, and speaker, Seth Godin noted the changing nature of work: “The world doesn’t need people who are pretty good at a lot of things. It needs people who are obsessed with the things they are great at.”
Candidates’ obsessions are what employers are hiring. They aren’t hiring their 20-year history of “general management”; they’re hiring their ability to reduce call centre churn by 15 per cent in 90 days. They aren’t hiring their “marketing expertise”; they’re hiring their ability to lower Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) using specific AIdriven automation.
An employee, as I’ve stated in previous columns, is a service provider. If you went to a mechanic because your brakes were failing, and he told you he was “great at oil changes, okay with changing mufflers, and decent wheel alignments,” would you trust him with your brakes? Of course not. You’d find a brake specialist. Your career is no different.
Consider the tech sector’s recent “efficiency” mandates. In late 2024, Neo Financial, a major Canadian fintech firm, underwent a notable period of restructuring and staffing changes. Layoffs weren’t the only thing they did; they redefined roles. They moved away from “Product Managers” who dabbled in everything and towards “Growth Engineers” and “Retention Specialists.” The ones who weren’t let go were those who could point to a specific metric they owned. The generalists, those who were “versatile” but
63%
didn’t own a specific outcome, were shown the door. They were labelled “unnecessary overhead” because their impact couldn’t be quantified on a spreadsheet.
The employer turnoff of saying you’re a generalist is that you’re trying to sell your range, which is expensive to maintain and hard to prove. Mastery, however, is profitable.
During a November 2025 episode of The Paikan Podcast discussing the future of the Canadian workforce, economist Armine Yalnizyan remarked: “Efficiency is no longer a buzzword; it’s a survival mechanism. Companies are looking for the shortest distance between a problem and a solution.”
In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Oziel Law, a mid-sized Toronto firm, moved away from the traditional “general associate” model to build a team of hyper-specialized “Technology and IP” lawyers by headhunting specialists in “Intellectual Property for AI Startups.” The headhunted lawyers solved a specific, high-value problem that directly affected the firm’s ability to attract tech clients and were plug-and-play. Oziel Law didn’t have to train them on the nuances of the sector; they simply placed them in the workflow and watched billable hours soar.
If you’re struggling to find work, your resume likely reads like a grocery list of tasks. “Managed teams,” “oversaw budgets,” “improved communications.” These phrases are meaningless to an employer. You need to identify your core competency. What is the one thing you do better than 90% of people in your profession or industry? What’s the one problem you can solve that delivers a direct, measurable increase in profitability?
On a March 2025 podcast, The AI Download, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban made this observation on how to avoid being unemployed: “Don’t follow your passion, follow your effort. And if your effort is focused on becoming the best in the world at one thing, you will never be unemployed.”
Increasingly, job seekers and employees alike need to show they’re an essential person in the room.
Stop seeing yourself as a job seeker. You’re looking for a problem to solve, a mindset shift that changes everything. Your LinkedIn profile shouldn’t be a biography; it should be a landing page for a solution. Your networking conversations shouldn’t be about “what’s available;” they should be about “what’s broken.”
Do an inventory of the value you can offer an employer. Remove the fluff, the tired platitudes, and the hollow “soft skills” everyone else claims to have. What’s left? If what’s left isn’t the ability to make a company more profitable or ease its operational drag, then you’re just a part of today’s job market noise.
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job advice
THE SASKATCHEWAN TRAVELLER RIDES INTO IDAHO
by Trudy and Dale Buxton, Publishers
of the Biggar Independent Welcome to Lewiston, population of around 34,000 people.
Lewiston sits on the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers and was named after the famed explorer Meriwether Lewis.
Directly to the west is Lewiston’s twin city, connected by bridges is Clarkson, named after the famed explorer William Clark and exploring partner of Meriwether Lewis.
On this day we came in from east of Highway 12 and the temperature was a steamy 98 degrees Fahrenheit. It was a great ride coming alongside the Clearwater River, but now time to take in the sights and little rest for the remainder of the day. Lewiston on the temperature scale is the hottest city in Idaho.
There is so much history at it relates to the famed Lewis and Clark, and it is quite evident in a lot of the tourist attraction around the city. Lewis and Clark didn’t make this place a city, it was the gold rush that brought many people to the area in the mid 1800’s. It was 1860 when people to set up an illegal camp along the banks of the river, illegal because this was Nez Perce Reserve land and most people at the time were not allowed.
Lewiston was founded in 1861 as a community and became the first capital of the Idaho Territory in 1863 following legislation making it legal to set up this community. The main industries of Lewiston are agriculture, paper, timber and light manufacturing. One industry that is interesting is that Lewiston is the headquarters for a couple of ammunition manufacturing companies. Another
industry that is very large in LewistonClarson area is in aluminium boatsthese two cities produce more boats than anyone else.
Lewiston is also the gateway to Hells Canyon Recreation Area.
Hells Canyon is a 10-mile-wide Canyon south of Lewiston and is North America’s deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet, that is quite a bit deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
One neat tourist attraction is that you can access Lewiston by cruise ship from the Pacific Ocean. You can get on a cruise ship at Astoria which is on the coast of Oregon, sail up the Columbia River and meet up with the Snake River which flows into Lewiston. The trip is around 500 miles, and you must navigate eight major dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, making Lewiston one of the furthest inland seaports in the world. Did you know that the world-famous Walt Disney was married in Lewiston? His wife, Lillian, was raised in the area.
One other interesting fact about Lewiston when travelling around the city is the upper part of the city is called the orchards because at one time the whole area was grown in with fruit trees and the elevation between the orchards and the bottom part of Lewiston is just over 1,400 feet - that is a pretty steep walk uphill!
Lewiston at one time had an affiliated major league baseball triple A team called the Lewis-Clark Broncs, and Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson, played 12 games in Lewiston.
After a good supper and good night rest, it’s time to head north to B.C. and check out some more of the mountains. Stay tuned for more of The Saskatchewan Traveller.
SE College partners with golf club for real-world learning experience
Submitted
Southeast College business students took their learning off campus and onto the course, partner-
ing with the Weyburn Golf Club for a hands-on Strategic Management project.
Students visited the Weyburn Golf Club on
April 14 to engage directly with club leadership and staff, gaining insight into day-to-day operations, strategic challenges, and
opportunities within a local organization. This visit forms a key component of a project-based learning assignment, where students
Southeast College business students took their learning off campus and onto the Weyburn Golf course on April 14, for a hands-on Strategic Management project. Pictured, l-r, Tania Andrist (Instructor), Tracy Tran, Carter Block, Marvil James, Aiden Meier, Jof Regidor, Conrad Pearce (Board Chair) and Krystle Fedoretz (General Manager, Weyburn Golf Course).
Crib tournament held at Wheatland Centre
A Crib tournament was held April 11, with Jean Fahlman and Jean Knibbs taking first place. Cheryl Vogel and Emily Zyla placed second and Candace Dighans and Candace Walker followed in third.
In Spades on April 13, Gladys Lokken placed first, Jean Fahlman won second and Heather Carter finished third.
During Trump Whist on April 13, Fran Long and Heather Carter came in first
place, followed by Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson in second and Janet van Winkoop and Jean Knibbs in third.
In Kaiser on April 14, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson placed first, Alice Schneider and Lavine Stepp took second, and Jeanne Molnar and Elaine Frasz placed third.
During Canasta on April 15, Shirley Cherpin won first, followed by Doreen Knibbs in second, Joni
MacNaughton in third, Chris Carter in fourth, Ione Schnell in fifth and Arlene Goodwin in sixth place.
In Hi-Low Whist on April 15, Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul took first, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson came in second, Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum placed third, followed by Janet van Winkoop and Emily Zyla in fourth.
During Thursday Crib on April 16, Garth White
and Stan Hubick placed first, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson took second place, and Cheryl Vogel and Emily Zyla came in third.
In Friday Contract Bridge on April 10, Jeannie Molanr came in first, Dave Frayn was in second and Erskine Sandiford took third.
Belva Fleck and Bev Johnston played a couple of rousing board games on Friday, April 17.
will analyze the business and develop strategic recommendations as part of their coursework.
“This type of projectbased learning is one of the most effective ways to connect classroom theory to real-world application,” said Tania Andrist, course instructor at Southeast College.
The participating students are in their second year of the Business Diploma program and are set to graduate on May 25. Through experiences like this, Southeast College continues to emphasize practical, career-focused education that equips graduates with both knowledge and applied skills.
For the Weyburn Golf Club, the partnership offers an opportunity to connect with emerging professionals while gaining fresh perspectives on its operations and longterm strategy.
“This collaboration not only supports student learning but also allows us to hear new ideas that can help strengthen our organization moving forward,” said Krystle Fedoretz, GM of Weyburn Golf Club. This initiative highlights the value of collaboration between local businesses and educational institutions, contributing to the development of skilled graduates who are learning where they live.
SPORTS
Indoor soccer season has started, with members of the
the Sparks Centre on April 16.
Weyburn Beavers seek host families
Baseball season is just around the corner and the Beavers are looking for families to host players. They are currently looking for 10 beds to fulfill the housing roster. Players will begin arriving mid to late May and will need access to food, a bathroom and a separate sleeping area. The billet is required
for three months, a total of 56 games. Billets receive monetary compensation and free entry to games. Applications can be submitted via the Beavers webpage or inquiries can be made with billet coordinator, Brittany Sparwood via email to weyburnbeaverswmbl@ gmail.com.
Speedway forced to call off its seasonopening program
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan Motor Speedway has announced it won’t be able to race in April this year.
The speedway has scrubbed plans to have a program on April 25 due to forecasted weather for the weekend. It’s the second straight program the track has been forced to call off, as it had previously cancelled races slated for April 18.
The season-opening program is now scheduled for May 2.
“We had initially looked forward to hosting some early season races this year, however weather conditions have not been favourable,” the speedway said in a Facebook post.
Red Wings end playoff run, hold awards night
The hopes for the SJHL finals for the Weyburn Red Wings ended in game seven of the semifinals on April 15, when they were shut out 1-0 by the Flin Flon Bombers.
The lone goal of the game was a Bombers’ powerplay goal, scored late in the first period with just a minute eleven left on the clock.
During the game, Weyburn received four penalties - all in the second period, while Flin Flon had ten penalty minutes - eight of them in the second period. The third period remained penalty free as both teams looked to score a goal.
Wings’ goaltender Joey Rocha was named the visiting team star, making 25 saves in the loss in
what was his final junior game. Rocha has committed to the UofA Golden Bears.
The Flin Flon Bombers and the Yorkton Terriers will now face off in the Caneterra Cup Final to determine the SJHL Champions for the 20252026 season. At press time, the Bombers are up two games to zero with games three and four back in Yorkton on April 22 and 23. Game five if needed, will be in Flin Flon on April 26; game six in Yorkton April 29 and game seven back in Flin Flon on May 1. As the season comes to a close, the Red Wings held their annual awards banquet April 22 and will host spring camp April 24-26.
A track clean-up event is slated for April 21 at 5 p.m. to complete on-site tasks before the temperature drops again.
The speedway announced its intention to have April racing for the first time in an effort to have more racing programs for fans and drivers, but the track recognized their hopes would be dependent on weather conditions.
The speedway’s opening weekend has traditionally been on the first weekend of May.
While the southeast is currently enjoying warm temperatures, rain and even snow are currently in the forecast for April 23 and 24, to be followed by sub-zero temperatures April 25.
The Weyburn Wildlife Federation hosted an ‘Outdoor and Hunting
on April 15. Conservation officers, vendors and local organizations
displays available throughout the day.
City enhancing accessibility and safety at Whitecap Resources Centre
The City of Weyburn is completing an accessibility and safety upgrade at the Whitecap Resources Centre, with installation of new custom handrails currently underway in the spectator seating areas.
The project, delivered in partnership with Stewart Steel and under the guidance of PBI Building Inspectors, has involved the design, engineering, and fabrication of handrails that meet current building
code requirements. This improvement addresses areas where the need for additional handrails has been identified, enhancing safety and accessibility for
spectators of all ages. This work reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to reducing barriers and creating more inclusive public spaces, as outlined in
the Accessibility Plan. The plan guides how the City identifies and addresses accessibility needs across its facilities, services, and programs.
Weyburn Lacrosse to celebrate anniversary
A fun-filled day of lacrosse will be held at the Tom Zandee Sports Arena on Saturday, April 25, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Weyburn Lacrosse. Throughout the day,
U13 Celtics boys team hitting the field at
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Show’ at the Tom Zandee Sports Arena
had
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
SV Theatre delivered the laughs with disco-themed whodunit show
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Souris Valley Theatre provided two nights of entertainment during its third annual murder-mystery production.
This year’s show, held April 17 and 18 at the Days Inn’s Taylorton Room, had a disco theme and brought a lot of fun for the crowd, according to director Allison Holzer. She added they had great audiences each night, with 94 people the first and 71 the second.
“It was pretty filled with 94. We could have maybe done 100. The next night, with just 71, you could feel the difference. The people that were there made up for it,” she said.
While they could have accommodated more people, Holzer noted there was a lot
happening in the community during the weekend, which likely hurt the turnout.
A four-course meal was served during the night.
The Taylorton Room was decorated like a disco, Holzer said, thanks to the efforts of Shirley Hildebrand, the theatre manager who was in charge of the set and disco decorations. Even the napkins had disco theme, Holzer said.
In the show, the characters converge on a disco theatre contest. A rivalry exists between some of the groups, but they hope it won’t interfere with the dancing.
“We hear from a bunch of different characters as to what’s going on and why they don’t like each other, but it turns out they all don’t like this one character Barry Vahl,” said Holzer. “So, in
the conversations that develop over the course of the evening, we know there’s rifts between some of the characters, but mostly they all have a reason for hating this Barry Vahl.”
After dinner, Vahl (portrayed by Kyle Whitehead) is found dead on the dance floor and the characters have to explain their whereabouts. At the end, Holzer said they had to reveal who the murderer is. Dalan Doogart (played by Adam Shirley) was the killer each night; Holzer noted he was the killer until the end of the first night.
“They get an envelope with a big reveal in it. Everybody gets their envelope, they read their little ditty, and it’ll say something like ‘Yes, I hated Barry Vahl because he treated my sister
badly, but I would never kill him for that. It can’t be me,’” said Holzer.
Since most of the show was improv, Holzer said the production had a basic outline of the direction conversations were to take, and then they decided how to put it together. Each rehearsal wound up being a little different, with some really funny lines, but Holzer noted some were only heard once.
The audience also guessed who they thought the murderer was, and one member of the crowd who guessed correctly won a prize. She noted quite a few people guessed the right murderer the first night, but the number was lower the second.
Prizes were also handed out for the best-dressed pa-
tron and the most enthusiastic person in the crowd. The audience was given a judging card to vote on the dancers, but each one was a 10.
“So, if you waved your card to give them a mark ... they had to give them a 10, but the audience figured out if they wanted to be mean, they could turn it upside down and give them a one,” said Holzer.
The rest of the cast included Cheri Haberstock, who played Bitsy Crinkley, Patrick Dupuis (Tony Tuscadero), Crystal Ross (Fanni-Sid Pyngstad) , Bethany Dittman (Vampira Von Bitemark), Jillian Connely (Sharlet O’Shoolahan), Laura O’Hanlon (Lola Gaynor), Vincent Dupuis (Harry Nadshaw) and Jerret Hennig (Double7). Holzer noted Hennig and Shirley
were new for this year.
“It was just so much fun,” said Holzer. “They’re just such a great group of people.”
Dave Elliott was in charge of sound and Dittmann was the assistant director.
Proceeds of the event will go to the theatre. Holzer said preparations are going well for the upcoming season. The productions have been selected and Holzer expects they will be announced in the middle of May once they’re ready to start selling tickets.
A new trailer has been brought in to house the actors coming to Estevan. Summer students have been hired for the theatre camps, but the theatre is still looking for a set builder for the upcoming season.
Community shows support for EWF’s top fundraiser of the year
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The milestone 40th edition of the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s (EWF) top fundraiser of the year once again generated lots of interest and support.
Nearly 300 people attended the EWF’s dinner and auction April 25 at the Power Dodge Curling Centre. Funds raised during the event will be used to support the EWF’s efforts in the region.
“It has been our privilege as a non-profit, conservation board organization to continue our mission for the last 81 years,” the EWF said in a message in its program.
The live auction had more than 30 items available. Ping-pong balls were sold to give people the chance to choose one of three firearms. Jason LeBlanc of Steffes Auctioneers ran the auction.
Raffles and a silent auc-
tion were also part of the event.
Event chairman Joshua Michel said community support continues to drive many successful programs and accomplishments for the EWF. For 2025 and 2026, the EWF achieved a number of milestones, including a wild turkey trap and transfer pilot project completed with the help of other branches in the southeast.
During the recent convention for the Saskatch-
ewan Wildlife Federation, the EWF was recognized as the highest-contributing branch to the habitat trust program, with $500,000 since 1978, and the EWF also received the Ed Begin Conservation Project Award for the most outstanding fish or wildlife habitat project, thanks to the Rafferty boat launch breakwater project.
“In addition, after much negotiation, we were able to secure the acquisition of
320 acres of habitat in the RM of Estevan,” Michel wrote in the program.
“Our executive, along with generous volunteers, continue to strive to achieve our vision of ensuring the wildlife legacy we leave our children surpasses that which we inherited.”
The audience also heard a message from Dr. Paul James of Moose Jaw. Now working as a freelance environmental consultant and a member of the provincial
wildlife body, he is a biggame and bird hunter, and serves as a volunteer science and policy advisor to the provincial board. He is also a volunteer leader in the organization’s wild turkey management program. The EWF thanked individuals and businesses for their generous support, as well as the many volunteers for their dedication, which helps make the fundraiser and the many facets of the organization a success.
New Estevan Police canine handler eager to move into new role
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The new K9 handler for the Estevan Police Service is looking forward to the experience and hopefully spending more time engaging the community.
Const. Katelynn Ruthven, who is in her sixth year with the EPS, will be partnered with Hektor, an 11-month Dutch shepherd dog. The tandem appeared at the April 16 meeting of the Estevan board of police commissioners, giving the board a chance to meet the
Photo by David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
pup and to ask a few questions to Ruthven and the EPS executive team.
“I wanted to be the K9 handler because I believe it will be the most challenging and rewarding experience ... of my career,” Ruthven told SaskToday.
While they have only been working together for a few days, Ruthven said Hektor has already shown that he is eager to learn and catching on quickly. A date hasn’t been set yet for when Hektor will finish his training. Ruthven will also have to go to Regina so she and Hektor can be validated together.
“I have been fortunate to go to Regina and Moose Jaw and spend time with their K9 units, where I gained a lot of knowledge,” she said.
Ruthven added she expects community engagement will be an important part of Hektor’s time with the EPS.
“I think community engagement is valuable. I think it improves trust with the public, educates the public and can also deter crime,” she said. “K9s are excellent tools to improve officer and public safety.”
Once Hektor is finished
his training, the EPS will have two police dogs until the current animal Max is retired. Police Chief Jamie Blunden told the police board that Max is nearing the end of his career; the EPS doesn’t know if it will be in a couple of months or a year or two.
Blunden said Ruthven was selected after interviews and evaluation by Sgt. Paul Chabot, who is in charge of the K9 unit and Max’s handler, and Insp. Tyler McMillen, who is a former K9 handler. The EPS executive team also discussed the importance of a police dog.
“There’s no way that we can move forward without having a dog for that extra tool in our tool belt for the members out there,” Blunden said. “The expertise that a dog brings, and the ability to make our members safer on the street, we can’t go without a dog. That’s why we looked at this and said ‘Let’s move forward.’”
Other officers applied after a K9 application, the chief said. Candidates went through interviews, physical fitness tests and more, and while the other applicants were capable of doing the job, Ruthven was
selected.
“She is very focused on her work, and no matter what it is, she applies herself 100 per cent. We’re fully confident in her ability to be able to work with Hektor here, and become a good team together for, I’m hoping, the next eight to 10 years.”
As for Max, Blunden said the dog is 11 years old but is still doing well. He added a shepherd’s working life is usually eight to 10 years.
“We’re getting to the point where to be pro-active, we decided that we would look at another dog, and that’s why we went down and picked up this dog,” said Blunden.
Hektor has already received some training in Alabama, the chief said, but the training for tracking and sniffing hasn’t been completed. Before that happens, Ruthven is going to look after Hektor, and she will be spending time with Chabot.
“He’s the one who went to Alabama and selected the dog with a sergeant from Regina. Because of the fact that they both have that expertise, they were able to go down, and they looked at a number of different dogs,” said Blunden.
After looking at six or seven different dogs, Blunden said they went with Hektor.
Hektor will be a singlepurpose dog, used for tracking missing people, locating suspects and handling other tasks.
“It seems like over the last little while, that the police services that have K9 [units] are going to singlepurpose dogs. I think it has something to do with in court, and being able to justify and testify in court,” said Blunden.
Max, meanwhile, is a dual-purpose dog who has been used for both tracking and detection, including drugs. During the police board meeting, Blunden and McMillen speculated Max might be focused on drug detection until Max retires.
Once Max retires, the EPS will have access to a detection dog through other services. It could also bring in a second dog for detection purposes.
Blunden is also looking forward to introducing Hektor to the community and engaging the public through events and other activities.
Const. Katelynn Ruthven with police service dog Hektor.
Estevan Legion celebrates dedicated volunteers at Vimy Night
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion saluted the efforts of volunteers during the annual Vimy Night on April 18.
Pins were awarded for years of service in incremental five-year periods. A number of other recognitions were also presented.
Five-year pins went to Ian Warner, Greg Schell, Blaine Millions and Susan Hunt. Ten-year pins went to Ross Warren, Lionel Bender, Angela Clements, Jim Maley and Darcy Rooks.
Fifteen-year pins were presented to Geoff Thiessen, Willie Forrest, Heather McKinnon, Connie St. Onge and Mark Panteluk. Recognized for 25 years of service were Theresa Densley, Darrel Tessier, Elmer Vicary and David Bannatyne. Clarence Durr was saluted for 30 years of service.
Forty-year pins went to Ernie Skjerpen, L.E. Warner, Al Fellner, Leonard Grube and David Laing. Forty-five year pins were presented to Lyle and Sharren Dukart.
Members who earned a 50-year medal and pin were Reid Walton, Wayne
Hoste, Russel McCleary and Ron Pho.
Duane Bill has been a member for 60 years, and Charlie Gessner for 65 years.
Numerous other recognitions were handed out.
Ken Stelnicki received a medal with an executive bar, while Guy Blackburn received a medal with a past first vice-president bar to go with an executive bar.
Certificates of merit went to Kevin Beck for work on the roof replacement project for the hall, Irene Murray was saluted for volunteering with the bingo, and Quentin Dosch and Mel Murray were recognized for their contributions with the truck raffle and the roof project.
Jim (Frosty) Forrest, who is in his third twoyear term as president, was presented with the branch service medal for work that goes beyond the call of duty.
Mel Murray was named the Legionnaire of the Year.
“Nobody has any idea how much work he does around here,” said Jim Forrest. “We come here in the wintertime, there’s three feet of snow on either side of the le -
gion, but the sidewalks are cleared out front. The truck raffle is a great success. Comrade Mel goes out and gets us into places to sell tickets.”
Life memberships went to Connie St. Onge and Bernice Forrest.
“A thank you to all of the recipients tonight,” said Jim Forrest. “Without our volunteers, without our people, this place doesn’t exist.”
The Estevan legion and other branches host a Vimy Night each year. The event is held in close proximity to the Battle of Vimy Ridge, when Canadian soldiers dislodged German forces from a key strategic point in France. The battle occurred April 9-12, 1917.
Capt. Craig Bird, who is the founder of the South East Military Museum, came dressed as Gen. Arthur Currie, the famed Canadian Army senior officer from the First World War. Bird told the crowd Estevan and the southeast have a lot of history regarding Vimy.
Between 300 and 400 men were recruited from the Estevan area during the First World War, he said. The community’s population was approxi -
mately 2,500 people in 1916, according to census numbers, Bird said. Of those local people who went to war, 100 died, including 21 at Vimy Ridge.
From the southeast – the area bordered by Highway 6 to the west, Highway 1 to the north, the Manitoba border to the east and the U.S. border to the south – 111 soldiers died at Vimy. And among the 3,600 Can -
adian soldiers who died at Vimy, 412 were from Saskatchewan.
“Every small town and community had somebody that was killed at that battle or was wounded,” said Bird.
He emphasized it’s important to keep the history alive and teach it to young people, because all of Canada’s First World War veterans are dead and there aren’t many left from
the Second World War.
“In the next few years, we won’t have any of those veterans left either,” said Bird, who lauded the legion for its support of the local cadets and the South East Military Museum.
Earlier in the day, Bird also hosted his Vimy Remembered presentation. SaskToday will have a story on the event in the coming days.
Hey Dads! Do you know how much laundry gets done at your house? I learned some interesting stats this week… from an appliance repairman…as he took apart our washing machine. Now before you judge me for calling a repairman please note that we attempted to fix it ourselves first. The boys and I (mostly the boys, actually) had already taken the washing machine apart to do some selfdiagnosis. We thought we were close to solving the problem but we had failed so I relented and called in the big guns... that is, Mr. Appliance Repairman. Please forgive me for the amount of mathing we are about to partake of.
On to the statistics: A family of four people does about eight loads of laundry each week. I don’t know if your family is above average or below average (I suspect in most areas your family is above average). I know our family is above average in at least one area…the quantity of laundry done each week. I don’t always use math but when I do I conclude that we do 24 loads of laundry each week. Our family has 12 people and so we triple that fascinating statistic we learned earlier.
My memory may be going downhill as my age climbs uphill but I think the friendly repairman also said that a washing machine should last about 10 years. Going back to the math this means washing machines in our house will only last about 3.3 years. I think that’s an accurate stat. I think we’ve been married about 21 years. A quick trip down memory lane suggests we’ve gone through six washing machines. We’ve lived in three houses and I’m pretty sure I can
Eight loads of laundry
remember bringing a washing machine into each of those homes. Granted, a few of them were purchased used so perhaps some of their best years were already behind them. So 21 years divided by six washing machines equals 3.5 years per machine. There we are, above average again!
But now we get to machine number seven. Unfortunately, Mr. Repairman informed me we were headed to somewhere around $6-$700 for parts and labour to replace the gearbox in the washing machine. I also paid him for the friendly visit. My patient wife visited the local appliance store and found we could buy a new machine for not much more than that so we decided against repair. In a few days we’ll be able to take all these piles of laundry and begin the cleaning process.
At the end of the day, dad, sometimes we can fix the stuff and sometimes we can’t. But the boys and I learned a bit more about washing machines and maybe in 3.5 years we’ll have to implement the lessons on this washing machine…or just buy another one. Is there something you and the kids can try fix this weekend? Or even better, just take them shopping for a new one. Or even BETTER…take your wife shopping for something. Oh man, so many good ideas. Time flies, dad. Make every moment count! Even the appliance repair ones.
Jason Weening burns through many appliances with his 10 kids and one wife. Read more of his not-so-handyman stories in his book, “Yes, Dear… I’m Watching Them”, on Amazon.
26044DS0
Reid Walton, Russel McCleary and Ron Pho accepted 50-year awards. Missing is Wayne Hoste.
Photo by David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
Estevan motion for Sask. Housing funding approved at SUMA convention
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
A motion from the City of Estevan that calls for increased funding for local housing authorities was approved by delegates at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s convention.
Councillor Shelly Veroba, who called for the motion late last year during a meeting of Estevan city council, also advocated for its passing during the convention. The city said SUMA will now include the motion in SUMA’s advocacy work for the next three years. She noted the motion received 98 per cent support from SUMA delegates.
The resolution states that safe and affordable
housing is essential to well-being and stability of Saskatchewan communities; local housing authorities play a “critical” role in managing and maintaining affordable housing units for low and moderate-income residents; rising costs for maintenance, utilities, insurance and staffing have placed significant financial strain on housing authorities; and current provincial funding levels are insufficient to maintain housing stock, address deferred maintenance and meet increasing community demand.
It also calls for SUMA to advocate the provincial government to increase funding to local housing authorities to ensure the sustainability, maintenance
and expansion of affordable housing in all Saskatchewan communities.
During her pitch, Veroba told the SUMA crowd that 600 of 17,000 units across the province are vacant, including over 50 units in Estevan.
Veroba claimed some of the vacant units in Estevan have been in disrepair since a rain-related flood in 2014.
“That’s 12 years that these units have not been rented, which is unacceptable and something needs to be done,” she said.
In an email to SaskToday, the Ministry of Social Services said as of December 2025, Estevan has 289 units in the “active” rental inventory, of which 233 units, or 80.6 per cent,
are occupied, while the remaining 56 are vacant. Among the vacancies, the ministry said 13 are rentready. The other 43 require repairs and many can be made ready to offer to new tenants within 30 days, depending on demand for social housing units in the community.
“The 2026-27 provincial budget continues to invest in increasing the availability of safe and appropriate housing for families and individuals.
In 2026-27, government is investing $86 million to ensure provincially owned rent-ready units are available across the province,” the ministry said.
Council has noticed and has received calls about what it is going to do about
the situation, Veroba said, because the vacancies aren’t good for neighbourhoods. She added there is a need in the province for safe, affordable housing.
“The local housing authority can only do what it can with the money allocated for the annual budget, because there just isn’t enough money to fix all of the units. So, they can help prioritize the ones that are in demand and leave the rest until they have the money needed to repair the units,” she said.
Council does not want to see empty units in any neighbourhoods, she added. Members want to see the units fixed and rented as affordable housing to families.
Veroba noted there is a criteria to be able to rent a through Sask. Housing. She believes the government needs to ask why the units are empty, how to fill the units and why some have been vacant since 2014.
The city pays a percentage of the local housing authority’s budget shortfall,
Administrative Professionals Day 2026: An Opportunity to Say Thank You
Administrative Professionals Day 2026 in Canada is recognized from April 20-24, and many employers are searching for meaningful ways to show appreciation. This annual celebration recognizes the vital work of administrative assistants, executive assistants, office managers, and customer
support professionals across Canadian workplaces.
This day of recognition has gone through several makeovers to reflect changing administrative titles and responsibilities in the modern Canadian workforce. While its moniker has changed, tThe purpose of Administrative
Professionals Day remains the same: to celebrate and shed light on the many contributions of these devoted and valued administrative professionals.
The workplace is a mix of remote and in-office teams, and feels and recognizes the efforts of support staff more than ever. Between the work -
place transformations and evolving business priorities that continued postpandemic, and the mix of hybrid and return to office policies, which have been implemented since, administrative professionals across Canada have been instrumental to their teams by tackling new challenges and managing emotions under pressure, while helping employees stay connected, engaged and productive.
Sound like someone you know? Are there team members you’d like to honour this Administrative Professionals Day? Even for remote employees, there are ways to celebrate administrative professionals you regularly work with. The International Association of Administrative Professionals, one of the original sponsors of Administrative Professionals Day, offers a listing of events to celebrate your support team.
At some companies, Administrative Professionals Day is incorporated into a larger celebration known as Administrative Professionals Week, with the last full week of April devoted to celebrating the organization’s invaluable administrative and customer support staff.
she said, but it doesn’t have a say in how the funds are allocated. The city does not have a voice on the board, either, and Veroba said the board has vacancies.
“I would encourage anyone who would like to see change, or become part of the solution, to put your name forward and join the hard-working people on the Estevan housing board.”
She added that prior to SUMA, council met with the local housing board and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation executive director Roger Parenteau to better understand the process in repairing and renting these units.
“Families, individuals and seniors across our province need safe, affordable homes, and the Saskatchewan government needs to start to provide this by immediately looking at their stock of vacant units and develop the plan,” said Veroba, who wants to know why there are vacancies when there is a housing crisis in Canada.
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE:
Organic & conventional:
Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy completeness truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association's
The Kamsack Times is hir ing a Local Jour nalism Initiative (LJI) Repor ter to produce or iginal civic jour nalism for Kamsack; Cote Keeseekoose and The Key First Nations; and surrounding towns Job is a ter m position until March 31, 2027
Apply with cover letter and three wr iting samples to Devan Tasa at dtasa@tasamedia ca
Your West Central Voice (Kindersley) is hiring an LJI Reporter for west central Saskatchewan and east central Alberta The job is a contract position until March 2027 with the possibility for continuing employment Full description at jeffgaulin com
Apply with resume and writing samples to kate@yourwestcentral com
of Weyburn, 1633 1st Ave. NE, West Door May 12, 2026 - 6:00 p.m.
& SALE Saturday, May 2 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Knox
To book a table or for more info email knoxpcevents19@gmail.com
BAKE SALE!!
Please plan to join our fundraising efforts on Sunday, May 3rd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McKenna Hall. We will have a variety of delicious baked goods available. Come early while the selection is at its best! Sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Women’s League.
Quilt Show to include demonstrations
Submitted
The members of the Weyburn Crocus Quilters Guild are busy preparing for their ‘Sewfari’ quilt show, to be held at the Weyburn Exhibition Hall on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25.
Admission is $5 for adults and free for youth and children accompanied by adults.
Hours of the quilt show are 4 to 8 p.m. on April 24, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 25.
‘A Stitch in Time’, a display of sewing machines from the 1940s to the 1960s, is a new addition to this year’s show. These sewing machines do more than show how styles and technology have changed. They tell the story of families connected through making.
Each one has its own look and feel, but all of them were part of everyday life in homes where sewing meant creativity, care, and sharing skills across generations. Once part of someone’s daily routine, they were used to sew clothing, mend well-loved items, and create quilts that would be passed down through the years. They sat at kitchen tables, in sewing rooms, and in busy family homes where skills were taught one stitch at a time. A parent guiding a child’s hands, a grandparent sharing tips and stories, these moments are stitched into every piece created. There will also be Safari bingo, door prizes, a concession hosted by Cecilia’s Banquet Hall, a penny arcade and themed basket raffles.
Beatrice Fiola-Johnson, a registered dietitian with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, educated families on raising a healthy and happy eater during a Mini Expo at the Family Place on April 15.
by
Doctors warn Saskatchewan’s illness season isn’t over yet
Denis Conroy SaskToday.ca
The province is moving out of its peak respiratory illness season, with health officials reporting a gradual decline as spring approaches.
“We’re at the tail end of our respiratory season,” said Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab. “We still have some influenza and a variety of respiratory viruses going around, but COVID rates are pretty low and RSV is also low.”
That shift follows a familiar seasonal pattern. Illnesses rise through winter as people gather indoors, then begin to drop as warmer weather arrives.
This year, Shahab described the season as relatively typical.
“A lot of people were surprised by influenza this year in Canada,” he told. “But for us, it was a fairly typical influenza season. It started around the Christmas holidays and then levelled off as we moved forward.”
He added that strong vaccine uptake helped limit the impact.
“We did have fairly good vaccine uptake, especially among people 65 and older,” Shahab said. “That really reduced our burden in terms of hospitalizations and deaths.”
Even with that progress, several health con -
28. Woman (French) 29. Scrape a surface 34. Green vegetable 35. Pacific Standard Time
36. Capital of Brazilian city 37. Paddle
39. Cause to become insane 40. Drier and flakier 41. Mimic
10. Cleaving tool 12. Large African antelope 14. Three are particularly notable 19. Meet one’s needs 23. C. European river 24. Dictator
25. Indicates how much out of 100 (abbr.)
26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet 27. Consume food
42. ESPN personality Kimes
44. One who moves slowly
45. Secret political clique 46. Behind the stern of a ship 47. Supernatural force
48. Sanctuary 51. Swiss river
52. Grayish white 53. Engrave by coating 54. North Carolina university 58. Midway between south and southeast
NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT R.M. OF SCOTT NO. 98
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Scott No. 98 for the year 2026 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Friday, April 22, 2026 to May 25, 2026, except statutory holidays.
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 R.M. of Scott No. 98, Box 210, Yellow Grass, SK S0G 5J0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $50.00 appeal fee for each assessment being appealed, is required to file his or her notice of appeal with: The Secretary of the Board of Revision, Nicolle Hoskins, Western Municipal Consulting, Box 149, Meota, Saskatchewan, S0M 1X0, by the 25th day of May 2026.
Dated this 22nd day of April, 2026.
Shelly Verbeurgt, Assessor
cerns remain across Saskatchewan.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, has been reported in some areas, while tuberculosis continues to affect parts of northern Saskatchewan. A recent listeria-related food recall also serves as a reminder that illness risks are not limited to viruses.
Health officials are also watching measles closely.
“We haven’t had measles cases recently, which is good,” shared Shahab. “But measles is still an issue in other parts of the world, so it’s important to make sure children and adults are up to date with all routine vaccines.”
What people should do right now
As the season winds down, Shahab emphasized that simple actions still make a difference.
“Basic principles always help,” he urged. “Staying home if you’re unwell and making sure you’re up to date with your vaccines.”
Health officials recommend:
• Stay home if you are sick
• Wash or sanitize your
hands regularly
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces if you have symptoms
• Avoid visiting hospitals or long-term care homes when unwell
• Keep vaccinations up to date.
Those steps are especially important for protecting seniors, young children and people at higher risk.
“If you do have a cough or a cold, don’t visit someone in a long-term care facility or a hospital,” Shahab said. “And if there are precautions in place, follow them, including masking or hand hygiene.”
Extra caution in spring
Some seasonal risks also increase as the weather warms.
Hantavirus, while rare, can occur when cleaning enclosed spaces like garages or sheds after winter. Health officials recommend ventilating areas and avoiding exposure to dust. Spring travel can also increase the risk of bringing illnesses like measles back into the province. Health officials expect illness levels to continue dropping over the next few weeks.
Crossword puzzle answers
VILLAGE OF FILLMORE NOTICE
OF
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Fillmore for the year 2026 has been prepared and is open for inspection in the office of the assessor at 51 Main Street, Fillmore SK from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Tuesday to Friday from April 24th, 2026 to May 25th, 2026.
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with Nicolle Hoskins, Secretary of Board of Revision, Western Municipal Consulting, Box 149, Meota, SK. S0M 1X0. Assessment appeal fee: $125.00 mailed to: Village of Fillmore Box
Photo
Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Recognition ideas for Administrative Professionals Week
Recognition moments during Administration Professionals Week are important to remember and they’re the ones most likely to be remembered six months from now.
A public shout-out at the all-hands
Use your next all-hands or team meeting to name your admin professional publicly, and be specific. Specificity is what separates recognition from a formality. If you’re not sure what to mention, ask the people your admin team supports -- they’ll have stories. The admin professional gets recognized in front of the colleagues they work hardest for, and the whole team gets a reminder of what’s actually holding everything together.
A personal letter from senior leadership
A handwritten or personalized email from the CEO, COO, or a direct manager carries real weight. It signals that the person at the top of the organization knows who you are, what you’ve done, and why it matters. That doesn’t happen by accident, and admin professionals know it. Keep it specific and personal. Reference a project, a moment, or a skill you genuinely noticed.
A physical or digital kudos board
Set up a kudos board in the break room, a shared Slack channel, or a digital recognition program where teammates can post specific appreciation notes throughout the week. A board that collects those moments is something your admin team will actually revisit.
A LinkedIn or company social media spotlight
Post a genuine spotlight on your admin professional’s LinkedIn profile or your company’s social channels. Keep
it professional but human -- include their name, role, a specific accomplishment, and why the team values them. Tag them so they can see it.
An appreciation video from the whole team
Coordinate a short video where teammates and leaders each record a 15-30 second clip saying one specific thing they appreciate about the admin professional. The value is in the volume: hearing from eight or ten people who each noticed something different is more powerful than any single well-produced message.
An informal award or “Admin of the Year” moment
Design a custom certificate or have a small trophy made, give it a real name, and present it with a real speech. Even five minutes at the start of a team lunch can become a genuine moment if it’s handled with sincerity rather than a script.Done right, this feels less like a participation trophy and more like an induction. The admin professional gets a moment in front of their team, something physical to keep, and a clear signal that their work has been formally recognized by the organization.
Personalized thank-you notes from every teammate
Organize a note-writing campaign where every person on the team writes a short, handwritten thank-you note to the admin professional. A collection of 12 specific, handwritten notes from people across every level of the organization is genuinely hard to top. Give teammates three days’ notice and a simple prompt: “Write two or three sentences about something specific they did that helped you.” You’ll be surprised what people remember.
