Weyburn This Week - July 31, 2025 by Weyburn Review/ Weyburn This Week

Fun in the Sun was the goal of the Leisure Centre Summer Camp, during a visit to the Therapeutic Animal Park on July 24. Top row, left to right, are Bria, Ensley, Sofia, Nadia, Raelynn and Aria. Front row, are Augusta, Benedict, Brooklyn and Shelby.

Nickle Lake Day on August 2 to draw thousands for fun, food and fundraising

SaskToday

Organizers are gearing up for the annual Nickle Lake Day, set for August 2, which will bring an estimated 2,500 guests to the park for a day packed with activities, community spirit, and fundraising for future upgrades.

Visitors will need either a day pass or a season pass to enter the park, ensuring access to all the

festivities. The day kicks off with a free pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. A highlight of the day will be the fundraiser barbecue, starting at 11 a.m.

“All proceeds will go toward our next major upgrade in the park (mini golf, water feature),” said Darren Wheeler, manager of Nickle Lake Regional Park.

There will be a Show & Shine Car Show, as well as a Nickle Lake Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music runs from 1 to 10:30 p.m. Awardwinning country artist Karissa Hoffart is on from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Kelly Gill and the Hired Guns from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For the kids there are several events, including Beaver Den Crafts,

a magic show, balloon sculpting, face painting, and a foam pit.

For those looking for a hearty meal, a KFC supper will be available for $15 per person. Time is running out to secure tickets, as sales close Aug. 1 at 5 p.m.

For more information call 306-842-7522 or email nicklelakeregionalpark@gmail.com

Midale to be busy on long weekend

Midale will once again be buzzing with activities for the Saskatchewan Day long weekend.

The community will be hosting events lined up from August 1-3, starting with the Midale Rodeo Association’s 17th annual Bull Bash on Friday, Aug. 1. The Souris Valley Antique Association (SVAA) will present its 59th annual Pioneer Echoes weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2 and 3.

Gates open for the bull bash and food booths on Aug. 1, at the Midale rodeo grounds at 5 p.m. There will be beer gardens from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., with the bull bash and rodeo getting underway at 7 p.m. offering mutton bustin’ and wild pony rides. The free, family friendly cabaret, featuring Moody Hollow, is set for 9:30 p.m.

The Pioneer Echoes will kick off at 8 a.m. on both Aug. 2 and 3 with a pancake breakfast at Midale’s downtown museum on Main Street.

The food booths and ranch rodeo will get underway at the rodeo grounds at 10 a.m. on Aug. 2.

Heritage Village will open at 11 a.m. with a trade show, flea market, a blacksmithing demonstration along with other activities happening well into the afternoon. Beer gardens start at 1 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 11 a.m. on Aug. 3.

The Truco Trick Riders will perform at 12 p.m. on Aug. 2 (immediately following the ranch rodeo), and Moody Hollow will

play at a free cabaret at 8 p.m. that night.

At 12:30 p.m. on both Aug. 2 and 3, Mainprize, the Documentary showing will be held at Midale Central School. Free swimming gets underway at the Midale swimming pool from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The antique tractor parade will be at 2:30 p.m., on both Aug. 2 and 3, with a live threshing demonstration to follow. Chuck ‘n’ Duck team roping jackpot will get underway at 3 p.m. at the rodeo arena.

On Sunday, August 3, there will be Harvest Run Barrel Racing starting at 9 a.m. at the rodeo arena. A church service will be offered at 11 a.m. at Heritage Village.

Food booths and beer gardens open at 11 a.m. along with Heritage Village. There will be a barbecue on Main Street at 11 a.m. with proceeds going to the swimming pool fundraiser.

The seventh annual Midale Classy Car Show and Shine will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Main Street with gates open at 10 a.m. to bring your cars in. Free swimming will once again be offered from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A final showing of, Mainprize, the Documentary, will be held at Midale Central School at 5 p.m. Tickets for the rodeo events area available at the gate. More information can be found on the Midale Rodeo Association and Town of Midale’s Facebook pages.

Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review

COMMUNITY

Wheatland stays active with card games during

In Spades on July 14, Marge Schultz placed first, Erskine Sandiford won second and Gladys Lokken finished third.

In Kaiser on July 15, Lavine Stepp and Alice Schneider won first, Jeanne Molnar and Elaine Fransz placed second and Marlene Szczecinski and Eva Morley placed third.

In Canasta on July 16, Shirley Hubbs won first, Coral Schindel placed second, and Cris Herlick took third.

In Thursday Crib on July 17, Stan Hubick and Don Peterson won first, the teams of Brenda Paul and Justin Patel, along with Cris Herlick and Phyllis Lindskog, tied for second, and Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson took third.

In Friday Bridge on July 18, Lucie Nickel won first, Dave Frayn placed second, and Theresa Istace finished third.

In Spades on July 21, Fay Johnson placed first, Ernie Lokken won second and Marg Schultz finished third.

During Hi-Low Whist on July 16, Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn won first, Janet Van Winkoop and Emily Zyla placed second, and Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum finished third.

In Kaiser on July 22, Jeanne Molnar and Elaine Fransz won first, Fay Johnson and Marg Schultz placed second and Norma Kapasunik and Melba Bent placed third.

In Canasta on July 23, Gerry Thompson won first, Trina Maas placed second, Shirley Cherpin took third, Ione Schnell came in fourth, Sherrill Taylor placed fifth and Elaine Fransz placed sixth.

During Hi-Low Whist on July 23, Elaine Fransz and Jeanne Molnar won first, Fay Johnson and Marg Schultz placed second, and Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul finished

Community members voice strong support for the Seven Stars Energy Project.

“A project of this magnitude will have a major effect on our community The way our economy is right now, with what’s going on in the U.S., we need everything we can get in terms of economic development We have agriculture and we have oil and gas, but we need something more to counteract the tariffs and we need more diversity in our economy.”

George Siourounis, Owner, Travelodge Weyburn

“Weyburn has a proud history of pioneering transformative projects…This project will move forward somewhere—let’s ensure Weyburn is the beneﬁciary rather than turning investment away.”

Nick Coroluick, Chairperson, Weyburn District Planning Commission

“The inﬂux of workers and contractors means more customers for coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores, driving additional sales and foot traffic. More economic activity can also lead to increased wages for employees, further supporting the ﬁnancial well-being of residents and families in our region.”

Monica Osborn, Executive Director, Weyburn Chamber of Commerce

“The economic ripple effect of this project will have lasting beneﬁts, making our region a more attractive and competitive place for businesses, investors, and families alike.”

Darcy McCormick, CEO, Jerry Mainil Ltd.

third.

In Thursday Crib on July 24, Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Kathy and Kim Jacobs came in second, Cheryl Vogel and Emily Zyla placed third and Ruth

Boren and Elaine Frasz took fourth.

Friday Shuffleboard on July 25 saw Mel Schindel and Yvette Bauche take first, Bert Sanguin and Jannette Tonn place second, and Janet Van

Winkoop and Marj McLeod take third.

took third.

Summer camps are currently being held at Nickle Lake by the Weyburn Canoe and Kayak club. Participants have the opportunity to explore the lake, and learn safe water skills. On top of the pyramid is, Jess. In the middle, are Weston and Carter, and at the bottom are camp leaders Haydin, Daxon and Cayson.

the Fun Cribbage Tournament on July 26, Mary Lou Schultz placed first, Cheryl Vogel came in second and Marlene Szczecinski

Elizabeth and Mia blew bubbles, while attending the Kids and Cops program held at the Weyburn Public Library on July 23.

Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review

EDITORIAL

OPINION: MY NUMBER ONE PET PEEVE

Paul Kimball, Freelance Reporter

Last week, I was sitting in a men’s restroom in a place called Wawa, Ontario. I was having a ‘wee-wee in Wawa’. You’re likely thinking...TMI - too much information. But there’s a reason for me sharing this personal information with you.

As I was ‘resting’ there, I noticed a sign on the wall in front of me. There was another one above the toilet on the wall behind me. It said, “Please be respectful…please clean up your mess.”

For me, the sign was preaching to

the choir. I always flush the toilet, I pick up scraps of tissue I might drop, I make sure I clean the sink after washing my hands and even, at times, pick up paper towel bits off the floor. Restrooms are often cleaner when I leave them than when I enter.

But the signs got me thinking about one of my pet peeves. I hate walking into a filthy washroom. I just don’t understand how people – men in my case, since I don’t get into women’s restrooms very often – can be so inconsiderably messy.

I don’t regard myself as an ornery,

crotchety old man. Old…maybe, but not those other descriptors. I think I’m easygoing and see positives rather than negatives and I believe most people see me the same way.

But a trip to the men’s room, as do a few other things, does bring out the worst in me.

The toilet is an amazing, useful invention. Along with the tank, it includes a lid that opens and shuts… there’s a second piece, the seat, the round part that flips up and down, and then the bowl under the seat…where the water is.

I haven’t researched this, but my guess is that the seat layer was intentionally designed with hinges so that it could be flipped up for those who stand while doing their business. To prevent those with bad aim from splashing all over the part that the next user might need to sit on.

It doesn’t take much effort to raise the seat. Even a child can do it.

But I’m amazed at how often that layer isn’t lifted…and how often the seat has ‘fluid’ all over it. Which results in one of two things for the next patron. They either have to use another stall – if there is one – or worse, they have to take the time to clean up some other person’s mess?

Believe it or not, and yes, I have expressed this peeve to others at

times, I’ve heard this response –“Well…it keeps people employed as restroom cleaners.” I think I’m pretty safe in saying that as people use the washroom, that thought doesn’t cross their mind. “Let’s see…how can my bathroom experience make sure someone has a job?” Even if someone is that ‘considerate’, it doesn’t offer much help to those having to take care of business in the meantime.

What about that poor individual who needs to use the washroom badly? It happens to all of us from time to time, where every precious second counts. What does one do if they don’t have time to clean things before sitting down? Sit on drops of an unknown stranger’s visit to the stall?

What about those with disabilities who need to use the specific stall set aside for them? Is it right to expect them to take the additional hardships to clean up a mess that was made to ‘keep someone employed’?

Those signs are a great reminder to all of us – be respectful…please clean up your mess. Or perhaps it can be put this way – if you stand, ‘flip up’ the seat so that you won’t ‘flip out’ the next person who has to sit.

I have two other peeves to write about…but not this time, as I don’t want you thinking that I’m an ornery, crotchety, old curmudgeon.

New and enhanced health care positions announced in province

The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) are adding 77 new and enhanced permanent full-time positions to benefit 30 rural and remote communities. These health care positions will improve emergency and acute care services, reduce service disruptions and continue building a more stable health workforce across Saskatchewan.

These enhancements build on the success of previous rural and remote staffing stabilization efforts that, since 2022, have added 315 new and enhanced positions as part of the provincial Health Human Resources Action Plan. The additional 77 positions will focus on communities that continue to experience service disruptions or have faced ongoing staffing challenges.

“Adding Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Radiation Technologists and other positions that deliver hands-on patient care reflect the shared commitment of the Government of Saskatchewan and SHA to ensure Saskatchewan residents have seamless access to care, as close to home as possible,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “The SHA has closely scrutinized their costs and identified savings that will help fund these essential positions and provide positive care to patients in com-

munities stretching across the province.”

The positions will be funded through $6.2 million in annual savings resulting from the SHA’s recent restructuring of out-of-scope administrative leadership. Announced on June 12, 2025, the SHA’s administrative leadership restructuring effort achieved $10.4 million in total annual efficiencies by reducing 26 senior out-of-scope leadership positions, along with additional reductions in corporate, management and support roles.

The SHA has already directed $4.2 million of these savings toward the creation of 27 new and 20 enhanced Clinical Manager positions in 45 rural and northern communities, strengthening on-site leadership and improving local oversight of care delivery.

“This investment reflects our ongoing focus on strengthening care at the local level by placing permanent health care professionals in communities where they are needed most,” Saskatchewan Health Authority COO Derek Miller said. “By stabilizing staffing and reducing service disruptions, we are helping ensure residents receive reliable access to high-quality care.”

The 77 positions include a range of clinical roles such as Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Combined

Lab and X-ray Technicians (CLXTs), Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) and Phlebotomists. These roles will either create new permanent full-time positions or convert longstanding part-time vacancies into permanent full-time roles. This will support improved recruitment and retention of positions, reduce reliance on contract staff and promote more consistent emergency department coverage.

Past stabilization efforts have demonstrated measurable progress in reducing service disruptions in rural and remote areas.

“This is the latest progressive step forward in our plans to strengthen rural and northern health care teams that are making a real difference to the people of Saskatchewan,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr said. “Efforts include the Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive, adding several hundred new and enhanced positions in over 70 communities, implementing the Virtual Physician program, and expansion of Point-of-Care Lab Testing. Thanks to these initiatives, rural and remote communities saw a 28 per cent reduction in service disruption days. In the past 16-months, Virtual Physician coverage and Point-of-Care Lab Testing helped prevent more than 2,700 service disruptions.”

Many of the new positions will be eligible to apply for the Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI), which provides up to $50,000 over three years with a return in service agreement. Since its launch in 2022, the RRRI has supported the hiring of more than 400 health professionals in approximately 70 communities, resulting in reduced vacancies, improved staffing levels and greater service stability across the province.

Positions will be introduced in the following communities: Arcola, Assiniboia, Broadview, Canora, Estevan, Hudson Bay, Humboldt, Kamsack, Kerrobert, Kindersley, Kipling, La Ronge, Leader, Lloydminster, Maple Creek, Melville, Moose Jaw, Moosomin, Nipawin, North Battleford, Outlook, Porcupine Plain, Prince Albert, Redvers, Rosetown, Shaunavon, Shellbrook, Unity, Wadena and Weyburn.

These new positions are part of the ongoing implementation of the provincial Health Human Resources Action Plan, launched in 2022 to recruit, train, incentivize and retain Saskatchewan’s health workforce. The Government of Saskatchewan and the SHA remain committed to working together to enhance the delivery of health services in rural and remote communities

Ryan Young SaskToday.ca

The provincial crop report, released July 24, says rain and cooler temperatures allowed some crops to develop at a normal pace “rather than rush or delay development due to stress.”

“Producers are hopeful pasture grass recovers from grazing and stress from dry conditions,” states the report, “In areas where heavy rain was received, livestock water sources should see some replenishment, reducing the need to haul water for livestock.”

Crops Extension Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture Matthew Struthers says most of the rain fell over the weekend.

“When you look at the rainfall map, lots of that rain fell down in the southwest and, of course, up into the northwest as well. And those areas were just so dry that some of that rain just came too late, and others it just came in the right time, and then for those very unfortunate producers, some didn’t come at all.”

said Struthers, who is hopeful those who missed out on the rain will get some in the coming weeks and there is no heat wave in the near future.

The Eston area in the west-central region reported the most rain with 83 millimetres (mm), followed by the Bethune area, north of Regina, with 74 mm, and the Admiral

area in the southwest reported 68 mm. Rainfall amounts varied overall, as some reported between 15 and 50 mm and others from 2 to 15 mm.

One positive from the rain is topsoil moisture levels for crop land, hay land, and pasture land improved. The report had crop land topsoil moisture rated as two percent surplus, 71 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and five per cent very short; hay land topsoil moisture rated as one per cent surplus, 60 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and nine per cent very short; and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 59 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and 11 per cent very short.

A negative from the

rain is flooding and lodging concerns, according to Struthers.

“In some of those areas, especially down in parts of the southwest and west central regions where, like I said, a lot of rain came down in a pretty short period of time, there’s definitely been some flooding, some lodging in some of those fields. The crop’s just not able to take that force of that rain. And also it’s Saskatchewan, so the wind has also been quite the player there, but there are areas where the low spots are filled with water. Hopefully those dry out and the crop isn’t set back too much.” he said.

Some farmers are also noticing diseases in their

crops, noted Struthers.

“There’s been some concerns about some root rots and mainly the pulses, especially in those areas that have been getting some added moisture in the last few weeks. And then, of course, with the moisture as well with cereals that are flowering, fusarium head blight is a concern and producers are actively either spraying fungicide to manage that or keeping a keen eye. In the canola, sclerotinia and blackleg and diseases such as that are popping up here and there just with the moisture we’re getting and producers are staying on top of that as best they can.”

Gophers and grasshoppers are another factor, causing minor to

moderate damage this week. Some are saying crops are showing stress from numerous weeks of heat and overly dry conditions this season.

On the livestock side, the rain delayed haying operations but most of the first cut of hay is nearly done. Roughly 20 per cent remains standing, 21 per cent is cut and 59 per cent is baled or put up as silage. The crop report rates hay quality as nine per cent excellent, 55 per cent good, 31 per cent fair and five per cent poor.

Producers are finishing up spraying and fungicide application and are getting equipment ready for harvest. The Ministry of Agriculture reminds producers to stay safe.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan sign agreement to boost trade corridor

Doug Falconer SaskAgToday.com

The governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have signed a memorandum aimed at expanding trade through the Port of Churchill on Hudson Bay.

The agreement also includes Arctic Gateway Group, which owns the port and the rail line that leads to it.

Under the five-year agreement, the company will invest to expand freight capacity and lengthen the shipping season, which is currently severely limited by ice.

The Saskatchewan government has committed to mobilizing commodity producers and exporters through its trade offices.

The Manitoba government says it will lead efforts to secure federal

infrastructure funding and regulatory support.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says streamlining access to ports such as Churchill will allow for greater access to international markets.

“The M.O.U. between Saskatchewan and Manitoba is another way we are building on that progress and creating new opportunities for our industries,” Moe said in a news release on July 22.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has been touting increased exports through Hudson Bay as a way to diversify trade and become less reliant on the United States.

He has said there may be a greater appetite for big projects now that Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to help nationbuilding infrastructure.

Haying activities were slowed in the region this past week due to rain but 32 per cent of the crop has now been cut and 49 per cent of it is baled or put up as silage with the remaining 19 percent still standing.

General rainfall across the region was a welcome sight, according to the weekly crop report for the period of July 15 to 21. Some producers received decent rains that will help their crops, while others simply did not get enough to make a significant

change in growing conditions. Those who missed the rain are hoping for some soon to allow their crops to finish out at the top of their potential.

Areas that received significant rainfall in the southeast this week experienced minor to severe flooding.

Topsoil moisture conditions have rebounded where cropland topsoil

moisture is now rated as one per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate, 14 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is rated as 83 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and one per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 82 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and one per cent very short.

Crop development remains largely normal

due to adequate moisture throughout much of the region over the growing season. Winter cereal crops have begun to turn and ripen, while spring seeded crops are still flowering or are in kernel and seed development stages. Haying activities were slowed in the region this past week due to rain but 32 per cent of the crop has now been cut and 49 per cent of it is baled or put up as silage with the remaining 19 percent still standing. Hay quality remains high with a rating of 15 per cent excellent, 55 per cent good, 27 per cent fair and four per cent poor.

Producers reported minor to moderate crop damage from dry conditions in areas that missed the rain. Heavy rain and strong winds led to crop lodging. Producers are assessing the damage and are hopeful their crops will recover. Minor crop damage was reported from grasshoppers, lygus bugs, flea beetles and other insects.

Photo courtesy Bill Allen Photography

Ag in Motion highlighted the best in Canadian agriculture

Visitors and international guests poured through the gatesfor the 2025 Ag in Motion three-day event.

Thousands of visitors experienced live demonstrations, product launches and practical insights across all areas of modern agriculture including livestock management, crop production, digital ag tools, and more.

New technology and ideas were celebrated the night before the show at the Innovation in Agriculture, co-hosted with Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada. The Ag in Motion Innovations Program, presented by Conexus Credit Union, recognized the latest breakthroughs in five categories:

• Agronomics: ATP Nutrition Ltd. (Synergro G3).

• AgTech: PhiBer Manufacturing Inc.

(Drone Carrier).

• Business Solutions: Economical Insurance & Agi3 Risk Services (ForwardProtect, AgriEnhace, FarmElevate).

• Environmental Sustainability: Green Lightning & Nytro (Green Lightning Nitrogen Machine).

Equipment: Thunderstr • uck Ag, manufacturer: Shoup

Manufacturing (Razors Edge Concaves).

“Celebrating innovation and giving farmers and industry a place to connect over new ideas is what Ag in Motion is all about,” said Rob O’Connor, Show Director. “Our annual Innovations Program is just one way we highlight the new and novel in agriculture, alongside our partners in the industry.”

Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm show offers farmers an early glimpse into agricultural advancements through the Innovations Program and a wide range of onsite demon -

strations and displays.

This year’s show also saw expanded global participation, with visiting delegations from Ukraine, Uganda, Ethiopia, India and Australia, highlighting Ag in Mo-

tion’s growing role as a global destination for agricultural innovation. Ag in Motion was held July 15–17, 2025, with full event details available online at aginmotion.ca.

You’rethe expertwhenitcomes to growingyour crops and we’d love to offer ourexpertstohelp you grow your business! We have localexpertswho specialize in agricultural lendingand understand the unique challenges andopportunites of operating a farm business in Southeast Saskatchewan.

So if you’rereadytobankbetter, stop by your local branch or giveusa call today. We’reheretohelp.

SPORTS

The 15UAA Weyburn Beavers had an impressive season finishing with a 26-6-4 record from games in the Regina AA league, tournaments in Bismarck and Moose Jaw, and league playoffs. Unfortunately, the biggest loss for the team was the gold medal match at Tier 1 provincials held in Prince Albert from July 18-20. The team recorded wins against the Northern Jays, Lumsden Cubs, and SE Diamond Jax in round robin play earn their spot in the Sunday morning semi-final. They defeated the Western Dirt Devils to advance to the final match against Lumsden. Despite the smoke-filled skies and cool, drizzling weather, the team left it all on the field, bringing home silver medals. These boys had a memorable season with all-star coaches. Players included: Daxon Doud, Dawson Farrell, Cohen Fleck, Jack Grad, Logan Harrison, Colton Hicks, Bosttin Mutrie, Austin Schimmel, Adler Tenold, Elijah Tronson, Sawyer Vennard, Chase Verbeurgt and Weston Whitford. Coach and management included: head coach, James Grad, assistant coaches, Orry Doud and Hudson Neuberger and manager, Teresa Farrell.

Souris Valley Wrestling grows ties in Iowa, plans Weyburn events

Sara Park SaskToday.ca

Souris Valley Wrestling (SVW) has made its mark in Iowa City, collaborating with Underground-Pro Wrestling as a presenting sponsor. Troy Kramm, owner and operator of SVW, recently travelled to Iowa to witness the action firsthand and strengthen ties with the wrestling community there.

For Kramm, the expansion was inevitable. Souris Valley Wrestling has been sponsoring Underground-Pro Wrestling since its launch in October 2024, and the Souris Valley Championship, currently held by Davenport’s Dane Leon, has been defended at every event.

“I personally wanted to see this happen, so I de -

cided to make a trip down to Iowa to see this event in person,” said Kramm.

He was the only representative from Weyburn at the Iowa event, but he returned with a vision.

“By going to this event in Iowa, I was able to see how important it is to have a team of like-minded individuals that work together to run an event,” he said. “Currently, I am working on connecting with potential sponsors to secure a locally made wrestling ring and other equipment to host events that are 100 percent Weyburn owned.”

The Iowa event featured no-ring wresting, a gritty, high-intensity alternative to traditional wrestling.

“It is more extreme and violent,” said Kramm. “It attracts a more diverse and adult crowd than traditional wrestling. It tends to resemble a bar room brawl

as the fight takes place in a venue without the traditional ring. It is much more chaotic. I will be the first to say that it is not for everyone, but those who like it, really like it.”

Kramm finds the chaos thrilling.

“Anything can and will happen at a no-ring show. These shows resemble a punk rock concert. Traditional wrestling shows are great, but going to a no-ring wrestling show is a totally unique experience. I just enjoy the energy that the crowd provides. They are loud and truly make the event even more memorable.”

Beyond the wrestling, Kramm connected with graduates of the Black and Brave Wrestling School, co-founded by WWE star Seth Rollins and Marek Brave.

“These individuals welcomed me with open arms and wanted me

to feel welcome,” said Kramm. “Having the opportunity to see the Black and Brave training facility was special.”

In no-ring wrestling, performers must command the audience’s attention.

“If you are the ‘face’ you want them to cheer, and if you are the’heel’ you want them to boo,” said Kramm. “I don’t want too disclose to much, but the wrestlers need to know how to work in a more intimate setting where the crowd is more likely to be unimpressed if things do not look good. They really have to give it their all and put their bodies on the line.”

While Iowa’s scene shares similarities with Saskatchewan’s, local heroes, family-friendly shows, Kramm said there is one key difference, the fan turnout.

“Wrestling has been

very popular here in Saskatchewan, but there are not as many regular events that people can go to unless you live in larger cities. If things keep going the way they are, these smaller communities will see this change and have more opportunities to see events.”

Dante Leon, SVW’s reigning champion, has held the title for a year thanks to his unpredictable mix of technical skill, strong-style strikes, and high-flying daring. A Black and Brave graduate, Leon now mentors new wrestlers while competing globally.

“Dante is someone special,” said Kramm. “He is a mix of proficient technical wrestling, Japanese strong style, and high-flying insanity.”

To find out more about upcoming events with Souris Valley Wrestling, follow SourisWrestling on Instagram.

Photo courtesy Teresa Farrell

Documentary on Sask doctor to be released after 14 years of work

David Willberg SaskToday.ca

Jack Hilkewich’s 14-year labour of love is about to come to fruition.

The former Midale resident, who has many years of experience in the film industry, is the director and a producer of Mainprize – a project that chronicles the life, career and commitment of Dr. William Graham Mainprize, who served the Midale area for decades. The film will be released as part of activities in the town during the Saskatchewan Day long weekend.

Murray Kerr and Dwayne Melcher are co-producers for the project.

Mainprize, known by generations of people in Midale simply as Doc, began his practice in Midale in 1911 and spent more than 50 years in the small town. He travelled many long hours by horse, sleigh or whatever he needed to see his patients.

The Mainprize Manor and Health Centre and the Mainprize Regional Park are among the amenities in the Midale area that carry his name.

The documentary will premiere with an invite-only showing on Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. at Midale Central School. Further showings will be Aug. 2 at 12:30 p.m., and Aug. 3 at 12:30 and 5 p.m. All will be at the school.

Hilkewich said he has put in so much time on the project, his evaluations are no longer reliable.

“I can’t tell if it’s good or bad or what,” he said in an interview with SaskToday. “I’m a little too close to it. There are points in time where I thought ‘Yeah, this is pretty good,’ but now I’ve seen the footage so much, it’s really hard for me to tell. I think it’ll be well received.”

While the beloved physician is the primary focus, the documentary is about communities and the importance they played in the history of the province.

“People needed communities to survive. They needed each other to survive, or else they would have never made it, especially through those tough early years when there were no roads and infrastructure amid the harsh weather and rough terrain. People needed and depended on each other to make it through.”

It started in 2011…

Mainprize began when he went to the Midale area to make a brief documentary about the 50th anniversary celebrations for the original Dr. Mainprize Park. Mainprize Regional Park opened years later and in another location.

“I was just going to talk to a few people, shoot some video of the festivities and then put it on DVD,” Hilkewich recalled.

Most of the festivities were dashed because of flooding in 2011. Hilkewich interviewed some people, but

most of them were unusable due to audio problems, and he was eager to salvage something. Some of the footage appears in the finished documentary.

Hilkewich asked one of the event organizers if she had any pictures of the original park. She gave him a small box, and Hilkewich thought he could scan in and edit them for his project. When he returned home, he realized he had photos of the new Mainprize Regional Park.

He decided to proceed with a documentary on the old park and its namesake. A short time later, he was approached by someone about making a donation.

He worked on Mainprize on evenings and weekends, and he took a week off for interviews.

“Once we got going, we got enough donations where we could get a professional camera and hire some crew for small periods of time throughout the 14 years,” he said. “We would try to shoot a week at a time to get as much as we could for the smallest amount of money.”

He believes he received just over $300,000 in donations during the past 14 years, which covered the bulk of the cost for the project.

“It covered the most important stuff, going out to gather the interviews. We would try to schedule as many in a week as we could, and that’s when I was able to hire a videographer and a sound person. The three of us would go out and shoot these interviews for a week,” said Hilkewich, who had to pay some money out of pocket to complete his labour of love.

The fundraising petered out after shooting was largely finished in 2021 or 2022. A couple of donations have come in as the film’s premiere approaches.

Hilkewich said his goal is to enter Mainprize into film festivals and find a buyer for the picture. He doesn’t want to go to people for money, because many people donated to the project and want to see it finished.

Memories of “Doc”

Mainprize delivered Hilkewhich when Hilkewich was born, and Hilkewich believes Mainprize continued practicing until 1974.

“He was just Doc in my brain for most of my life, even

very good at it. He removed weeds in the area leading up to the church. “I thought I was there for hours. It was probably 10 minutes, and I was already thinking ‘This is crazy. I don’t want to do this anymore,’” said Hilkewich.

Excluding the six or seven people he talked to in 2011, Hilkewich said he interviewed 77 people for Mainprize.

“This is my first documen-

tary I’ve made, and it will be my last. Don’t interview 77 people. Just pick some good ones, because it’s hard to go through all 77 interviews and it’s time consuming. All of them seemed to be very good, and it’s how do I cut that one out? They’re just as important as the other person.”

But he has some great stories from the people he talked to, and he believes 18 of the

interviewees have died. He wants to create an online link for family members of those who died so they can access the interviews as a memento.

Hilkewich admits he’s nervous about the premiere, but it’s supposed to be a feelgood documentary and he hopes it comes across that way. “I hope I did a good service to Doc Mainprize in making this,” said Hilkewich.

my adult life. I didn’t really understand what he meant to the community until I started talking to other people in the community about Doc,” said Hilkewich. “It made me realize what a sacrifice he made for his entire life to serve this community and the surrounding communities.”

Hilkewich believes Mainprize was so talented that in today’s society, he would have been one of the most soughtafter physicians – a man who could have chosen where he wanted to practice.

“He could have went anywhere in the world and made a really good living. But he chose to stay where he was, and that just showed what was important to him, and to him it was community. He did so many amazing things in order to serve his patients that required a lot of effort and work that he could not have done without his community helping him.”

Blacksmiths and mechanics built things Mainprize thought of to help him get to remote patients amid inclimate weather at a time when there were no roads.

“He realized that he wouldn’t have been able to do anything without his community, and it was this mutual respect and love for each other that I really didn’t understand until I started making this film,” Hilkewich said.

Employer for a day

Mainprize occasionally hired local teenagers and paid them $5 per day to do maintenance work at the park, which Mainprize took ownership of. Hilkewich’s oldest brother Kim was one of them. When Jack Hilkewich was about 10 years old, he thought he could use the $5 to purchase some comics.

Hilkewich hung out around Mainprize’s house until the doctor agreed to hire the lad.

“He was quite old at the time … and I remember driving down to the park with him in I think it was his grey Impala or something,” said Hilkewich. “It looked like a huge floating boat, because we were all over the road and he was singing gospel tunes really loud, and I was scared because I realized that if we met another car on the road, we might be in trouble.”

Hilkewich admits he didn’t know how to work at that point in his life and wasn’t

SOUTHEAST COLLEGE BOARD MEMBER RECRUITMENT

Mandated by 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.

Dr. William Graham Mainprize and his wife Helen.

Photo courtesy of Jack Hilkewich

Knibbs Donnie

I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Rev Trust for the meaningful funeral service and Pastor Brian for the scripture reading for my beloved Donnie Many thanks to my son, Troy, and granddaughter, Haley, for being there for Donnie when I couldn't Thanks to Devin for always being there when I needed advice for Donnie s care To Richard from Edmonton and Corinne from Florida for being there for me To my family and friends I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and love It is a very difficult journey To my sons, Shawn and Troy, for being there for me To the Weyburn Legion for the lovely lunch To the Funeral Home for their excellent care and help Tamara, to you and your staff, you are amazing Lastly, to the staff and nurses, my friends and Donnie s caregivers at Tatagwa for your care and love for Donnie It was an amazing adventurefor that I give you our thanks Donnie was the best He never complained except wanting to come home A big thanks to everyone

Loretta and family

must be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of August, 2025.

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Come and Try rowing event to be hosted at Nickle Lake

Looking to try a new sport? Want to engage in an activity that simultaneously works as a great cross-training exercise?

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, rock trucks, packers; wide range of machines. Lots of work all season. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

The Weyburn Rowing Club is hosting a Come and Try Rowing in coastal boats at Nickle Lake Regional Park on August 1 from 6 to 8 p.m.. Individuals will be able to come and try to row in a coastal boat.

Newly founded in Weyburn by Sheila Leach, a Weyburn native and avid rowing fan, the Weyburn Rowing Club will teach you the basics of navigating the water, entries and exits from the boat, and buoy turns.

Rowing is an excellent sport that challenges the individual and builds team dynamics and skills. Coastal rowing is an up and coming form of rowing in coastal boats that is expected to be a future Olympic sport.

After being taught the basics, individuals will be able to put your new skills to work at fun races at Nickle Lake on August 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Current rowers from Regina and Saskatoon rowing clubs will be in attendance on Saturday.

Both the Come and Try Rowing event and the Fun

Races are free, but registration with the Weyburn Rowing Club is required. Interested individuals can register online, or by emailing weyburnrowing@gmail.com No rowing knowledge or experience is necessary to participate. The Weyburn Rowing Club is is dedicated to introducing people to the sport of rowing for enjoyment or competition. They row at Nickle Lake Regional park, just a few minutes from Weyburn, where they share facilities with the Webyurn Canoe and Kayak Club.