The Weyburn Public Library will celebrate summer with an all ages Beach Party on Wednesday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m. The celebration will include crafts, beach games, fun activities, music and an afternoon of fun.
The Library will also be on location during Mobile Play in the Park for Riverside Park on July 6, July 13, July 20 and July 27 at 10 a.m. Library on location will also be at Nickle Lake on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at the Weyburn Legion 100th anniversary on Friday, July 11 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Childrens programs during the month include: Wiggles and Giggles (newborn to two years with caregivers)
Enjoy a splash-tastic morning of songs, rhymes, stories and play inspired by sharks and other sea crea-
tures on Thursday, July 9.
Explore the sights, sounds and textures of the beach of Thursday, July 23. Both programs start at 10 a.m.
Fidget Factory (ages six to 10 years)
Two programs will create fidgets, with a paper clip theme on Tuesday, July 14 and a beaded desk theme on Tuesday, July 28. Both programs start at 10 a.m.
Summerween (ages 11 to 17 years)
Mix, stir and create monstrously delicious mocktails during a drink lab at the Library on Monday, July 6. Experiment with colours and textures to create a slime masterpiece on Monday, July 13 at 2 p.m. Create creepy haunted crafts and creations on Monday, July 20. Taste some bizarre food combos and take the creepy food challenge on Monday, July 27. All Summerween pro-
grams start at 2 p.m.
Mood Makers
(ages 11 to 17 years)
Fun projects will include music lyric art on Thursday, July 9, lava beads on Thursday, July 16, clay fidget stones on Thursday, July 23 and Thursday, July 30. All mood makers programs start at 2 p.m.
Fun and Games
New players are welcome during the tabletop role-playing game nights every Monday at 6 p.m.
Marvel Multiverse RPG and Daggerheart will be played on July 6 and July 20. Dungeons and Dragons and Borderlands RPG will be played on July 13 and July 27.
For more information on programs held at the Weyburn Public Library, visit their website at weyburnpubliclibrary.weebly. com, or follow them on Facebook.
Bailey and Suri enjoyed the entertainment provided during the Kickoff to Summer Concert on June 25, hosted by Weyburn Tourism and the Young Fellows Club of Weyburn.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
COMMUNITY
Wheatland game results
In Spades held on June 22, Marge Schultz won first, Erskine Sandiford took second and Jannette Tonn placed third.
Playing Trump Whist on June 22, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Elaine Frasz and Willa Mae Donald placed second and Doreen Knibbs and Chris Carter finished third.
In Kaiser on June 23, Jean Knibbs and Jean Fahlman won first, Mildred Sandiford and Coral Schindel placed second and Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson placed third.
During Canasta on June 24, Marlene Szczecinski took first, Jean Reich placed second, Pat Peterson took third, Kathy Carson was fourth and Gladys Lokken finished fifth.
In Hi-Low Whist held on June 24, Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn won first,
Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum took second, and Marj McLeod and George McLeod tied third place with Marge Schultz and Faye Johnson.
During Thursday Cribbage on June 25, Marjorie McLeod and Fran Long won first, Cheryl Vogel and Emily Zyla took second and Stan Hubick and Garth White placed third.
In Contract Bridge on June 26, Mildred Sandiford won first, Bonnie Olvera won second and Lucie Nickel placed third.
In Shuffleboard on June 26, Ron Frayn and Stell Hoffart won first, Kathryn Groshong and Willa Mae Donald placed second and June Irvine and Yvette Bauche placed third.
In Fun Crib on June 27, Cheryl Vogel won first, Kathy Jacob placed second and Marg Schultz was third.
$500 to Weyburn Group Home Society representative Colin Folk.
KalTire and the RePlay Grant provided funding for rubber surfacing installed beneath the new climbing pyramid at the Little Discoveries Early Learning Cooperative. Pictured, l-r, Iryna Ipatemko (KalTire family member), Serhii Ipatemko (KalTire), Cheryl Knackstedt (fundraising committee LDELC), Mandy Naul (KalTire), Janelle Hazell (LDELC board chair), Michelle Whyley (director of LDELC), Jessica Fenwick (executive director LDELC), Linnea Elliot (LDELC board vice-chair), Ben Anderson (KalTire), and Jen Letkeman (fundraising committee LDELC) . Photo
Distribution available for Strychnine program
SaskToday.ca
Distribution of two per cent liquid strychnine has begun under Saskatchewan’s Strychnine Stewardship Program, giving agricultural producers access to an important tool for the integrated management of Richardson’s ground squirrel.
“I am encouraged to see the first deliveries of strychnine arrive in Saskatchewan,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “Strychnine is an important tool Saskatchewan producers can use to protect crops and pastures from continued gopher damage. I remain hopeful that we will see strychnine reinstated permanently in the future.”
Producers in eligible regions of Saskatchewan who
have completed the mandatory online training and met all stewardship program requirements can purchase the product at participating rural municipality offices. Supplies are limited, so producers should contact their RM, as delivery timing and available inventory may vary by location. Additional supplies are expected throughout the growing season.
At this time of year, strychnine application is not recommended as abundant green vegetation makes the bait less effective. The next recommended application
window is from July 15 to September 1 once vegetation starts to dry down.
In regions where strychnine is unavailable or not registered, producers are encouraged to use alternative registered rodenticides, as well as biological and cultural controls for Richardson’s ground squirrel control.
The Strychnine Stewardship Program includes significant measures to protect species-at-risk.
Measures include a species-at-risk assessment of every proposed strychnine treatment site to deter -
mine whether additional risk mitigation measures are required to protect species-at-risk. If speciesat-risk cannot be managed through additional measures, including delayed application and enhanced monitoring, application will be prohibited. All strychnine users must also conduct an in-field species-at-risk assessment and document the implementation of risk mitigation measures. Site monitoring is required for a minimum of four weeks following application with once-a-day monitoring in the first week.
4-H champions crowned in Weyburn
SaskToday
Dr. Isaac Galante
Family Dental would like to welcome to our practice!
He will join our practice on July 15th.
Dr. Isaac has 6 plus years experience and looks forward to providing you and your family with dental care here in Weyburn.
To book an appointment with Dr. Isaac, call us at 306-842-8111.
The 2026 Weyburn Fair Days kicked off with the first day of competition at the Weyburn Agricultural Society’s Interclub 4-H Beef and Sheep Show on June 29.
The event saw champions crowned in various showmanship and grooming categories, setting the stage for the main beef and sheep shows on Tuesday.
Highlights from Day 1:
-Cloverbud Beef Show-
manship Champion –Korbin Martinson from Cymri Beef 4-H Club.
-Junior Team Grooming Champion: Arcola-Kisbey Beef 4-H Club.
-Intermediate Team Grooming Champion: Radville Beef 4-H Club.
Weyburn Rotary Club representative Duane Schultz, left, donated
Seryna held up a butterfly in a glass jar displayed during Genius Hour for Grade 5 students at Legacy Park Elementary School recently. Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn
EDITORIAL
Exploring Ghost Towns
By Trudy and Dale Buxton, Publishers of The Independent
A great stop in Kaslo as we continue on Highway 31A which is kind of a cut through the mountains heading towards New Denver.
For a person on a motorcycle these are the runs that you cherish and take advantage of anytime and never a bad drive through the Kootney’s in the interior of British Columbia.
We come to the small occupation of Retallack which is basically a ghost town with a handful of people that look after some of the buildings that are still standing. Once known as Bell’s Camp, Retallack was renamed in honour of Major John Ley Retallack who had bought the local mine.
When going through small communities you have to figure that must be some kind of history, and Retallack is no exception. Did you know that Retallack once operated the second largest silver, lead and zinc operation in the entire British Empire, this in the late 1800’s and supported a population of over 300 people.
It was at this time that Retallack was going to be a large, populated community, until the bust in the mining industry and mostly everyone had to leave.
However, not everything was doom and gloom with Retallack. The annual snowfall in Retallack is a staggering 25- to 40-feet of fresh powder which spawned a couple of tourism businesses in the area.
The terrain features over 11,000 acres of pure downhill skiing in which some of the runs can drop over a staggering 4,200 feet. Retallack is also home to the world’s largest helicopter-biking operation in the summer with a very large, guided back country mountain bike program.
It is amazing the kind of things that you find out when researching these small areas.
Continuing on along the highway we come to a couple of other ghost towns, Zincton and Three Hills, all built during the silver rush in the late 1800’s, but after the mining was finished so were these communities.
We did find out that the Fish Lake region was the home of the famous Toad Migration in which tens of thousands of migrating toads cross the highway at a certain time of the year. Because of these migrating toads there is an artificial bridge used to prevent highway mortality.
Next up is the community of New Denver, population around 500 people. Once known as Eldorado City in the late 1800’s the region was renamed New Denver with hopes of mirroring the massive silver wealth and prosperity of Denver, Colorado, and a feat that they did accomplish in the early 1900’s as the hub of silver mining.
New Denver is situated on the Slocan Lake and surrounded by mountains making this place a haven for outdoor recreation, with beaches, hiking, biking and skiing.
During the Second World War, New Denver held an internment camp for over 1,500 Japanese Canadian people. These internees built 275 tiny shacks in the local fruit grove which was known as the Orchard.
From this camp the Kohan Reflection Garden was built, which is a Japanese style garden built to honour the resilience of the internees and to serve as the symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Next up we continue north on Highway 6 and next week we will continue our story in Nakusp.
known as
Nature Saskatchewan: A Royal Return - Monarchs are back
As Summer officially kicks off on the prairies, Saskatchewan residents are not the only ones soaking up the sunny rays.
The Monarch, our largest and most iconic butterfly, is back in the province to start off the next generation of its life cycle.
The Monarch’s showy black and orange colouration warns predators away, telling the world that it would make a very bitter meal. This toxic quality comes from the plant it spends half of its life cycle on- Milkweed.
“The Monarch’s return coincides with the Milkweeds emergence and leafing out,” Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator for Nature Saskatchewan’s Monarch programing notes, “right now, with the Milkweed really starting to grow, it’s a great time to check the underside of leaves for the first eggs and caterpillars of the year.” Monarch eggs are laid singly, usually on the underside of leaves and have a distinct ridged oval shape that comes to a sharp point. Caterpillars display bold colouration to warn of their toxic taste, displaying bands of black, yellow, and white. Both are only found on Milkweed.
“Speaking of Milkweed”, Putz continues, “If you want to promote Monarchs in your space, you will want to be sure to plant native Milkweed species and stay away from species that are not native to our province.” Saskatchewan has five species of native milkweed; many of which, like Showy, Common, or Dwarf Milkweed, can be found through local garden nurseries that sell native plants. Our native milkweed evolved with Monarchs and is best suited to support their full life cycle needs with the proper growth timings
Species to stay away from include Tropical Milkweed, which can spread harmful parasites, and species that are native to more eastern ranges and bloom with different timings such as Orange or Few-flowered Milkweed. “When in
doubt, go with a species that already calls Saskatchewan its home!” Putz concludes. Other ways you can support monarchs include planting other native flower species, such as asters and goldenrods, nearby your milkweed patch, stay away from any captive breeding (even catch and release can be harmful), and to report any sightings of Monarchs to Nature Saskatchewan’s Stewards of Saskatchewan program. Monarchs were officially listed as Endangered in late 2023 and every sighting on this species helps inform their population and range estimates, which can aid in recovery. All personal information from species sightings is kept private.
If you have any questions about the Stewards of Saskatchewan program, or would like to learn more about the Monarch, please contact Emily Putz at 306780-9832 or outreach@naturesask.ca.
Once
Eldorado City in the late 1800’s the region was renamed New Denver with hopes of mirroring the wealth and prosperity of Denver.
Photo courtesy L. Thopson-Flavel/Nature Saskatchewan
SPORTS
Beavers split games vs. Fort McMurray
Benny Walchuk SaskToday.ca
The Fort McMurray Giants flexed their power Monday night, with five home runs in a 16-6 victory over the Weyburn Beavers.
Carson Young, Marcus Arocho, Nick Sauve, Jordan Breen and Kieta Fujino all went deep for the Giants. Arocho finished a triple shy of the cycle, while Breen and Fujino each drove in three runs.
For Weyburn, Brayden Mayencourt stayed hot at the plate with three hits, including a pair of triples, but it wasn’t enough as the Beavers dropped to 9-13 on the season.
Weyburn 16, Fort McMurray 3
The Beavers left little to doubt against the Giants, scoring runs during a 16-3 victory on Sunday.
Hugh Montgomery led a Weyburn offence that cranked out seven extrabase hits on the night, go-
ing 4-for-5 with a double and four runs scored. Austin Boylan went 2-for-4 with a home run, three runs and two RBI while Brayden Mayencourt had a round tripper as his lone hit and knocked in three runs. Eli Hansen knocked in three runs, Ryan Weaver was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI.
All that offence was more than enough for Beavers starting pitcher Logan Lynch, who allowed two runs on four hits over six innings while striking out six to pick up the victory. Fort McMurray had only five hits on the night, with Eli McKeen picking up a pair of doubles in four trips to the plate, scoring and run and adding an RBI. Nick Sauve and Braeden Dyck scored the Giants’ other runs.
Riley Burns was the losing pitcher, allowing six runs on eight hits over the opening 3 ⅔ innings.
Silver Seals compete in Saskatoon, Rosetown swim meets
Submitted
Swimmers from the Weyburn Silver Seals were in Saskatoon during a meet held June 27. Results in alphabetical order:
Alexander Hambly - 1112 boys - 11th in the 100 m backstroke, 10th in the 100 m freestyle and 19th in the 50 m freestyle and 50 m backstroke.
Milly Ho - 11-12 girlsthird in the 100 m freestyle, fourth in the 50 m butterfly, 50 m backstroke and 100 m butterfly and sixth in the 50 m freestyle.
Presley Logel - 9-10 girls - sixth in the 25 m backstroke, 10th in the 25 m butterfly and 50 m backstroke, 13th in the 50 m breaststroke and 17th in the 50 m freestyle.
Kassandra Madriaga13-14 girls - second in the 50 m breaststroke, third in the 100 m breaststroke, frouth in the 100 m backstroke, fifth in the 50 m backstroke and sixth in the 100 m individual medley.
Ayza Manzoor - 7-8 girls - silver medal overall - first in the 100 m individual medley, second in
the 25 m butterfly and 50 m breaststroke and third in the 25 m breaststroke and 25 m freestyle.
Minsa Manzoor - 11-12
girls - 15th in the 100 m freestyle, 16th in the 100 m breaststroke, 20th in the 50 m breaststroke and 100 m individual medley and 21st in the 50 m freestyle.
Rehaam Manzoor -1314 girls - third in the 100 m freestyle and 50 m freestyle, sixth in the 50 m backstroke, eighth in the 50 m butterfly and 10th in the 50 m breaststroke.
Bentley McKinney - 1112 boys - seventh in the 200 m freestyle, eighth in the 50 m freestyle, 10th in the 50 m breaststroke and 11th in the 50 m backstroke.
Daniel Nikulin - 11-12 boys - seventh in the 50 m breaststroke and 100 m freestyle, eighth in the 100 m breaststroke, ninth in the 100 m freestyle and 10th in the 50 m backstroke.
Nikolas Nikulin - 13-14 boys - silver medal overallfirst in the 100 m backstroke, 50 m backstroke and 100 m individual medley and second in the 200 m free-
style and 100 m freestyle.
Sakoda Seitz - 13-14 girls - second in the 100 m freestyle and 400 m freestyle, third in the 100 m butterfly, fifth in the 50 m butterfly and sixth in the 50 m breaststroke.
Ishanne Kir Subna-en9-10 boys - bronze medal overall - first in the 50 m butterfly and 100 m individual medley, second in the 50 m backstroke and 50 m freestyle and third in the 50 m breaststroke.
Brenna Torkelson - 1314 girls - sixth in the 100 m freestyle and 400 m freestyle, seventh in the 100 m backstroke, eighth in the 50 m breaststroke and 10th in the 100 m breaststroke.
Nash Warren - 15-17 boys - second in the 100 m backstroke, fourth in the 50 m backstroke, fifth in the 200 m freestyle and sixth in the 100 m freestyle.
Shay Warren - 13-14 girls - silver medal overallfirst in the 100 m freestyle, 50 m freestyle and 100 m breaststroke, second in the 50 m butterfly and third in the 100 m backstroke.
Zane Warren - 11-12 boys
- gold medal overall - first in the 200 m freestyle, 50 m butterfly, 100 m freestyle, 100 m breaststroke and 100 m individual medley.
Cody Wig - 11-12 boysfourth in the 200 m freestyle and 50 m freestyle and fifth in the 50 m breaststroke, 50 m backstroke and 100 m breaststroke.
Elizabeth Wig - 1112 girls - fifth in the 50 m freestyle and 100 m breaststroke, sixth in the 50 m breaststroke, seventh in the 100 m freestyle and ninth in the 50 m backstroke.
Anastasia Wilson - 1112 girls - seventh in the 200 m freestyle, 11th in the 100 m breaststroke, 12th in the 50 m freestyle, 15th in the 50 m breaststroke and 20th in the 50 m backstroke.
Izadora Wilson - 7-8 girls - 14th in the 50 m freestyle and 25 m backstroke and 16th in the 25 m freestyle.
Persephonee Wilson - 1314 girls - fourth in the 200 m freestyle, eighth in the 50 m backstroke, 12th in the 50 m breaststroke and 100 m breaststroke and 14th in the 100 m individual medley.
Ryker Wilson - 9-10 boys
- 10th in the 50 m backstroke and 50 m freestyle, 12th in the 25 m backstroke and 16th in the 25 m freestyle.
Rosetown Meet Eight swimmers from the Weyburn Silver Seals were in Rosetown during a meet held June 20.
Milly Ho - 11-12 year old girls - silver medal overrallfirst in the 100 m backstroke and 50 m backstroke, second in the 100 m freestyle, third in the 200 m freestyle and 100 m freestyle and fourth in the 25 m butterfly.
Ayza Manzoor - 7-8 year old girls - gold medal overrall - first in the 25 m butterfly, 25 m breaststroke, 50 m freestyle, 25 m freestyle and 100 m individual medley.
Rehaam Manzoor - 1314 year old girls - third in the 100 m freestyle and 100 m butterfly, fifth in the 50 m backstroke and seventh in the 50 m freestyle and 50 m breaststroke.
Daniel Nikulin - 11-12 year old boys - third in the 50 m breaststroke, fourth in the 100 m breaststroke, fifth in the 100 m freestyle and 50 m freestyle and sixth in the 50 m backstroke.
Sakoda Seitz - 13-14 year old girls - first in the 100 m butterfly, third in the 200 m freestyle, fourth in the 50 m breaststroke, fifth in the 50 m butterfly and eighth in the 50 m freestyle. Nash Warren - 15-17 year old boys - third in the 200 m freestyle, 200 m backstroke and 100 m backstroke and finished fifth in the 100 m freestyle.
Shay Warren - 13-14 year old girls - bronze medal overrall - first in the 40 m freestyle, second in the 50 m butterfly, 100 m breaststroke and 200 m individual medley and fourth in the 100 m backstroke.
Zane Warren - 11-12 year old boys - gold medal overrall - first in the 25 m butterfly, 50 m breaststroke, 100 m freestyle and 200 m individual medley, and second in the 50 m backstroke.
Upcoming meets include Swift Current on July 4, Assiniboia on July 5, Estevan on July 11 and Oxbow on July 12. Weyburn will host the semi-finals at the Leisure Centre on July 28, with provincials set in Regina on July 25 and 26.
Weyburn lacrosse teams showcased their skills during an anniversary celebration hosted at the Tom Zandee Sports Centre and Whitecap Resources Centre on June 20.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Races entertained large crowd at Estevan Motor Speedway
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan Motor Speedway delivered an entertaining program for a capacity crowd during the June 26 program.
A total of 79 drivers were entered between the five classes. The race program was billed as Night 1 of the Can-Am shootout between Canadian and American drivers. Canadians won four of the five feature races.
Night 2 was slated for June 27 in Williston, N.D., but was cancelled due to the weather.
The most exciting finish of the night was arguably in the modified feature. Aaron Turnbull of Estevan edged Steven Pfeifer for top spot
following a duel for the lead that spanned most of the 25-lap feature. Turnbull had the lead for most of the first half of the race, but Pfeifer passed him for top spot. It appeared Pfeifer might hold Turnbull off for first, but Turnbull executed a late pass with two laps to go and then held on for the victory.
Kody Scholpp was third and Marcus Tomlinson came in fourth. Both drivers were just behind the frontrunners.
Scholpp leads the modified points standings with 158. Tomlinson is second with 147, followed by Kyler Jeffrey (141) and Gabriel Deschamp (139).
Diezel Raynard of Lampman was the class
of the hobby stock feature. He grabbed the lead early in the race and was never really challenged for the lead. Cash Saxon was second for most of the race, but with six laps remaining in the 20-lap feature, Saxon rolled his vehicle between Turns 3 and 4, knocking him out of the race.
After a couple more cautions, the final laps were contested under green flag racing. Raynard finished first. Pat Smith was second, Tyson Grinstead was third and Kyler Satran came in fourth.
Smith leads the hobby stock overall standings with 153 points, one more than Raynard. Grinstead and Satran are tied for third at 140 points.
Brock Beeter of Minot, N.D. was the lone American to win a feature, taking the checkered flag in the stock car feature. Beeter started second on the grid, took the lead on the opening lap, and remained first until the checkered flag, although it wasn’t from a lack of challengers, as Kyle Scholopp and Kayden Hjorteland were among those who pushed for the lead.
Kyle Scholpp, Hjorteland and Geoff Mann were second, third and fourth respectively.
Kyle Scholpp leads with 156 points, three clear of Beeter. Hjorteland is third at 146 and Chase Davidson is fourth with 144.
Keenan Glasser of Es -
tevan was the wire-to-wire winner in the sport modified class. Even when the field was bunched together a couple of times due to cautions, Glasser was able to pull away when green flag racing resumed.
Leevi Runge was second, Ryder Raynard came third and Tim Goodwin was fourth.
Glasser leads the overall standings with 157 points, six more than Runge. Stan Tomlinson is third with 150 points and Landon Runge is fourth at 137.
Eli Turnbull captured the slingshot class, winning handily over Jax iverson. Halle Turnbull and Jase Skjerdal were third and fourth, respectively.
Eli Turnbull has 156
points to lead the slingshot class, five more than his sisters Halle (151) and 14 more than their cousin Lucy Turnbull (137). Sophie Skjerdal also has 137 points.
The program featured a performance by Manitobabased aerobatics performer Luke Penner, who dazzled the crowd with his talents. A fireworks show wrapped up the evening.
The next event at the speedway will be Estevan’s stop on the Dakota Classic Modified Tour July 6, starting at 7 p.m. The local contingent of modified and stock cars drivers will be joined by racers from throughout the U.S. for one of the speedway’s showcase events of the year.
Charity steer was top fundraiser ever for Estevan organization
The Prairie Prime Junior Stock Club’s second annual auction proved to be a boon for the Warm Welcome Kitchen in Estevan.
A charity steer named Lucky, donated by Wade and Heather Brokenshire and family with the Tableland Cattle Co., was sold twice during the club’s annual sale June 27 at the
Estevan Exhibition Association’s indoor arena.
Lucky initially went to a group of more than a dozen cattle operations in the Estevan area for $24,000. Then they donated Lucky back to be sold again.
Lucky was then sold to an 11-operation consortium, including grain farmers, for $14,000, bringing the total for Warm
Welcome to $38,000. The second group will donate the meat from the steer to the Warm Welcome Kitchen for their meals, and the club’s members will provide the cutting and wrapping of the animal.
Kristen Fornwald with the Prairie Prime club said a challenge was launched between cattle producers and grain farmers.
“The theme that was brought forward was farmers and ranchers feed the world, and we thought that fit perfectly with what we’re doing here today,” said Fornwald.
Auctioneer Jason LeBlanc with Steffes Group Auctioneers said the Estevan area always seems to come through, and he was pleased to see rural people put their money together to support the kitchen.
Warm Welcome presi -
Submitted by Norm Park, Contracted Reporter for SECPSD
When push comes to shove in the educational funding world, it quickly boils down to the bottom line and survival techniques and a lot of innovation plans to make things work within the world of financial restrictions.
South East Cornerstone Public School Division has seen a slow diminishment of overall financial resources, but still has been able to make things work while reducing deficits.
Shelley Toth, superintendent of division services and chief financial officer for Cornerstone delivered the proposed 202627 school division budget to board members during their June 22 open business session in the division head office in Weyburn.
dent Wendy Godfrey and cook Donna McGillicky thanked everyone for the support and said they were “absolutely thrilled” for the help.
“We run the program through only donations –donations of food products and of course cash to buy the food that we need,” said Godfrey. “We are so thankful for our community and groups like this who would consider giving money to us so we could run this program.”
McGillicky continues to make “fabulous” meals, Godfrey said.
“The money that was raised today is going to feed so many people. You can’t even imagine. And we’re going to keep feeding people for as long as they come,” said Godfrey.
McGillick added Estevan and the surrounding
When it comes to the operations budget, the cash on the barrel head if you wish, Toth noted that the division once again faces an operations deficit, but it will be a more modest one, if one cares to say that a $384,000 shortfall is modest and an overall deficit of just over $88,000 might be considered even better.
Cornerstone expects to receive $127.8 million in total revenue with operating expenditures slated to come in at around $130.2 million.
Capital expenditures will be around $3.8 million and SECPSD will pay 1,173.60 full time equivalent (FTE) employees. That includes 530.65 FTE teaching positions and 642.95 non-teaching roles.
The increase in FTE teachers will be 4.72 while a further 14.50 FTE educational
area has always been generous and the support at the sale was great.
Godfrey confirmed to SaskToday that this was the top fundraiser for the kitchen since it first started serving meals in 2017.
Casie Brokenshire said Lucky represents more than just outstanding, quality cattle.
“He represents generosity, community and a willingness to give back.
Thanks to the incredible support of Tableland Cattle Co., every dollar raised from this auction will go towards a great cause and help make a real difference,” said Brokenshire.
The Warm Welcome Kitchen is something the club truly believes in, Brokenshire said, and Prairie Prime will continue to support different causes each year.
assistants will be hired to fill the educational needs moving forward. As a result, salaries and benefits will take up the bulk of the budgeted amount at $95.9 million or 74 per cent of the total budget.
As usual, the bulk of the revenue will come from the provincial grant system with $120.8 million anticipated for Cornerstone. That will represent about 95 per cent of the total budget with school generated and tuition fees along with a few other incomes making up the difference.
Further on the expenditure side, Cornerstone will be required to pay a very modest $400,000 to service debt while $7.3 million will be directed to amortization elements and $26.6 million or 20 per cent of the budget is slated for goods and services.
Fornwald added that when the club started, members thought one of the most important things was to teach kids about community and giving back.
“We started the idea of a charity steer. Last year it was a huge success and we again would like to thank all of the people that were a part of that,” said Fornwald.
The Warm Welcome Kitchen is a free community supper program that offers free, full meals to anyone who wants to come out. From early October to late April, free meals are served on Tuesdays at St. Giles Anglican Church and Thursdays at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Meals start at 5:30 p.m. each night. Godfrey encouraged people in the crowd to turn out or volunteer.
The capital expenditures will be held to a modest $3.8 million with the majority of that money ($2.16 million) targeted for the purchase of school buses while another $1.32 million will be for computer hardware and equipment with six schools scheduled for refreshed network equipment upgrades and VoIP phones. The purchase of furniture and other equipment should amount to about $173,000 Toth suggested and $130,000 will be devoted to replacement of fleet vehicles.
SECPSD still remains in a diminishing but enviable position of being able to call on previous surpluses to help make the system work with efficacy but that surplus will come in at around $16.46 million compared with $16.84 million noted for the current school year.
Casie Brokenshire led Lucky around the show arena.
Photo by David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre host kickoff to summer
A large crowd enjoyed many activities at the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre’s (EEYFRC) annual kickoff to summer June 25 at the family centre’s parking lot.
Aerobatics star performs for Estevan Motor Speedway fans
SaskToday
Spectators who attended the June 26 program at the Estevan Motor Speedway were treated to excitement on the track but also entertainment in the skies.
Luke Penner, a Manitoba-based aerobatics star, performed for more than 1,000 people who filled the track’s grandstands. He made a number of passes above the track and dazzled the crowd with his
manoeuvres. On multiple occasions, he and his plane climbed vertically, then fell back towards the Earth, only to pull up before hitting the ground.
Track announcer Trevor Gowen noted that Penner has more than 15,000 flying hours in over 100 types of aircraft. Penner also has more than 2,500 hours of aerobatic flying, which Gowen said was “insane”.
Penner was the captain
of Team Canada at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championship in 2023, Gowen said, and in 2024, he was the Canadian champion in the unlimited category.
He was flying an Extra 330 SC aircraft, which Gowen said is built in Germany for aerobatics.
Penner also performed a fly-over following the Canadian and American national anthems.
SaskToday staff
A large crowd enjoyed many activities at the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre’s (EEYFRC) annual kickoff to summer June 25 at the family centre’s parking lot.
Program co-ordinator
Rochelle Krahn said the event attracted just over 700 people. With the last days of school wrapping up, Krahn said it was the perfect way for families to kick off their summer together.
“We were also lucky enough to have one of the nicest evenings of the season so far - beautiful sunshine, warm temperatures and just enough of a breeze to make it comfortable,” she said.
This year the EEYFRC decided to add a community car show, an idea that Krahn said came from her children. Twelve vehicles were on display. The owners chatted with families and Krahn said some even invited children to sit inside the vehicles.
“They always get so excited when they see unique
Hey Dads! Did you ever have pets that gave birth to more pets at your house? Did you ever have to give any of them away? Or maybe you were very smart and intentional to have valuable pets so when those pets had more pets you could sell some of the new pets.
You might recall one of my other stories that described our three cats each giving birth to five kittens for a total of 15 kittens.
Despite what some of the small people in my house wanted, we weren’t going to keep all those kittens. We’ve got a barn with some hens and ducks and the occasional cow and pigs in the past so we can use a few cats to keep the mice under control. But not EIGHTEEN! And cats cannot live on mice alone. Keeping mice away can get expensive when you add a $30 or $40 giant bag of cat food to each grocery bill.
We started spreading the word (well, I did most of the spreading) that we had kittens to give away. I told friends and family but that didn’t make much of an impact on the pet population around here. So, I put up a post on social media, being careful with my words, as I would soon learn that social media frowns upon the sale of “animals and animal parts”. I was not even “selling” animals or animal parts! I was just trying to
or classic vehicles driving around town, so I thought it would be something other children would enjoy too,” Krahn said.
Local vendors and community partners also participated, including Aubrey’s Play Therapy, the Souris Valley Museum, Mommy and Me Boutique, Cherry on Top ice cream and the Estevan Humane Society.
Children were kept busy all evening with face painting by Kayla Gordey, interactive activity stations both inside and outside, and the Jumparoo bouncy castles.
Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol dropped by.
“The event stayed busy from start to finish, and it was wonderful to see so many families out enjoying time together. That’s exactly what this event is all about - bringing families together, celebrating the beginning of summer, and creating memories.”
Krahn thanked the EEYFRC staff and board volunteers for their efforts, and others who helped make the event possible.
Keep the Kittens!
give them away out of the goodness of my heart!
After about a week we had managed to free ourselves from the frenzy of felines…almost. Five left. We were going to keep two (Runty, Tubby, or Louie, which is short for “Mangey Illusion”, an affectionate name given to a kitten by a teenager in my house that wasn’t even mangey at all).
A nice lady asked if I could deliver two into town. Of course I could!
As I was getting ready to go to town I asked the kids to collect kittens. We realized we would have to give away 2 of the kids’ favorites – Runty, Tubby, and/or Louie. This resulted in tears and pleading and protesting and chanting and children going on strike with fists in the air wielding signs and shouting in unison, “Keep The Kittens! Keep The Kittens!” Or at least that’s how it seemed to me.
Here I had a dad decision to make. I had an opportunity to free our family from the remaining cabal of cats. I asked the boys to load up Tubby and Louie into a nice, ventilated box. This we soon learned was Mission Impossible. No matter how fast we folded cardboard or taped seams those kittens would scramble out of that box! We first tried both in one box then we tried each one in their own roomy box then
we tried both in a bigger roomier comfortier box but to no avail. I was now late for my meeting with Nice Lady. Finally, with four of us herding kittens and being lacerated by claws we were able to get them in a nice big box and keep it shut. I jumped in the van for the 20-minute drive to town.
You’ll never guess what happened…2 minutes down the road and Tubby and Louie were perched on my lap gazing out the window as the pastures rolled by. And there they sat like royalty until we got to town and they went to their new home. So long, Louie and Tubby. As I finished my errands in town I reflected on the day and felt like a bad dad. Why would I give away the kittens the kids wanted to keep? Maybe it was a mistake and I apologized to the kids when I got home. They forgave me and haven’t brought it up since. They still have Runty and a couple others to keep them company. Maybe you’ve made a mistake and need to apologize to your kids about something. Just do it, dad! Time flies! Make every moment count! Even the kittens-in-the-car ones. Jason Weening counts kittens with his 10 forgiving kids and 1 forgiving wife. Get his book on Amazon, “Yes, Dear… I’m Watching Them”.
Luke Penner dazzled fans during the intermission of the June 26 regular program.
Photo courtesy of Rochelle Krahn
Photo courtesy of Estevan Motor Speedway’s Facebook page
In memory of Donnie Knibbs 1942 – 2025 What would I give to clasp his hand, His happy face to see, To hear his voice and see his smile, That meant so much to me. Lovingly, Loretta
the
22nd day of July, 2026.
Bridges & Company LLP
1329 Third Street, Estevan, SK. S4A 0S1
Solicitors for the Executrix
SaskToday
The City of Weyburn has authorized administration to initiate formal proceedings with the Provincial Mediation Board to seek title on numerous properties that have outstanding tax liens.
At its regular meeting on June 22, city council approved administration’s recommendation to proceed under the Tax Enforcement Act on properties that were presented to council six months ago, and the owners have since received their statutory no
the outstanding taxes. A letter will be sent to the Provincial Mediation Board requesting Consent of Title for the properties. The cost to the city for this process is $20 per property. There are 42 properties with a total of tax arrears of $177,632. The Provincial Mediation Board will contact the property owner to discuss payment arrangements. If the Board is unable to make contact, or if the property owner fails to follow through with payments, the board will then grant permission to the city
management system
13. Social evolution anthropologist Service
14. American rocker Grohl
15. Greek personification of compassion
16. Negatives 17. Rescued
18. Self-immolation by fire ritual
19. Assigns tasks
21. Popular type of cigar 22. Discounts
23. The whole quantity 24. New York Giants legend
25. Indicates before 28. Lentils
29. Extremely angry 31. Body part
33. “North Star State” 36. David __, US playwright
38. Lower and raise one’s head
39. Private rendezvous
41. In a way, improved 44. A place to play
45. Astronomical period of 18 years
46. Automobile
48. Something you can take
49. A radio band
51. Jaws of a voracious animal
52. Short-billed rails
54. Chinese province
56. Shameless
60. Horizontal passage from the surface into a mine
61. Indian respectful titles
62. Fail to entertain
63. Dried-up
64. Central Utah city
65. Southern U.S.
66. German river
67. Necessary for breathing
68. Put into play
CLUES DOWN
1. Curved segment
2. Wings
3. Yellowish volatile liquid
4. Makes less severe
5. Debit note
6. Overhang
7. The nights before 8. Type of light
9. Lacking enthusiasm 10. Tattle
11. Some is “heavy”
12. One who is canonized
14. Indicates date and place of writing
17. “Peace” in Arabic
20. “Olaf” actor Josh
21. Fragmented rock
23. They __
25. Advanced degree
26. Backside
27. Influential architect and design couple
29. An act of undue intimacy
30. Words from which later words are derived
32. 10 meters
34. Neither
35. Fungal sacs
37. The law of God revealed to Moses
40. A woolen cap of Scottish origin
42. A promise
43. Challenges
47. British Air Aces
49. Large bank
50. Served as an omen
52. Cavalry sword
53. Vaccine developer
55. Belgian WW2 resistance leader Jules
56. Italian Seaport
57. Hip joint
58. __ Clapton, musician
59. Insect repellent
61. Constrictor snake 65 “The First State” (abbr.)
The Village of Halbrite offers for sale the following property:
Lots 12 and 13, Block 7, Plan C4547.
Lot 21, Block 7, Plan 101408149 Extension 41 and Lots 22 and 23, Block 7, Plan 101408138.
Lot 4, Block 11, Plan T5163.
Lot 17, Block 11, Plan T5163
A tender must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked Property Tender 1, 2, 3 or 4 (each property must be submitted in a separate envelope) addressed to:
Village of Halbrite P.O. Box 10
Halbrite, Saskatchewan S0C 1H0
• Tenders close Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
• Successful bidder will be required to provide a ten percent (10%) nonrefundable deposit and will be allowed thirty (30) days to provide the balance of cash to complete the purchase.
• A cheque to the Village of Halbrite for ten percent (10%) of the tender amount must accompany the tender.
• Highest, or any tender, will not necessarily be accepted.
Tender forms/additional information available from: Village of Halbrite Box 10
Halbrite, Saskatchewan
Phone (306) 458-2252
Email: halbrite@sasktel.net
CLUES ACROSS 1. Bleated 6. Snakelike fish 9. Database
Weyburn Rotary Club representative Duane Schultz, centre. donated $500 to Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop representatives Ryan Rawn and Melissa Toporowski.
Photos courtesy of Duane Schultz
Weyburn Rotary Club representative Duane Schultz, right, donated $750 to the Weyburn branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association representatives Tasha Collins and Susan Grohn.
