Southeast Saskatchewan Legends Awards were presented during the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show on June 3 to individuals who have contributed significantly to the industry, associations and community. Pictured, l-r, Don Spearing, Bruce Miller, Dale Zeiger, Travis Trobert (representing Mel Trobert), Premier Scott Moe, Hugh Borgland, Jo Anne Bannatyne-Cugnet and Dan Cugnet (representing Ken Cugnet).
John Cairns SaskToday.ca
The activities of the resource sector dominated much of the provincial political attention last week.
A major reason had to do with Saskatchewan Mining Week took place the same week as the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show in Weyburn. Both put the spotlight squarely on the activities of those sectors of the economy to start the month of June.
The launch event for Mining Week was held at the University of Saskatchewan on June 1, where Minister of Energy and Resources Chris Beaudry took part. The Saskatchewan Mining Association organized the event.
The Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show was held in Weyburn, with Premier Scott Moe on stage on June 3 to present the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, as well as Southeast Sas -
Statistics Canada bringing major health survey to Weyburn
SaskToday.ca
Approximately 850 households in Weyburn will be randomly selected to participate in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), a national survey conducted by Statistics Canada.
“We know that having accurate information about the health of Can -
adians is a vital part of improving health care in Canada,” said Statistics Canada in media release on June 2. “That’s why, 18 years ago, Statistics Canada partnered with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada on the Canadian Health Measures Survey.” The data from this sur-
vey are used by researchers to further understand the relationship between disease risk factors and risk conditions such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and more. It also sheds light on illnesses and enables health professionals to be better prepared for public health challenges.
The CHMS is now conducting its 8th cycle and 16 locations across Canada have been selected to participate in the survey.
As a part of this survey, a temporary examination centre will be set up in the parking lot of the Tom Zandee Sports Arena (327 Mergens St. NW) from July 22 to Aug. 26, for re-
spondents to participate in direct physical measures (i.e., blood pressure, biospecimen collection, etc.), after they have completed an interview at their home.
They say they encourage the participation of all those selected, to help them complete an accurate portrait of the health of Canadians.
katchewan Legends. Moe government ministers were in Weyburn for a cabinet meeting on June 3, followed by a chance to meet those in the oil and gas sector. Several NDP MLAs were also there, and there were also notable appearances by federal politicians, including Conservative MP Andrew Scheer and Senator Pamela Wallin, who was a scheduled speaker on June 4. Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding was in China on a trade mission where the focus was on Saskatchewan’s canola, peas and beef products. The trip was a follow-up to the Premier trip to China in January. Oil and gas is expected to continue to be a focus of the provincial government this week, with the venue moving west from Weyburn to Calgary. Premier Moe is scheduled to be in Alberta this week for the Global Energy Show Canada. Moe is headlining as one of the featured speakers at the event.
Expected to happen in the coming weeks is the release of the Crowns’ annual reports, which is likely to provide further political fallout and commentary. A date has been set for the release of the latest provincial auditor’s report, set to happen June 23. The CUSMA trade agreement comes up for review on July 1, and all of the trade implications associated with that. Expect plenty of political fireworks, in addition to the real fireworks.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Members of the Young Fellows Club of Weyburn accepted a $10,000 donation from the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show board manager Monica Osbourn. Photo courtesy of Impact Cretive Digital Services
Descendants of H.K. Pete McFadden, who served in the Second World War, volunteered during the Legion’s flag day on June 7. A dedicated group of volunteers placed 650 Canadian flags on the graves of service personnel interred at Hillcrest and Green Acres cemeteries. Pictured, l-r, Kathy McFadden, great-great-grandson Nixen Bill, granddaughter Kerri Thirsk, great-great-grandson Briggs Thirsk, great-granddaughter Kayla Thirsk and great-great-grandson Tatum Thirsk.
Wheatland Centre game results
In Spades held on June 1, Sherrill Taylor placed first, Bonnie Olvera finished second and Melba Bent took third.
Playing Trump Whist on June 1, Janet van Winkoop and Gladys Lokken won first, Chris Carter and Doreen Knibbs placed second and Jannette Tonn and Marjorie McLeod finished third.
In Kaiser on June 2, Jeanne Molnar and Elaine Frasz won first, Gladys Lokken and Marg Schultz placed second and Kim Jacob and Kathy Jacob
finished third.
During Canasta on June 3, Janet van Winkoop won first, Lavine Stepp placed second, Shirley Cherpin took third, Jean Knibbs placed fourth, Jean Knibbs finished fifth and Sheila Wendell placed sixth.
In Hi-Low Whist held on June 3, Marjorie McLeod and Marg Schultz won first, Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul took second, Emily Zyla and Janet van Winkoop placed third.
During Thursday Cribbage on June 4, Shirley
Hubbs and Chris Carter placed first, Sheila Wendel and Brodie Wendel finished second and Marg Schultz and Marg McLeod took third.
In Contract Bridge on June 5, Mildred Sandiford won first, Dave Frayn placed second and Jean Knibbs came in third.
During Fun Crib held on June 6, Stan Hubick came in first and Emily Zyla placed second.
The month end supper will be held June 26 and will feature a cold plate supper.
Duplicate Bridge Club holds games
Submitted
The Weyburn Duplicate Bridge Club plays bridge at the Wheatland Senior Centre on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
Regular club play was held May 4 with two tables playing. First place went to Warren Betker and Jim Kaz, while second place went to Gord Bell and Marg Stewart.
Two tables played on May 14. Barry Mactaggart and Gwen Wright took top honours.
There was a tie for second place between the pair of Garnet Hart and Grant Paulson, and the pair of Warren Betker and Jim Kaz.
There were two and a half tables held May 18. Warren Betker and Jim Kaz finished in first place, followed closely by Gord Bell and Marg Stewart who placed second.
Two and a half tables played on May 21. First
place went to Diane Bell and Marg Stewart, edging out Gord Bell and Boyd Stewart who placed second.
There were two tables played on May 25. Gord Bell and Barry Mactaggart were first place finishers, while second place went to Marg Stewart and Diane Bell.
Two tables were played on May 28. There was a tie for first place between the pair of Lucie Nickel and Jeanne Molnar, and the pair of Warren Betker and Jim Kaz.
Walkin’ with WAC’ies Art treasure hunt to start on June 14
Residents who enjoy treasure hunts can participate in the Walkin’ with the WAC’ies community art drop, June 14 to August 15.
This art treasure hunt program is organized by the Weyburn Arts Council. Individuals are encouraged to check the Facebook group Walkin’ with
the WAC’ies to find the art, rehide it for someone else to find, or even hide art supplies.
Individuals are reminded that this is a public treasure hunt and the goal is to take a photo of the hidden art, and rehide it in a new spot to continue the fun.
Cordel
Photo courtesy of Jerry Ponto
EDITORIAL
Making our way back home
By Trudy and Dale Buxton, Publishers of The Independent
Welcome to Creston, British Columbia! We have had a great trip in the U.S.A., and we have seen a number of things that we can take off the bucket list, but now it’s time to make our way home.
Creston is snuggled between the Selkirk and Purcell mountains. It first became a village in the year 1898 with the building of the railroad, originally the community was known as the Seventh Siding, but officially changed its name to Creston in 1899 when a settler named Fred Little refused to deed his land unless the railroad named the community Creston.
For Mr. Little the name Creston was his hometown in Iowa, and it was special. The Canadian Pacific Railway agreed with the name, and it stuck. The First Nations peoples used to call this area “Kunama,” which means “Where the rock stands.”
Creston is a fabulous town with all things for a great tourist town. There is a wide variety of eating establishments and lots of great recreational activities both summer and winter. It is home to the award-winning Kokanee Beer, brewed on its shores and marketed for its famous glacier bear mascot.
Home to a real-life bank robbery in 1925 that started in as a standard hold up at the Imperial Bank with two men entered the bank and demanded cash, the bank manager, who was a First World War veteran, grabbed a gun and started shooting. After several shots were exchanged the manager ran out of bullets, put down his gun and calmly walked to the vault and handed the two men about $10,000. It was amazing that nobody was hit from a stray bullet.
The two robbers left the building with cash in hand and were chased by a local hunter and again shots were fired but no-
body was hit. The two robbers vanished into the orchards and were never seen again. This robbery continues to be talked about in local walking tours from the history of the town.
Creston is also known for producing the largest cherries in the Northern Hemisphere. The skyline is defined by two large grain elevators that were built in the mid1930’s and preserved as regional landmarks.
After a great stay in Creston, it’s time to make our way onto our next destination. We head west on Highway 3 and ride into the community of Salmo.
Originally known as Salmon City in the mid 1800’s the name changed to Salmo in 1896. It’s unclear why the name had changed.
Salmo has a population of around 1,200 people; the community is known as the “Hub of the Kootenays” which has a unique history surrounded by the gold rush of the early 1900’s. It is noted for a few oddities like a giant eight-foot Canadian penny which stands along the highway.
Salmo is also recognized for having the world’s oldest phone booth, which doesn’t work but stands as a local landmark. This phone booth was carved from a 400-plus year-old cedar tree.
If you are interested in electronic type of music, Salmo is the home of the Shambhala Music Festival, a multi-day event that attracts thousands of people to hear world class DJ’s strut their stuff. This festival has been called the top music festival in North America.
It’s amazing what you come upon when you don’t expect it.
Stay tuned next week as we continue our trip in B.C. and ride home.
Southeast drew the most interest in $17M Crown land sale
SaskToday
The Government of Saskatchewan’s second Crown oil and natural gas public offering of the 2025-26 fiscal year, held June 2, generated $17,747,731 in revenue, according to a June 5 news release.
Sixty-four leases were posted, encompassing 26,382.089 hectares. Fifty-six were sold, covering 24,065.466 hectares, and bringing in $9,385,493, or $390 per hectare. Five licences covering 4,767.980 hectares were sold, generating $8,362,238, or $1,753.83 per hectare.
The southeast region once again led the way, bringing in $10,464,283. All parcels available in the southeast were gobbled up, with the 30 leases covering 18,108.233 hectares bringing in $4,547,411, or $251.12 per hectare. The three licences, which covered 3,082.576 hectares, brought in $5,916,871, or $1,919.46 per hectare.
The highest bonus bid received on an exploration licence in this offering was $2,453,205, an average of $2,531.96 per hectare. The 968.896-hectare licence was awarded to Millennium Land (222) Ltd. and is located 10 kilometres south of Estevan, between the Roche Percee Bakken Sand Oil Pool and the Torquay Main Torquay Oil Pool.
The highest bonus bid received on a lease in this area was $328,927, an average of $1,702.84 per hectare. This 193.164-hectare lease was awarded to Saturn Oil & Gas and is located nine kilometres southwest of Oxbow, adjacent to the Pinto East Midale Beds Oil Pool.
The highest dollars per hectare received on a lease in this offering was $3,308.44 per hectare, a total of $212,061.
The 64.097-hectare lease was awarded to Villanova Energy Inc. and is located nine kilometres southeast of Oxbow, within the Glen Ewen Frobisher Beds Oil Pool.
The total bonus received in the Kindersley area was $3,910,411. Thirteen of 18 leases available received acceptable bids, bringing in $1,465,045 for 3,610 hectares, or $405.76 per hectare. Both available leases were purchased. They covered a total of 1,685.404 hectares and were sold for $2,445,366, or $1,450.91 per hectare. The highest bonus bid and dollars per hectare received on a licence in this area was $2,232,423, an average of $1,565.87 per hectare. This 1,425.676-hectare licence was awarded to Millennium Land (444) Ltd. and is located 20 kilometres south of Wilkie, partially within the Reford Waseca Sand Oil Pool.
The highest bonus bid and dollars per hectare received on a lease in the area was $456,006, an average of $878.89 per hectare. The 518.844-hectare lease was awarded to Martex Energy Corp. and is located 16 kilometres west of Luseland.
Seventeen oil shale leases posted south of Hudson Bay received a combined total of $3,000,003. These leases were awarded to Burgess Canadian Resources ULC.
Leases are offered with five-year terms and are issued to drill for and produce oil or natural gas. Exploration licences have terms of two to five years and are issued in less developed areas for exploration and production. Several factors affect public offering activity, including oil and gas prices, land availability, various market conditions, and geological and technological constraints.
The ‘Welcome to Creston’ sign located outside the community.
CONGRATULATIONS WCS GRADS
Morin Lucas Kaufmann
Brock Bedore Carter Downing Alex Kachan Cain Kaufmann
Kozlov Wyatt Kot Tamberly Kreger Raina-Lee Lohse Andrew Madridejos Victor Magawa
Sydney Martindale Mac Andrews Malana Ethan Matt Marissa McKnight Hannah Mercer Angelina Millar
Rozlin Morrissette
Payton Kobialka
Mariyah Roberto Randi Storle
Maggie Ferguson
Kenway
Audric Rara Havyn Walbaum
Maloney
Moule
Lea Mae Mujar
Alice Patel Marley Nicolson
Popescu Aiden Nightingale Gio Presto
Tace Odima
Cassidy Pretty
Atasha Recto Tanzie Quigley Brette Rosengren
Liam Schaake Knox Schellenberg Kyde Schwindt
Krish Sheth
Anubhav Sharma
Markuss Skujins
Weger - Weyburn
Reegan Chicoine
Sienna Gilchrist Calder White Carter Furgason
Rob Shumlich Payton Kobialka Peyton Lokken
David Sorowski Aaralea Strueby-Lark Jacob Symes
Dennon Thompson Izabell Taillon
Hunter Tollefson Walker Tribiger
Kadyn Van Alstyne Sophie Walkeden
Adison Warren Burke Ward
Cadence Wawro Harper Williams Austin Zackrisson
Payton Baigent
Jovin Cleasby
Elijah Davis
Kenzy Farney
Sam Gibbons
Ryan Hansen
Carson Hope
Tyce King
Logan Arthur
Jamie Campbell
Dylan Mack-Curtis
Everest Ereth
Shayne Fradette
Beth Hamel
Phyllesha Honig
Mulugeta Kesete
Gavin Bedore
Lily Connery
Sophia Dela Cruz
Marlie Fleck
Elizabeth Gill
Nash Hignett
Camden Husband
Tyra Kmita
Nevaeh Bell
Kingston Cox
Evan Duke
Bradey Flynn
Tyler Gillies
Ryan Hoeving
Danylo Ignatiuk
Parker Knoll
Masha Kornich
Samara Crowther
Logan Dunne
Raven Fox
Cole Godlonton
Joseph Hoffman
Cara Johnson
Eliza Kohane
Hailey Campbell
David Cugnet
Chinenye Maryann Ejiofor
Liam Fradette
Jakob Hahn
Brittney Honig
Zoe Kerr
Mekhi Kopec
Reach for the stars...
“Your
Markus Paquet Jordy Court
Ledger Kerslake
Avlynn Drake Katie Ivakhnenko Brycen Tessier
Ella Schener
Lucas Zieglgansberger
Colter Doud
The Saskatchewan Oil & Gas Show board donated $2,500 to the Family Place, as part of their community commitments during this year’s show. Pictured, l-r, Oil Show show manager Monica Osborn, Family Place executive director Dawn Gutzke and Oil Show past chair Dan Cugnet.
The Saskatchewan Oil Industry Board of Governors inducted individuals into the Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to the petroleum industry in Saskatchewan and beyond. Pictured, l-r, Premier Scott Moe, Craig Lothian, Andy Mah, chair of the Sask. Oil and Gas Hall of Fame board Dean Porter and Randall Smith.
Seeding progress increases significantly
Submitted
Seeding is reported at 87 per cent complete within the region, up significantly from 61 per cent the week previous according to the crop report for the period of May 26 to June 1. This progress is on par with the five-year average of 87 per cent. Seeding progress is as follows:
Cereal crops 95 per cent for durum; 89 per cent for barley; 89 per cent for spring wheat; 78 per cent for canary seed; 79 per cent for oats; and 61 per cent for triticale.
Oilseed crops 79 per cent for mustard; 84 per cent for flax; and 83 per cent for canola.
Pulse crops 99 per cent for field peas; 94 per cent for lentils; 88 per cent for soybeans; and 68 per cent chickpeas.
Perennial Forage is at 57 per cent.
As there is such a variance in rainfall, topsoil moisture in the region ranges from surplus to very short.
Cropland topsoil mois-
ture is nine per cent surplus; 73 per cent adequate; 17 per cent short; and one per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is five per cent surplus; 60 per cent adequate; 32 per cent short; and three per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is four per cent surplus; 53 per cent adequate; 37 per cent short; and six per cent very short.
Overall crop conditions are rated as good but range from fair to excellent.
Producers in the region
reported minor to severe damage from heat, dry conditions and wind. Flooding and gopher damage were also reported in the region. Insects being reported in the region were minor but included flea beetles, cutworms and wireworms.
As the week progresses, southeast producers are hoping for some relief from windy conditions to catch up on herbicide applications. If the weather remains favourable, seeding should be nearing completion for many producers next week.
Photos by Sabrina
Estevan team takes top spot at prov’l mine rescue competition
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Westmoreland Mining LLC’s Estevan mine rescue team finished atop the surface division at the Saskatchewan Mining Association’s (SMA) Emergency Response/Mine Rescue Skills Competition June 6 in Saskatoon.
The Estevan entry finished first in three categories: rope rescue, practical skills and surface problem. The team was also second in firefighting, fourth in proficiency tests and fifth in first aid.
K&S Potash’s Bethune Mine was second to Estevan in the surface division, which had eight teams.
Members of the Estevan squad who went to provincials were captain Jessica Klarholm, vicecaptain Brandon Schopp, Tyler Ursu, Derek Choma, Tanner Weger-Brandow, Matt Mutz and alternate Dale Feser.
This year’s competition will be held June 6 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
Captain Jessica Klarholm told SaskToday the team has covered a lot of ground since it started practising daily May 19.
“We have introduced a couple of new skill sets this year also, brushing up on the old and incorporating the new,” said Klarholm.
Coach Travis Olver helped to design and set the scenarios and evaluating members during their practices.
“We have covered everything from confined space search and rescue to bad-air atmospheres. Lots and lots of patient care,” said Klarholm.
One of their new skills this year is inverted rescues, she said, so they send a rescuer upside down into a tube to reach people. Also added were ladder rescues to perform extrications from cabs of tall equipment, such as rock trucks.
Team members do a lot of things well, she said.
“We have a pretty impressive skill set between the group of us. There’s a lot of years on this team, and a lot of the guys are also on their local fire departments, so they have skill sets from that,” said Klarholm.
“I think what we’re particularly good at is doing our scene survey and then
Hey Dads! Do you like your food spicy or mild? My friend’s dad is from Trinidad and he can pound down spicy food like nobody’s business! How about your kids, can they handle the heat? This weekend we accidentally learned that our 2-year-old, Juniper, probably prefers less spicy food.
We were out for brunch with another family and were waiting for our meal order to arrive. In situations like this, the youngest member of our family, Juniper, is sometimes passed around between her older siblings and her older parents (but not that old). Usually, the most responsible Juniper-watchers are, in order of expertise in attentiveness: Mom, older sisters, older brothers, younger sisters, younger brothers…Dad.
It was still early in the restaurant visit and Juniper was sitting with a family member who will remain unidentified. This unidentified family member is very responsible and carries a small first-aid kit in her purse should one of her offspring be injured along the way. It’s sort of a healthy-natural-organiccrunchy-hippie type of first aid kit. It contains some
coming up with a plan, and then we find ways to make that plan happen. Critical thinking is huge, and then working together to problem solve. We’re really good at pivoting when things are thrown at us.”
Skill refinement has been a focus so that everybody can do everything well, not just for the competition, but throughout the year to give patients the best comfort and care possible.
“If we show up, somebody’s having a bad day, so we want to make their bad day the best that we can,” said Klarholm.
Ursu, who is in his seventh year with the team, said practices have been going well and they have been gelling as a team.
“We’ve got the same seven as we did last year, so it’s nice to have that. I think we could compete for the overall trophy,” said Ursu.
The experience helps in training and real-life scenarios. Ursu recalled that last year after the competition, one of the members pulled over at the scene of a motorcycle accident and likely helped save the life
Food choices: Spicy or mild?
rather standard items like band-aids and some less standard items like a small jar of powdered Cayenne Pepper. If you’re like me you may have no idea why Cayenne Pepper would be in a first aid kit. If you’re smart, you’ll already know that Cayenne Pepper helps to stop bleeding. It does other things as well if your two-year-old happens to get into your purse and get into the first-aid kit and get the lid off the pepper jar in a restaurant and dump the powder all over herself. Like any self-respecting two-year-old, Juniper began to brush the powder off herself. It began to float around in the air causing some sneezing and sniffles from the closest family members. Then Juniper wiped her eyes with her hands which may or may not have had pepper powder on them. Judging by her reaction, they probably had pepper powder on them. She began crying and rubbing her eyes more and we gave her a soother and judging by her next reaction it seemed to have pepper on it too so you can see how this jolly restaurant visit is going. Being the responsible type, I took Juniper to the bathroom when an unidentified
of the person involved.
The scenarios they encounter at provincials aren’t known in advance, just like in real life, he said.
Feser is in his second stint with the mine rescue team. He spent 10 years on the squad, helping it win a provincial title in 2002. Once he returned to work at the mines a few years ago, he resumed his service, eventually joining the competition team again.
He is also pleased with how the practices have gone, as they try to have scenarios that are true to life in terms of what could happen.
“Much like all other emergency services, we try to take an all-hazards approach and be prepared for anything that could
possibly come our way to help our workers,” said Feser.
He noted the high-angle rescue equipment now in use has come a long way. The rope rigger is easier to manage, and they can do more with less equipment.
“There’s a little bit of a learning curve for myself in the reintegration process to relearn all of the new equipment that is being utilized here now. But it is far more efficient than what we used to use 25 to 30 years ago.”
As an alternate, he is with the team through the events. If a member becomes ill or injured, he steps in to help. During training scenarios, he plays the patient’s role.
Feser is looking forward to seeing all the
teams from throughout the province. They all work hard during the year, but the efforts ramp up before the competition.
“Everybody is bringing their A game from right across the province,” Feser said.
The team plays an important role in the mines’ operations throughout the year, Klarholm said. Two new recruits joined the team, bringing the total number of members to 15. The team practises once a month.
“Everything we cover in these three weeks, even if it’s a very specific skill set geared towards competition, it still hones our teamwork skills and our ability to respond faster and better,” said Klarholm.
family member asked me to. I helped wash off Juniper’s hands and face and soother and clothing.
She recovered pretty quickly once we got her cleaned up and the meal continued without further incident. I refrained from asking why Cayenne Pepper was in a first-aid kit until much later in the day when all identified and unidentified family members were in a much healthier emotional state.
Now that we’ve had this experience with the pepper I’m not sure if I should really hope it gets used in a future emergency or if I should really hope it doesn’t get used in a future emergency. In my humble opinion, it’s created enough emergencies as it is. Well, dad, everyone in the family is recovered, healthy, and not blaming anyone about anything. Maybe it’s a good day to take your family out for a meal. Time flies. Make every moment count! And maybe leave the Cayenne Pepper at home.
Jason Weening rarely visits restaurants with his 10 kids and one spicy wife. Read more stories in his book, “Yes, Dear… I’m Watching Them,” on Amazon.
Federal gov’t
M to new solar facility
SaskToday
The federal government has committed $15 million for the new Turning Sun Solar facility that is under construction in the RM of Estevan.
Winnipeg-South Liberal MP Terry Duguid, on behalf of Tim Hodgson, the federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, made the announcement at a groundbreaking celebration June 5 for the 100-megawatt project.
According to a news release from the Government of Canada, the Turning Sun Solar project is one of the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the province and among the biggest renewable energy projects currently under construction in Canada.
The feds noted it has 10 per cent Indigenous ownership and, once operational, will power the equivalent of 25,000 homes. The pro-
ject has an estimated price tag of more than $200 million, according to information provided at the groundbreaking.
Duguid travelled from Winnipeg to Estevan for the celebration and said it was great to be in Canada’s Sunshine Capital. He said the announcement speaks to where Canada is going and how everyone will get there together. The government wants to be a superpower in conventional and clean energy, he said, and Indigenous partnerships will play an important role.
“This is a living, breathing demonstration of this, and I am just amazed at what is happening in this province as far as Indigenous partnerships,” said Duguid.
The need for reliable, affordable power is greater now than at any point in Canada’s history, he said.
“As such, the question before us is not where we need more energy, but what kind of energy future will we choose to build. We want to build a future that is reliable, sustainable and competitive,” said Duguid.
Saskatchewan is ready to modernize its grid, Duguid said, while enhancing energy security, reducing emissions and creating good, sustainable jobs in communities across the province.
“Turning Sun strengthens that progress ... expands clean power capacity, supports jobs for Saskatchewan workers, deepens economic partnership and equity, and provides families here in Estevan with a more reliable and affordable energy future,” he said.
He also predicted Turning Sun would be a great asset for Saskatchewan residents.
Mine rescue competing members pictured, l-r, Tanner Weger-Brandow, Tyler Ursu, Matt Mutz, captain Jessica Klarholm, vice-captain Brandon Schopp, alternate Dale Feser and member Derek Choma.
Photo courtesy of Guy Hiltz.
Classic vehicles were a draw at Estevan car show
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
More than 70 classic vehicles were on display June 6 for the River Bottom Rods and Rides Car Show at the Hidden Valley Golf and RV Resort.
Hidden Valley owner Brad Dutton said they had lots of great vehicles for people to views. Hundreds of people dropped by to see the vehicles.
“These guys put so much work into these cars, and they were awesome. I don’t know how many decades they spanned. Probably eight decades from the oldest to the newest,” said Dutton, who marvelled at how the vehicles turn out each year.
The show and shine was at an area known as “the saloon” at the south end of the campground that has a tent, washrooms and a place to cook and eat.
A few people who were at the show last year weren’t able to attend this year, Dutton said, but others from previous editions were back. He added some new participants were at the show this year.
“I think it was a very good representation of what this community is capable of. And people want to be out, in the sun, showing their iron off,” he said.
Dutton noted the forecast didn’t look good at the start of the day due to the
potential for a storm, and that might have kept some exhibitors from attending, but it turned out to be a great day for the show.
People were having
conversations who seemingly hadn’t seen each other in a year, he said. The show provides an opportunity for exhibitors and others to come out and
visit in the fresh air while sharing their love of the hobby.
Members of the Outram-Madigan 4-H Beef Club cooked and served
hamburgers, hot dogs and more for the exhibitors and the spectators. Dutton was pleased with the young people’s efforts on a hot June day.
Southeast drivers win three Tougher than Dirt features in Estevan
David Willberg
SaskToday.ca
The Tougher than Dirt Tour made its way to the Estevan Motor Speedway (EMS) on June 5, bringing a full night of racing action for local fans.
The tour is for hobby stock, sport modified and
slingshot drivers, and travels to five different communities in five nights. The Estevan stop also featured modifieds and stock cars racing for points in the local standings. Ninety-one cars in total were entered between the five divisions. All three Tougher than
Dirt features were won by southeast drivers. Halle Turnbull captured the slingshot feature for her second straight victory on the tour, finishing ahead of her brother Eli. Two Weyburn drivers, Jase and Sophie Skjerdal, were third and fourth, respectively.
Diezel Raynard of Lampman won the hobby stock feature as he continues his quest to take top spot in Tougher than Dirt for the second straight year. Pat Smith of Ninga, Man., was second. Nathan DeRagon, who travelled from Peoria, Ariz., was third and Ethan Beckedahl of Landa, N.D., came fourth Keenan Glasser of Estevan won the sport modified feature, finishing ahead of Payce Herrera of Price, Utah, who is another of the long-distance travellers on the tour. Chad Strachan of Minot, N.D., was third and Leevi Runge of Lampman finished fourth.
As for the non-tour divisions, Kody Scholpp of Estevan won the modified feature for his third straight Estevan feature win of the season. Travis Hagen of McGregor, N.D., was
second, Gabriel Deschamp of Westhope, N.D., was third and Aaron Turnbull of Estevan was fourth.
Brock Beeeter of Minot was the lone American to win a feature race on the night, claiming top spot in the stock car class. Chase Davidson and Chris Hortness, both of Estevan, were second and third, respectively, and Kyle Scholpp of Lampman came in fourth.
The next scheduled program at the speedway will be the spring Enduro June 14 at 2 p.m.
The Tougher than Dirt Tour started with races at McLean County Speedway in Underwood, N.D., on June 3, and Williston Basin Speedway in Williston, N.D., the following day. Then it was at Thunder Mountain Speedway in Bottineau, N.D., on June 6 and at NoDak Speedway in
Minot, N.D.
After the Estevan program, Halle Turnbull had the lead in the Tougher than Dirt slingshot standings with 115 points, nine clear of her brother Eli. Jax Iverson of Tioga, N.D., was third with 105 points, and Sophie Skjerdal of Weyburn was fourth at 102.
DeRagon was leading the hobby stock division with 118 points, one more than Raynard. Smith was third at 111 and Tyson Grinstead of Stanley, N.D., was fourth with 108. Herrera leads the sport modified division with 118 points, four ahead of Strachan, who has 114. Glasser is third with 105. Tim Goodwin of Williston is fourth at 100.
The series winners are determined based on a driver’s top four finishes during the five races.
ECS salutes athletic achievement at sports awards night
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Estevan Comprehensive School applauded the efforts of its athletes during the 2025-26 school year at the annual athletic awards night June 3 in the school’s cafetorium.
Senior and junior teams both presented awards, and some special awards were handed out.
The River Bottom Rods and Rides Car Show was held at the Hidden Valley Golf and RV Resort.
Photo courtesy of Brad Dutton
Diezel Raynard won the hobby stock feature.
Photo courtesy by Estevan Motor Speedway
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CLUES ACROSS
1. Absence of difficulty
5. Preserve a dead body 11. Gratitude 14. The act of coming together again 15. More cushy 18. Visionaries
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SPORTS
Weyburn hosts motocross event
Athletes from the southeast were at the Weyburn motocross track on June 7.
Weyburn riders Max Morrice placed third and Maverick Duffy finished 10th in the 50 pee wee, ages seven to eight, category.
In the 50 cc open, Weyburn riders Max Morrice placed second, Bentley Henderson finished third, Alex Cugnet took seventh and Maverick Duffy captured 12th.
In the 65 cc, ages seven to nine, category Max Morrice placed sxith and Bentley Henderson finished 11th. In the 85 cc,
ages 12 to 16 category, Francis rider Bentley Haus placed fifth and Weyburn rider Charles Cugnet took tenth. In the super mini category, Bentley Haus took sixth, Francis rider Landon McEwen claimed 11th and Yellow Grass rider Roman Quigley took 15th.
Gladmar rider Mya Bendickson finished sixth in the ladies A category.
McTaggart rider Parker Douglas claimed ninth in the MX2 Junior category, and 11th in the MX3 Junior category.
Weyburn rider Kent Shumlich finished third
in the MX1 Intermediate. In the MX3 Intermediate, McTaggart rider Zach Douglas finished seventh and Kent Shumlich placed eighth.
Competing in the Pro Am open, Weyburn riders Codie Rouse placed first and Trey Griffin finished second. Rouse also placed first in the MX3 Pro open, with Griffin finishing fifth.
Weyburn rider Justin Alexander placed ninth in Vet Junior. Zach Douglas finished third in the Vet Master category.
Weyburn rider Zeke Alexander placed eighth in Beginner 2.
WCBL Recap: Saskatoon claims a dominant win over Weyburn
Randy Palmer SaskToday
The Saskatoon Berries claimed a 15-4 win over the Weyburn Beavers during a WCBL game held June 7.
Weyburn had a fourgame win streak come to an end after another impressive outing from the Berries offence.
Leading 5-1 heading into the fifth inning, Saskatoon would send 13 bat-
ters to the plate and score seven runs in the inning to pull away for good. Nash Nichols had a solo home run in the frame, Erik Aguirre knocked in three runs with a bases-loaded double.
Ethan Murdoch had another solid game for the Berries, going 4-for-5 with a double, three runs and four RBI, while Nate Houston was 3-for-5 with three runs scored. Aguirre
ended up with five RBI on the afternoon; Gael Salinas, Aidan Marien and Nicols all crossed the plate twice.
Michael Sall picked up the win, allowing a single run on two hits over five innings, Dallen Rude and Tyler Bailey tossed three innings of scoreless relief in the mercy-rule victory.
Robert Gurney led the Berries with a 2-for-3 outing that included two
doubles, two runs scored and an RBI, Owen Mayencourt went 2-for-3 and knocked in a pair.
Weyburn’s pitchers took a bit of damage from their defence, with only nine of the 15 runs earned thanks to four Beavers errors on the day. Keaton Husband was saddled with the loss after allowing five runs on six hits through second and third innings.
Weyburn drops to 4-4
WCS track athletes attend provincials
Submitted
There were a few top placements for Weyburn Comprehensive track athletes, as they attended the provincial track and field meet at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex in Saskatoon over the weekend.
Intermediate Sophie Pollock finished fourth in 100 m, ninth in 4x100 m, 11th in high jump and 17th in long jump.
Lauryn Chicoine placed fifth in shot put and 19th in javelin.
Persephonee Wilson finished 28th in the 400 m.
Alyssa Kerr placed 16th in hurdles and 23rd in javelin.
Lily Penner finished 21st in 3,000 m.
Ajax Longman placed 13th in 1,500 m and 3,000 m, and 14th in 800 m.
Rylan Meier finished 15th in 800 m, 20th in 400 m, 21st in long jump and 17th in 200 m.
Junior Maggie Bryant placed 19th in 3,000 m and 22nd in 1,500 m.
Cole Payak won a bronze in long jump, placed 10th in 4x100m and 26th in javelin.
Easton Spagrud placed 10th in the 400 m and 4x100 m, 11th in 800 m and 17th in 1,500 m.
Judah Sawatzky finished 19th in hurdles.
Malley Sterling placed fifth in 100 m, eighth in 200 m, and tenth in 4x100 m.
Cody Goski finished tenth in 4x100 m.
Senior
Peyton Lokken took 13th in high jump, 14th in triple jump and 25th in 100 m.
Zaniyah Odima finished 13th in 4x400 m, 21st in
100 m and 23rd in 200 m.
Lily Connery placed 26th in discus.
Tace Odima placed sixth in 4x400 m, seventh in 800 m, eighth in 400 m and tenth in long jump.
Camden Husband placed 18th in 3,000m and 20th in 1,500 m.
Ross Gill took ninth in 4x100 m and 31st in 200 m.
Aeryk Benning finished ninth in 4x100 m, 11th in 200 m and 27th in 100 m.
Jack Bell finished ninth in 4x100 m and 22nd in discus.
Max Vennard placed sixth in 4x400 m.
Crossword puzzle answers
and are tied with Moose Jaw for second place in the division.
Weyburn 16, Swift Current 4 June 6
The Beavers wasted no time getting things going at Tom Laing Park, scoring five in the first, building an 8-2 lead through five and then tacking on eight more runs in the seventh for the mercy-rule win.
Weyburn’s big inning saw a bit of everything, as they had three singles, three walks, two hit batters and an error, eventually sending 12 batters to the plate.
Hugh Montgomery led Weyburn by going 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs
scored. Austin Boylan, Brayden Mayencourt and Will Seivier all crossed the plate twice and had two RBI. Ryan Weaver hit a triple and knocked in two, Gunner Ferguson scored three runs.
All the run support made for light work in Josh Pritchard’s quest for the win, as he’d put together a quality start with two runs allowed, five hits and seven strikeouts in six innings.
Upcoming games
The Weyburn Beavers will travel to Regina on Friday, June 12, and have a doubleheader in Moose Jaw on Saturday, June 13. They host the Moose Jaw Miller Express on Sunday, June 14.
Motocross riders readied themselves to race at the Weyburn Motocross track last weekend.
Cole Payak won bronze in long jump during the provincial track meet. Photo courtesy of Kristy Gall/WCS
Photo submitted
Direct to Smelter - Precious Metals Roadshow comes to Weyburn
Voyager Gold will be coming to Weyburn during a roadshow making its way through Saskatchewan. You can bring your gold, silver & coins to the Credit Union Spark Centre between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. June 14th & 15th. No appointment is required.
The President of Voy-
ager Gold is Ethan Semple, a precious metals buyer. Semple’s family roots grow deep in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Semple comes from several generations of gold, with his first taste coming during a Boy Scouts gold panning trip at the Hope Recreational
Panning Area in BC.
“Gold buying and testing was happening on my kitchen table all through out my life,” Semple chuckles. “My father was an avid gold panner and precious metals buyer, so it comes second nature to me.”
After getting a formal education and spend-
ing a few years in the rat race and the birth of his first child, Semple decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a precious metals buyer as well with the hope that one day he might provide her with a yard to run around in.
Recent increases in gold prices have lead to
many people becoming “gold buyers.” “Voyager Gold provides a service that is personal and informative, making sure the client understands everything that is going on from testing to quoting,” Semple says. “Voyager Gold deals directly with the smelter, cutting out the middle man. This enables us to pass those savings on to the client, unlike other gold buyers offering pennies on the dollar.”
“We use a variety of tools and tests to analyze your items including magnetic sweeps, hallmark identification, as well as various purity tests,” Semple explains. “We even have experience with some collectible coins and bills where we look at numismatic value. In any event we’re always happy to take a look and offer some insight.”
“Over half the world’s annual gold harvest comes from recycled gold. Energy costs are about $500 to mine a new ounce of gold, where recycled gold is about $10 per ounce. That prevents a lot of diesel from being burned.” Gold and silver purchased at the show and later melted goes back into the market without incurring that environmental cost.
“People bring in all sorts of items, but most often its broken or forgotten jewellery from the back of the jewellery box or even dental gold. Often times folks are surprised by how much value was just sitting there,” Semple says. “Voyager Gold provides a quick and low pressure environment. We do everything right in front of your eyes and provide an offer with absolutely no pressure, no obligation, and no appointment necessary.”
