The Weyburn Rotary Music Festival has announced the three adjudicators who will judge this year’s entries in vocal, piano and band/instrumental classes at the festival.
The Weyburn Rotary Music Festival 2025 Festival includes: Piano classes on March 10-13; vocal classes on March 16-18, and band is March 19-20.
For the vocal adjudications, tenor Spencer McKnight will be the judge. His voice has been described as “one of the finest tenor voices” in Canada.
McKnight began singing at the age of 17. He was encouraged to pursue music by an adjudicator who heard him sing at his local music festival. He has garnered much attention both in concert and in competition over the course of the last six years, including multiple awards at a national level, and the 2018 winner of the Gordon C. Wallis Opera Competition.
Early in his career, Spencer had the opportunity to sing a wealth of oratorio repertoire, and had recent engagements with the Regina and Saskatoon Symphony Orchestras.
He recently toured with a recital program entitled Songs of the Great War. An artistic project many years in the making, the recital featured songs, both popular and art, from the World War One era, including the Canadian premieres of two songs by composer William Dennis Browne.
McKnight studied with teacher and mentor Lisa Hornung for many years, and now studies with Toronto based vocal pedagogue Mark Daboll. His voice is described as fresh and brassy with stratospheric high notes, Spencer is proud to be a recipient of funding from the Saskatchewan Arts Board.
Lori Potter, who will be
the piano adjudicator, has her Bachelor of Education in Music and French, her RCM Grade 10 Piano and in 2018 she earned her Associateship in Piano Performance with Distinction from Trinity College of London, England.
Lori has taught Royal Conservatory of Music Piano, Theory, Harmony, History and Voice classes for over 35 years and taught classroom choir in schools. She has recorded two CD’s as songwriter, vocalist and pianist with her church.
Lori currently teaches 45 private students with Conservatory of Performing Arts, is the director of Conservatory Adult Choir and instructor of Summer Choral, Piano and Jr. Glee camps as well as substitute Arts Ed, Band and French teacher with Regina Public Schools.
Mark Zawerucha, the band adjudicator, received his degree in instrumental music education from the University of Mary, Bismarck, N.D. While in university, Mark performed with many groups including the Concert Band, Choir, Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz and Steel Drum Band. In 1997, Mark accepted a teaching position with the Yorkton Public School Division where he taught elementary and high school instrumental music for 19 years.
During that time, Zawerucha’s groups performed at many high-calibre events including the 1998 Rose Bowl Parade, Live with Country superstar Shania Twain in 2003, Montreux Jazz Festival in 2003, two Walt Disney World Performances, numerous CFL halftime shows, Grey Cup Parades and festivals.
In June 2016, Mark retired from teaching to pursue a career in real estate, a long time passion of his. He still maintains an active private lesson studio, performance schedule and adjudication calendar.
Learning about fish eggs
Kindergarten teacher Candice Porter tells Quillian all about the fish eggs recently received, and how the class will raise the eggs into fingerlings.
Saskatchewan has applied for intervenor status in Newfoundland and Labrador’s challenge against the federal equalization formula. Saskatchewan’s application was issued on January 23, 2025.
Newfoundland and Labrador filed its statement of claim with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador on June 21, 2024.
“The equalization formula has consistently failed in its intended goal to create fairness for all Canadians,” Justice Minister
and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “Like Newfoundland and Labrador, we have serious concerns with the current formula, which has repeatedly punished provinces with strong natural resource sectors like Saskatchewan.”
Though equalization was meant to ensure reasonably comparable access to public services across the provinces, the formula unfairly affects Saskatchewan and other provinces due to the inclusion of resource revenues. The for-
mula also fails to take into account the structural costs of delivering public services and overcompensates recipient provinces by distributing surplus payments to them.
“Under the current equalization formula, Saskatchewan has not received payments for the last 18 years,” McLeod said.
“Four other provinces will receive nearly $3,000 per resident in 2025-26, while Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia receive nothing. This hardly seems
equitable, even by the most basic standards.”
Saskatchewan taxpayers pay for equalization through federal income taxes like income tax and GST. Every Canadian pays, on average, $634 per year to the $26 billion equalization program, which results in a $786 million total contribution from Saskatchewan taxpayers. This intervention application is set to be heard in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador on October 20, 2025.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
COMMUNITY
Wheatland Seniors Centre busy with games, activities
The Weyburn Wheatland Seniors Centre has been busy with hosting games in the last two weeks, starting Jan. 27-31, with the following results.
The winners of Spades on Jan. 27 were Marge Schultz in first, Erskine Sandiford in second; and Gladys Lokken in third.
In Kaiser on Jan. 28, first place went to Jean Fahlman and Theresa Istace; Marlene Szczecinski and Brenda Paul in second; Eva Morley and Marie Marcotte in third; and Mildred Sandiford and Coral Schindel in fourth.
The winners of Canasta on Jan. 29 were Cristine Herlick in first; Lavine Stepp in second; Gerry Thompson in third; Eveline Porte in fourth; and Shirley Cherpin in fifth. In Hi-Low Whist on Jan. 29, Elaine Frasz and Jeanne Molnar won first; Cris Herlick and Phyllis Lindskog came second; Janet VanWinkoop and Emily Zyla in third; and Marge Schultz and Jean Knibbs in fourth.
The winners of cribbage on Jan. 31 were Dave Frayn in first, Jeanne Molnar in second, and Betty Knibbs in third.
The results for games from Jan.20-24 are as follows.
The winners of Spades on Jan. 20 were Jannette Tonn in first, Gladys Lokken in second, and Janet Van WinKoop in third.
In Kaiser on Jan. 21, Jean Fahlman and Theresa Istace won first; Norma Kapusianyk and Melba Bent came second; and Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson.
The winners of Canasta on Jan. 22 were Trina Maas in first; Marlene Szczecinski in second; Bev Lokken in third; Shirley Cherpin in fourth; and Ione Schnell in fifth. In Hi-Low Whist on Jan. 22, Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn won first; Elaine Frasz and Jeanne Molnar in second; and Janet VanWinkoop and Emily Zyla in third.
The winners of Thursday Crib on Jan. 23 were Cristine Herlick and Phyllis Lindskog in first; Ruth Boren and Norma Wiens in second; and Garth White and Marlene Szczecinski in third.
In bridge on Jan. 24, Lucy Nickel won first, Dave Creurer came second, and Betty Knibbs placed third.
Learning about animal furs
Dale Paslawski from Weyburn Wildlife Federation spent most of the morning with the Little Learner classes at the Family Place showing them some of his many animal furs and skulls. He took his time explaining what they were and answering many questions from the children.
Bridge club busy with games
The Weyburn Duplicate Bridge Club plays on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. and on Thursdays at 1 p.m. at the Wheatland Senior Centre.
All bridge players are encouraged to come and play. Lessons are continuing on Fridays at 1 p.m. at the Wheatland Senior Centre.
The first game of 2025 was played on Jan. 2, and with three tables playing Barry Mactaggart and Diane Bell claimed first while Erskine and Mildred Sandiford placed second.
January 6 had two tables and Gord Bell and Marg Stewart were first place finishers, and there
was a tie for second place between the pair of Denis Tremblay and Jim Kaz and the pair of Erskine and Mildred Sandiford.
Two tables played on Jan. 9 and Gord Bell and Marg Stewart took top honours, followed by Denis Tremblay and Jeanne Molnar who came second.
There were two and a half tables on Jan. 16, and first place went to Marg Stewart and Diane Bell, while second place went to Gord Bell and Boyd Stewart.
January 23 also had two and a half tables and Barry Mactaggart and Marg Stewart took first
place while Theresa Istace and Lucie Nickel placed second. With two tables playing on Jan. 27 there was a tie for first place between the pair of Denis Tremblay and Jim Kaz, and the pair of Gord Bell and Barry Mactaggart. The last game of the month was played on Jan. 30 with two and a half tables playing, and first place honours went to Marg Stewart and Diane Bell, and there was a tie for second between the pair of Lloyd Muma and Boyd Stewart, and the pair of Erskine Sandiford and Lucie Nickel.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
OPINION
MINISTERIAL: VALENTINE’S DAY THINKING ABOUT LOVE
By Pastor Cam Weber, Weyburn Ministerial Association
As we approach Valentine’s Day, it got me to thinking about love. We most often think about Valentine’s Day as love for our spouse, special life partner, in marriage relationships. This got me to thinking about love, what is love, a feeling, a sensation, a action?
When we think of the definition of love as Christians our thoughts go to the portion of scripture we know as the love chapter in the bible 1Cor.13. The word love used there comes from the Greek word “agapao” affection or benevolence to love in a social or moral sense, the judgement and deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principal, duty, and propriety. Here we see love is an affection, (feeling) but it is much more than that, it is an assent (act) of the will, in other words it is a choice we make to love someone as a matter of principal or duty. If we make that choice, it then turns into an action word, because we chose to love someone or the people around us, we then need to show it in a practical way or we “become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” 1 Cor. 13:1 If we make that choice to love those around us and our community we live in, what are some practical things we can do to show this love to
others? Here is a list I received from another pastor 20 years ago. Pray for the person behind you in the drive-thru, make eye contact with everyone who serves you and say “thank you” and mean it.
Buy your kid’s sports team coffee and donuts, say nothing negative, I mean, only say positive things. Tip like crazy, tip the same as the cost of your meal, tip people you don’t normally tip.
Don’t criticize your kids this week, don’t yell at your kid’s this week. Call up a civic leader or civil servant and tell them you are praying for them, or pray for them on the phone if they will let you. Encourage someone every hour, on the hour. Help someone carry their groceries, buy someone groceries and leave them on their steps.
Fix something that is not your problem, shovel someone’s snow, help someone in a way you can’t afford. When you buy a gift, buy two and give one to someone in need. Don’t complain period.
Volunteer at the Salvation Army, Family Place, Youth Centre, or some other community service that depends on volunteers. Give a gift to a teacher, your boss, or fellow worker, hug a police person, hug a coach. Say only positive things about those in authority over you, or your peers or both, pay a debt you owe or someone else owes.
Help someone on the side of the road even if it makes you late, carry cash in your pocket to give to someone who needs it, invite your neighbour or someone from your church or circle of friends over for dinner, or take dinner to someone who is shut in, reward someone for trying, smile and wave at people. This week, if you aren’t sure how to love people, stop and be still and let the God of the universe guide you. This is just a short list there are many practical things you can do for others to show them you love and care for them. If we all do a little, it would make our world so much better.
This is Pastor Cameron Weber saying this Valentine’s season do something for that special person in your life but also show your family, friends, and community at large that you love and care for them by doing something practical (maybe from the list) or other things for them, better yet make it a way of life.
1 Peter 3:8-9 “Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy towards each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds, don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do and He will bless you for it.”
Saskatchewan’s vibrant and diverse history takes center stage during the celebration of Archives Week 2025. This year, Archives Week runs from Sunday, February 2 to Saturday, February 8. This annual event shines a spotlight on the vital work of archives across the province in preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped Saskatchewan’s identity.
“Saskatchewan’s Provincial Archives make a significant contribution to our province by maintaining the historical and cultural richness found in our communities,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “It is important to recognize the substantial scope and value of heritage conservation, the work undertaken leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our provincial identity.”
Organized by the Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists (SCAA), Archives Week 2025 features events and activities that showcase the province’s cultural and historical treasures. We are inviting the public to explore and celebrate their shared heritage.
One highlight of this year’s celebrations is the 80th anniversary of the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan. The Provincial
Archives will host an event: The Thrill of Discovery in Regina, the evening will feature a presentation by renowned historian Frank Korvemaker, displays from local archives, and a new exhibit showcasing unique and fascinating records. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
SCAA has also planned a virtual video event, where institutions have submitted short video clips showcasing their successes and achievements of the past year; and also display the hard work and dedication of archivists in preserving the vibrant history of the province. These videos will be featured online each day during Archives Week and then will be made accessible to the public via the SCAA website and social media.
Archives Week events will take place across the province, including workshops, film screenings, and exhibits, providing opportunities for people to engage with Saskatchewan’s heritage and learn more about the work of archival institutions.
For a full list of Archives Week 2025 events and activities, see the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan’s News and Events page at https://www.saskarchives.com/ news-and-events and visit: scaa.sk.ca.
SPORTS
Weyburn Red Wings splits games with Estevan Bruins
The battle for the Highway 39 Cup heated up over the weekend, as the Weyburn Red Wings won 3-2 in overtime in Estevan on Friday night, but then dropped a 5-2 loss at home on Saturday night.
With three games left in the Cup Series this year, the Red Wings lead seven points to five.
In Friday’s game at Affinity Place, each team scored twice, with Weyburn’s two regulation-time goals coming from Cyprus Smith-Davis in the second period, and from Blake Betson in the third.
Smith-Davis was assisted by Lucas Schmid and Josh Karman, and Betson was assisted by Karman and Josh Sale.
Luke Dekay scored the game winner 53 seconds into overtime, assisted by his brother Ethan and Max Chakrabarti.
Weyburn’s goal was guarded by Ty Matonovich, who made 32 saves on 34 shots on net. He was also named the visiting team’s star for the Red Wings.
As the series returned to Weyburn on Saturday night, the Red Wings host-
ed Parents’ Night, honouring the parents of the players, along with the billets, and a live and silent auction was held for team jerseys.
Attendance was the highest of the year so far, with about 1,348 fans filling stands, including a number with glow-sticks as the team was introduced with the lights turned out.
Jerome Maharaj scored the game’s first goal for Weyburn, assisted by Luke Schraeder, tying the game at 1-1 in the first period.
The Red Wings’ second goal came in the second period, as Jaxson Ruthven scored, assisted by Maharaj and Chakrabarti.
Angelo Zol was in net for most of the game, and was pulled for the extra attacker in the third, but the Bruins scored with 20 seconds left to cement the win.
Altogether Zol made 26 saves on 30 shots on net.
The Red Wings will be on the road for the next few games, including tonight, Feb. 5, in Melfort, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8 in La Ronge, and then back in Melfort on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Getting ready for a take-down
Weyburn Novice wrestler Mirabelle Leroux is setting up to go behind her opponent to do a wrestling move, during the 2025 Ascendant Wrestling Invitational Tournament held on February 1 in Regina. She came home with a silver medal from the tournament.
Weyburn wrestlers bring home 12 medals
The Weyburn Wrestling Club had 16 wrestlers participate in the 2025 Ascendant Wrestling Invitational tournament in Regina and came home with 12 medals, including three gold, six silver and three bronze.
In the Freshie co-ed 18kg category, Raeford Pirlot won a silver medal, and Wattson Furgason placed fourth.
In the Freshie co-ed
27kg category, Madyx Weiss won a bronze medal, and Hunter Wagner placed fifth.
For the Freshie co-ed 36kg category, Brantley Schachtel-Pocha won a silver medal, and Anna Lanz won a bronze medal.
For Novice co-ed 24kg category, Lochlan Pirlot won a silver medal, and Grady McLeod placed fourth; for Novice co-ed
30kg category, Meagan Kerr placed seventh.
For Novice co-ed, in the 36kg category, Mirabelle Leroux won a silver medal.
In Peewee co-ed, in the 44kg category, Conner Pocha won a gold medal, and Jep Furgason won a bronze medal.
In the Peewee co-ed 48kg category, Landon Leroux won a gold medal; and for Peewee coed 52kg,
Rastyn Weiss won a silver medal. In the Bantam Female 80kg+ category, Lily Forseth won a gold medal, and Danika Tocher won a silver medal. Weyburn’s next tournament is on Feb. 9 in Moose Jaw.
Action around Weyburn’s net
Weyburn goaltender Angelo Zol held steady as teammate Chad Lebeau, cleared away an Estevan Bruin, while Josh Sale watched the play from in front. This was part of the action between the Highway 39 rivals on Saturday night at Crescent Point Place. The teams split the two games they played, as Weyburn won 3-2 in overtime on Friday in Estevan, but dropped Saturday’s game by the score of 5-2.
Photo – Shane Lanz, Weyburn Wrestling
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn OTS A event winners
The winners of the Weyburn OTS Bonspiel’s A event, sponsored by Spearing Service, was the Streamtech team, with Adrian Miller, Steven Hansen, Jeff Lunde and Nichol Thomson.
Weyburn OTS B event winners
The winners of the Weyburn OTS Bonspiel’s B event, sponsored by Jerry Mainil Ltd., was the Vortex Plumbing and Heating team. They included Ryan Skjerdal, Tanner Wallin, Byron Skjerdal and Graham Schmidt.
Weyburn OTS holds 66th annual Oilmen’s Bonspiel
A total of 24 Weyburn and area oil company teams took part in the 66th Weyburn Oilmens Bonspiel over the weekend at the Weyburn Curling Club, and the following are the event winning teams.
For the A Event, sponsored by Spearing Ser -
vices, the winner was StreamTech, including Steven Hansen, Nichol Thomson, Jeff Lunde and Adrian Miller.
The B event, sponsored by Jerry Mainil Ltd., was won by Team Vortex Plumbing & Heating, including Ryan Skjer-
Weyburn OTS C event winners
The winners of the Weyburn OTS Bonspiel’s C event, sponsored by John Kmita Ltd., was the DK Energy #1 team, including Lianne Cretin, Darren Woodard, Brittni Skjerdal and Danette Tracey.
dal, Tanner Wallin, Byron Skjerdal and Graham Schmidt. The C Event, sponsored by John Kmita Ltd., was won by the team from DK Energy #1, including Danette Tracey, Darren Woodard, Brittni Skjerdal and Lianne Cretin.
Photos submitted by Weyburn OTS
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NOW HIRING:
Working with power tools
Ella and Cruz carefully use a drill as they work on a building project during classroom time in the Deeper Learning Lab at St. Michael School.
Eleven lives are already lost on Saskatchewan roadways this year. There have been eight fatal collisions on roads in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction between January 1 and 29. These collisions have resulted in 11 people’s deaths. This is a dramatic increase from the two fatal collisions and three deaths from the same time period in 2024.
“These numbers are extremely concerning to see,” said Supt. Grant St. Germaine, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services.
“We must all do our part and ask ourselves, ‘What can be done to make Saskatchewan roads safer?’ We all have a part to play in reversing this tragic trend.” What are the causes? Investigations continue into all recent collisions; a Saskatchewan RCMP Collision Reconstructionist investigates most fatal collisions and their sciencebased work takes time to complete. Investigators’ preliminary findings indicate that poor weather conditions contributed to five out of the eight fatal collisions this year.
