Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman, Charbel Dabire, read stories to Grade 1 students during a recent visit to St. Michael School.
Mental
Submitted by
Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD
The numbers may not be huge considering a student population base of over 8,100, but the services rendered are vital for those who require them.
Raylene Forseth, the mental health consultant for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division, joined board members on January 21 to deliver information regarding this portfolio during their regular open business session that afternoon. She joined Gillian Costelo, student services co-ordinator for the two-part presentation. The student services article is also posted on the SECPSD website.
Forseth began by noting there are 17 professionals currently filling the 15 full time equivalent positions offered by SECPSD with
one position in the WawotaMaryfield area recently being filled while another temporary and half-time position is still needing to be filled in the Moosomin-Wapella area.
“It’s a solution focused model,” Forseth noted in her remarks and that involves intervention plans with each active caseload and mental health literacy plans that help them work with families as well as school-based teams.
Individual sessions take up 62 per cent of their time, she noted while student team meetings absorb another 15 per cent along with classroom presentations at 10 per cent. The rest of the time is used to connect with outside agencies and for critical response activities.
“I talk a lot about Tier 1 and 2 activities because that support for learning and assessment is one of the things I’m really excited about as
we continue to expand the ways we can support more student and curricular pieces around health, mental health and well being,” she said.
Counsellor data gives the team a heads up on self-harm, either ideations or actual attempts. The data summary gives up the numbers of these ideations and attempts plus outside agency involvement.
Ideations are down significantly, Forseth said with slightly more than 40 ideations and fewer than 15-16 attempts while an outside agency was called upon for 20 incidents while there were more than 120 ideations noted in the previous academic year with more than 40 referred to outside agencies. Coming out of the pandemic years where extremely elevated risks were being recorded, there are now only a few risks noted on the extreme scale.
Surveys are conducted within the schools on a regular basis and Forseth noted that the process involves attempts to understand if and when a young person is moving on a path toward serious violence and to meet the challenge before that occurs.
It’s a trauma informed process that considers the whole person and is designed to be helpful but not harmful for either victim or the individual of concern, she reported.
Forseth further noted that anxiety levels are noted and comparisons are made with the provincial norms past and present.
Chairwoman Audrey Trombley thanked Forseth for the presentation and ongoing work. Director of Education, Keith Keating, also provided additional comments in support of the program.
Weyburn Red Wings to induct inaugural members into the new Hall of Fame
The Weyburn Red Wings are inducting inaugural members into the Hall of Fame at a banquet and ceremony on February 15.
The event is set to take place at McKenna Hall in Weyburn with cocktails at 5 p.m., supper at 6 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m.
There will also be an introduction of the inductees at the Red Wing game versus Melfort on Monday, February 16 at 3 p.m.
The Hall of Fame is intended to celebrate all those who have made outstanding contributions to the Red Wings organization and the broader Weyburn hockey community as well as those who have experienced significant success after their time with the Red Wings. This inaugural class clearly reflects that it honours a very broad spectrum of contribution to the organization.
Inductees in the player category are:
• Joe Daley: Goaltender (two seasons) 1961, 1962.
• Bill Lesuk: Player (four seasons) 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966.
• 1969-70 Weyburn Red Wings: Memorial Cup finalists. Inductees in the builder category are:
• Tom Laing: President of the Red Wings (two seasons) 1961, 1962.
• Dwight MacMillan: Coach of the Red Wings for many years.
• Tom Webb: Former owner of the Red Wings.
Inductees in the community category, sponsored by the Weyburn Young Fellows Club, are:
• Tom Huston: Vol -
unteer with the team for many years.
• Reinhard Eisbrenner: Red Wings fan forever.
• Barber Motors: Sponsor of the Red Wings since 1961.
“The Hall of Fame is an opportunity to recognize the people who helped built the legacy of Red Wings hockey,” said team president, Lori McIntosh. “From championship seasons to decades of volunteer service, these worthy inductees represent the heart of our organization.”
The induction ceremony will bring together alumni, families, fans and community members to reflect on the rich history of Red Wings hockey and to honour those who have helped the team thrive over the years.
At this time, the Red Wings are pleased to report they are expecting representation to be at the event from all nine of the inductees.
Banquet tickets are $45 (tax paid) and are available now on the Red Wings website at www. weyburnredwingsonlinestore.store.square.site or contact Sandy McCormick at 306-861-4070. Please get your tickets early as they will be limited with the number of inductees and special guests.
For further information, contact: President, Lori McIntosh at 306457-7926 or Board and Committee Member, Sandy McCormick at 306-861-4070.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
COMMUNITY
February break programs at the Library for the whole family
The Weyburn Public Library will offer February break programs for families, in addition to their regular monthly programming.
The branch will be closed on Monday, February 16 for Family Day.
February Break Fun includes Library Olympics for ages six to 12 on Tuesday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m., Chocolate Olympics for ages 11 to 14 on Wednesday, February 18 at 3:30 p.m., and K-Pop Demon Hunter party for ages seven to 12 on Thursday, February 19 at 11 a.m.
A Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday,
February 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. Activities include free face painting, cotton candy and food, and other fun activities.
February
Children’s Programs
Wiggles and Giggles programs for ages newborn to 18 months (with caregivers) in February include play-dough fun on Monday, February 9 at 10 a.m., and grab and giggles activities on Monday, February 23 at 10 a.m. Tiny Dreams programs for ages 18 months to three years (with caregivers) include pipe-cleaner and pom-pom crafts on Thursday, February 5 at 10 a.m.,
penguins stories and crafts on Thursday, February 12 at 10 a.m., and dragon stories and crafts on Thursday, February 26 at 10 a.m.
Little Explorers programs for ages three to five (with caregivers) include dragons tales and crafts on Tuesday, February 3 at 10 a.m., friendship stories and activities on Tuesday, February 10 at 10 a.m., and penguin story-time on Tuesday, February 24 at 10 a.m.
Little Explorers can also enjoy ‘1, 2, Buckle My Shoe’ on Wednesday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 25, both days at 10 a.m. During the
program, participants will practice early math skills in fun ways.
Family programming includes a Valentine STEM program on Saturday, February 7, and a Snow Much Fun on Friday, February 27 at 10 a.m. Both of these programs are aimed at ages two to five (with caregivers).
KidVentures programs for ages six to 10 include button snowflake art on Thursday, February 5 at 4 p.m., 3D heart print crafts on Thursday, February 12 at 4 p.m., and cinnamon mini muffins on Thursday, February 26 at 4 p.m.
at 10 a.m., a Maker’s Nook on Tuesday, February 17 from 1 to 3 p.m., and textured hot glue painting on Saturday, February 28 at 10 a.m.
A Magic: The Gathering game night will be held on Thursday, February 5 at 6 p.m. Prairie Canucks Cards and Collectables will have decks available for new players.
The Souris Sharpshooter photography club will meet on Thursday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m.
p.m., and Culture in the Kitchen hosted by Southeast Advocates on Thursday, February 17 at 6 p.m. The book club will discuss ‘Me Before You’ by Jojo Moyes on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m.
A Valentine’s matinee for ‘Maid in Manhattan’ will be shown during a sip and screen program, for ages 19 and older only, on Saturday, February 14 at 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to plan a safe ride home.
A Mindful Mingle will be hosted by the Alzheimer Society on Wednesday, February 18 at 10 a.m.
BOARD J
Weyburn Credit Union is seekingengaged, forwardthinking members to join our Board of Directors and help guide the future of ourcredit union
This year,four seats areopen forelection:
•Three seats with three-year terms
•One seat with aone-year term
•Currentdirectors Matt Caudill,Jody Holzmiller, and Jesse Ridgway, willbeseeking re-election.
If you’reamemberofWeyburn Credit Union and meet the director qualifications, we encourageyou to apply
Each year,the Boardassesses its future needs to identify the skills,experience,and perspectives thatwill strengthen ourgovernance. This year,the Board has identifiedthe followinggaps andpriorities:
•Technology expertise
•Greater diversity on the Board
•Strong representation for the Lang, Weyburn and Yellow Grasscommunities
Help shape thefuture of your creditunion. Visitweyburncu.ca to learn more.
InBetween Club for ages 11 to 14 will meet for mushroom painting on Tuesday, February 3 at 4 p.m., a cupcake decorating challenge on Wednesday, February 11 at 6 p.m., and ‘Survive the Library’ games on Tuesday, February 24 at 4 p.m.
February
Adult Programs
Arts and crafts programs offered to adults include polymer clay flowers on Saturday, February 14
The Southeast Advocates will host a Social Circle for newcomers who want to practice English, or meet new people and chat, on Thursday, February 5 at 2:30 p.m.
Tabletop roleplaying games in February are held Monday evenings at the Library. Games include Marvel Multiverse RPG and Daggerheart on February 2 and February 23, and Borderlands RPG and Dungeons and Dragons on February 9.
Food and drink programs include a Sip, Snack and Chat session on Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30
The movie ‘PunchDrunk Love’ will be shown at the Library on Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m.
Blood on the Clocktower will be held at the Weyburn Public Library on Saturday, February 28 at 2 p.m.
There is no cost to attend programs at the Weyburn Library, however pre-registration is highly encouraged. Residents can visit www.weyburnpubliclibrary.weebly.com for more information.
Charlie selected his favourite stickers during Family Literacy Day at the Weyburn Public Library on January 24.
Photo
Beginning February 2026,our system will automaticallyblock cardlock charge transactions if theavailable credit limitis insufficient. This update appliestoall Western CanadaCo-ops.
What YouNeedtoDo
1. Review your credit limitonyourmost recent statement
2. Askyourself: Is my limithighenough to covertwo months of charges? If NO,pleasescanthe QR code provided or contactour Credit Office at 306-848-3685 or credit@prairiesky.crs to requesta Credit Increase Application.
Leanna enjoyed swinging during the Family Place’s Circus Party, held January 21.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
EDITORIAL
OPINION: WHY INVESTORS STILL DON’T TRUST CANADA’S PIPELINE PROMISES
Submitted by David Leis
Canadians have seen this movie before. A federal announcement is rolled out with solemn language, carefully staged optimism and the promise of progress, only to dissolve under the weight of reality. The recent memorandum of understanding between Ottawa and Alberta on energy infrastructure fits that pattern all too well.
On paper, the MOU signals cooperation. In practice, it exposes the deeper problem facing the country: a federal government that appears to substitute symbolism for leadership and process for outcomes. That is not leadership. It is choreography.
At its core, the agreement is meant to revive confidence in Canada’s ability to move major energy projects forward, including pipelines and associated infrastructure. Yet nothing in the MOU alters the policies that drove investors away in the first place.
Carbon pricing continues to escalate. Net-zero commitments remain intact. Regulatory uncertainty persists. British Columbia remains openly hostile to new pipelines. And every project must still navigate a highly politicized approval process that has repeatedly failed.
The skepticism voiced by industry veterans is not ideological. It is rooted in experience. Canada has approved
major pipeline projects through established regulatory channels only to see them cancelled following political decisions. Northern Gateway was one such example. Keystone XL was another. Investors were told approvals mattered until they did not. That history matters. Capital has a memory.
When private-sector proponents look at the current landscape, they do not see clarity. They see risk layered upon risk. A MOU does not override legislation. It does not bind future governments. It does not neutralize provincial opposition. It does not compensate for policies that make projects uneconomic before a shovel ever hits the ground.
In that sense, the agreement may expose how far Canada has drifted from normal governance. In the past, governments set the rules, regulators assessed projects and industry built them. Today, even discussing a pipeline requires political side deals, new bureaucratic offices and symbolic gestures designed to manage headlines rather than outcomes.
The creation of a National Project Office illustrates the problem. Instead of simplifying the process, it adds another layer, another gatekeeper, on top of an already cumbersome system. However capable the individuals involved, the signal is unmistakable:
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projects increasingly no longer advance because they meet regulatory standards, but because they survive political negotiation. That shift has consequences.
Canada’s hydrocarbon energy sector remains one of the country’s largest sources of employment, investment and export revenue. Yet it is treated as a political liability rather than a strategic asset. The result has been what many analysts describe as a decade of stagnation, declining competitiveness and a steady outflow of capital to jurisdictions where rules are clearer and commitments are credible.
The contrast with the U.S. is particularly stark. While Ottawa tightens carbon constraints and raises costs on domestic producers, Washington is moving in the opposite direction, easing regulatory burdens in the name of competitiveness and energy security. Canada is asking its industries to run uphill, against policy and geography, while its closest competitor makes it easier to invest and build. That is not environmental stewardship. It is economic selfsabotage.
Leadership requires making choices and owning their consequences. If the federal government believes its netzero targets justify constraining oil
and gas development, it should say so plainly and accept the economic trade-offs. If it believes hydrocarbon energy exports are essential to national prosperity, then policy must align with that objective. What does not work is attempting to hold both positions simultaneously while expecting the private sector to absorb the contradictions.
Ultimately, Canadians will judge this agreement not by its language but by its results. Will a new pipeline be built? Will private capital return? Will timelines shorten rather than stretch into decades? Or will this MOU join a growing list of announcements that promised momentum but delivered delay?
Leadership is not about managing impressions. It is about setting a direction and creating the conditions for others to act. Until Ottawa resolves the conflict between its climate rhetoric and its economic responsibilities, no amount of symbolism will restore trust or growth.
Canada does not lack resources. It lacks national leadership. And no memorandum of understanding can substitute for that.
David Leis is President and CEO of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and host of the Leaders on the Frontier podcast.
Ministerial Message
By Brian Hopfe
Generations Pastor
Weyburn Free Methodist Church
Snow is covering everything: each blade of grass, every tree that once held leaves seem so bare and long gone are the sun’s warm rays. It comes every year, not necessarily as harsh as other times but for me and maybe others, it seems like a moment in time when the temperature and posture of my spirit can easily become more chilled and downcast and maybe even depressed.
Maybe it is the cold temperature or lack of bright sunny days or the lack of warmth. Maybe you find yourself discontent for no apparent reason. Or maybe you are very aware of a constant struggle that’s left your recent days marked with hurt, or stress, or an array of struggles. The truth is, no matter the scene out our window, or the setting of your situation, we all find ourselves in bleak seasons of life. We all seek and
long to feel lasting comfort. We all long for peace and touches of joy; the blessings that warm, brighter, sunnier seasons seem to offer.
You say that’s true and great, but how do I tap into this light when darkness threatens to overtake my heart? Honestly it really is so simple, yet such a huge struggle all at the same time. Are you ready? Here’s the truth: God‘s light and warmth are always there, but for many we forget to turn to it. Honestly, we need to acknowledge the light of the Lord is still there. We need to gaze on Him until we finally find and see Him, and when we do that, the light – His light, will begin to penetrate our inner spirit and all other parts of life that appear to shadow us. In Psalm 71 we read that God will restore us and that He will bring us up again and that He will be our comfort. I encourage you to receive his light, receive his love and finally receive His warmth and comfort.
Essential Farm Services
Canadian beef returning to China for first time in years
Ryan Young SaskToday.ca
Canadian beef is allowed to enter China once again, according to a news release from the Canadian Cattle Association and a social media post from Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald.
China closed its border to beef from Canada in 2021 after an atypical case of BSE was found in a cow in Alberta.
On social media site X, MacDonald said in addition to restoring access for beef, “we have signed a pet food safety and sanitation requirements protocol to accelerate resumption of Canadian pet food exports to China.”
“These outcomes support Canada’s efforts to grow the economy, create jobs, and help Canadian producers and processors access new and expanding markets.” MacDonald added in a reply to his initial post.
The news came days after Prime Minister Mark Carney made a deal with China to reduce tariffs on canola seed, meal, peas, and seafood in exchange for allowing a quota of 49 thousand Chinese electric vehicles into Canada at a reduced tariff rate of 6.1 per cent, as well as work to reduce tariffs on certain Chinese steel and aluminum products.
In a news release, the
AAFC predicts seeded acreage for 2026 season
The January Outlook for Principal Field Crops from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada includes seeded acreage predictions for all the various crops in the upcoming year.
AAFC believes Canadian farmers will seed a smaller acreage to cereal crops.
They predict wheat acreage will drop 2 per cent, with durum down 7 per cent, barley down 6 per cent and oats down 2 per cent.
Oilseed acreage is predicted to rise with canola up 2 per cent, flax up 1 per
Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) said they will “continue to work with government officials and industry stakeholders to learn more details, including potential safeguard measures.”
“We are pleased to see renewed access into China, one of the largest export markets for beef. Every market matters to Canadian beef farmers and ranchers; it supports our industry’s resilience and growth,” said CCA President Tyler Fulton. “Canadian beef continues to be sought after because it is among the highest quality beef in the world and we appreciate the advocacy of both Prime Minister Carney and our Minister of Agriculture, Heath MacDonald.”
The CCA said it will also continue “to stand up for Canadian beef producers, advocating to remove non-tariff barriers in existing markets and working
with the government on new free trade agreements to ensure they present significant market opportunities for our sector.”
The national beef cattle organization notes “prior to the halt in trade, Canadian beef saw continued growth into the Chinese market.”
Red Wings take two games from Broncos
The Weyburn Red Wings won two home games against the Humboldt Broncos over the weekend. The Red Wings currently have a sevenpoint lead in first place of the Bunge Division of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
The Red Wings took game one by a score of 5-4 on January 23.
In the first period, Josh Sale opened scoring for Weyburn at the 6:07 mark, assisted by Rylan Pearce and Lucas Schmid. Another Weyburn goal was scored by Aidan Mohan at 8:22, assisted by Simon Martin and Dion Schraeder. The Broncos got on the scoreboard with a goal at the 10:14 mark.
Will Munro scored twice for Weyburn in the second period, at 16:31, assisted by Schmid and Sale and at 18:58, assisted by Jaxson Doyle and Jonah Bierd.
Humboldt made the game much more interesting by scoring three goals in the second period to tie up the game 4-4.
Munro scored a powerplay goal at 4:28 in the third period to celebrate a hat trick, assisted by Drew Molde and Callas Pierce. An empty net goal scored by Pierce at 19:22 secured the win for Weyburn.
Joey Rocha was in net for Weyburn, stopping 30 out of 34 shots.
The Red Wings blanked the Broncos 4-0 in the second game, on January 24 in a penaltyfilled affair.
Weyburn’s scoring was kicked off by Schraeder with a goal at the 3:05 mark pf the first period, assisted by Munro and Rylan Pearce.
In the second period, Molde scored at 7:59, assisted by Pearce, followed by Adam Savage Keller scoring at 11:21, assisted by Aidan Mohan and Schraeder.
In the third period, a powerplay by Sale was scored at 19:04, assisted by Turner McIntyre and Luke Dekay. The game ended with 50 minutes in penalties handed out and 139 minutes in total for the evening.
Rocha was in net for Weyburn, stopping 33 shots for the shutout.
The Red Wings will travel to Melfort for a road game on Saturday, January 31 and will be in Nipawin on Wednesday, February 4.
Wrestling Club brings home medals
The Weyburn Wrestling Club took eight wrestlers to Swift Current, for the Swift Current Titans wrestling tournament on January 24.
The club brought home three medals with the results as follows:
U9: Raeford Pirlotfourth; Wattson Furgason - third place bronze medal.
U11: Lochlan Pirlot
- first place gold medal; Owen Pulfer - fourth; Meagan Kerr - fifth; Hunter Wagner - fifth.
U13 Male: Conner Pocha - first place gold medal.
U15 Male: Jep Furgason - fourth.
The next tournament for the Weyburn Wrestling Club will be in Moose Jaw on February 8.
Local coaches to lead national teams
Submitted
Weyburn Gold Wings head coach Cassie Schlamp and assistant coach Jordan Szczecinski have been selected as assistant coaches for the U18 Team Saskatchewan leading up to the 2027 Canada Games.
Both Cassie and Jordan are heavily involved in Hockey Saskatchewan SaskFirst programming.
Coach Schlamp is a seasoned leader with a High Performance 1 certification and a wealth of experience across all levels of competitive hockey.
Her coaching journey has taken her from assistant roles with the U9B Stingers and championship-winning U15AA Ravens and U18AA Rebels, to the head coaching positions with the U15AA Prairie Storm and the Lumsden Lynx, where she led the team to a Provincial Championship.
At the elite level, Schlamp has served as head coach for Team Saskatchewan’s U16 program for three years and contributed to SaskFirst as
both an evaluator and coach. Beyond the bench, she’s made a lasting impact as an instructor at Hockey Canada skills camps, female festivals, and jamborees across Saskatchewan.
Today, she continues to shape the future of the game as head instructor and owner of Schlamp Skills and Conditioning.
Szczecinski’s journey began with a U11 female team that then led her to be the assistant coach of the U15AA Southeast Gold Wings the following season. Taking over as head coach in the 2022-23 season, she has led that team for the past three seasons, growing the team to the best record yet.
Szczecinski has also contributed to elite programming within Hockey Saskatchewan including the U16 and U18 Saskatchewan First programs, as an assistant coach and head coach for the U16 Team Saskatchewan, as well as in the grassroots U13 Female Futures program.
Szczecinski brings a blend of experience, leadership and deep commitment to whole athlete development. She emphasizes a growth, mindset, strong work ethic, accountability, teamwork and resilience, creating an environment where athletes are supported and challenged to be their best.
This is also demonstrated by her focus on continued
learning, having completed well over 20 coaching clinics and certifications. Her approach goes beyond the game focusing on mental performance and character building to help players thrive both on and off the ice.
Outside the rink, Szczecinski is a dedicated community leader serving as the vice president of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and a long serving board member of the Weyburn Oilwomen. Her contributions have been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal and a Women of Distinction award.
Szczecinski will also lead Team Saskatchewan as head coach at the 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC), taking place May 3 - 10 in Regina.
Szczecinski, the assistant coach of the Weyburn Gold Wings, is a dedicated leader who will bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to supporting Indigenous athletes from across the province.
Gold Wings split road games vs. Sharks
The Weyburn U18AAA Gold Wings split two road games against the Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks over the weekend.
The Gold Wings are fifth place in the Saskatchewan Female U18AAA hockey league, four points behind Saskatoon in fourth place.
The Sharks won 3-2 over the Gold Wings in the first game, held January 24.
Battlefords scored the only goal in the first period at the 8:30 mark. In the second period, they notched a powerplay goal
at 11:11 to go ahead by two. Skyla McNichol scored for Weyburn at 10:30, assisted by Chelsea Madsen.
An early unassisted Weyburn goal scored at 19:15 by Kinley Dammann in the third period evened the game. The Sharks pulled ahead with a goal at 10:46 to secure the win.
Tila Boyd was in net for the Gold Wings, stopping 30 out of 33 shots.
The Gold Wings tcame back with a strong showing in the second game to secure a 5-3 victory on Jan-
aury 25.
The Sharks opened up scoring with an early goal at 19:49 of the first period.
The Gold Wings dominated the rest of the period, scoring four times. Julia Durr scored, unassisted, at 16:18, Taelah Schnurr scored, unassisted, at 15:25, Maicy Groenewegen scored a powerplay at 13:06, and Madsen scored at 8:00. Skyla McNichol assisted twice, while both Madsen and Haven Bourassa each helped out once In the second period, the
Sharks scored a power play at 16:50. Durr responded at the 8:56 mark for Weyburn, assisted by Bourassa.The Sharks scored a late goal at the 4:22 mark.
There was no scoring in the third period.
Boyd was in net for the Gold Wings, stopping 36 out of 39 shots.
The Gold Wings were in Notre Dame last night, on January 28.
Four more regular season games will be played in February, as the playoff picture becomes finalized.
Sybil practiced throwing the rock from the hack during a curling clinic for Grade 5 and 6 students from Assiniboia Park Elementary School.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn
Cassie Schlamp Jordan Szczecinski
Weyburn Red Wings defenceman Josh Karman and forward Josh Sales played a math game with Jesse, Nolan, Wyatt, Alora and Livia during a recent visit to Legacy Park Elementary School.
Weekly games held at Senior Centre
A number of activities were held at the Weyburn Wheatland Senior Centre.
In Spades on January 19, Gladys Lokken placed first, Stan Hubick won second and Erskine Sandiford finished third.
During Trump Whist on January 19, Gladys Lokken and Janet Van Winkoop took first, Elaube Frasz and Jeanne Molnar placed
second and Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson finished third.
In Kaiser on January 20, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson came in first, followed by Heather Carter and Jean Fahlman in second and Coral Schindel and Mildred Sandiford in third.
Duing Canasta on January 21, Kathy Carson won
first, Trina Maas placed second, and Jean Reich.
In Hi-Low Whist on January 21, Janet Van Winkoop and Emily Zyla placed first, Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul came in second, Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum took third and Marge McLeod and Jean Knibbs placed fourth.
In Friday Contract
Bridge on January 23, Dave Frayn took first, Dennis Tremblay placed second and Erskine Sandiford came in third.
During Friday Shuffleboard on January 23, Mel Schindel and Janet Van Winkoop placed first, June Irvine and Kathryn Groshong took second and Jannette Tonn and Stella Hoffart finished third.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Big donations put Estevan legion within reach of roof goal
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is much closer to paying off a $526,000 roof replacement project.
Kingston Midstream and Tundra Oil and Gas each presented $50,000 to the legion on January 21, for total contributions of $100,000 through the Richardson Foundation.
Branch president Jim (Frosty) Forrest said these are the two largest donations the legion has received for the project. A new roof was installed above the main hall and the kitchen last year.
“They’re just such great companies, and the way they support our community is over the top,” Forrest said in an interview with SaskToday.
The application process was easy, he said, and both companies provided guidance and communication when needed, he said.
All of the donations for the roof replacement project are appreciated, Forrest said, and the legion has now received approxi-
mately $466,000 through fundraising, donations and grants. It has roughly $50,000-$60,000 remaining.
“It’s to the point where it’s manageable and we will be able to do it [pay off the expense]. It was a case where this had to be done or we had to close that hall, because the roof was just getting in such bad shape.”
The legion also received a grant through the provincial veterans’ service organizations program.
Forrest noted the legion would publish the list of its donors on social media and its website, and promote the donors at the front entrance of the hall.
The legion will also continue to fundraise through its steak suppers.
The roof sustained hail damage during a powerful storm in June 2024.
In an email to SaskToday, Dena Bachorcik, the public awareness and community investment coordinator with Kingston Midstream, said the joint contribution of $100,000 to the legion’s roofing project reflects the companies’
commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work.
“The legion is a respected organization and an important gathering place, and we are pleased to help
ensure it continues to serve the community for years to come.”
She added the Richardson Foundation Inc. is the main conduit for Kingston and Tundra’s charitable
giving and community investment.
“We contribute a portion of our annual earnings to the foundation, as a subsidiary of James Richarson & Sons, Ltd. Three times a year, the Richardson Foundation board of trustees meets to select charities to support and allocate funding to them, based on set guidelines and recommendations from their companies.”
and measurement Kyle
lead of integrated operations centre Michael
legion branch president Jim (Frosty) Forrest, legion representativie Quentin Dosch and Tundra Oil and Gas surface land representative Jonathan Kowal.
Change for Estevan nursing home expected to fast-track project
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Estevan-Big Muddy MLA Lori Carr and new Estevan Regional Nursing Home committee chairman Don Kindopp hope changes for the longawaited project will fasttrack construction and reduce costs.
The Government of Saskatchewan announced on January 19 that it is seeking proposals to design, build, maintain and operate new long-term care homes in Estevan and Watson. A request for proposals was posted on the SaskTenders website on January 19 and will be open for 60 days, which Carr said will give proponents time to submit proposals. Submissions will be reviewed and a contract for each facility is expected to be in place by the summer.
According to SaskTenders, the Watson and Estevan long-term care homes will be owned and operated by third parties, and they will be required to follow all Saskatchewan regulations and standards.
The Estevan building will provide 135 beds, 65 more than the existing Estevan Regional Nursing Home. Carr, who is also the minister responsible for Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health, said this is a different way of delivering a capital project. She noted Saskatchewan has a “very long history” of partnering with third parties on the delivery of health-care services, including for long-term care.
She compared it to having long-term care beds at St. Joseph’s Hospital, which is operated by Em-
manuel Health. The new Estevan regional nursing home will not be a private facility.
“This nursing home will fall right under all government nursing home rules and regulations,” said Carr. “The funding formula is the same for individuals that will go into that facility.”
Third-party vendors have told her the process used by governments often adds costs to projects.
Carr said that it is believed that by removing some of those steps — while still ensuring integrity and safety — all requirements are still met.
“By following all building codes, they truly believe they can deliver the project at a lower cost.”
Carr hopes Estevan’s new nursing home could be open in late 2028 or early 2029.
“As we’re watching what is happening throughout the province on other long-term care projects that we’re working on, we’re finding that those beds are coming in a little bit higher [for cost] than we would anticipate,” said Carr.
The approach being used for Estevan and Watson has not been tried with other long-term care facilities in the province, she said.
Kindopp hopes that the proponent can move forward quickly on the project. He has looked at what has happened in other Western Canadian provinces, and he has seen facilities built for a lower rate per room.
“This turn of events to seek a request for proposals, to me, will become more cost effective and there’ll be a tighter timeline for the facility to be built. I’m fairly optimistic that it will be closer to budget,” he said.
He was also pleased to see an increase from 129 to 135 beds in the project, as people have expressed a desire to have more beds.
The new ERNH committee hopes to work closely with the proponent, he said, because the committee has heard what the community wants. All of the work that’s already been done, such as geotechnical or the needs assessment, will be shared
with proponents to avoid duplication.
Hearthstone, which is still accepting donations, currently has more than $9 million between money in its bank account and funds pledged to the project. It will be used for the construction of a new nursing home, Kindopp said, whether it be for capital, equipment or enhancements. Six of the seven RMs that donated to the project are holding money in trust until construction begins.
Kindopp said he supports this method and thought it should have happened a long time ago.
Carr added if the Hearthstone money isn’t completely used up during the process, there are always future needs and wants for these facilities, so it can be an endowment to ensure that if something comes up or if the community wants something, funds are available.
“If people want to continue to give to the project, to Hearthstone, I would encourage them to do that, because those funds will always go to good use,” she said.
If the government would have proceeded with a traditional funding model for a long-term care facility, Carr said Hearthstone would have had to raise more money to meet its 20 per cent commitment.
A location across Sister Roddy Road from St. Joseph’s Hospital remains the preferred location, but the government news release notes all viable site options submitted via proposals will be considered.
“Because it is third party, they will get to decide on location, but they’re going to work very closely with existing providers on what that looks like for Estevan,” said Carr. The plan was supposed to be released at a meeting on January 16, but the session had to be cancelled due to weather. Kindopp said the committee will discuss whether to reschedule the gathering. Carr added she was disappointed the meeting had to be called off because it would have been a really good opportunity to discuss everything. The Hearthstone Community Campaign was launched in 2011 as a means to raise money for the new nursing home. At the time, the building had a projected $40 million cost. Hearthstone reached its $8 million objective in January 2015, and the nursing home project was put in the long-term facility queue. The government has provided money for the project in each provincial budget since 2021. A sod-turning ceremony was held in September 2024, but no further work has occurred at the site.
Pictured l-r, Kingston Midstream senior cost analyst Becky Gigian, manager of crude, quality
Skuce,
Hengen,
Photo courtesy of Dena Bachorcik
Estevan wildlife awards night celebrate youth, adult members
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan Wildlife Federation presented a number of trophies during its annual awards night January 24 at the Estevan Exhibition Association’s building.
Awards were presented to youth and adults who enjoyed success in fishing, hunting and photography.
In junior birds, Madison Zukewic had the top Canada goose at 13 pounds and 14 ounces. In senior birds, Dave Clark had the top Hungarian partridge (one pound, two ounces), Murray Mosley was first for snow goose (six pounds, five ounces), sharp-tail grouse (two pounds, two ounces) and white-fronted goose (six pounds, 11 ounces), and Dustin DeBruyne had the top pheasant at 68 5/8”, with 41 bars and a tail length of 27 5/8 inches.
In junior fish, Kylan Bender won for walleye (two pounds, three ounces) and northern pike (two pounds, 11 ounces).
Winners in senior fish were Clayton Harks for perch (one pound, eight ounces), Joshua Michel for largemouth bass (five pounds, two ounces), and Murray Mosley for walleye (five pounds, three ounces), splake (two pounds, 11 ounces), brook trout (two pounds, .32 ounces), and tiger trout (two pounds, one ounce),
Junior archery big game winners were Nate Biletsky for typical mule deer with a score of 133 6/8, and he was named the junior bowhunter of the year with an aggregate score of 92. Charmain Friedrick had the top women’s archery typical mule deer at 161 5/8.
In senior archery, the winners were Garry Leslie for typical whitetail deer with a score of 94 3/8, typical mule deer (171 5/8) and moose (73), Ryan Hansen for non-typical whitetail deer (111 2/8), and Joshua Michel for non-typical mule deer (185 1/8). Leslie was named the bowhunter
of the year with an aggregate score of 248.
Junior rifle big game winners were Ryder Mutrie in typical white-tail deer (163 4/8), and Mikayla Dyer in typical mule deer (143 6/8) and black bear (14 11/16).
Women’s rifle winners were Tara Katsantonis in typical mule deer (143 2/8), Seriah Potoma for non-typical whitetail deer (136 6/8), Carla Clark for typical mule deer (171 4/8) and Jaymee Tessier for moose (117 3/8).
Men’s rifle winners were Steve Smith for typical whitetail deer (157 5/8), Sam Meek for nontypical whitetail deer (171 5/8), Dave Clark for typical mule deer (184 2/8), Chase Mutrie for non-typical mule deer (201 2/8), Kevin Thompson for typical elk (320 2/8), Hunter Steinke for antelope (72 2/8), Sam Peterson for black bear (20 1/16) and Geoff Mutrie for moose (168 4/8).
Photography winners were Jordyn Schulte for senior scenic, and Mary Jacobs for senior wildlife and photo of the year.
The Estevan Wildlife Federation was founded in 1945 and have over 1,000 members in the Estevan branch. The executive board is made up of all volunteers working hard for our members.
Photography winners were Jordyn Schulte for senior scenic, and Mary Jacobs for senior wildlife and photo of the year.
Men’s big-game rifle and archery award winners presented at the awards night.
Photos courtesy Kendra Lainton
Men’s fish award winners gathered with their awards.
Women’s big-game rifle and archery winners show off their awards.
Province responds to federal firearms buyback program
The federal government announced the opening of its firearms buyback program for individual firearms owners. While the federal government is asking individuals to register in the program to indicate their interest in receiving compensation, they confirmed that registering in the system will not guarantee compensation for affected firearms owners.
“It is very disappointing that the federal government is continuing to proceed with their completely flawed gun grab program that does nothing to make communities safer,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C.
“This program will not remove the street weapons that are being used by criminals,” said McLeod. “The federal government is targeting law-abiding firearms owners, and they have now confirmed that they will be offering little or no compensation. This is completely unacceptable. Our government is committed to safeguarding the heritage of firearms owners. This spring we are advancing amendments to The Saskatchewan Firearms Act to help ensure our affected firearms owners receive compensation for their legally-obtained
property that is now prohibited by federal firearms legislation. We will continue to look at all options to protect law-abiding firearms owners, while taking meaningful measures that will actually improve community safety.”
The amendments propose that lawful firearms owners must be fairly compensated by the federal government or their agents, in an amount determined to be appropriate by the Saskatchewan Firearms Commissioner, if they own firearms that are seized or deemed to be seized as a result of the federal legislation or bans.
“We want to make it clear that there is nothing in our legislation that prevents Saskatchewan firearms owners from participating in the federal buyback program if they desire to do so,” said SFO Commissioner Robert Freberg.
In the coming weeks, an online portal will be launched by the Government of Saskatchewan to provide appraisals for all firearms, ammunition and accessories impacted by federal legislation.
Further details on this program and the provincial government’s continued efforts to support Saskatchewan firearms owners will be announced soon.
a year!
Did you or someone you love add a new little bundle to their family in the past year?
Look for the Babies of 2025 Photo Album on February 12 , 2026!
Pick up and complete your entry form, along with a picture of your precious bundle and $29.99 (taxes included) and drop off to Weyburn This Week, 904 East Avenue, Weyburn, SK S4H 2K4 or email acorrigan@glaciermedia.ca and pay by phone 306-842-7487.
Your sweetheart’s happy face will make our reader’s day in the February 12, 2026 issue and will be entered to win! Entry forms available at our office904 East Avenue, Weyburn. Deadline for entries is February 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
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