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THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026

Premier Moe reflects on year

Kathryn Groshong attended the 50 year Come-and-Go celebration recently at Southeast College. Groshong was a board member for Southeast Regional College when it was formed in 1975. Photo courtesy Southeast College

Canada Press Premier Scott Moe began the year with a smaller crew of mostly newbies, pledging to do better on everything from health care and education to balancing budgets. By spring, he had more issues to contend with. The province was hit by a double whammy of tariffs from the United States and China in March, leaving Saskatchewan in what the premier calls tempestuous waters. He’s hoping the storm won’t last long, he said in a year-end interview with The Canadian Press. “In the short term, I’d say the waters are choppy, not just for the Saskatchewan economy, but also the Canadian economy,” he said. “I think the word of the year is uncertainty.” It has put his province in a position of having to make tough budgetary decisions next year, Moe said. He declined to provide further details on what those choices could be. “If we can’t improve the revenue line, you have to change the expense line,” he said. “Any deficit is not acceptable, and we need to work towards bringing our budget … into balance.” Moe said most of Canada’s immediate economic problems can be traced back to U.S. President Donald Trump.

CPKC Holiday Train raises record $2 million

Canadian Pacific Kansas City has announced that the 2025 CPKC Holiday Train, which travelled through hundreds of communities across Canada and the United States, raised more than $2 million and collected over 175,000 pounds of food in support of local food banks. “Year after year, the CPKC Holiday Train

proves that generosity and community spirit know no bounds,” said Keith Creel, CPKC president and chief executive officer. “Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who came out to see a show, donated to this great cause, and made the season a true celebration of giving. The incredible support we receive reminds us of what

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is possible when we come together with kindness and purpose.” Holiday Train Highlights Since 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $28.3 million and collected over 5.6 million pounds of food for local food banks in Canada and the United States. The 2025 Holiday Train hosted 194 live music

Tuesday, Dec. 30 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1 CLOSED HAPPY NEW YEAR! Friday, Jan. 2 Regular Hours Resume

shows in six provinces and 13 states featuring performances by artists such as Barenaked Ladies, Tyler Shaw and American Authors. The spirit of the holidays also stretched into Mexico, where CPKC operated the Tren Navideño, a decorated train that visited communities across Mexico, continuing a tradition that began in 2010.

Trump has imposed levies as high as 50 per cent on some products, while others remain duty-free under the current trade agreement. Trump has also threatened tariffs on Canadian fertilizer, which could harm the potash industry in Saskatchewan, the world’s largest producer. Moe has urged people “take a breath” over Trump’s threats and not take the president’s words literally. Saskatchewan also won’t stop the flow of potash to the U.S., or apply an export tax, as a way to retaliate, Moe said. “I just don’t see that any of the counter-tariff, exporttariff discussion as being conducive to Canada getting to the end goal, which is to have that free and fair trade not only with the U.S., but other countries as well,” he said. Meanwhile, China’s tariffs on canola products have already taken a toll, as exports of the crop have dramatically fallen. India has also slapped levies on Canadian yellow peas. Moe said his job is to use his contacts and work with Ottawa to smooth out the various trade issues. “Hopefully sooner rather than later,” he said. It has been over a year since Moe’s Saskatchewan Party won its fifth-straight majority government in October 2024. His team came out smaller and with less legislature experience. The governing party has no seats in Regina and only one in Saskatoon. The losses lit a fire under the premier to refocus on issues affecting the major cities, including overcapacity hospitals, crowded school classrooms and deteriorating safety with increasing drug addictions and homelessness. Moe said his government will do more listening and

less talking. “Rather than imposing policy and telling people how that policy or legislation is going to work, we need to do better in consulting individuals,” he said. He pointed to recent legislation that, in rare cases, would force those with drug addictions to receive treatment. The province introduced the bill this month and is to consult with the public on it into the new year, he said. The premier added that he wishes his government had built more treatment beds sooner, but it’s working as fast as it can. “The consequences of having these poisonous substances in our communities are pretty dire,” he said. “It’s killing our family and friends all too often.” On health care, Moe said his government is hiring more staff, building additional urgent care centres and adding nurse practitioners to the system. In education, the province has earmarked additional money for classroom supports, including trying out separate specialized rooms for children with behavioural issues. For Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck, the measures in health care and education are needed but come too late for a government that she argues has been slow at the wheel for the past 18 years. “That’s how you find yourself from going to first to last in so many key sectors, (like) education, health care and also spending their way into a projected $40-billion debt now,” she said. “We’ve not seen an urgency to make sure that there are supports available all the way from kids in school to people who are voluntarily reaching out to get into detox.”

Happy New Year!

If we had to pick one word to describe how we’re feeling as we reflect on 2025, it would be GRATEFUL. As the years go on, our connection to our customers and this community only grows stronger, and words can’t say how much we appreciate the support you’ve shown us. We’re proud to be a trusted local business here, and we’ll continue to do our best for each and every customer who comes through our door in 2026 and always.

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Thursday, January 1, 2026

Weyburn This Week

Saskatchewan to benefit from new mobile mammography

Starting in early 2026, a new mobile mammography unit will begin providing enhanced breast cancer screening services across Saskatchewan, serving 42 rural and northern communities. The new mammography unit will screen up to 7,500 patients annually. With over $2 million in financial support raised by the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and the Kinsmen Foundation, this new and modernized unit will bring more timely access to breast screenings for patients across the province. As part of the 2025-26 budget, the Government of Saskatchewan provided an additional $148,000 in funding to support the new unit and has committed to funding the ongoing future operational costs. An additional $175,000 in operational funding was also provided to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to support the implementation of a second mobile unit in 2026. “We are thrilled to see this advanced mobile mammography unit become a reality,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “This investment represents a significant step forward in improving patient access to early detection and diagnosis. I would like to extend my sincere thanks

to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, the Kinsmen Foundation, and all the donors who helped make this possible as we continue to work together to put patients first.” The new unit will begin service on January 5, 2026. The previous mammography bus purchased in 2002 will be retired after over 20 years on the road and providing over 250,000 mammograms to patients across the province. Among Canadian women, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. Breast cancer screening, provided through the province’s BreastCheck program, aims to detect cancer early, before symptoms develop. “Having a family history with breast cancer, I know how important early detection is,” said Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr. “Having this mobile unit travelling around the province will ensure patients in our rural and northern communities can receive these vital breast cancer screening mammograms closer to home.” Saskatchewan recently began lowering the age of eligibility for breast screening without a doctor’s referral as an important step in cancer prevention. Earlier this

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year, breast screening eligibility was expanded to women aged 45 and older, as part of a phased plan to make screening available to all women 40 and older by the end of July 2026. The Government of Saskatchewan provided nearly $1.2 million to support the increased number of patients screened following the lowering of screening age eligibility. A breast screening mammogram is a low-dose

X-ray of the breast that plays an important role in finding breast cancer early. Approximately 75 per cent of breast cancers diagnosed through BreastCheck screening are early stage. Early detection allows for more treatment options and better outcomes. When breast cancer is caught at stage one, there is a 100 per cent five-year survival rate. In Saskatchewan, the BreastCheck screening program is operated collab-

unit become operational, expanding access to highquality breast imaging for rural Saskatchewan,” said Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller. To find a breast screening location near you and schedule a screening mammogram, visit the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s BreastCheck program online at saskcancer.ca/ breastcheck or call toll-free at 1-855-584-8228.

The Salvation Army Food Bank received $5,500 from the CPKC Holiday Train, during a cheque presentation held on December 19. From left are Salvation Army Community Ministeries Co-ordinator Nicole Strickland, Councillor Kellie Sidloski and MLA WeyPhoto Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Revew burn-Bengough Michael Weger.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Griffin No. 66 has received a development permit application from the Seven Stars Energy Limited Partnership for the Seven Stars Energy Project. This notice is being provided to property owners within the project area in the RM of Griffin and an area of 75 meters outside of the project area in the RM of Griffin to give the opportunity to provide verbal or written submissions on the application. The Public Hearing will be held as follows: Thursday January 8th, 2026 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Griffin Recreation Centre. All those attending the public hearing will be asked to register at the front desk and indicate if they wish to speak. Written submissions will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on January 7th, 2026.

Phone: (306) 842-7370

A copy of the application will be available for review at the RM ofﬁce during regular business hours or on the Enbridge website. If there are any questions please contact the RM ofﬁce at (306) 842-6298 or email rm66@sasktel. net.

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oratively by the SHA and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA). The SCA provides outreach, education, invitations, booking, and follow-ups with screening results, as well as reporting. Specialized mammography technologists at the SHA perform the exam, and a radiologist trained in breast imaging interprets the images. “We are proud to see this new mammography

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Thursday, January 1, 2026

Weyburn This Week

table of

contents

Editorial: Lost art of a classical education is making a comeback New Year Greetings & 5-8 Year in Review 10-11 ESTEVAN THIS WEEK 12 Don’t Drink & Drive

Forecast This Week Mrs. Mahnke and her daughter Tori’s music students collected money in lieu of teacher gifts. The monetary donation was presented to Inclusion Weyburn. Back row, Inclusion Weyburn representative Dawn Purdue. In front, l-r, Mrya , Hudson, Levi, Lucas, Zephania and Zion.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

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EDITORIAL

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Weyburn This Week

OPINION: LOST ART OF A CLASSICAL EDUCATION IS MAKING A COMEBACK

Submitted by Lee Harding Modern education often tells students what to think rather than teaching them how to think. Chelsa Budd, a homeschooling mother in Regina, believes the antidote lies in recovering the lost art of classical education, a model that shaped minds for centuries before being discarded about a hundred years ago. Budd knows the modern system well. She earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Regina, where she was immersed in critical theory—an approach that views schooling largely through power, identity and social change. The end result is that schools often focus less on knowledge and more on turning students into activists shaped by identity politics. But her sister’s decision to give her own children a classical education challenged Budd’s assumptions. “She’s not afraid to offend you with an idea,” Budd recalls. “Of course … that felt very bad, but I’m so thankful that she did and she didn’t back down.” Budd saw the approach in practice when she visited her sister’s homeschool co-op in Ohio. The method struck her as a workable solution to the shortcomings of public education. “It was just really cool, and what I was learning there made a lot of sense,” she says. Classical education, Budd explains, is rooted in the Western intellectual tradition of Homer,

Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. For centuries, it was the foundation of learning, built on the ancient framework of grammar, dialectic and rhetoric, known as the trivium. Students begin by memorizing facts, then learn to connect ideas, and finally develop the ability to argue, articulate and persuade. In Budd’s view, this stands in sharp contrast to today’s emphasis on producing agents of social change. “Our world desperately needs a return to classical education, but its aims are antithetical to social change. It is about looking back at the past and gaining the wisdom from the past and moving forward into the future with that wisdom in our current context, and shaping the souls of children to what is good, right and true,” she says. To put this into practice, Budd turned to Classical Conversations, an international homeschooling network popular in North America that combines the classical method with a Christian worldview. She now leads a homeschool co-op in Regina through the program. Families meet one morning a week for 24 weeks—12 in the fall and 12 in the winter—to study grammar, give student presentations, conduct science experiments and explore the arts. Parents then continue the learning at home. Tuition covers supplies, an honorarium for the tutor and a small stipend for the director. The benefits, Budd argues, go beyond academics. Her own children have gained

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Van Meer retires as Carlyle fire chief

Stephanie Zoer, Freelance Reporter There have been a lot of changes and excitement at the Carlyle Fire Department, and we are not talking about fires. Don Van Meer has decided it is time to step down from the position of fire chief. Van Meer has been with the department for 36 years, with 10 of those years as the fire chief. Van Meer has had many milestones, including the new fire hall, hosting the Spring Fire School in Carlyle and bringing top-notch training to the town. He assisted in the purchase of a new wildland firetruck and the new pumper truck this past spring. He has brought a world of knowledge to the department with his leadership. The new fire chief for the Carlyle department is Ken Hewitt. Hewitt is no stranger to the department, as he has 27 years of experience and was the fire chief from 1997 to 2006. He was also captain for two years. He then moved to Alberta until 2021, where he did not get involved with a fire department. When he returned to Carlyle in 2021, he joined the force once again. Hewitt brings a great deal of knowledge and provides steady leadership. He has a passion for helping his members grow and for the community.

Hewitt was one of many from Carlyle and area who went up north to help with the devastating fires that took place there. “It took us nearly eight hours driving to get where we had to go,” said Hewitt. It was their responsibility to try to keep the fires at bay away from homes. “It is a beautiful country up there,” he said. While they were there, Hewitt said they were treated like kings. The people were friendly and very grateful to have them there. Around 100 firefighters were trying to control the massive burns that were happening. Back at home, Hewitt was installed as the new fire chief on December 1. There are a lot of responsibilities that go along with being the chief. The number one thing is ensuring the well-being of his crew and the public. There are rules that he has to follow and a lot of paperwork. “The paperwork has really changed over the years,” he said. Carlyle has a big area to cover, but this did not stop them when the call came out from the government to volunteers to go up north. Seven of Carlyle’s finest made the trip to go north. Many more wanted to go, but due to work commitments, they were unable to attend.

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confidence, presenting to peers even at the age of four. They have been introduced to the great artists, the foundations of music theory and the wonder of scientific exploration. For Budd, the true value of classical education is that it cultivates wisdom, virtue and awe. “We’re just trying to learn this whole new way of educating our children, not in this mindset of vocation, but in this mindset of shaping their souls and the curriculum leading them continually back to awe and wonder about God and the objective truths of this world that he’s made,” she says. She has also found that she herself is learning more history than she ever did in her years of formal schooling. “I know more history of the world from the past two years of homeschooling my children than I ever learned,” she says. Budd’s experience reflects a broader shift. Homeschooling has grown steadily in Canada, particularly since COVID-19, and enrolment is now at record levels in several provinces. For parents uneasy about ideology in classrooms, co-ops rooted in classical learning offer one path. At a time when many families are questioning what schools are teaching, this rediscovery is timely—and urgent. If public education no longer teaches children how to think, then parents will have to lead the way. Lee Harding is a research fellow for the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

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Weyburn This Week

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2025 Year in Review - Mayor Jeff Richards, City of Weyburn As 2025 comes to a close, thank you for being part of another important year for our community. We’re grateful for the people who make Weyburn what it is: our neighbours, businesses, volunteers and City staff who keep things moving behind the scenes. This year brought visible progress and important planning for the future. Here are a few highlights of what we accomplished together to strengthen Weyburn as a ‘Community for All.’ Road work was front and centre in 2025. Strong partnerships, especially with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, helped quickly advance key work on King St. and Highway 35 N. Residents also saw improvements neighbourhood connections, including Souris Ave. and Coteau Ave., major intersections like 18th St., and upgrades such as Government Road bridge. Another milestone was the announcement that Weyburn will host the 2028 Saskatchewan Summer Games. The event is expected to bring approximately 7,000 participants and visitors to our city during Games week and generate an estimated $7 million in economic im-

pact. It’s a tremendous opportunity for community pride and local business. While large events and construction are the most visible, the City also advanced important work that affects how residents access services. Weyburn’s new Accessibility Plan sets a clear path for reducing barriers and supporting inclusion across City spaces, services and community experiences. City staff and the Accessibility Committee deserve credit for the progress made in 2025, and this plan will help guide how we deliver services for years to come. Public safety remained a priority throughout the year. The Weyburn Fire Department welcomed Deputy Fire Chief Michael Wock and the Weyburn Police Service added new members to its team. Weyburn City Council will continue to keep public safety at the forefront in 2026. Recreation planning also took a major step forward with the completion of Weyburn’s Aquatics Feasibility Study and residents helped shape this work through extensive engagement. Council has given administration

the green light to continue planning for a new indoor pool in the range of $30 million, designed to serve our community for decades. We also continued strengthening the framework of a growing city. Council introduced a new Taxi Bylaw in 2025, supported youth leadership through the Weyburn Youth Council, and welcomed Harper Williams as Youth Mayor while adding two new seats to the program. The City also saw five new homes built this year and continues trending upward in population. A significant focus was also put on economic growth for our community, and we were proud to welcome new businesses to our City. Major investment from companies such as Prairie Clean Energy will help grow our community both economically and socially. As we head into 2026, we’ll keep building momentum, guided by our vision of a ‘Community for All’ and our mission of ‘Growing Through Opportunity,’ while staying focused on the everyday services residents rely on. Happy Holidays, Weyburn. Mayor Jeff Richards

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As we’re counting down to an all-new year, we’re grateful to be in business here. Customers, friends and family too, a great big thanks to all of you!

Thanks to all the students, staff, friends and businesses that supported us this year. All our campuses will be closed from December 25, 2025 to January 4, 2026. We will reopen on January 5, 2026. We can’t wait to see you in the new year!

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season and all the best in 2026!

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A look back at 2025

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Weyburn This Week

JANUARY

MAY

SEPTEMBER

FEBRUARY

JUNE

OCTOBER

MARCH

JULY

NOVEMBER

APRIL

AUGUST

DECEMBER

• City of Weyburn made changes to portable sign bylaw. • SE Cornerstone receives update on cyber-security measures. • Envision Counselling reports milestone year for 2024. • Weyburn modifies Queen Street rail crossing closure. • APAS meeting discusses rail fees, foreign ownership.

• Patients benefit from strep throat testing, new services. • Adjudicators named for Weyburn Rotary Music Festival. • Concert Series presents ‘Becoming the Beatles’. • SE Cornerstone receives annual facilities report. • WeyStrong hosts first annual BUNCO game night.

• Midale kicks off fundraising efforts for swimming pool. • New Spring/Summer Guide released by City of Weyburn. • Federal government looks to counteract US/Chinese tariffs. • Concert Series brings ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ to the stage. • Southeast College has 5 per cent cut in budget.

• Southeast U18 Gold Wings win provincial championship. • Horticultural Society members inducted into association. • RM Weyburn moves forward with Seven Stars Energy project. • City of Weyburn introduces Accessibility Plan survey. • Finalists announced for 2025 WEYBEX awards.

• Concert Series presents ‘Patsy Cline Project/Hank Lives’. • City announces permanent closure of Queen Street crossing. • Southeast College draws hundreds for career fairs. • RM Weyburn lifts turbine height restrictions at meeting. • Envision hosts focus groups on violence supports.

• Province reps attend World Nuclear Symposium in UK. • Semi-colon tattoo event sparks mental health conversations. • Brayden King returns home for Concert Series kick-off. • Weyburn City Council approves 2026 budget timeline. • Weyburn Golf Course holds club championship.

• City celebrates homegrown excellence at Walk of Fame. • Catholic Women’s League convention hosted in Weyburn. • Get Out Gallery returns to Weyburn’s River Park. • WSA: increased water flows to affect South Sask. River. • SaskEnergy report: provides safe, reliable energy.

• Picket lines go up across province in Canada Post strike. • Online booking expands to labs in Weyburn and Estevan. • Concert Series hosts performances by Lee Siegel (Soul Man). • Communithon committee announces entertainment for 2025. • Community Futures Sunrise hosts AGM with guest speaker.

• City seizes abandoned property after years of unpaid taxes. • Financial variances pointed out to SE Cornerstone board. • Minimum wage set to increase to $15.35 per hour. • Producers see changes for 2025 AgriStability program. • Young Fellows increase commitment to theatre project.

• Regina man charged in shooting death of Weyburn woman. • ‘Mainprize’ film unveiled at Tommy Douglas Centre. • DKF Red and Black Angus receives Golden Sheaf. • Weyburn awarded $418K to support police, safety efforts. • Concert Series presents ‘Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas’.

• Premier Moe promotes inter-provincial trade as positive. • Appeal Court allows challenge of provincial pronoun law. • Casting call issues for 1910s-set Saskatchewan film. • Kingston Midstream makes major donation to theatre project. • City of Weyburn approves increase for arena fees.

• Annual report highlights brought to SE Cornerstone board. • Paramedics With Heart announces ‘Frosty Fest’ fundraiser. • CPKC Holiday Train collects food for Salvation Army. • Envision announces new mental health well-being group. • Hockey Classic U18 tournament features elite prospects.

2025 Year in Review - MLA Weyburn-Bengough Mike Weger “As this year comes to a close, I want to reflect on our government’s actions that have impacted the members of this province and more specifically, the members of my Weyburn-Bengough Constituency. Earlier in the year, the Community Rink Affordability Grant Program distributed funds ($5,000 per ice surface) to multiple rinks in my constituency. These rinks were located in Ceylon, Gray, Kronau, Lang, Milestone, Ogema, Sedley Weyburn, Wilcox, Yellow Grass, Bengough and Avonlea. These funds are used to help offset the operating costs for indoor rinks in our province.

On April 1st, 2025, my SaskParty government removed the Carbon Tax and became the first province in Canada to be Carbon Tax Free. As part of my commitment to this province, I have done many tours and trips to explore what this magnificent province has to offer. One highlight was a two day trip in September where I traveled 70 kilometeres from the southern border all the way to approximately 70 kilometres from the northern border to tour some of the Athabasca Region with Ya’thi Néné Lands and Resources. This tour allowed me to visit Stoney Rapids, Fond-du-Lac and the region north of Wol-

Exercise and earning more money on your New Year’s resolution list? We are seeking permanent and relief newspaper carriers! ROUTE 8 - 120 PAPERS Mergens St., Lorraine St., Water St.,Government Rd., Hill Ave., Coteau Ave.

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laston Lake where I spent one night in a tent camping along a historical caribou hunting route. This chance to visit the North gave me an additional perspective on the challenges and opportunities these communities have to deal with. On October 14th, 2025, I attended a City of Weyburn Council meeting and presented them with a cheque for $2,753,218.00 which represents Weyburn’s share of the Municipal Revenue Sharing agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan. These funds are from the province’s economic income which gives the municipal sector predictable, nostrings attached funding to use how they see needed. In November, I had the opportunity to announce funding to the Weyburn Police Service in the amount of $418,000.00 as part of the Municipal Police Grants program. These funds are being used by the City of Weyburn to support three police positions at the Weyburn Police Service. On November 28th, 2025, the govern-

ments of Saskatchewan and Canada signed an extension to its early learning and child care agreement until March 31st, 2031. This agreement enables Saskatchewan to maintain the $10 a day child care and support the overall early learning and child care system across our province. On December 11th, 2025, I became The Honourable Michael Weger had the privilege to be appointed into Cabinet as the Minister of Community Safety and the Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. As we enter 2026, me and the rest of my Saskatchewan Party government commit to keeping our province Strong, Safe and Secure as we enter the year ahead. Myself and my Constituency Assistants, Krystal Heisler and Andrea Rosescu-Struthers, wish the constituents of Weyburn-Bengough a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2026.” MLA Weyburn-Bengough Michael Weger

Happy New Year!

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We wish you good health and good luck in 2026! We will be closed Dec. 23 - Jan. 1 inclusive.

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Weyburn This Week

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Weyburn This Week Top Stories of 2025 Queen Street rail crossing closure Published January 16 Weyburn city council gave second reading to a bylaw to close the Queen Street rail crossing at Highway 39, but will delay the third and final reading to Jan. 27, as there was a change introduced to the length of the road closure. The closure will occur to enable the widening of Highway 39 as part of a major project to build a round-about at the nearby intersection of Highways 39 and 13 by the Department of Highways and Infrastructure.

The closure was also welcomed as there have been a number of collisions of vehicles with trains at this crossing, 10 since 2010, the most recent one on Nov. 6. As Highways has put out a tender for the roundabout and awarded it in late December, they have informed the City they wish to have the Queen Street approach removed by March 2025 on the north side of the crossing, before the detours are put in place for Highways 13 and 39 to enable the con-

struction of the roundabout to begin. The original plan was to have Queen Street deadend at the south property line for A&B Concrete. The City then received a request from Bill Vollbrecht on Dec. 11 to change the dead-end boundary to Regina Avenue, to restrict traffic and prevent motorists from using his property as a short-cut or for turning around. The City then sent out a notice to adjacent properties with the revised location of the dead-end at

Regina Avenue, and no responses were received. With the second reading of the bylaw amendment on Monday night, the third and final reading was put off to Jan. 27 to allow for further comments or concerns from residents. The Ministry of Highways will provide all of the construction services and coordination with CPKC Rail on the south side of the crossing, and will also remove the road on the north side of the crossing, if directed to do so by the City by March of this year.

January - Casey Kievits, Marilyn Nelson and Chris Borshowa are the friendly judges of the Great Weyburn Pottery Throwdown challenge, where pottery club members submit pieces on set themes.

Enbridge: RM Weyburn lifts turbine height limit Published May 15 Enbridge’s proposed Seven Stars Energy Project passed a major hurdle after the Rural Municipality (RM) of Weyburn removed the 45-metre height restriction on wind turbines. During their regular meeting on May 7, council gave second and third reading to the bylaw amendment. However, RM of Weyburn Reeve Bud Grohn told SaskToday, “The process is not finished.” In a prepared statement on May 8, Reeve Grohn said, “I want to make it clear that I am not against projects such as Enbridge’s Seven Stars Wind Turbine Facility but as Reeve of the Weyburn RM, it is my duty to ensure that due process is done. Due process holds legislators to the fact that they must not be unfair to the people. As Reeve, I am required to represent the ratepayers of the RM of Weyburn, not the City of

Weyburn, not the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and not the Economic Development Board. I was elected to represent and act in the best interests of the ratepayers of the RM of Weyburn. I will do my best to ensure the proper procedure and processes are completed in this proposed project regardless of opposition. It is my duty.” Enbridge welcomed the bylaw amendment, saying it now aligns with bylaws in other Saskatchewan jurisdictions. “Having a new bylaw in place is one step in a robust public evaluation process for the proposed Seven Stars Energy Project that includes development permit applications and provincial environmental review, both of which allow for significant public input and engagement,” Alex McNichol, director power business development with Enbridge, said in an email on Wednesday.

“During our ongoing engagement with the community, there’s been growing recognition of the need for economic development and investment in the region to diversify the local economy and help create a more vibrant community,” said McNichol. “As we advance the Seven Stars Project, we will work with the RMs and City of Weyburn, as well as continuing to engage in respectful dialogue with area residents with the objective of investing more than $500 million in this exciting renewable energy project.” A local grassroots group calling itself No We y b u r n Wi n d m i l l s voiced strong opposition to the wind turbines, citing concerns about environmental degradation, wildlife impacts, and potential health risks. A public hearing was held on April 29 after council gave the bylaw

amendments first reading on April 4. The City of Weyburn council formally supported the $500 million Seven Stars Energy Wind Project during their regular council meeting on April 28. The wind energy project, set to be built in the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin, is expected to bring substantial longterm economic and social benefits to the region. The 200-megawatt (MW) development will operate over a 30-year lifespan, generating millions in annual tax revenue for local municipalities. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and wrap up in 2027. Enbridge estimates the project will employ an average of 100 workers during that period, with a strong emphasis on local hiring. Labour spending alone is projected at $75 million.

From our team to yours, Happy New Year!

Dec. 30 Open 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31 Open 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Jan. 1 Closed Jan. 2 Regular hours resume

Aggregate Crushing & Hauling, Landscaping & Irrigation Rural, Municipal & Oilﬁeld Construction

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#3 - 22nd Ave. SE, Weyburn

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Thank you to all of our friends and customers!

MIKE JOHNSTON

DR. JOHN CORRIGAN

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

DR. ERIN OGRADY

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

CHIROPRACTOR

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May God’s blessings and Christ’s love be upon you and yours this coming New Year!

ESTEVAN’S 2025 EBEX BUSINESS HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT

Happy New Year & All the Best in 2026! CHIROPRACTOR

March - Benjamin and Judah Sawatzky rehearsed their duet for the annual Weyburn Rotary Music Festival. Both piano students are taught by Gail Murray.

CHANTEL LONGMAN TASHA McLEOD

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

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Thanks for giving us so much to celebrate!

47-13th St., Weyburn 306-842-4022

Wishing everyone a peaceful and blessed 2025!

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Weyburn This Week

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Weyburn This Week Top Stories of 2025 Casting call issued for 1910s-set film Published August 21 A casting call has officially been announced for SK Arts’ film Evergreen, a period drama set in 1910s Saskatchewan, written and directed by filmmaker Morgan Kelly. The film follows the story of Louise, an aspiring artist navigating the complexities of family, ambition and hostility in the office of a small-town newspaper. The title Evergreen holds a dual meaning for Kelly. “Because the film partially revolves around a news office, I was looking for terms that relate to news, and ‘evergreen’ refers to a story that can be used at any time and is not necessarily timesensitive,” she said. “It

also relates to the story of an artist trying to find balance between their creative aspirations and their personal life as a story that we see time and time again. I think many people will be able to relate to trying to find this balance.” Set against the backdrop of prairie life, Evergreen explores Louise’s journey as she’s offered the chance to illustrate for the paper she works at—a rare opportunity for a woman of her time. As her sister prepares for marriage and her brother remains estranged, Louise must balance her creative aspirations with the emotional needs of those around her. The main portion of

production will take place during designated shoot dates in mid to late September in Weyburn. “There may be some additional filming for landscapes, locations, etc., without actors on later dates,” said Kelly. The production has access to period-appropriate décor and costumes, thanks to Kelly’s local connections in Weyburn and her personal collection. “I have many different pieces of clothing that I regularly wear that can also be used for this production. I also have several items of my own that fit the time period that we will be using.” Doing historical films can present a problem

when it comes to accuracy, but drawing on lessons from a background in film history, Kelly said, “Because we’re not existing in the time period we’re portraying, we can never be ‘historically accurate,’ so that can take some of the pressure off. It’s important to be realistic in what items we can access, and so I’ve tried to create a story that works around what we can and cannot make use of. It’s challenging but a lot of fun.” Once filming is complete, the lengthy process of editing will begin. “I anticipate a 2026 or early 2027 release date of the film, depending on our crew schedules,” said Kelly.

June - Weyburn Comprehensive graduates Brittany Barber, Jaycelyn Goebel, Keighley Buss and Brinlee Klapak strike a pose during the annual parade.

Prairie Clean Energy announces flax facility Published September 11 Saskatchewan-based Prairie Clean Energy (PCE) announced it has secured financing from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Weyburn Credit Union to support its flax processing facility in Weyburn. Chief executive officer of PCE Mark Cooper is happy FCC and the Credit Union were willing to partner, as it is the culmination of a long period of talks. Cooper says a gradual increase in production is planned between now and the end of next year. Starting this fall, the facility will handle five tons per hour of straw input, producing about two and a half tons of pellets per hour

and about two tons of fiber per hour, with one crew working 40 hours a week. He said about six people will be working there full time by the end of this month, and Cooper expects a total of 30 jobs will be created at this facility, along with 20 indirect jobs—local balers to collect the straw and truckers to move the straw and ship the product to customers—once it runs at full scale. “We’re excited to get into production. We have customers waiting for the product, and some products will start shipping in October, more in November, and I expect that folks across the prairies will be seeing our product in stores

and available for them to purchase for their own use here before Christmas time, which is very exciting,” added Cooper. Supply in the short term will be abundant as Prairie Clean Energy secured over 25,000 tonnes of flax straw from this year’s harvest, along with more than 60,000 acres of flax straw under longterm right-of-first-refusal agreements with farmers across the prairies, mostly in Saskatchewan. P C E ’s m o s t c o m mon products include the fiber—marketed in Europe to companies that use it to make paper—and pellets, which are marketed in North America for use as cat litter or ani-

mal bedding. Asked whether demand for flax could grow in the future, given the ongoing canola tariff issue with China, Cooper said it could. “The bottom line for producers is that because of our presence in the market and because we can buy their straw, we improve the economics of flax growing by about 30 per cent, so we make it more attractive for farmers to grow flax and that’s what we’re here to do: add additional revenue streams for them and to see the acres of flax grow. The total cost—between the facility, equipment and other items—is approximately $10 million.

August - Costume prizes were awarded during the Halloween in the Park at Nickle Lake. Best costume went to the Flintstones: Knox, Brianna, Indy and Frank.

September - Tattoo artist, Ryan Lokken, applied ink to the arm of Megan Stroeder during the semi-colon tattoo fundraiser for CMHA Weyburn.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026

Wednesday, January 14 7:30 p.m.

EVERYONE Weyburn Agricultural Society Ofﬁce WELCOME! www.weyburnagriculturalsociety.com

Thanks for bringing so much joy to our year, and best wishes for a safe and happy 2026.

Floor and Home

131 - 2nd St, Weyburn, SK (306) 842-7511

306-842-4992

Happy Holidays

Happy New Year

Let’s make it our best one yet!

Thank you WeyburnBengough, it has been an honour to serve as your MLA this past year. I look forward to serving you in the year ahead.

Thank you for your patronage in 2025. We look forward to servingg yyou in 2026!

HAIR DESIGNS

127 - 2nd St., Weyburn, SK • 306-842-2808

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season filled with joy!

Hon. Michael Weger, MLA for Weyburn-Bengough (306) 842-5005 | office@weyburnbengough.ca

Weyburn This Week

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Deadline for classiﬁed submissions is Monday at 12 Noon

Feed & Seed

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Health Services

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Ward’s & Bud Haynes AUCTION, FIREARMS January 31st in Edmonton. Firearms, Ammo, Accessories. Call Brad Ward 780-940-8378 to consign your items or collection. FirearmsAuction.ca

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Highlights from the SECPSD meeting Submitted by Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD The Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division board held a monthly public meeting on December 17. Shortly after the opening call to order by chairwoman Audrey Trombley, board members briefly shared some of the ongoing information they had gathered within their sub-divisions through a round table discussion. Quarterly financial report An early item on the agenda was a brief quarterly financial report brought to the conference table by Marilyn Yurkiw, manager of finance and payroll. She highlighted some items for the board members including grants received, noting the only change in recent gathering is an increase of $271,000 from the National School Food Program. On the expenditure side, Yurkiw noted most areas of operations were continuing as anticipated with just under 67 per cent of the budget being targeted for the delivery of instructional programming in the Kindergarten to Grade 12 format. Projected budget The projected budget for 2025-’26 has been set

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at just over $130.5 million while the expenditure side of the ledger has been set at just over $128.3 million with the expectation of an operations surplus at year end of just over $2.2 million. 2026 meetings The SECPSD board meeting date for May, 2026 has been re-set due to a meeting conflict. The original open business meeting date set for May 20 has been re-scheduled for the following day, May 21 with the open session beginning at 1 p.m. as usual following the board’s typical committee-of-the-whole morning gathering. The next open business meeting for the Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division will be January 21, 2026 with that session typically following the in-camera committee-of-the-whole meeting. The open session is available for viewing by the public through a live stream service noted on the division’s web site under “board.” A few board members and media representative were unable to attend the session due to weather and highway conditions, but were able to make use of the live streaming services that enabled them to make their presence felt even in absentia.

Can’t adopt? Please donate to go towards medical emergencies like this one. If you are interested Call (306) 848-7387 or visit at 57-16th Street N.E., Weyburn.