The gap between the cost of groceries and what farmers, who produce those foods, receive in return is wider compared to the previous three years, according to the Agricultural Producers’ Association of Saskatchewan’s (APAS) third annual “Farmers and Food Prices” report.
The report follows seven key grocery products that come from commodities grown in the province, ranging from beer, lentils and margarine, to bread, flour, canola oil and retail pork. The purpose of the report, according to APAS, is to advocate “for transparency and accountability within the food supply chain by providing a window into the producer’s role.”
The report covers the “farm share” - or what farmers earn off of each product - between 2021 and 2024. There were decreases of the “farm share” in six of the seven products in 2024 compared to 2023, 2022, and 2021 , except for retail pork which had a slight increase to 22% from 21.1% in 2023; however its lower when compared to 2022 and 2021.
This means that for every dollar spent by consumers at grocery stores, an increasingly smaller portion of it is making its way back to the farm gate. This reduction in farm share also indicates the weakening influence of commodity prices on final grocery store prices.” noted the report. The peak year for “farm
share” for most products, except for retail pork, was in 2022 due to high commodity prices, then 2023 was a down year due to commodity prices dropping significantly.
A second chart in the report compares the price of commodities to the price of grocery items in the same time period to demonstrate “a clear and detailed view of the realities in commodity pricing relative to grocery stores.”
It also stated: “While many food prices have receded from their peaks last year, they remain notably higher than three years ago. This data underscores the ongoing challenges in aligning commodity prices with final consumer prices, highlighting the need for greater clarity through -
out the food supply chain to support informed consumer choices and ensure equitable practices across the industry.”
To that end, the full implementation of the Grocery Code of Conduct, which is expected to be January 1 after the major grocers formally sign on, “marks an important advancement in efforts to enhance transparency with the Canadian food supply chain. Initiated amid concerns about high and escalating food costs, which were prevalent during the first publication of this study in 2023, this code aims not directly to reduce food prices but to foster greater transparency and accountability among Canadian grocery retailers.”
APAS President Bill Prybylski said a number of
factors have contributed to the downward trend in the “farm share”.
“Well, I think it’s not just the stores themselves and certainly the profit margins on the stores. The grocery stores have to make some sort of a margin, but I think it’s more so all the steps in that supply chain all along, from the time that the raw commodity leaves the farm gate to the time it actually hits a grocery shelf. There’s several steps along the way, the trucking, the processing, like for wheat, for example, going into a flour mill and they need to have a return on their profits and then it gets trucked someplace else to a warehouse and then to a bakery and then every step along the way just adds to the final cost. One of the things that the report pointed
out was the less processing that goes into a particular commodity, the greater the farmer’s share is.
Even things like the carbon tax have had a significant influence on how much the grocery store item was priced along the way, because every step there was carbon tax added to the prices, so again, not surprising from the producer’s perspective, but hopefully consumers are aware that as they’re paying more in the grocery store, that’s not returning profits to the primary producers. It’s been going to all the steps in that supply chain along the way.”
Prybylski also noted the tariff issue doesn’t help when it comes to grocery store prices.
Continued on page 5
gates at the annual Weyburn Fair, held July 3 to 5 at the Exhibition Grounds.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
COMMUNITY
Financial variances pointed out to SE Cornerstone board
Submitted by Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD
A financial health report was delivered to the South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s board members June 17 during their open business session.
Marilyn Yurkiw, manager of finance and payroll, delivered the information to the board members, outlining the division’s financial operations up to May 31.
The finance manager pointed out a series of variances on both the revenue and expense sides, with the variances on the revenue side dealing with grants from all sectors. She noted that an adjust -
ment for enrolment changes led to a decrease in a provincial grant by about $851,000. The projection, however, also included a $4,218,805 grant increase to accommodate the needs and meet the division’s additional costs associated with the recent collective bargaining agreement for educators.
“So, the net effect on our grant revenue is an increase over budget of $3,369,000,” she said.
Other revenue-related variances that were smaller in scale included $323,000 more in tuition and related fees, school and complementary services incomes, as well as external services.
On the expense side,
she spoke of governance (board members) costs that are coming in about $16,000 under budget while administration costs will exceed budget by about $53,000.
Operations of plants will show a net effect that indicates this category coming in about $31,500 below budget. Transportation will also show a modest $7,600 lowering from earlier budget expectations.
Tuition and related fees paid to other school districts show Cornerstone coming in under budget in this area by just under $34,000.
Taken in total, she reported the projection that includes variances in revenue comes in at $3,681,073 over budget while the variances in expenses in all areas could be $3,431,661 over budget, leaving a net positive scenario.
Major road construction started on King St. and Hwy 35 North on July 7, which will require full road closures and no through traffic will be permitted. During construction, all drivers are asked to follow the designated detour routes and
Members of the Weyburn Pottery Club received medals, won during the Great Weyburn Pottery Throwdown award ceremony. This art exhibit is now on display at the Weyburn Art Gallery. From left are Lorena Squires, Kendra Elliott, Bev Remple, Leah Knibbs, Lesley Chapman, Rini Hoffman and Regan Lanning.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Reveiw
EDITORIAL
COLUMN: TECHNOLOGY CAN BE DIFFICULT
Stephanie Zoer, Freelance Reporter
Two weeks ago, I took my computer and sat down in the comfort of my living room to write my last two articles for the paper.
I always sit in the living room and write; I find it very relaxing and this way I can be with my family.
I opened my computer to a message that said, “There was an error, please restart your computer.”
I restarted my computer, which seemed to take a great deal of time, but eventually it started up and jumped to my home page. Here we go, I thought. I went to the page that I needed and proceeded to print it off.
I walked over to the printer, and it quit halfway through the page. Back to the computer I went, but my screen was black. My daughter told me the computer made a weird sound, so I restarted the machine again.
This time it turned on and went straight to the page I was working on, but my cursor was nowhere to be found. I went online to see what I did wrong and to find the way to relocate the arrow. After following the instructions, my whole screen started to jiggle and parts of the screen have disappeared.
My whole computer is frozen, so I turn it off and reboot it. By this time I am beginning to get frustrated as I do not have the patience for this.
My daughter, who knows me all too well, asked if this might be a sewing machine episode. She had to bring up the sewing machine, which I remember like yesterday, but it happened over 25 years ago.
I have sewn many things such as wedding dresses, gowns, baby clothes and suits. I had an older sewing
machine and I was working on a suit jacket for a client.
My machine was acting up, so I brought it in for repair and a week later it was ready to take home.
I got a scrap piece of material and the machine seemed to work well, so I got the suit jacket and started doing the top stitching, only to have the machine do the same thing it did last time, but worse.
I tried several times, and it just got worse. I was choked and very frustrated.
I am not a violent person, but I took the machine outside and dropped it on the cement pad. I walked to the shop and got the “general persuader”, which is our 10-pound sledgehammer and fixed the machine.
When my husband came home, he asked why the general was standing at the back door, and I simply said in a calm voice, “I fixed my sewing machine”. It is one way to get a new sewing machine,
although I do not recommend it.
My daughter thought the same fate might await my computer and I was tempted to do so, but kept myself under control. Instead, I took it in to be repaired, as I have too many things on this computer to be messing with it.
The computer was not repairable. Do not ask me for the details as I could not tell you what happened.
The young man, Nathan at House of Stationery, was amazing. He set up my new computer, showed me everything I needed to know and told me I could call anytime.
So, once again here I sit in my living room with my family, on my new computer, writing my first article on it.
It has a few new bells and whistles, but nothing fancy. If it does what I need it to do, it should be safe from the general persuader.
SaskToday staff
The Government of Saskatchewan is reminding farmers and producers that they can salvage hay along provincial highways.
“The hay salvage and ditch mowing program provides several benefits for Saskatchewan residents,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “The program offers a costeffective way to keep vegetation along our highway system in check while supplying free hay to farmers and producers.”
The program supports agricultural producers while enhancing road safety by improving visibility of signage, controlling brush and noxious weeds and ensuring safer intersections and curves by maintaining clear sightlines.
“Programs like this provide timely, practical support for Saskatchewan producers facing pressures from weather and input costs,” Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison
said. “Access to quality hay is essential for livestock operations, and this initiative gives producers another opportunity to secure feed while making good use of roadside resources.”
Key program dates to remember: Prior to July 8, landowners or lessees adjacent to a highway ditch have the first option to cut or bale hay.
• After July 8 anyone may cut or bale hay without the permission of the nearby landowner or lessee, as long as these activities are not already underway. All hay bales must be removed from ditches by Aug. 8.
The Ministry of Highways will deliver the mowing program with the assistance of contractors and local rural municipalities. About 45,400 hectares will be mowed in 2025.
Motorists are reminded to check the Highway Hotline for the latest road conditions at before travelling https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map. JoinUsOnlineatSaskToday.ca!
APAS: Uncertainty from tariffs also a concern
Continued from front page
“Not only the actual dollar value that the tariffs are adding to the grocery store prices, it’s that uncertainty that is, I think, top of mind on a lot of producers and wholesalers and manufacturers. There’s just so much uncertainty right now that nobody’s too sure what’s gonna happen or are there investments that maybe would have happened to help alleviate some of the issues, but folks are hesitant to invest when there’s so much uncertainty.”
Prybylski notes that when it comes to the products spotlighted in the report, many people might not realize they come back to agriculture.
“That’s why we chose those items because they are generated from products that are grown here in Saskatchewan, like barley and wheat and canola, so it’s quite relevant to this area and that’s why we chose those particular items. I think a lot of consumers will be kind of surprised if they look at the report to see how little of their grocery store purchases are being actually returned to the farmers. They see huge fields of canola and trucks go on the highway all the time, but a lot of that revenue being generated is not returned to the producers.”
Ultimately, he says ideally, most consumers would prefer to see more
of what they pay go back to the producer.
“We would hope that consumers are wanting to see producers with an adequate return for their work and the risk that they create. so I think initially the purpose of this report was just to confirm what the producers had been saying was that while consumers were paying more, producers weren’t necessarily reaping the benefits of those increased grocery store prices. Hopefully the general public and the consumers will recognize that we as farmers, we have to pay those grocery store prices too, so we feel that hurt just as much as everybody else.”
Wheatland Centre game results
Card games and other activities were played at the Wheatland Senior Centre during the week of June 30 to July 3.
Playing spades on June 30, Mildred Sandiford won first, Rosaline Levesque placed second and Glafys Lokken finished third.
In military whist on June 30, first place was won by Ruth Boren, Garth White, Willa Mae Donald and Yvonne Von Hagen. Second was taken by Eva Morley, Coral Schindel,
Cris Herlick and Phyllis Lindskog. Third was placed by Ione Schnell, Marlene Szczecinski, Emily Zyla and Bev Jonston. Kiaser was held on July 1. Theresa Istace and Jean Fahlman won first, Jeanne Molnar and Elaine Frasz placed second, and Alice Schneider and Eva Morley finished third.
Playing canasta on July 2, Gladys Lokken won first, Marlene Szczecinski placed second, Trina Maas took third, Bev Locken
placed fourth, Janet Van Winkoop finished fifth, and Jean Reich took sixth.
During hi-low whist on July 2, Fay Johnson and Marge Schultz won first, Janet Vanwinkoop and Emily Zyla placed second, and Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul finished third.
During crib on July 3, Cheryl Vogel and Emily Zyla won first, Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson finished second, and Stan Hubick and Fran Long placed third place.
The Grand Champion Fed Calf was shown by Rylan Fladeland from the Radville 4-H Beef Club, with Brayden Fladeland holding the banner, at the annual 4-H Beef show and sale on July 1. Judging was done by Trent and Garrett Liebreich.
Photos courtesy Marla Holdstock
The Reserve Grand Champion Fed Calf was shown by Brayden Fladeland from the Radville 4-H Beef Club, with Rylan Fladeland holding the banner. Judging was done by Trent and Garrett Liebreich.
SPORTS
Several lacrosse teams competed at provincials, held in Moose Jaw on June 20 to 22. The U17 Panther Drilling Thrashers won silver.
WMBL Recap: Beavers win against Swift Current
SaskToday.ca
The Weyburn Beavers captured a 8-6 win over Swift Current on July 6, in a game called at six innings due to rain. The Beavers are still struggling in the east division, ranked sixth overall, with only eight wins so far this season.
Weyburn 8,
Swift Current 6
July 6
The two teams got in six innings of play before rain brought the contest to an early end.
Weyburn got off to a great start with five runs in the first inning, with a three-run home run by Ryan Dauphinee providing the key hit of the frame. Swift Current tied the game in the top of the sixth, only for the Beavers to come right back with a pair before the game was called.
Trevor Dale also had a good game at the plate for the Beavers, going 2-for4 with a run and two RBI, while Dauphinee and Alex Alva each scored two runs apiece.
Silas Hilton was 2-for-2 with a three-run home run in the third to lead the 57’s offence.
Dylan Parton started for the Beavers and allowed five runs on five hits and four walks over four innings, striking out nine. Logan Kinter picked up the win after pitching the final two innings.
Ryker Ratcliff started for Swift Current and gave up six runs on nine hits in 4 ⅔, Hunter Mark took the loss after allowing the winning runs in the sixth.
Upcoming Games
The Weyburn Beavers will host two games against Saskatoon at Tom Laing Park, held tonight (July 10) and Friday, July 11, both games start at 7:05 p.m.. Then the Beavers host Regina for a double header on Saturday, July 11, at 4:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.
The U15 Young Fellows Thrashers won silver. Also winning medals, with no photo, were the U13 Young’s Equipment Thrashers who won gold and the U13 Weyburn Security Thrashers who won silver.
Photos – Courtesy Weyburn Lacrosse
The U13 Combined teams won gold and silver, as they competed against each other in the final match.
The Taste of Summer charity barbecue was held during a very busy July 3, after the Chamber Parade, to help support Inclusion Weyburn. Every week during the summer, a barbecue will be held at Memorial Park next to City Hall, set up with some delicious hot dogs, chips, and a drink, for $3. This event is hosted by the City of Weyburn, DiscoverWeyburn and Great Plains Ford.
Dry week for crops, producers cutting hay
It was a dry week in most areas as producers completed in-crop herbicide spraying, according to the weekly crop report for the period of June 24 to 30. A few areas received rain which was needed due to windy conditions drying soils. Some producers are applying fungicide to their pulse crops and scouting cereal and oilseed crops for disease risk. Most livestock producers have begun cutting hay crops while some have been delayed due to the moisture.
The Strasbourg area received the most rain last week with 32 mm, while the areas around Lipton and Churchbridge followed with 26 mm and 25 mm, respectively. There was notable rainfall recorded in other areas, but it was an overall dry week for the rest of the southeast.
Topsoil moisture levels fell slightly last week but
largely remain at adequate levels. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated at 81 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short, and one per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 66 per cent adequate, 33 per cent short, and one per cent very short. Finally, pasture topsoil moisture levels are at 64 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short, and two per cent very short.
Crops developed rapidly in the southeast last week due to warm temperatures and limited rain. More crops are ahead of normal development stages this week than last week.
Fall cereal crops are the furthest ahead of their normal development stages. Crop development is largely variable for both spring cereal and oilseed crops as both are 11 per cent ahead of normal stages but are also the furthest behind their normal development stages
of any crop type. Crop conditions for most crops are rated as good in the southeast, but some crops are in fair or excellent condition depending on the area. A full breakdown of crop conditions by crop type for all regions can be viewed in the attached crop conditions table.
Haying season is in full swing in the southeast, with 11 per cent of hay crops cut and one per cent baled or silaged, while 88 per cent of the first hay crop is still standing. The first cut of hay in the southeast is some of the best quality in the province, as 21 per cent is excellent quality, 58 per cent is good, and the remaining 21 per cent is fair quality.
The main sources of crop damage were caused by dry conditions, hail and gophers, with damage ranging from minor to moderate depending on the area.
Lifeguards at the Weyburn Leisure Centre painted Canada Day flags on their cheeks, while setting up a face-painting booth for the City of Weyburn Canada Day activities on July 1. From left are Robbie, Jonathyn, Madison and Jonas.
Saskatchewan RCMP remind the public that drinking and boating is punishable under the Criminal Code and can result in losing your driver’s license, hefty fines, and even time in jail.
“Boat operators found to be impaired can face the same penalties as impaired drivers,” advises Corporal Jamie Diemert, Coordinator of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team (URT) adding that “whether you’re sailing on Last Mountain Lake, pontooning on Lake Diefenbaker, or paddling the Churchill River, we want all boat operators and passengers to stay safe and sober.”
on police boats can test for intoxication waterside, just as officers do roadside sobriety testing.
Drinking or having open containers of alcohol on a personal pleasure craft is illegal, unless all the following criteria are met: the boat is not in motion; the boat is secured i.e. docked, beached or anchored; and the boat has a permanent sleeping area, bathroom and kitchen onboard.
Wind and heat also caused minor damage as well. There has been limited insect and disease damage in most of the southeast, but agronomists and producers will continue scouting for these pests to ensure proactive action can be taken if necessary.
Alcohol is a significant risk factor in boating incidents and is involved in 60 per cent of fatal boating accidents that happen in Canada each year. Avoid alcohol, cannabis or other intoxicants, as even small amounts can impair judgement, delay response reactions, and impact motor function.
RCMP proactive boat patrols
Saskatchewan RCMP are conducting proactive boat patrols and safety checks on Saskatchewan waterways throughout the summer. RCMP officers
If your boat is not equipped with these permanent facilities, then no one is permitted to consume alcohol onboard at any time. This applies to motorized boats as well as non-motorized vessels like canoes and kayaks.
If you see or are passing a police boat with emergency signals engaged, slow down and follow the instructions of RCMP officers or emergency personnel. If you’re being pulled over by a RCMP boat, safely bring your watercraft to a complete stop and turn off the engine. Remain onboard and follow the instructions of officers. Have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) onboard, along with your license/registration and personal identification.
Photo – Leslie Coulter/Weyburn Review
Ground-breaking a big milestone for Estevan’s new day care
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The new Pebbles to Rocks Childcare Centre in Estevan took another step forward with a groundbreaking ceremony, held on June 30.
A crowd of day care board members and their families, dignitaries, supporters and others convened at the site at 1505 Wellock Road to join executive director Karolina Tamulaitiene for the celebration. She said the centre spent 2 1/2 years working to reach this point.
“This journey started when I learned that between our two existing day care centres, there were 500-600 children on waiting lists. That number hit me like, well, a ton of rocks,” she said to laughter.
Pebbles to Rocks is expected to accommodate 90 children, which Tamulaitiene said is the maximum for a day care in Saskatchewan.
“I had this vision to have more open concepts where little kids can interact with big kids, too, not to just have them split up
in groups. We will have rooms where kids will be set up with different activities, but a lot of it will be more open spaces,” said Tamulaitiene. “I believe that little kids benefit lots from the bigger kids, and vice versa. I’ve seen that myself, so it will be very beneficial.”
There was also an outdoor playground.
Tamulaitiene hoped construction could begin later in the day, and the project is slated to be wrapped up in late January, allowing it to be open in early 2026.
The name for the day care came from Tamulaitiene’s mother while they were discussing options.
Childcare is expensive, she said, and with the cost of living “climbing faster than a toddler on a jungle gym”, families need support. The centre is designed to be regulated, non-profit and government subsidized.
“Access to quality childcare shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be a given,” said Tamulaitiene.
Reaching this point has been a bit like raising a tod-
dler, she said, with surprises, a few sleepless nights and a lot of persistence. The day care explored a lot of buildings in and around the city but nothing fit, so they decided to build something from the ground up.
Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick and Estevan-Big Muddy MLA Lori Carr spoke at the sod turning and congratulated Tamulaitiene on the groundbreaking.
Tamulaitiene thanked her board members for listening to her. She also applauded city manager Jeff Ward and former mayor Roy Ludwig for their support; Alan Nixon with Revelation Engineering for designing the building that will meet both the building code and the Ministry of Education’s requirements; project manager Cody Hopson with CCR Construction; and her family for believing in her.
The City of Estevan and the Southeast Sask Economic Partnership provided a total of $200,000 through the Municipal Coal Transition Assistance Program. Contribu -
tions have also come from the Ministry of Education, Tundra Oil and Gas and Kingston Midstream. The day care has a long ways to reach full financial goals.
Tamulaitiene said the day care has about $1.5 million of the $3.1 million needed to get Pebbles and
Rocks operational. She recognizes the challenges of gathering that much money, so fundraisers will be taking place in the coming months and they’ll create a tiered sponsorship program for individuals, families and businesses who want to be part of making the day care a real-
ity. She expects a mortgage will be needed. “Building a centre of this scale, one that truly meets the needs of our children and families, requires continued support from the community,” said Tamulaitiene.
Details of any fundraisers can be found on their Facebook page.
Former Estevan rodeo queen earns opportunities with horse skills
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
It’s been a busy few years for Rykelle Holinaty since she was named the Estevan Rodeo Queen in 2022.
She left the city after she graduated from the Estevan Comprehensive School in 2021 to attend Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta. Since then, she has been in and out of Estevan a few times, but has been residing in Alberta for a couple of years. She currently resides near Carstairs, Alta., and works as a veterinary technician.
Holinaty has been part of the grand entry at a number of Alberta rodeos, including Airdrie, Crossfield and Water Valley, and she will be part of the
upcoming one in Cochrane. The latest opportunity was at the Ponoko Stampede in Alberta from June 25 to July 1. It’s one of the largest rodeos in the country.
“They have quite the amazing operation out here,” Holinaty said in an interview with SaskToday. “It is an amazing opportunity to be part of this team, because not only do they have amazing coaches who are part of the drill team, they provide us food the entire time, they provide jeans to ride in. They give us jackets. We also get compensated.”
As part of the grand entry, Holinaty and the other riders parade in various flags at the start and during the intermis -
sion of the rodeo.
Holinaty said she gained the opportunity after she saw an advertisement that the organizers of Ponoka’s rodeo were looking for grand entry riders, and Holinaty thought she would fit in with her horse Braveheart - a Morgan quarter-horse cross..
“I filled out an application,” said Holinaty. “Initially, I had a friend that was going to go with me, but she wasn’t able to make it, so I went by myself, tried out and made the team. I just really pushed myself to get out there and experience something I haven’t before, and it’s the best decision I’ve made so far riding-wise.”
Holinaty said she has been riding for as long as
she can remember, and she started competing when she was 16. Her first grand entry came four years ago.
“I have a lot of thanks to the … horse community back home for truly getting me into the competitive side of things, and I honestly wouldn’t be here without a few people, such as Valerie Paulson, Rhonda Gillespie, Sharon Carlson and all of those amazing girls back home. I have a lot to give thanks to.”
Holinaty said she enjoys
the connection she has with her horse and works every day to improve. She rides Braveheart competitively in barrel racing, pole bending, cow-horse competitions and other events. She acquired Braveheart five years ago when he was three and she said they have been through a lot together.
“He’s my everything horse,” she said. “I only have one and I take him to the mountains, I’ve pushed cows on him, I’ve done
barrel jackpots on him, and now I’m doing grand entries. We’re quite the duo; he’s a big part of my life.”
One day, Holinaty would love to be part of the grand entry at the Calgary Stampede and other big rodeo events. It allows her to get out there, meet new people and experience new things. But in the meantime, she said she’s proud to have been part of the Ponoka Stampede and looks forward to other chances.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held June 30.
Rykelle Holinaty and her horse, Braveheart. Photo courtesy of Rykelle Holinaty
Two new officers have joined the Estevan Police Service
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The two newest additions to the Estevan Police Service wanted to get into policing for a long time, and they thought Estevan was the right place to start their careers.
Const. Jesse Peterson and Const. Keaten Tarnes graduated from the Saskatchewan Police College on June 9 and each had their first day on the job later in the month. Both are assigned to the EPS’s patrol units.
Peterson said he obtained a bachelor of arts in sociology, with a minor in psychology, from the University of Regina to help with his desired career path. He also worked at the Regina Correctional Centre from 2015-2020, and was employed at the
Estevan Courthouse for a few years before going to the police college.
“She wanted to stay in the community, and I really enjoy the community. It’s really nice, so I figured it would be a good fit to be a police officer here,” he told SaskToday.
Peterson said he wanted to be a police officer so he could be a part of and help the community through keeping people safe.
His experience with the EPS thus far has been great, he said. The other constables have been “amazing”, he said, everyone has been really welcoming, and he has learned a lot thus far.
Tarnes said it’s been “pretty surreal” being out on patrols. He is originally from Estevan and lived in the city for most of his life.
Tarnes graduated from the Estevan Comprehensive School in 2017, and spent three years in Alberta for school and work before returning home.
“Probably right around when I was graduating high school, I just knew the selflessness of the job by putting yourself in harm’s way for other people was something I would take pride in doing,” said Tarnes.
The encouragement of some members of the EPS, such as Sgt. Braden Lonsberry and Insp. Tyler McMillen, helped him want to join, but Tarnes said he knew even before encounters with them that he wanted to be a police officer.
“Just being back where family is was a big plus for me,” said Tarnes. “It’s
left, congratulated
somewhere I’m familiar with, being born and raised here, so it made sense.”
Peterson and Tarnes were among 40 officers at the police college during the winter and the spring. Thirty-seven of them graduated at the end of the 22 weeks of training.
“It was intense. A lot of running and a lot of exercise, but well worth
it,” Peterson said. “It was really rewarding. Graduation day was awesome to be back home with the family.”
Peterson noted the cadets had to learn a lot of legal studies, defensive tactics, firearms training and drills.
Tarnes added the police college experience was a lot of fun amid all
of the expectations, and he enjoyed every second.
“All of the instructors were very good, easy to get along with and very knowledgeable, and it was nice meeting all of the different police recruits there. There was 37 of us who graduated, so it was nice to meet new people and new friends that I’ll have over the years.”
SOUTHEAST COLLEGE BOARD MEMBER RECRUITMENT
provincial legislation, Southeast College proudly provides academic, and skills training opportunities tailored to meet the regional and industry needs of southeast Saskatchewan Situated on Treaty 2 and Treaty 4 Territory and the homeland of the Métis, the College is deeply rooted in its commitment to reconciliation and community engagement
As a cornerstone of the region, Southeast College transforms lives through the power of education. By fostering strong communities and driving economic growth in an ever-evolving world, the College plays a vital role in shaping a prosperous future
The College is governed by a dedicated seven-person Board of Governors. With three vacancies arising due to upcoming retirements, the Board is seeking expressions of interest from individuals eager to contribute as Board members. Candidates will be assessed with preference given to those who meet the following criteria:
Geographic representation
Based on Southeast College’s operational footprint:
• 1 representative for ‘rural west communities’
• 1 representative for ‘rural north communities’
• 1 representative from Weyburn or immediately adjacent communities
Skills/experience
Ideal candidates will have expertise in at least one of the following (not in order of importance): Government, Education systems, Indigenous relations, Legal, Leadership experience, Southeast College’s operating environment, Energy, Health, Trades, Small Business & Labor Relations, Management, Finance, Risk Management, Communications, and Marketing
Diversity
Southeast College embraces diversity and inclusivity, actively encouraging
• Inclusion of individuals with disabilities
• Equal gender representation
• Representation of visible minorities
• Participation of women in non-traditional roles
Submission
Southeast College Board of Governors invites interested parties to apply, in writing or email, before 1st August 2025 to:
CJ Johns, Board Liaison
Southeast College Box 1565, Weyburn, SK S4H 0T1
Email: CJohns@southeastcollege.org
Please include a resume with your professional background, previous board experience, if any,and describe your interest/aims in serving on the Board of Southeast College All submissions willbe treated with the utmost confidentiality. The board will review applications before making arecommendation to the Ministry of Advanced Education for Ministerial approval.
For further information contact CJ at cjohns@southeastcollege.org or (306) 861-5751
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19. Actor Pacino
20. On your way: __ route
21. Fifth note of a major scale
22. Companies need it
23. News agency
24. Faces of an organization 26. Ponds
28. Samoa’s capital
30. Partner to “Pa”
31. Adult male 32. Cool!
34. Used of a number or amount not specified
35. No No No
37. Hosts film festival
39. British place to house convicts
40. Made of fermented honey and water
41. Chief
43. College army
44. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
45. Consume
47. One point north of due east
48. For instance 50. Brews
52. Alaskan river
54. Not soft
56. Atomic #22
57. “The Golden State”
59. “The world’s most famous arena”
60. Larry and Curly’s pal 61. One billion gigabytes
62. Conducts inspections
63. Malaria mosquitoes
66. Unit to measure width
67. Features
70. Affairs
71. Letter of Semitic abjads CLUES DOWN
1. Follower of Islam 2. Trauma center 3. French young women
4. Norse god
5. U.S. commercial flyer (abbr.)
6. Merchant 7. Peyton’s younger brother 8. Jungle planet in “Star Wars” galaxy 9. Tree-dwelling animal of C. and S. America 10. “Pollack” actor Harris
11. Stuck around 12. Put on 13. Influential Norwegian playwright 14. Christian __, designer 15. Fulfills a debt
25. Style
26. More (Spanish)
27. A baglike structure in a plant or animal
29. Remedy
31. Disturbance
33. “The Martian” actor Matt
36. Express delight
38. Brooklyn hoopster
39. 1900 lamp
41. Motionless
42. One’s mother (Brit.)
43. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)
46. Compels to act
47. Gardening tool
49. Ancient country
51. Frightening
53. Wimbledon champion Arthur
54. Popular plant
55. Database management system
58. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 60. Where soldiers eat 64. Tenth month (abbr.)
65. Illuminated
68. Atomic #18
69. Adults need one to travel
Firefighters deployed to support northern wildfire efforts
The Weyburn Fire Department is answering the call to help battle the wildfires threatening
northern Saskatchewan communities. A team of three members from the Weyburn
Fire Department (WFD), along with a wildland utility truck and supporting equipment, deployed to
the Beauval area on July 4. Their assistance was requested by the Saskatchewan Public Safety
Weyburn Firefighters Rob Jack, Brydon Hnatuik and Marlow Killian answered the call to help battle the wildfires threatening northern Saskatchewan communities.
Rebuilding starts for communities devastated by wildfire
The Government of Saskatchewan announced a commitment of $20 million to support communities and individuals affected by this year’s devastating wildfires. Through the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), a dedicated Recovery Task Team (RTT) has been established to lead the province’s wildfire recovery efforts.
The RTT - which is led by the SPSA and comprised of representatives from the Ministries of Government Relations,
Social Services, and Environment, and Crown Corporations - has conducted a preliminary needs assessment alongside communities that were devastated by wildfire, including Denare Beach, East Trout Lake and others. That assessment identified debris removal and site clean-up as the top priorities. This work will help communities initiate the recovery process.
“We know that the road to recovery begins
with clearing the way to prepare for rebuilding,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod, K.C., said. “This funding is about safely rebuilding lives and supporting our communities every step of the way. I would like to thank the community leaders and the Recovery Task Team who have put in countless hours the last few weeks to start the recovery process together.”
The funding is available to communities and
individuals who sustained losses during the provincial emergency declaration period (May 29 to June 26, 2025), or who were under a local state of emergency at the time of their loss.
The funding announced today is not intended to cover environmental testing or clean-up already provided by personal or business insurance. Individuals and businesses should contact their insurance provider if they haven’t already done so
Agency (SPSA) as part of the province’s coordinated wildfire response.
“With very little notice, our members didn’t hesitate,” said Deputy Fire Chief Mike Wock. “They’re welltrained, experienced and ready to support where needed. We’re incredibly proud of their professionalism and dedication.”
Rob Jack, Brydon Hnatuik, and Marlow Killian will begin the deployment, providing support for the first several days.
Marc Schweitzer and Mike Hudson will then travel north to relieve Hnatuik and Killian, joining Jack to complete the remainder of the 10 to 12day assignment.
Weyburn joins other departments from across the province providing relief and backup to crews on the frontlines.
“Our thoughts are with
the communities facing these fires, and with the first responders working tirelessly to keep people safe,” said Mayor Jeff Richards. “We’re proud to see Weyburn stepping up.”
The WFD remains in close contact with the SPSA and will continue to support efforts as needed.
This deployment demonstrates the important role both full-time WFD staff and paid-on-call firefighters through the Weyburn Fire Association serve in the City of Weyburn’s emergency response efforts. If you are interested in joining the team, contact firedepartment@weyburn.ca.
Community members are encouraged to follow official updates and wildfire alerts through the SPSA and local emergency management channels.
