Weyburn Legion to celebrate 100th anniversary Friday
Submitted
The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its historic 100th anniversary in 2026, and Weyburn Branch 47 is marking this centennial with a community celebration and open house on Friday, July 17.
The landmark centenary highlights a century of nationwide service, sacrifice and community support since the veterans’ organization was first established in 1926.
Memorial Park will host a 24-hour honour guard, beginning at 9 a.m. on July 17. Participants will stand on guard as a tip of the hat to those who have and those who continue to stand on guard. Each participant raised money through pledges to stand at the cenotaph for a one-hour time frame.
The Weyburn Public Library will provide children’s activities during the day with the Weyburn Credit Union taking over for the evening. Mini-stick challenges will be provided by the Weyburn Red Wings, while Seitz’s Rentals is providing bouncy houses.
The Legion will be open on July 17 for the full 24-hour period. The public is welcome to come take a stroll through the lounge and take in the history that adorn the walls of the Lounge and Vimy Room. Be sure to look through the Poppy Store for souvenirs and browse the library of free books and movies. Grab a tub of popcorn and settle in the Vimy Room to watch war movies at anytime throughout the event. Lunch will be available for purchase for $8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Lounge hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Legion, along with Ryan Skjerdal, will host a smoked meat dinner at 5 p.m., with salads and buns for $20 for adults and $10 for children
ages 12 and under.
Evening entertainment will be provided by Twilight, JD Band and Last Train West, at no additional cost.
Education and historical preservation remain at the core of the Weyburn Legion’s mission. Dedicated volunteers manage the digital war archives and preserve local history inside the Vimy Room’s Veterans Gallery. The Legion encourages attendees to submit their family history of service or bring it down anytime to be added to a history book.
From hosting highenergy public fundraisers to weekly social events, the Weyburn Legion serves as a primary venue for regional connection. Local traditions, including the branch’s regular wing nights and Saturday meat draws, continue to act as popular social hubs for residents of all ages. The building also operates as a vital community venue, frequently hosting celebrations, meetings and regional fundraisers.
To incentivize engagement, the Royal Canadian Legion is offering free membership to new members for 2026. Renewal for these new members in 2027 will bring with it a chance to win a Ford F150.
Since 1926, the Legion has been the leading organization delivering programs to local Veterans and local communities. The Royal Canadian Legion is Canada’s largest Veteran and community support organization formed in 1926 following the unity of various World War I Veterans’ organizations.
Their mission is to serve Veterans, which includes serving military and RCMP members and their families. They also promote Remembrance and to serve local communities and the country.
RCMP fields 177 calls at Craven’s music festival
Saskatchewan RCMP responded to 177 calls for service, laying three Criminal Code charges and 20 provincial charges, over the Country Thunder Music Festival weekend from July 9 to July 13.
RCMP were present in the Craven area responding to calls for service within the festival grounds. Calls for service included:
• 28 Alcohol and Gaming
Regulation Act offences.
• 23 calls for disturbing the peace/causing a disturbance.
• 11 reports of mischief, damage to or obstruct enjoyment of property.
• Five reports of a theft under $5,000 (ex. coolers, lawn chairs, a theft from a merchandise booth).
• Two reports of an assault, one of which resulted in a criminal charge.
The Saskatchewan RCMP conducted a proactive traffic initiative in partnership with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) on July 10, July 11 and July 12. Fifty-four individuals received roadside suspensions for consuming alcohol or drugs before driving (42 for alcohol and 12 for drugs) These suspensions are included in the 177 calls for service. Two indi-
viduals were also charged for operation of a motor vehicle while impaired. Officers with Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services conducted two additional check-stops at entrances to the festival grounds. More than 1,000 vehicles drivers were checked in total. Additionally, officers issued 460 Traffic Safety Act tickets and written warnings.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn
COMMUNITY
SaskEnergy conducts ongoing work to keep gas infrastructure operating safely and effectively
SaskToday SaskEnergy is inspecting approximately 20,000 kilometres of natural gas lines across Saskatchewan.
According to SaskEnergy, these inspections are part of the ongoing work to keep nearly 88,000 kilometres of infrastructure operating safely and effectively and to prevent potential service disruptions before they occur.
“SaskEnergy’s natural gas service is 99.99 per cent reliable, thanks to
the year-round planning and work by teams across the corporation,” Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Jeremy Harrison said. “Comprehensive system integrity programs help safely extend the lifespan of the province’s natural gas infrastructure — supporting the reliability and affordability of SaskEnergy service for the people and businesses of Saskatchewan.”
In 2025-26, SaskEnergy
thousands of staff hours to maintaining the integrity of its distribution and transmission systems. This work includes ground and aerial patrols, leak surveys, inline inspections, targeted digs and planned upgrades.
As part of these efforts, SaskEnergy replaces approximately 2,400 older service connections at homes and businesses each year to enhance safety and system reliability. This work takes place between May and October each year.
“Safety is a top priority at SaskEnergy, which is why service upgrades and system inspections are a key part of the system integrity work we plan and execute every year,” said Cory Frei, SaskEnergy’s interim president and CEO.
“Proactive maintenance programs are critical to the safety of our people, our customers and our communities. A safe, reliable system means that our customers can rely on us for the gas service they need, when it’s needed.”
With SaskEnergy technicians and representatives inspecting natural gas lines in alleys, easements, and near property lines in communities throughout Saskatchewan, residents may see crews working in their neighbourhoods and, in some cases, may need to provide access to yards or gas meters. If a potential issue is identified, SaskEnergy crews will conduct more detailed inspections and complete required maintenance or upgrades.
to
Explore beauty, history of Saskatchewan
Jon Perez
SaskToday.ca
The government is looking to capitalize on the province’s annual tourism spending, with a wide range of cultural attractions — museums, festivals, parks, and heritage sites — that showcase Saskatchewan’s history and natural beauty.
Tourism Saskatchewan said the province generates roughly $3 billion annually in tourism spending, with residents accounting for about 60 per cent of expenditures, the broader Canadian market at 26 per cent, and the rest from international visitors.
Parks, Culture, and Sports Minister Alana Ross said people across the province can celebrate what Saskatchewan has to offer, with various organizations providing experiences for people of all ages in local history, arts, and other outdoor recreational activities.
“There are opportunities in every corner of our province for people of all ages to get out, explore and connect,” said Ross during the announcement showcasing upcoming exhibits, festivals, performances, and programs across the province.
Saskatchewan Science Centre CEO Sandy Baumgartner, SK Arts CEo Lisa Bird-Wilson, Western Development Museum CEO Joan Kanigan, Creative Saskatchewan Film Analyst Sandra Panko, and Wanuskewin Heritage Park Co-Executive Director Andrew McDonald joined Ross at the event.
Ross credited the provincial organizations for highlighting the events, exhibits, and programs, which are supported by provincial government funding that promotes Sas-
katchewan’s cultural identity while helping attract visitors.
She said that whether experiencing local festivals, enjoying live performances, visiting museums or cultural sites, or taking part in hands-on science, history, and art activities, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy, offering visitors a variety of destinations from north to south.
“We have a remarkable history. We have a beautiful province. I live just south of Prince Albert, and that’s where the boreal forest begins. Then you go down to the plains and the beautiful Grasslands, and you go to the Cypress Hills area. We have such diversity in this province,” added Ross.
She added that visitors are increasingly interested in learning about Saskatchewan’s history, cultural experiences, and diverse landscapes as they explore its parks, communities, and attractions, emphasizing that the province’s cultural offerings appeal to a broad audience because of its diversity.
“I know tourism is really growing, and it’s organizations and the places that we heard about today that are really important. People want to see them. They want to learn about our history. They want to learn what’s here, and our parks are also a large attraction to the tourism industry,” said Ross.
“There are major events and a wide variety of activities for people. We’re very diverse here, so we want to appeal to people from everywhere and to all ages. These experiences support local tourism, strengthen communities and remind us of everything Saskatchewan has to offer.”
Wheatland game results
In Spades held on July 6, Mildred Sandiford won first, Shirley Cherpin took second and Sherril Taylor placed third.
Playing Trump Whist on July 6, Janet vanWinkoop and Shirley Cherpin won first, Cindy Renas and Sheila Wendel finished in second place and Heather Carter and Marge Schultz placed third.
In Kaiser on July 7, Eva Morley and Marlene Szczecinski won first, Heather Carter and Elaine Frasz took second and Marge Schultz and Ruth Boren placed third.
During Canasta on July 8, Marlene Szczecinski won first, Bonnie
Olvera took second, Trina Maas placed third, Shirley Cherpin was fourth and Eveline Porte took fifth.
In Hi-Low Whist on July 8, Fay Johnson and Marge Schultz won first, Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul finished second and Janet vanWinkoop and Shirley Cherpin took third.
During Thursday crib on July 9, Shirley Hubbs and Heather Carter won first, Dave Frayn and Sheila Wendel took second and Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson finished third.
In Fun Crib on July 11, Fran Long won first, Fay Johnson finished second and Marge Schultz took third place.
Rylee enjoyed studying one of the books on display at the school house while touring Heritage Village on July 8 along with other participants of the FunZone Summer Camp.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Sofia applied black pottery paint to her clay creation during a Spark Summer Camp on July 7. Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn
EDITORIAL
Opinion: Why your grocery bill won’t fall anytime soon
Sylvain Charlebois SaskToday.ca
Ottawa is once again examining whether a lack of competition across Canada’s food supply chain is contributing to persistently high food prices. The Competition Bureau has launched a comprehensive review stretching from farm inputs to grocery store shelves, with a report expected in 2027.
The review is long overdue, but Canadians should temper their expectations. Competition matters, but it is only one piece of a much larger affordability puzzle.
The Bureau intends to investigate whether dominant players in production, processing, distribution, and retail are limiting competition; whether restrictive property controls and exclusive agreements are blocking new entrants; whether interprovincial trade barriers and municipal regulations are increasing costs; and whether large retailers possess excessive bargaining power over suppliers.
It is also looking at practices such as loyalty programs, shrinkflation, and skimpflation that may make it more difficult for consumers to compare prices. These are all worthwhile lines of inquiry, but the mandate overlooks one important part of the food economy: restaurants.
Foodservice accounts for roughly one-third of food spending in Canada, and many processors and distributors serve both retail and restaurant customers. Any meaningful examination of competition in food must recognize how interconnected these sectors have become.
The Bureau’s biggest challenge, however, may not be identifying issues but uncovering the truth. Canada’s food industry remains remarkably secretive. Many suppliers, processors, distributors, and even retailers are reluctant to speak openly about market practices for fear of damaging commercial relationships. Some of the most important information will never emerge through public consultations or hearings. If regulators want a complete understanding of how the system operates, they will need to earn the trust of industry participants willing to speak confidentially. Otherwise, the review risks capturing only part of the story.
There is little doubt that competition problems exist. Restrictive property controls have prevented new grocery stores from opening in many communities. Interprovincial trade barriers continue to raise costs unnecessarily. Municipal regulations often slow in -
vestment and discourage new entrants. At the same time, large retailers have been accused of exerting excessive pressure on suppliers, while annual pricing blackout periods imposed by major chains between November and February can contribute to volatility and inflationary pressures later in the year. These practices deserve scrutiny and reform.
Yet it would be a mistake to conclude that competition alone explains Canada’s food affordability crisis. Over the last several years, Canada has consistently recorded some of the highest food inflation rates among G7 countries. Market concentration may play a role, but government policy has also contributed.
Repeated fiscal transfers during inflationary periods, regulatory burdens, rising labour costs, expensive energy, transportation inefficiencies, and policies such as the GST tax holiday late last year all distorted markets to varying degrees. The temporary tax holiday, in particular, created operational challenges while opening the door to opportunistic pricing behaviour. Affordability is influenced by far more than competition; it is also shaped by productivity, investment, infrastructure, and policy choices.
If governments truly want lower food prices, they should focus on removing structural barriers that have hindered competitiveness for years. Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers, ending restrictive property controls, streamlining regulations, and encouraging investment in food processing, logistics, and domestic production would likely have a more meaningful long-term impact than another study alone. Consumers benefit when markets are transparent, contestable, and open to new entrants, but they also benefit when supply chains are productive, efficient, and resilient.
The Competition Bureau is asking many of the right questions. The real test will come after the report is released. Canadians do not need another diagnosis of the problem; they need governments willing to act on the findings. Competition is important, but affordability cannot be achieved through competition policy alone.
A more productive, efficient, and competitive food system — from farmgate to checkout — is what will ultimately deliver lower prices and greater food security for Canadians.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast
Exploring north of Battleford
By Trudy and Dale Buxton, Publishers of The Independent
Let’s take a break on the B.C. trip for this week and give you a new ride that we just did.
It’s Friday afternoon and shaping up to be a good day. Shall we travel south or shall we travel north? That’s the tough question being answered as we headed north towards Battleford.
Highway 4 north is really in good shape. However, just north of Cando you have to pay particular attention to the horses that are running wild - they tend to get alongside the highway to feed on the fresh grass.
Battleford is such a nice community. Coming into Battleford you see the history that has shaped this community. The town is not overloaded with all of the modern buildings that you see in other urban areas.
Some of the main observations are the Battleford Post Office, built in 1911 with red brick and the clock that adorns the top of the building. There is Fort Battleford, once the scene of many conflicts in the past was restored in 1876. There are the historic Town Hall and Opera House, which was constructed in 1912, again in that red brick style. The Government House or the remains of, which is just outside of Battleford was constructed in 1876.
Battleford was at one time the capital of the North-West Territories from 1876 to 1883, and the Government House served as the first seat of power.
The Fred Light Museum holds a massive amount of antiques and military artifacts. Did you know that the largest baseball bat in Canada reside at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Battleford.
Many historic events took place in
Battleford and these events helped shape Western Canada to what it is today.
On this day we took the bike across on the bridges that are still standing, this bridge goes over to the island that is on the river, the other bridge is closed completely to any traffic due to its safety concern. Looking at the North Saskatchewan River, the water is quite high and not a lot of room on the banks of the river for more water.
After our little tour of Battleford, we decide to head over to Cut Knife for dinner. Did you know that Cut Knife has the world’s largest tomahawk?
Named after Cut Knife Hill, which is now called Chief Poundmaker Hill situated on the Poundmaker reserve. The hill was named Cut Knife Hill after a Sarcee chief who was killed on this hill by the Cree First Nations in the 1840’s during a conflict. This area as well is home to much conflict and history from the 1800’s, a famous battle took place called the Battle of Cut Knife during the North-West Rebellion.
The town today has a population close to 600 with a vibrate downtown and active community. The main street going into town has a beautiful centre area that consists of trees and shrubs and very wide streets downtown.
We decided to have dinner at the Motor Inn, which is at the entrance of the town, a little outdated but clean, good service, and great food.
After eating it was off to Unity and home - a great way to spend a Friday afternoon and complete a circular trip.
Stay tuned for next week as we continue our British Columbia story.
Cut Knife is home of the world’s largest tomahawk.
Creelman Hall from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
See vintage cars, horses, clowns and live music on the streets of downtown Creelman with the infamous parade at 10 a.m., followed by a six-pony hitch demonstration at the fair grounds. Children are encouraged to decorate their bikes and join the parade.
Admission fee has changed this year with ages six and under admitted free of charge. All other admission is $10, and children of all ages are admitted free to the midway.
The pig scramble begins at 12 noon and runs until 4 p.m. on the grounds.
There will be a horse and cattle show with small animals like chickens, donkeys and sheep. A dog show will also be offered at 11:00 a.m. for all ages of participants.
A craft and trade show will take place in the rink alongside local creations on display.
There will be slo-pitch and beach volleyball tournaments held throughout the day and a cold plate meal featuring homemade pie will be available all day at the rink. Concession booths and beer gardens
will also be available. Remember to bring cash.
The main stage will offer live local music starting at 12 noon featuring the Sirens Duelling Pianos, The Kosiors, Fiddlers, Lachlan Neville, Kylee and Daryl Carver and Neil Kosior. Headliner Justin LaBrash Trio will cap off the evening entertainment starting at 8:30 p.m.
The Creelman Fair draws visitors from nearby towns, southern and eastern Saskatchewan as well as Weyburn, Regina, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon.
For more information check out their website www.creelmanagsociety.ca.
Paradigm Charter bus struggles to get passengers on new route
Josie Hlohovsky SaskToday.ca
A shuttle between Estevan and Regina has been seeing an average of four passengers per ride, but a company official said higher usage numbers are more likely to guarantee the new route will continue.
“I think a line run like what Paradigm is trying to do is crucial,” said Jordan Kreutzer, programs manager for Paradigm Charter, a bus company based in southern Saskatchewan,
Founded in 2021 by Scott Kreutzer, Jordan’s father, Paradigm Charter is a family business. Jordan’s brothers, Adam and Taylor, are the business manager and operations manager, respectively. Their tour manager, Lesley Mittleholtz, is not a family member, and is based out of Estevan.
Kreutzer, who also lives in Estevan, said he would use the shuttle whenever he needs to go to Regina. It gives him four extra hours to work, he said, and he really wants to see the shuttle bus become a bigger part of Estevan’s community.
“I live here. I see the need for it. I see the need for people needing rides.”
Kreutzer considers Paradigm Charter as public transport, and wants to provide what is no longer available to residents. The old bus service between Regina and Estevan, provided by the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC), was shut down in 2017.
“We have a lot of stuff in the southeast, but to get to our doctor’s appointments and specialist appointments in Regina, or if you really want to go shopping, you want to do anything, you have to get to Regina,” he said.
The idea for the shuttle bus was first brought to Estevan City Council and the cities in southeast Saskatchewan in January, but only began running in May. They received “resounding support from the communities. Everyone was on board, from the city councils to the passengers.”
The buses make several stops in Macoun, Midale, Weyburn, Lang, Milestone and Yellowgrass, to pick up passengers. They also have multiple drop off places in Regina like the Costco and the General Hospital.
“I want this to continue long term,” he said. They were going to evaluate their performance after eight weeks to see if running this line was going to be worth it. That eight weeks is up.
Kreutzer mentioned the Accessible Saskatchewan Act, passed in December 2023, which made communities plan for how to make communities more accessible. This act included public transport measures. There are very few public transport services in Estevan.
“We’re trying to fill that gap that the municipalities have identified and need to fill,” he said.
‘We’re wired for
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Lampman has joined a growing list of Saskatchewan communities that is trying to gather its history in a digital format.
The town recently announced the creation of Memory Lane, a digital archive designed to preserve and share local stories, photographs, personal memories and historical events through the Memory Keepers platform. The project will also feature a self-guided walking tour, helping residents
St. Joseph’s Hospital grand opening for MRI
Josie Hlohovsky SaskToday.ca
St Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan plans to celebrate the opening of their new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine on July 30. The grand opening will include several events happening at the hospital.
St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation plans to hold a tea from 1 to 3 p.m. in the cafeteria at St. Joseph’s Hospital, followed by a barbeque in the park from 4 to 7 p.m. She said there will
also be a bouncy castle for families with children.
Lori Gervais, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation executive director, said that the day is an opportunity to celebrate with those who made the MRI possible. Without community support, she said, it never would have happened.
Both events are free and open to the public, and Gervais hopes to have many community members there.
Afterwards, she said, the
hospital plans to have a private tour of the MRI suite and facility for donors, showing them what their support has produced.
Elaine Walkom will also be in attendance.
“We definitely want her front and centre,” said Gervais. “It was her donation that really supported us.”
The MRI’s fundraising campaign began in March 2024 and continued until they reached their $6.5 million goal on November 6, 2025. Walkom’s $2 million
donation, in honour of her husband, was what spurred the drive to bring an MRI to the southeast.
The MRI suite was built in March, while the scanner itself arrived in early June, and installment began. Training also started in July, and was projected to be operational near July 27. Now, the grand opening date of July 30 has been announced.
Gervais said she is eager to celebrate the opening with the community.
stories’: Lampman launches Memory Lane project
and visitors discover the people, places and moments that make Lampman unique.
“Whether it’s a story about growing up in Lampman, memories of community celebrations, tales from local businesses and farms, cherished family traditions, or the people and experiences that made this community feel like home, we want to help preserve what makes Lampman special,” stated a post on the town’s Facebook page.
In addition to collecting
stories and photographs, the town will also seek volunteers who are interested in lending their voices to help bring these memories to life.
Town of Lampman administrative assistive Kayla McLaren said the project was first used by Moose Jaw, and the town’s chief administrative officer Teresa Biller was introduced to it at a convention.
McLaren said the Moose Jaw project was very well done, and it even has a QR code linked to that city’s Memory Keepers project at the base of the famed Mac the Moose statue.
In the case of Lampman, McLaren said they’re hoping to keep memories alive, with stories about businesses, community leaders and more. The town has purchased the necessary equipment.
“I have wireless recording microphones so we can go to the health centre and ... get people’s stories and put them in an online platform, a digital platform
that will be accessible for umpteen generations to come, for pretty much as long as the Internet’s alive,” said McLaren.
She knows of other communities with similar projects.
“I do believe it is a fairly new platform, but you can have a ton of different albums per town. I believe we, specifically, with our licence, have a terabyte of storage and an unlimited amount of albums. So, if the recreation department is hosting a minor sports tournament, we can give them a QR code, and the players and the parents, they can all upload whatever pictures they want for the QR code, and it’s specific to that album.”
Volunteer Mary Anne Veroba said McLaren has the technological knowhow for the project, while Veroba has the connections and the stories.
The walking tour will feature key points around the town, Veroba said, with a QR code that will take people to a story. For
example, it would talk about Lampman’s inception and how it was named after the famed Canadian poet Archibald Lampman.
Other key sites in the town would include the school, sports venues, the Shirley Carson Therapeutic Park, the Lampman Public Library, the Lampman branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and businesses like Gerry’s Store or the local tavern, which still has a Poet’s Corner sign.
“We have to capture them from the people that are around to still tell the stories, who still know the stories,” said Veroba. “I actually do think that we’re wired for stories. People are wired to listen to stories of how things happened, how they unfolded,” said Veroba, who believes there are lots of great stories in every town.
She also suggested having tales from people who had their start in the Lampman area. One person from the town worked in embassies around the world.
The committee has already received one story from a man whose mother worked in the telephone office.
Veroba expects people involved with the Memory Keepers project will have to talk to others and ask them for stories, because she believes many people are a little shy in thinking they have something to share.
“The town has purchased a good recording system that we can use to record both visually and vocally,” said Veroba.
People are also encouraged to submit photos.
“I think it’s just going to take a couple of people to start, and maybe we’ll get some stories from people who have moved from Lampman, too, once we start rolling,” said Veroba, adding she believes they will wind up with lots of stories.
Everyone Veroba has talked to, including the town council, has been very supportive, she said.
The Paradigm Charter shuttle between Estevan and Regina is reporting low usage.
Photo Submitted
Author’s first book celebrates faith, miracles and resiliency
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Maggie Mae Holmes says her new autobiography, God Knows Your Name, was a decade in the making, and she is excited to have it available to the public.
The first full-length book she has published, Holmes has held a couple of book launch celebrations, one at the Estevan Public Library on July 4 and the other in her hometown of Pierson, Man., on
July 10.
“I was really excited with the turnout and how people responded,” she told SaskToday.
Holmes said she will also attend the Red Market Barn north of Kenosee Lake a couple of times in the fall to promote the book, and she hopes to attend some ministry meetings and conferences.
“I really like doing the markets and library book launches as well, because there is a variety of people
who need all sorts of help in their lives in different ways, and I’m going to find them all in different places,” she said.
She said she counted 57 occasions in the book in which God did something “miraculously” to change her for the better. In one instance, she was paying $300 for Bible courses for Holmes and another woman. Holmes’ daughter was then hit in the front tooth with a baseball; the tooth repair was going to
Estevan Legion branch to mark national 100th anniversary
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion is looking forward to celebrating the centennial year of the national organization.
A 100th anniversary event for the national legion will happen July 17 at the Estevan branch from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. A barbecue lunch and an open house will be part of the event.
Estevan legion branch president Jim (Frosty) Forrest said tours of the legion branch will be offered, and the event will also have information on what the legion does for veterans and
the community.
“Basically, what the legion is all about. We invite people to come out,” said Forrest.
Since this is the legion’s centennial year, the organization is waiving the first year of membership dues for those who haven’t been members previously. Forrest said the legion hopes to get new members to sign up and volunteer with the branch in its community efforts.
“Celebrate the fact that we’ve been around for 100 years and we’re still going.”
The local branch has added approximately 20 new members this year, he said, and he hopes to have more. He has seen more interest in the legion this year because of the centennial, and he said the national office has done a good job of promoting the milestone.
“I think that led to us getting those 20 new members,” concluded Forrest.
Hey Dads! Are you out on the deck flipping burgers on the barbecue? ‘Tis the season for running out of propane just before the meat is finished. But I’m smarter than that now. I knew when the weather started to get nice that we’d be firing up the grill for burgers, steaks, and the occasional pizza. (Did I tell you about the time our oven was broken and my wife was making pizza on the barbecue? Turned out great!)
So, I was well prepared for BBQ season this year. Being responsible and such, I put the two propane tanks out beside the driveway when I put away the BBQ last fall. That way I would see them and remember to take them in to town for a refill. We’d be ready to fire up the grill as soon as spring was in the air! Those beautiful tanks sat there beside the driveway for a few months until we took the BBQ out of the shed in the spring. We were ready to fire it up…as soon as I brought the tanks into town for propane. Which I promptly did only to learn
Firing
up the grill
that one was expired and I had to buy a new one. Which I also promptly did and now we were ready to grill some meat!
It’s had a lot of use so far this summer. The other night I was making some sausage for dinner before I had to go out for the evening. Just before they were finished, my lovely wife brought out 3 frozen burgers to cook up. I happily scraped all the annoying sticky paper off of them and put them on the grill to burn…I mean…well… you know what I mean. I had to hit the road to get to my appointment so I went back in the house and told all witnesses within earshot, “I just flipped the burgers.” I felt it unnecessary to provide further instructions like, “Go get them in a few minutes and shut off the BBQ and turn off the propane.”
The next day soon arrived.
I was out and about working hard, no doubt, when I got a text from my lovely wife to tell me one of the kids had turned the BBQ off. That’s interest -
cost $300. The following day, Holmes received a cheque for $300 from a person she had met once.
In another instance, a meeting with a gym owner in Regina led to Holmes’ daughter getting a job, answering a prayer by Holmes that her daughter would get a job.
Holmes said she had help and encouragement throughout her writing process, because the book is something she never would happen. She recalled she had trouble learning when she was a child due to issues with her short-term memory.
“My mom took on teaching me, and she got me so I could read and write and do math and stuff,” she said.
Holmes still encountered challenges with commas and spelling complex words during the writing process, and she doubted her own abilities even though she believed she was supposed to write the book. But the encouragement she received
from God and other people enabled her to complete the project.
“The last 10 years have been an interesting time of growth,” she said.
Holmes has also written separate non-fiction stories of a Second World War veteran and a war bride. Those experiences, coupled with her involvement in the Estevan Writers’ Group, helped her develop as a writer.
“It took me a long time to learn how to write, and then learn how to put it all into a nice, orderly book, chapter upon chapter,” Holmes said.
The war bride book is a short story in the Pierson library, she said, while the story on the war veteran was given to the man’s family.
Holmes has been a member of the Estevan Writers’ Group for 25 years. For much of that time, she travelled to Estevan for meetings, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and restrictions were implemented, the
meetings shifted to Zoom. Most meetings are still online, but some are in person.
“Every six months or so, we hand 3,000 words to each other. It’s sent through emails, of course. And we will sit down and critique each other’s work, and then we get together, usually in person but sometimes online, and we will go through and tell each other about what we like about the other person’s work, and what could be changed, what could be made better. That has helped me so much. That moved my writing forward quite quickly.”
At other times, the guild has brought in published authors to lead a workshop and teach specific things about the writing process.
An American-based group, Messenger Life, helped her finish writing the book and taught her about marketing. It helps Christian authors, she said, and provided another boost in getting her book published.
ing. I thought. Didn’t I communicate simple, clear, unmistakeable instructions to do that last night? A wise man once said, “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has actually taken place.”
When I got home, I went to check on those burgers I had flipped the night before. They were still there. Only slightly smaller, harder, and blacker. Being generous, we tossed the 3 pieces of charcoal to our dog. Even she had a hard time getting them down. There’s still one black, burnt meat puck lying in the grass today. Dad, we must always communicate clearly. I know you probably do but I sometimes do not. Is there something you need to communicate to your wife or kids? Get on it! Time flies. Make every moment count! Even the burnt ones.
Jason Weening tries not to burn food on the BBQ for his 10 kids and one patient wife. Read more in his book, “Yes, Dear… I’m Watching Them,” on Amazon.
Prayer Corner
Oh Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, Near Kinsmen of Jesus Christ, Faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such Great power to come to my Assistance and help me in my present urgent position.In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be evoked. St. Jude Pray for us and all who invoke your aide. Amen. Thank you for our Prayers answered. Thank you for a life spared. Thank you for the miracles. C.M.
May 18, 1972 to July 18, 2002
Shand Greenhouse to benefit from federal funds to plant trees
John Cairns SaskToday.ca
Millions of new trees are expected to take root across Saskatchewan through $24.5 million in federal funding aimed at restoring forests, improving habitats and supporting climate resilience.
per month. (204) 795-9200
The Kamsack Times is hiring a Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter to produce original civic journalism for Kamsack; Cote, Keeseekoose and The Key First Nations; and surrounding towns. Job is a term position until March 31, 2027. Apply with cover letter and three writing samples to Devan Tasa at dtasa@tasamedia.ca.
As I write this to honour your memory, I do so not just for you and for us, but for every parent who has felt the pain of losing a child. A pain that cannot be described until you are there. You are in our thoughts and tears every day. You are loved and missed more that words can say. Rick, Sandra and family.
It was confirmed Saskatchewan would receive funding for eight projects through the 2 Billion Trees program.
“Together, these projects will restore habitats, protect biodiversity and build climate resilience while also supporting communities and good sustainable jobs,” Provost said.
“Here in Saskatchewan, these projects will protect the landscapes that define this province and create opportunities for future generations. Today shows what we can achieve when we work together, from coast to coast to coast, to protect what makes Canada extraordinary.”
A total of $327,842 is going to SaskPower, which is planting nearly 100,000 additional trees throughout the province as part of a three-year initiative by 2027.
“These trees will improve wildlife habitat, increase biodiversity and help reduce erosion, dust
and wind impacts near SaskPower’s power generation facilities,” said Brad Crassweller, MLA for White City-Qu’Appelle.
“More than 20 species have been planted, including native pine, spruce and aspen, creating a healthier and more resilient habitat for migratory birds, deer and other wildlife.”
He said the majority of this work, more than 72,000 trees, had been planted on reclaimed coal lands near Estevan, while “additional planting has strengthened shelter belts at Chinook and Boundary Dam power stations and supported erosion control efforts in the far north near Lake Athabasca.”
Crassweller said the project also builds on the legacy of the Shand Greenhouse near the Shand Power Station, where all of the seedlings were grown.
“In fact, SaskPower’s Shand Greenhouse has distributed approximately 16 million tree seedlings across Saskatchewan over the past 30 years. SaskPower is upgrading this facility this year, which will allow it to provide seedlings to the people and organizations of Saskatchewan for many years to come.”
Juli-Ann Dawn Mackenzie
In Memoriam
SPORTS
Silver Seals compete in Assiniboia, Swift Current swim meets
Members of the Weyburn Silver Seals won 12 medals in two different swim meets, while competing in Assiniboia and Swift Current.
Six medals were won at the Assiniboia Sprint Meet on July 5. These included gold for Jacob Gill, Zane Warren, Nikolas Nikulin and Ayza Manzoor, silver medals went to Ishanne Subnaen and Lucho Martija.
Assiniboia results
Top six placements:
Female aged 7-8: Ayza Manzoor, first 50 m breaststroke and 100 m individual medley, and second 25 m butterfly, 50 m freestyle and 25 m freestyle.
Female aged 9-10: Julianne Kotylak, sixth 50 m backstroke.
Sophie Kruit, fifth 25 m backstroke.
Aria Bernard third 25 m butterfly, sixth 25 m breaststroke, 50 m breaststroke and 24 freestyle.
Rayya Ness, second 25 m butterfly, fourth 60 m backstroke, 50 m breaststroke and 100 m individual medley and fifth 50 m freestyle.
Female aged 11-12: Milly Ho, first 100 m freestyle and 25 m backstroke, third 25 m freestyle, fourth 25 m butterfly and fifth 50 m butterfly.
Minsa Manzoor, sixth 100 m freestyle.
Lucy Min, fifth 110 m free.
Sonja Plemel, fourth 50 m backstroke, fifth 50 m freestyle and 25 m freestyle and sixth 25 m butterfly.
Elizabeth Wig, second 25 m backstroke, third 100 m freestyle and 25
m breaststroke, fifth 100 m individual medley and sixth 25 m freestyle.
Anastasia Wilson, third 25 m butterfly and sixth 25 m breaststroke.
Female aged 13-14: Alexandra Jose, third 100 m backstroke, fourth 100 m freestyle and fifth 50 m breaststroke.
Elin Min, fifth 100 m freestyle and 25 m backstroke.
Sakoda Seitz, third 100 m freestyle, fourth 25 m butterfly, 50 m freestyle and 50 m butterfly and fifth 100 m individual medley.
Brenna Torkelson, third 25 m breaststroke and 100 m breaststroke, fourth 100 m backstroke and sixth 100 m freestyle.
Shay Warren, first 100 m individual medley, second 100 m freestyle and 100 m backstroke, third 50 m freestyle and fifth 25 butterfly.
Persephonee Wilson, fifth in the 100 m backstroke and 25 m freestyle.
Female aged 15-17: Avryelle Molnar, first 50 m butterfly, second 100 m freestyle and 25 m butterfly, third 25 m freestyle and fourth 25 m backstroke.
Male aged 7-8: Lucho Martija, second 50 m freestyle, 25 m backstroke and 25 m freestyle.
Male aged 9-10: Beau Gateman second 25 m backstroke, fourth 50 m backstroke and sixth 25 m freestyle.
Lucas Martija, third 50 m backstroke, 25 m breaststoke and 25 m freestyle and fifth 50 m freestyle.
Ishanne Kir Subna-en,
first 100 m individual medley and second 50 m backstroke, 25 m butterfly, 50 m freestyle and 50 m breaststroke.
Jake Wig, third 25 backstroke, fourth 25 m freestyle, fifth 50 m backstroke and sixth 50 m freestyle.
Male aged 11-12: Alexander Hambly, sixth 50 m backstroke, 25 m breaststroke and 25 m backstroke.
Bentley McKinney, third 25 m freestyle, fourth 50 m backstroke, fifth 100 m freestyle and sixth 50 m breaststroke.
Daniel Nikulin, fifth 50 m backstroke, 25 m breaststroke, 50 m breaststroke and 25 m freestyle and sixth 100 m freestyle.
Zane Warren, first 100 m freestyle, 25 m butterfly, 50 m freestyle, 50 m butterfly and 100 m individual medley.
Cody Wig, first 50 m backstroke, second 25 m freestyle and fourth 100 m freestyle and 50 m breaststroke.
Male aged 13-14: Russell Brock, first 50 m backstroke, third 100 m freestyle and 25 m freestyle and fourth 100 m individual medley.
Nikolas Nikulin, first 100 m freestyle, 100 m backstroke, 50 m butterfly, 25 m freestyle and 100 m individual medley.
Male aged 15-17: Jacob Gill, first 25 m butterfly, 25 m breaststroke, 25 m backstroke, 50 m butterfly and 25 m freestyle.
Nash Warren, first 100 m backstroke, third 100 m freestyle, fourth 25 m free-
style and fifth 50 m freestyle.
Swift Current results
Top six placements: Six medals were won at the Swift Current meet on July 4. These included gold for Jacob Gill, silver for Zane Warren, Avryelle Molnar, Ishanne Subna-en and Ayza Manzoor, and bronze for Shay Warren.
Female aged 7-8: Ayza Manzoor, first 100 m individual medley, second 25 m butterfly, 25 m breaststroke and 50 m butterfly and third 50 m freestyle.
Ava Skjerdal, sixth in the 25 m backstroke and 25 m freestyle.
Female aged 11-12: Milly Ho, third 25 m butterfly, 100 m freestyle, 50 m butterfly, and 50 m freestyle.
Minsa Manzoor, fifth 200 m freestyle.
Female aged 13-14: Alexandra Jose, second 200 m backstroke, fourth 200 m freestyle and 50 m breaststroke and sixth 50 m freestyle.
Kassandra Madriaga, second 100 m breaststroke, third 200 m freestyle, 100 m backstroke and 50 m freestyle and fourth 50 m backstroke.
Rehaam Manzoor, second 50 m freestyle, fifth 100 m freestyle, 50 m back-
stroke and 50 m breaststroke and sixth 50 m butterfly.
Sakoda Seitz, second 100 m butterfly and 200 m individual medley, third 100 m freestyle, fourth 50 m butterfly and fifth 50 m freestyle.
Brenna Torkelson, fifth 200 m individual medley, sixth 200 m freestyle, 100 m breaststroke, 50 m backstroke and 200 m breaststroke.
Shay Warren, first 100 m breaststroke, second 50 m butterfly, 100 m freestyle, 50 m backstroke and 100 m backstroke.
Female aged 15-17: Avryelle Molnar, first 50 m butterfly and 100 m butterfly and second 100 m freestyle, 50 m backstroke and 50 m freestyle.
Male aged 7-8: Lucho Martija, third 25 freestyle and fourth 50 m freestyle.
Male aged 9-10: Felix Manko-Bauche, sixth in the 100 m freestyle and 50 m freestyle.
Lucas Martija, second 50 m freestyle and third 100 m freestyle and 50 backstroke.
Ishanne Kir Subna-en, first 25 m butterfly and 100 m breaststroke and second 100 m backstroke, 100 m freestyle and 100 m individual medley.
Male aged 11-12: Alexander Hambly, sixth 100 m
backstroke and 50 m freestyle.
Daniel Nikulin, first 50 m breaststroke, second 100 m backstroke, 50 m backstroke and 100 m breaststroke and fourth 100 m freestyle.
Oleksii Vlasenko, second 50 m breaststroke, fourth 100 m backstroke, 50 m backstroke and 50 m freestyle and fifth 100 m freestyle.
Zane Warren, first 200 m freestyle, 25 m butterfly, 100 m freestyle, 50 m butterfly and 200 m individual medley.
Male aged 13-14: Nikolas Nikulin, first 50 m backstroke and 50 m freestyle and second 200 m freestyle and 200 m individual medley.
Male aged 15-17: Jacob Gill, first 200 m backstroke, 100 m freestyle, 50 m breaststroke and 200 m individual medley and second 200 m freestyle.
Nash Warren, third 200 m backstroke and 100 m backstroke, fifth 100 m freestyle and sixth 200 m freestyle.
South Semi-Final Meet
The Weyburn Silver Seals will host the semi-final swim meet at the Weyburn Leisure Centre on Saturday, July 18. Clubs will compete to advance to provincials, which will be held on July 25 and 26 in Regina.
Weyburn Silver Seals swimmers recently competed in Estevan. Pictured, l-r, Milly Ho, Minsa Manzoor, Sonja Plemer and Lucy Min. Photo submitted
