The Weyburn Fire Department collected toys for the Salvation Army at Wal-Mart on November 29. Back row, l-r, Rod Lang, Matt Chicoine, Ben Highmoor, Santa, James Ereth and Tyler Braden. Kneeling, Tinus
Submitted by Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD Director of Education, Keith Keating provided a bevy of interesting highlights taken from the South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s annual report while addressing board trustees attending the division’s monthly business meeting in the head office in Weyburn, November 26.
The director focused on such items as School Community Councils, their successes and challenges for the coming aca-
demic year.
There is a division profile that provides facts surrounding SECPSD such as enrolments, First Nations successes, communities served and the philosophical foundations.
Keating reported the report indicates a slight drop in total student enrolment compared with the previous year and focused on staff numbers and targets for priority items in the future. That included an outline of progress made in the previous year that met established targets.
Student attendance figures are well above the provincial average including First Nations tallies and improvements witnessed on a steady scale since the 2021-22 school year.
“Our attendance rate of 81 per cent exceeded the provincial rate of 78 per cent,” he said.
Graduation rates were also impressive for the three and five-year programs that focused on students from Grades 10 to 12. Again, he noted, the five-year graduation rate at SECPSD stood at 71
per cent compared with 67 per cent province wide.
Credit attainment has been impressive in successive years which points to a solid foundation of support for all students.
Grade 9 students achieving eight or more credits was impressive, he suggested, noting Cornerstone has significantly smaller schools in the rural settings compared with city-based facilities.
Reading results data showed Cornerstone with the second highest rating at one time and that should continue.
Connections and the sense of belonging in the school environments is important in the elementary and middle school years, the report notes. There is a feeling of safety in their schools, the director pointed out.
The positive entry and exit figures for Early Years learning was also pointed out by Keating. Treaty outcomes for all students also remained high the report said.
Partnerships with families and communities are also included in the annual report along with five
Festival of Carols to be held Sunday
Submitted
The Rotary Club of Weyburn will host the 72nd annual Festival of Carols to begin the Christmas season in the city. They invite local residents to share in this wonderful day of music. The festival will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in the Grace United Church at 210 Third Street NE in Weyburn. There will be one performance at 2 p.m. and a second performance at 7 p.m.
The annual Festival of Carols began in 1956 and was hosted by the Quota Club of Weyburn. Rotary began hosting the Carol Festival in 2022 after the Quota Club was discontinued and is proud to be hosting the 71st annual Carol Festival. Each year choirs come and perform Christmas carols for the public. Just before the preludes begin, there is a slideshow of photos of past Carol Festivals. The prelude for both performances are played by Colleen Weimer and Gail Murray. Community singing begins and then is followed by the program.
goals that include staff professional development opportunities, local priorities, transportation, infrastructure as well as budget requirements.
The annual report is made available to the public by contacting South East Cornerstone Public School Division for details and easy to follow directions.
The SECPSD board will hold an open business session on December 17 beginning at 1 p.m. The session is also made available through live streaming services.
Lotz.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
COMMUNITY
Cammy, right, participated in a reindeer ring toss at the Wild + Free Handmade Market booth, organized by Lexi, Alex and Jake. Several booths from the homeschool community filled Knox Hall on November 27 for the Christmas-themed market.
Festival of Trees sets record
The 26th anniversary edition of the Festival of Trees set a record for the highest amount raised for The Family Place, at the in-person auction of trees last Wednesday evening at the Great Plains Ford auction building.
In the end, this year’s fundraiser brought in over $127,000, which included $100,300 from the tree auction of 28 decorated Christmas trees; $11,085 from the online silent auction, and $5,580 from the extra silent auction items on Wednesday night; $630 from a raffle; $475 from the 50/50 Santa’s List; $1,155 from the 50/50 gala night; donations from Canadian Tire ($3,000), Bratrud ($1,500), and Remax Realty ($450); along
with other fundraising efforts.
Executive director, Dawn Gutzke, of the Family Place, included a video highlighting people who have benefited from the services of The Family Place.
“A huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts, to all involved in making this extra special for us. The support and belief in the work we do inspires us to continue to work hard to serve our community and families,” she said.
Winston Bailey auctioned off the impressive array of festive trees, with the highest priced of the night being purchased by Avana, and decorated by FieldView Financial Services Inc.
Duplicate Bridge Club
The Weyburn Duplicate Bridge Club plays on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and on Thursdays at 1 p.m. at the Wheatland Senior Centre. All bridge players are invited to come and play.
Two tables played on October 2. Warren Betker and Denis Tremblay placed first, while Marg Stewart and Diane Bell took second.
Two tables played on October 6. First place went to Gord Bell and Marg Stewart, and second place went to Barry Mactaggart and Diane Bell.
Two tables played on October 9. Gord and Diane Bell claimed first place, and there was a tie for second place between the pair of Denis Tremblay and Dave Frayn, and the pair of Barry Mactaggart and Terry Bendickson.
Two tables played on October 13. Gord Bell and Boyd Stewart tied for first place with Denis Tremblay and Diane Bell.
Two and a half tables played on October 16. Denis Tremblay and Dave Frayn finished in first place, followed closely by Barry Mactaggart and Lucie Nickel who placed second.
Two tables played on October 20. Barry Mactaggart and Diane Bell finished in first place while Gord Bell and Marg Stewart were second.
With two tables playing on October 23, the leaders were Lucie Nickel and Jeanne Molnar, and second place went to Gord Bell and Barry Mactaggart.
Two tables played on October 30. Top honours went to Denis Tremblay and Diane Bell, and second place
went to Erskine Sandiford and Jeanne Molnar.
Two and a half tables played on November 3. Gord Bell and Marg Stewart had a very strong game playing at 80 percent to claim first and second place went to Erskine and Mildred Sandiford.
Two and a half tables played on November 6. Marg Stewart and Diane Bell finished in first place edging out Gord Bell and Jim Kaz who placed second.
Two and a half tables played on November 10. Erskine and Mildred Sandiford took first followed by a tie for second between the pair of Gord Bell and Boyd Stewart and the pair of Barry Mactaggart and Marg Stewart.
Two tables played on November 12. Leaders were Gord Bell and Marg Stewart followed by Lucie Nickel and Jeanne Molnar who came second.
Two tables played on November 17. First place went to Erskine and Mildred Sandiford while Barry Mactaggart and Diane Bell took second.
Two tables played on November 20. First place went to Gord and Diane Bell followed by Barry Mactaggart and Lucie Nickel who placed second.
Two tables played on November 24. There was a tie for first between the pair of Erskine Sandiford and Terry Bendickson, and the pair of Warren Betker and Denis Tremblay.
Two and a half tables played on November 27. First place went to Barry Mactaggart and Gord Bell who edged out Garnet Hart and Grant Paulson who came second.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Twins Sunni and Luna used colourful foam to give their dinosaurs a bath during Dinovember at the Weyburn Public Library on November 29.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
EDITORIAL
MINISTERIAL MESSAGE: GOD’S HELP IN MARRIAGE
Submitted by Cam Weber, Weyburn Miniterial Association
This past week Gail and I celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary, which got me to thinking about our lives together. We come from totally different backgrounds, Gail from a non-Christian home, were partying and drinking were a normal part of life, where my upbringing was from a fairly conservative Christian home with attending church at least twice a week and family devotions were considered normal in our home. How did two totally different people survive 46 years of marriage together?
There is only one answer that I can think of and that is God. I had a praying Godly mother who wanted a Christian wife for her son, so she prayed earnestly for me, so how did Gail coming from the background she did, fit this request?
The bible says God knows the decisions we are going to make before we make them, for he is an allknowing God. God knew Gail’s heart and how she had invited Jesus into her heart after going with her local church youth group to a Len Linstrom crusade. The Holy Spirit (God’s Spirit) was living inside of her and was starting to mold her into the woman of God she has become.
When we met and then got married on November 23 1979, we were not living the way God desires his children to live, so he began bringing people and circumstances into our lives to mold us into the couple he would have us to be. We had to go through some tough life situations to help us in this process. When we got married, because of our great background differences, of all the friends we hung out with and partied with, we were voted the least likely to remain married. But today most of these
couples are divorced or with different partners and yet we are together, what is the reason? I fully believe it is only because of God in our lives, who has helped us through so many tough circumstances that have happened in our lives. Some of them are, Gail’s father was killed in a car accident within two years after we got married, then we moved to Ontario to help my brother farm when my father retired, and that did not turn out well, so we moved back to Saskatchewan. By this time Gail’s mom had remarried a childhood friend whose wife had also pasted away about the time of Gail’s father being killed.
He retired and we moved out to the farm and rented it in 1984. In 1984 the grasshoppers ate half our crop, and in 1985 there was no crop, so we were struggling to keep our heads above water.
Two weeks before Christmas that year, when the fuel company came and filled up our fuel oil tank for the furnace, they accidently bumped the tank fuel valve just a little bit so when I got home from work there was 6 inches of diesel fuel on our basement floor, so we had to move out till we could deal with the mess. A local church helped us out that year for Christmas, so out of gratitude we started going back to church and getting our lives back to following God’s plan for our lives.
In 1985 in a time of seeking God I heard the voice of God telling me I had 3 years to get my house and home in order, then 3 years of bible college. In 1988 Gail and I and our three children went off to bible college following God’s plan for our lives not knowing where it would lead us.
Our lives following God has had its challenges, but as we more and more put God at the center of our lives, He has helped us stay together through
Wheatland Senior Centre hosts tournaments, board games
A number of activities were held at the Wheatland Centre recently.
In Spades on November 24, Ernie Lokken placed first, Kathy Carson won second and Marge Schultz finished third.
During Military Whist on November 24, Marg Warnke, Ione Schnell, Marjorie McLeod and Jannette Tonn took first, Jean Reich, Jean Knibbs, Gerry Thompson and Brenda Paul placed second and Mildred Sandiford, Kim Bent, Janet van Winkoop and Kathy Carson finished third.
In Kaiser on November 25, Norma Kapasanuik & Melba Bent placed first, Eva Morley and Marlene Szczecinski took second place and Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson finished third.
In Canasta on November 26, Pat Peterson won first, Brenda Paul placed second, Elaine Frasz took third, Cristine Herlick came in fourth, Sherrill Taylor placed fifth, and Marg Warnke placed sixth.
During Hi-Low Whist on November
26, Cris Herlick and Phyllis Lindskog won first, Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn placed second, Janet Van Winkoop and Emily Zyla finished third and Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum came in fourth.
In Thursday Crib on November 27, Stan Hubick and Fran Long won first, Marjorie McLeod and George McLeod placed second, Shirley Hubbs and Chris Carter finished third, and Don Peterson and Heather Carter took fourth.
During Friday Contract Bridge on November 28, Jeannie Molnar placed first, Erskine Sandiford took second and Lucie Nickel finished third.
In Friday Shuffleboard, Ron Frayn and Will vanRoon placed first, Janet van Winkoop and Jannette Tonn took second and Willa Mae Donald and Bert Sanguin came in third.
Friday board games - The cost for an afternoon of fun playing board games with friends is $5.
the difficult times, like the year 2002. In February of that year, I was hurt at work and went on workers compensation, in April Gail was hurt at work and also was on workers comp. plus then in May our son was injured at work and was put on workers comp. too. This sounds like a terrible year so far, but this was God’s way of providing for us to help us through what was yet to come. On August 10th 2002 our youngest son Marvin, 18 years old took his own life by shooting himself on main street Weyburn, (for reasons we will never fully know) then two weeks after this I received a registered letter from my boss saying my job was terminated and they don’t need me back. Shortly after these our other two children moved to Alberta because they couldn’t deal with everything here, and then to cap off the year Gail’s lifelong mentor and friend passed away from cancer. Many marriages don’t survive one or more of these tragicizes let alone all these in one year.
But God was there by his Holy Spirit helping us and comforting us through this all. We have gone through many other trials as well, till about 10 years ago we were to the point, we were going to separate, but again God spoke to me again loud and clear “this to will pass”. This is a story of its own which I do not have room to share in this article.
This is Pastor Cameron Weber saying if it wasn’t for God’s help in our lives Gail and I wouldn’t be together today, I give him full credit for us still being together. If you are struggling in your marriage, I would encourage you to invite God into your life and situation, seek Godly advice and start reading and obeying the bible daily as you invite the Holy Spirit to open your mind to understanding his plans for your life and marriage.
Enbridge moves to development permit stage
Seven Stars project will play an important role in driving regional economic growth and development.
Commercial wind energy developments – like the Seven Stars Energy Project Enbridge is putting forward for the Weyburn area – are subject to rigorous permitting and regulatory processes at all levels of government before they can proceed Multiple layers of oversight ensure the project is built and oper-
ated according to applicable laws, standards and regulations
For the Seven Stars project, development permit approvals are needed from the RM of Weyburn and RM of Griffin
“We look forward to sharing our plans to develop a project that has evolved significantly over the past
year and a half with input from community members and the RMs,” says Alex McNichol, who’s leading the project for Enbridge “Having made several modifications to the project since it was first introduced, we remain excited about its potential to provide sustained economic benefits over the next three decades.”
Seven Stars project – key facts
Enbridge is developing a 200-megawatt wind energy facility, utilizing a total of 46 turbines in the RM of Weyburn and RM of Griffin
The project is being developed in response to increasing demand for electricity in Saskatchewan, with enough energy to support the annual needs of about 100,000 Saskatchewan homes over its anticipated 30year lifespan
The project covers about 24,000 acres Just 2.4% of this land will be used during construction – and only 0.2% once the project is operating, leaving landowners able to continue agricultural or other land use activity on more than 98% of their property.
Project facilities will be located in proximity to the SaskPower transmission line that runs through the RM This minimizes the project’s environmental footprint by eliminating the need to construct a lengthy transmission line.
The turbines, electrical substation and related infrastructure are expected to be entirely situated on private lands on which Enbridge has entered into agreements with 40 different property owners
Project construction will see an average workforce of about 100 and
The Seven Stars project is similar to others that are operating or have been announced in the vicinity of Weyburn.
200 at peak periods Labour spending will be about $75 million. Enbridge has committed to avoiding camps for workers, so the workforce will be staying in local lodging and spending locally at restaurants and other businesses.
Enbridge envisions operating Seven Stars for 30 years, bringing more than $100 million – up to $4 million annually – in estimated economic benefits for the Weyburn region. This includes annual tax revenue the RM can utilize, lease payments to participating landowners, rural road upgrades, employee salaries, third-party contracting for maintenance and upkeep of Enbridge’s office and warehouse facility, and financial support for community-driven programs and initiatives
Community input has been critical Over the past 16 months, Enbridge has made it a priority to actively listen and respond to feedback from residents and property owners, local businesses and the municipalities.
“We remain committed to open communication and collaboration,” says McNichol “Robust engagement has led to an innovative wind power development that aligns with community values and priorities and will help meet Saskatchewan’s future energy needs.”
Modifications to the project based on feedback during community engagement include:
To minimize disturbance during construction, a commitment to apply dust suppression on gravel roads in front of residences;
To address concerns about water quality – despite no expected project impact – an offer to conduct well water quality testing for residents within 2 km of a wind turbine;
To address flashing lights at night, installation of a radar-based lighting system that activates only when aircraft are in the vicinity of a turbine;
And finally, Enbridge is committing to designing the facilities to limit noise from our facilities at residential locations to a conservative threshold to a conservative threshold that is well below levels where human health or safety could be impacted
“Details of these and many other commitments are in our permit application, which we encourage interested residents to read,” McNichol concludes.
“Together, these initiatives demonstrate Enbridge’s commitment to building this project the right way.”
Findings from environmental field and desktop surveys will be part of the project’s provincial environmental permit application.
Weyburn Red Wings hold on to first place
The Weyburn Red Wings hold tight onto their first place position in the Burge Division of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
The Red Wings won 4-2 against the Melfort Mustangs on November 26. Weyburn started strong with two goals in the first period from Roan Burgess, assisted by Luke Dekay and a powerplay goal from Lucas Schmid, assisted by Josh Sale.
The Mustangs scored the lone second period goal just 43 seconds in.
In the third period, Callas Pierce scored for the Red Wings, assisted by Burgess. The Mustangs answered with a late goal, but Weyburn stayed strong
notching an empty-net goal by Sale.
Preston Patenaude was in net for the win and stopped 33 out of 35 shots.
The Red Wings blanked La Ronge 5-0 during a road game held on November 28. Three Weyburn goals were scored in the first period. Sale scored early, assisted by Jase McNichol and Bryson Carlyle. Josh Karman followed up with a a powerplay goal, assisted by Turner McIntyre and Sale. Roan Burgess kept it rolling with a power play goal of his own, assisted by McNichol and Karman.
Two more Weyburn goals were scored in the second period by Ryder Rommelaere, assisted by Carlyle and Aiden Mohan.
Mohan responded with a goal of his own with one minute remaining in the period, assisted by Jaxson Doyle and Carlyle.
Nate Stevens was in net for the shutout, stopping 20 out of 20 shots.
Facing up against La Ronge again on November 29, Weyburn found themselves on the losing end of a 2-1 game.
The Wolves started the game with one goal in the first period. There was no scoring in the second period.
In the third period, Burgess scored an early goal just 45 seconds in with an assist by Turner McIntyre. Fourteen seconds later, the Ice Wolves scored to secure the win.
Patenaude was in net for Weyburn and stopped 20 out of 22 shots.
The Red Wings hosted Yorkton at Whitecap Resources Centre on December 2. Weyburn will host Battlefords Stars, on Saturday, December 6 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m.
Lacrosse athletes win provincial awards
Weyburn lacrosse athletes earned prestigious honours at SLA Awards Night in Saskatoon on November 28.
U13 Team Sask
Female Most Improved Joey Arneson. U19 Women’s Field
Most Dedicated Callie Dammann.
Jr. Coach of the Year Chloe Tuchscherer.
Canada Games MVP Hunter Moon. U17 Jr Rush MVP Leo Missal. U17 Jr Rush Most Dedicated Hudson Maloney. U17 Team Sask Men’s Field Most Dedicated Alex Labrecque. PGLL Goaltender of the year Matthew Charlton.
AAA Gold Wings split games against Stars
The Weyburn Gold Wings split a pair of home games against the Saskatoon Stars over the weekend.
The Gold Wings took game one on Saturday by a score of 2-1. There was no scoring in the first period, and one goal notched by the Stars in the second period.
In the third period, Skyla McNichol scored an unassisted short-handed goal to tie the game, followed by a goal from Harper Danchilla, assisted by Julia Durr.
Tila Boyd was in net for the win and stopped 36 out of 37 shots.
All three game stars were awarded to Weyburn with Danchilla taking first star, Boyd taking second star, followed by McNichol with third star.
Saskatoon redeemed themselves on Sunday afternoon with a close 4-3 win.
In the first period, the Stars scored two powerplay goals, with a late power-
play goal coming from Gold Wings’ defenseman Haven Bourassa, assisted by Maicy Groenewegen and Chelsea Madsen.
In the second period, Saskatoon added two more goals to their lead before Weyburn answered with a goal by Tristan Todosichuk, assisted by Bourassa and Danchilla, with 2:29 remaining in the period.
An unassisted goal was scored by Presley Nimegeers of Weyburn in the third period, but time ran out before a comeback could be completed.
Boyd was in net for the Gold Wings, stopping 30 out of 34 shots.
Saskatoon was given eight minor penalities to Weyburn’s four.
The Gold Wings will host Notre Dame at Whitecap Resources Centre tonight, December 3. They will head to Saskatoon for a pair of games on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7.
Weyburn Red Wings players helped set-up the the Festival of Trees gala held at the Great Plains Ford building on November 26. Pictured, l-r, Nate Stevens, Renat Nahnieiev, Aidan Mohan, Josh Sale, Wyatt Lacoste, Roan Burgess and Drew Molde.
Photo courtesy of The Family Place
Weyburn AAA Gold Wings forward, Tristan Todosichuk, and defenseman, Kinley Dammann, waited for a rebound from the Saskatoon Stars goaltender during a home game held on November 30.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Rotary 72 nd Annual Festival of Carols
Sunday, December 7 Grace United Church
CHOIR
1:45 p.m. - Prelude
2:00 p.m.
The Christmas Story
Christian Mennonite
Church of Yellow Grass
Richard Wick
St. Vincent de Paul
Youth Choir
Mahnke Music Studio
Legay Park Elementary
Grade 2 and 3
Variations
SELECTIONS
Read by Jean Fahlman
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Christmas Song
The Christmas Story Complete
Belleau Wood
Ugly Christmas Sweater
Come On Ring Those Bells
Inkeeper
The Greatest Season
Away in a Manger
Kris Kringle’s Kazoos (Grade 2)
Oh Mr. Santa (Grade 2 and 3)
Dashing Through the Snow (Grade 3)
The Christmas Song
Winter Wonderland
“Silent Night”
That’s Christmas to Me Hentley
Gail
Joy to the World
6:45 p.m. - Prelude Colleen
7:00 p.m.
The Christmas Story
Spirit of Grace
WCS RISE Choir
Malayali Community
Spirit Singers
Read by Jean Fahlman
This is Christmas
Five Fourtite Holiday Songs
On With the Snow Holly Butz
Hallelujah!
Ugly Christmas Sweater
Feliz Navidad
Gail
Holly Butz
Asha Shivarajan
Yehoodhiyayile Oru Gramathil
Jingle Bells
Grown Up Christmas List
Grace United Church
A Christmas Song
A Call to Christmas
Free Methodist Church
WCS Senior Choir
Rejeesh Varghese
The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
Angels We Have Heard on High
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Dona Nobis Pacem
Please Come Home For Christmas
Put a Little Love in Your Heart/Love Train
Kendra Gonczy
Colleen Weimer
Holly Butz
Holly Butz
Colleen Weimer
Colleen Weimer
Holly Butz
Pauline Vatamaniuk
Lily Penner
Keira Mahnke
The First African Noel Ryan Fleck “Silent Night”
Women of Distinction awards switches from one to two-year interval
SaskToday staff
The Southeast Women of Distinction Awards will now be handed out every other year, with the next ceremony taking place in May 2027.
The organizing committee, known as Women for Women, made the announcement in a November 27 news release. The news release states the decision reflects the event’s continued growth and a commitment to providing an even stronger, more impactful celebration of the outstanding women who shape communities across southeast Saskatchewan.
“Moving to a biennial format allows organizers to dedicate additional time to planning, building partnerships and expanding community involvement,” stated the news release.
“The goal is to elevate the experience for nominees, award recipients and attendees while continuing to highlight the achievements of local women who lead, inspire and create change.”
The Women of Distinction Awards will continue to provide $3,000 in scholarship funding to young women in the southeast, to be allocated at annual high school awards ceremonies
in the region. Interested students can find information at their high school.
Throughout the coming months, the organizers said they will focus on strengthening the program, broadening engagement and preparing new opportunities to recognize the many women who make a meaningful difference in the region.
“The Women of Distinction Awards have become an important platform for celebrating the leadership, resilience, and contributions of women in southeast Saskatchewan,” said event chairwoman Becky Cassidy. “This new schedule allows us to bring even more depth, recognition and community connection to the event.”
Community members, partners and past nominees will be kept informed as planning progresses for the 2027 celebration.
The awards were first handed out in 2023, taking the place of the Women of Today Awards. As part of the Women of Distinction Awards, the committee hands out five honours each year, and at least one woman has been enshrined in the Trailblazer Memorial Walk.
Estevan fire crews called to collisions, field fire
SaskToday staff Collisions, a field fire and a vehicle fire accounted for the Estevan Fire Rescue Service’s calls during the past week.
Members were dispatched November 25 for a collision at the junction of Highway 39 and the truck bypass. Crews responded and assisted alongside Estevan EMS and the Estevan RCMP. No entrapment
was reported. The EFRS said unknown injuries and damages occurred.
According to the RCMP, an investigation determined two trucks collided. Subsequently, the trucks then collided with an SUV. The RCMP said no injuries were reported to police. No charges have been laid in relation to this collision.
The EFRS was dis -
patched for a vehicle fire November 24 in the southeast area. Crews responded and determined a fire was not occurring. The vehicle was smoking from a mechanical issue and EFRS assistance was not required.
That same day, the EFRS was dispatched for a field fire along Highway 18 near Frobisher. Crews responded and investigated.
Hey Dads! Do you appreciate a good steak or burger on the BBQ? I suspect you do. But do you appreciate where that steak or burger came from? Perhaps you do. Perhaps you do not. I thought I appreciated where it came from. But I’ve spent the last couple days really getting a thorough appreciation and education in my very own school of beef butchering. After watching a couple of YouTube videos class was in session for me and the kids down by the barn. How hard could it be?
If you read my most recent story you heard about our year-and-a-half-old steer who likes to jump fences. Well, we put a quick stop to his fence-jumping days. We’ve done some meat processing around our place before. Rabbits, ducks, chickens, pigs. But we learned that those are all teeny-tiny, itty-bitty animals compared to beefy bovine. Since we’re not real farmers we don’t have a real tractor, just one of the cute hobby-farm sorts that real farmers probably snicker at when they drive by taking up all the lanes of the road. But I’m not bitter.
Well, our little tractor couldn’t quite get the steer off the ground. Kids were volunteering to jump on the back of the tractor as counter-weights. Some cement blocks did the job quite nicely. Now, a steer lying on the ground is quite large. A steer hanging beside you from a tractor bucket seems quite larger.
We began with step 1. Watch a YouTube video. Those guys butchering an entire animal in 20 minutes sure make it look easy! Twenty minutes later we were still trying to figure out what we were
They confirmed the fire was an unreported controlled burn. Crews spoke with the person performing the burn and confirmed EFRS assistance was not needed.
On November 28, the EFRS was dispatched for a three-vehicle collision in northeast Estevan. The incident was minor and EFRS assistance was not required.
doing. Thankfully, most of the kids had watched the video with me so they were full of helpful hints being the butchering professionals that they are.
About two hours later we were ready to move the meat into the clean shop with the clean tables and the…low ceiling. Remember when I said the bucket wasn’t high enough? Well now it was too high. Most real butchers would hang the meat in one piece. Would we do this? No! We would not! The ceiling was too low. The solution? Cut the meat into pieces. Humongous, gigantic, unable-to-movewith-one-person pieces of meat. No, really. One of the boys and I tried to move a piece and were shocked at how heavy it was. But we persevered, split the rear half into two quarters and got them both on the table. The tractor bucket and the ceiling were high enough to hang the smaller front half. We were done for the day.
If you think it’s a good idea to arm half-a-dozen kids with knives to help you butcher a cow…well, you’ll have to tune in next time to see how that went. Honestly, I was a little scared about this whole process. But we did it! Is there something you’re a little scared to do? Give it a shot! Try fixing the car! Try fixing the appliance! Try butchering an animal! And bring your kids along for the educational ride. Time flies. Make every moment count! Even the not-quite-like-the-guyson-YouTube moments.
Jason Weening learns how to do stuff with his ten kids and one patient wife. It’s almost Christmas! Grab his book, “Yes, Dear…I’m Watching Them,” on Amazon.
Gary Lavoie drops the puck prior to the game between the Estevan IESP Bruins and the Esterhazy Flyers.
Proposed outdoor rink in Estevan receives council approval
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Estevan city council has given the green light for a temporary outdoor rink to be constructed in north Estevan this winter.
Brandon Frank pitched the concept during the November 24 meeting of Estevan city council. The rink would be located adjacent to Nicholson Road, near the entrance to Lynn Prime Park, in the Dominion Heights subdivision.
“The space has been unused for some time and it presents an ideal opportunity to create a safe, familyfriendly, recreational area that will benefit residents of all ages,” Frank told council. “The proposed rink would be a volunteer-driven, communitymanaged project requiring minimal infrastructure.”
The facility will have a levelled ice surface, simple perimeter boards and access for water flooding. Previously-used rink boards have been donated, which Frank said significantly helps reduce set-up costs. He added volunteers who live closest to the rink
are prepared to help with installation, flooding and maintenance throughout the season.
“The residents closest to the proposed site have been consulted and are fully supportive of the project,” he said.
Frank noted the volunteers are committed to making sure the rink is responsibly maintained, the noise and hours of use are reasonable, and the city guidelines regarding safety and liability are followed. They are also willing to work with city staff to address any questions or concerns.
Frank was looking for approval so preparations could begin before the ground freezes.
Council voiced support for the project but had a few questions. Councillor Shelly Veroba asked about pucks flying from the rink. Frank responded the boards would be higher, much like how they used to be at the Rusty Duce Playpark.
Councillor Kirsten Walliser asked about water requirements and if there is a city access point. City
manager Jeff Ward replied there are irrigation lines that might be suitable. A hydrant is in the area, but the city doesn’t want to use it during the winter. Some of the neighbours have been approached about tying into their water for a small flood.
Councillor Brian Johnson asked about lighting for the rink. Frank replied
it might be better to initially shut the rink down when it’s dark, and if the rink proves to be popular, then lighting can be added.
“We don’t plan on having any generators set up for the year with lights going. I just want to ease into the neighbourhood there,” said Frank.
The boards will be pinned into the ground,
too. Councillor Dave Elliott, who was involved with putting up the boards at the outdoor rink at the Kin Hillside Playpark prior to the construction of a permanent outdoor facility, noted they didn’t use to pin the boards down.
“Once they’re up, they’re up. They’re not going anywhere. It was pretty heavy bolts that we
were using, holding them together. It might save yourself a whole lot of trouble, because you have to get them back out in the spring.”
Frank noted wind is an issue in Dominion Heights, and so he doesn’t want to have a situation in which the boards are up one day and downed the next because of the wind.
Arrests made in Estevan for theft over $5,000
The Estevan Police Service has announced arrests for theft over $5,000 and uttering threats in recent days.
A man was arrested and charged November 27 with fraud over $5,000, stemming from an incident that occurred in June. According to the EPS, he was processed and released with a court date in January 2026 to speak to the charge.
Police arrested a 30-year old Estevan man for uttering threats. He was transported to the Estevan Police Service detention facility, where the EPS said he uttered threats against the arresting officers. He was subsequently
remanded in custody and appeared in Estevan Provincial Court on December 1 to speak to the charges.
The EPS received a report November 26 of an individual uttering threats. An investigation is ongoing.
A separate report was received of a woman threatening a man at a residence in southeast Estevan. Members attended, spoke with both parties and mediated the situation.
Several false alarms at a local business were attended to by EPS members. The alarm was tested early in the day and issues with the system caused multiple unfounded alarms afterwards.
Police received reports November 26 and 27 of vehicles driving through activated stop arms and lights on a school bus. The EPS reminds the public that no matter what direction motorists approach a school bus, they are required to stop when the bus lights are flashing and the stop arms are out.
A report came in of a suspicious man panhandling for money in the Walmart parking lot. Members patrolled the area but were unable to locate the male.
The EPS received reports of three motor vehicle collisions November 28 related to winter road condi-
tions. Two of the collisions were determined to be nonreportable to police, and drivers exchanged names and driver’s licence information to report to SGI. The remaining collision was investigated by police and involved property damage but no reported injuries. A charge under the Traffic Safety Act was laid against the driver responsible for the collision.
The EPS received two requests for wellbeing checks to be conducted on family members. Both individuals were located and transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for medical assessment.
LEGAL NOTICE- TAKE NOTICE T AT; any one with a pr ior, equal, or super ior r ight, interest, CONDUCT, treat y or Convention in/to/for/of the NAME and proper t y of:
NIKOLAI MARTENS and/or MARTENS, NIKOLAI Estate, or : MARGARET E MARTENS and/or MARTENS, MARGARET E Estate, or NICK LUK AS MARTENS and/or MARTENS, NICK LUK AS Estate, or JAN
JONAS MARTENS and/or MARTENS, JAN JONAS Estate; in any st yle or var iation thereof capable to confuse, suspend or clog said NAME, Title and/or Estate is hereby WARRANTED to present their said claim to Witness: Dmitr i, Fast c/o: 10913 Mar tin RD South, Bur ns Lake Br itish Columbia, V0J1E2 before expiration of t went y-eight (28) days of the first publishing of this Notice
EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE GETAWAY!
Extraordinary villa in Osoyoos, BC, with breathtaking lake views and just 3 minutes from town. Vacation in Canada’s warmest destination. Or wanting warmer weather?
Two luxurious 5-star resort units in Phoenix, Arizona. Doug 306-716-2671 osoyooslakevilla.com
Test your knowledge with this crossword puzzle
CLUES ACROSS
1. Spiritual leaders
7. A type of solution
13. Fortified wine
14. Edible mollusk
16. They precede C 17. A way to compare 19. Government lawyer
20. “Game of Thrones” actor Ciaran
22. The eighth month (abbr.)
23. Very willing 25. __ ex Machina
26. Makes happy
28. Type of berry 29. A doctrine
30. Popular Dodge truck model
31. Dekagram
33. Naturally occurring solid
34. Company officer 36. Villains
38. Cricket frogs
40. Influential German psychologist
41. Endured
AGPRO - BUYING: FEED BARLEY & HEATED CANOLA
For Bids, Call/Text: 306-873-0481 or visit: agproseeds.com
AGPRO MARKET REPORT: Farmers, call to sign up for Free Today!
Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES using the strength of communit y newspapers! Visit www swna com or call 306649-1405 to find out how!
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS 47 local communit y newspapers distr ibuting to over 450 communities including 14 cities Reach over 550 000 readers weekly Call 306649 1405 or visit www swna com for details
Adver tisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibilit y of the persons or entities that post the adver tisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warrant y as to the accuracy, completeness, tr uthfulness, or reliabilit y of such adver tisements For greater infor mation on adver tising conditions, please consult the Association's Blanket Adver tising Conditions on our website at www swna com
43. A female domestic
44. You can get stuck in one
45. Cigarette (slang)
47. Fiber optics network
48. Group of blood disorders (abbr.)
51. Employee stock ownership plan
53. Belonging to the bottom layer
55. Sound
56. MLB legend Hank 58. Very attractive person 59. Late beloved s portscaster Craig 60. South Dakota 61. Mocking 64. Symbol for gold 65. Longtime Braves pitcher Julio 67. Humor 69. Shawl
70. Preliminary patient assessment CLUES DOWN
1. Animal disease
2. Commercial
3. Necklace material
4. Containers
5. A way to save for your future
6. Colorado Heisman winner Rashaan
7. Dipped down 8. Head injury (abbr.)
9. Lay about 10. Intestinal
11. Opposite of yes 12. Caused to be loved 13. Spiritual leader of Islam
15. Businesslike 18. Not in 21. Number above
the line in a fraction
24. An animal with its own day
26. Pouch
27. Swedish krona
30. Start over
32. Field flowers
35. Fourteen
37. A visual way to interact with a computer
38. Up-to-date
39. Campaigns
42. Touch lightly
43. “Boardwalk
Empire”
actress Gretchen
46. Violent seizure of property
47. Supporter of the Pope
49. Anxiety
50. Body fluid
52. One who’s faking it
54. Title of respect
55. Chilean city
57. City in central Japan
59. Silk garment
62. A form of dance
63. Automobile
66. The man
68. Justice Dept. head honcho
Weyburn Chamber calls annual Parade of Lights a success
The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce held its 31st annual Parade of Lights on November 27. The streets were lined with spectators watching over 40 festively decorated floats going by. “Our hats go off to all our parade participants. The creativity and hard work that goes into each entry is amazing”, said Monica Osborn, executive Director, of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. “Each year our parade gets better and we thank everyone in attendance, especially in the frigid temperatures.”
Although the judges had a difficult time determining a winner in each category, in the end they made their announcement. The parade awards winners in the two categories were: Business:
Jerry Mainil Ltd.
Organization:
The Lighthouse Church
The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all the organizations, businesses, and community members who entered the parade. Thank you to the City Police, City of Weyburn, Don’s Plumbing and Heating and our judges for their service and coordination.
“This year’s parade was a great event, as the community pride of our residents continues to be a driving force celebrating Weyburn’s activities and events. It was a lot of fun, and we hope to see you all in next year’s parade again. A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your Weyburn Chamber of Commerce,” concluded Osborn.
Santa made a guest appearance at the parade.
The E. Bourassa float was accompanied by Minions.
The CMHA truck was bright and colourful, as volunteers handed out candy.
