Sebastian, Scuttle, Ariel and Flounder dance along other seagalls in the song ‘Positoovity’, after Scuttle gives Ariel a pep talk to raise her spirits and help her get used to her new legs. Assiniboia Park Elementary School will showcase their talents in Little Mermaid Jr, the musical, today, June 12. There will be two shows at the school, held at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sara Parks/SaskToday.ca
The 116th Weyburn Fair Days is set to go with new attractions, returning favourites, and a strong focus on agriculture and family-friendly fun. Organizers said they’re excited about the growth of the AG Pavillion that houses the Tractor Town, an obstacle course where children navigate pedal tractors, farm animals, and other rural-life challenges.
“This year we are excited to announce the expansion of our AG Pavillion which is home to our ever-expanding Tractor Town, an interactive obstacle course complete with pedal tractors, farm animals and barns and other rural life obstacles that the children must maneuver around,” said Lisa Vick, from the Weyburn Agricultural Society.
A long-standing crowd-pleaser, the Kids Tractor Pull will once
again take place, drawing families with a tradition of participation.
“Kids Tractor Pull has been a Weyburn Fair staple for many years. Generations of families have participated in Tractor Pull over the years of this event,” added Vick.
Among this year’s new attractions is the Jr. Fire Fighter Challenge, a hands-on obstacle course focused on fire safety education, and The Fair Game: “Where You Don’t Know Sheep”, an agriculturalthemed comedy game designed to teach youth about food origins through laughter and learning.
Returning for a second year is the crowd-favourite Wobbly Water Balls, featuring giant inflatable balls in a shallow pool where participants can bounce and crash into each other.
“This is giant, shallow pool and you get into giant inflated balls and bang and crash each other in the
pool,” said Vick. Spotlight on agriculture
The fair continues its strong agricultural focus with a variety of educational and interactive displays. Highlights include exhibits from Sask Ag and Ag Canada showcasing Canadiangrown grains, a cattle dome video presentation on beef production, and a Mosaic tent educating visitors on Saskatchewan potash.
Sask Milk will be present to discuss local dairy production, while the Friends of the Canadian Simmental Association will display a realistic beef carcass exhibit, illustrating the cuts of meat from a butchered cow.
Agriculture in the Classroom is debuting a new “Grains of Saskatchewan” exhibit aimed at making learning about local grains more interactive for kids and adults alike. Visitors can explore crop diversity, by-products, and the province’s role in feeding the
world. Glen Duck of the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies will also be on hand with agriculture-themed video games.
Midway, petting zoo and trade show
The fair will once again feature its classic midway with rides, games, and traditional fair food, along with a petting zoo featuring a wide variety of animals.
Inside the Exhibition Hall on July 5, a trade show will host approximately 30 vendors from across southeast Saskatchewan, including demonstrations and displays, with one outdoor exhibit featuring E-bikes. Vendors range from local artisans to food specialists offering both Canadian and international cuisine.
Volunteers still needed
Organizers emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“We could not run fair week without our dedicated volunteers,” said Vick.
“By the time we get all the jobs and various shifts filled, we are probably filling 150 shifts for a variety of jobs.”
She said that additional help is still needed, especially for the Knocker Ball event, which features 20 inflatable balls on a large turf area where participants can bounce and bump into each other.
“We are always looking for more volunteers. We have about 15 dedicated board members that put in countless hours planning, setting up and running the week of activities, so more helping hands are always accepted for a variety of jobs from cleaning bathrooms to taking tickets at the gates.”
Competitions
In addition to the Tractor Pull and Fire Fighter Challenge, the Household Arts Display is back, with pie judging expected to draw interest from both bakers and fairgoers. Sub-
missions are open to the public and local schools are encouraged to participate.
“I would say the growth of our Ag Pavillion that was introduced last year has been instrumental in bridging the gap between our urban and rural communities, as not all those living in the city can get a hands-on experience at farm,” said Vick. “We are super excited to see the Fire Fighter Challenge in action this year.”
The fair runs from July 3 -5. The daily admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 6–18, free for children five and under. Parking onsite is $2, and there is free street parking. All buildings and grounds are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. 4-H days run June 28-July 2.
For more information or to volunteer, residents are encouraged to contact the Weyburn Agricultural Society.
Photo – Sabrina kraft/Weyburn Review
COMMUNITY
Nolan Uhren, Spencer Bell and Justin Diram sold hoodies from the Junior Achievement business, Clear Mind Clothing Co. The hoodies were designed to promote mental health, with quotes to promote positivity printed on the back. The Junior Achievement business will end soon, and a donation will be made to a mental health iniciative in the community.
CWL convention hosted in Weyburn
The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) hosted its annual provincial convention in Weyburn from June 1-2, bringing together around 100 members from across Saskatchewan to strengthen their faith, engage in service, and celebrate decades of dedication to community and church.
Marilyn Schuck, who helped organize the event, said the main purpose of the convention and all
CWL conventions is to “unite Catholic women to grow in faith, and to promote social justice through service to the church, Canada and the world.”
As a registered nonprofit, the CWL holds annual meetings to elect officers, review finances, and coordinate charitable efforts. This year’s theme, “Here I Am, Lord, Send Me,” resonated with members, reflecting their commitment to answering the call to serve.
“The theme is chosen by the President of the National level and stays in place for two years,” said Schuck. “It has been very popular with the membership as its scriptural reference resonates with our call to serve wherever we
are called or find a need.”
With a 105-year national history and 77 years of provincial conventions, the CWL has evolved to meet modern needs.
“We have streamlined some of the old protocol and shortened the amount of time to meet in convention partly because most women are in the workforce these days.”
The Weyburn parish council, established in 1926, will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026, added Schuck. There are four levels of executive in the league: parish, diocesan, provincial and national.
The conventions are held in various locations within the boundaries of each level.
The convention featured
two Eucharistic celebrations at St. Vincent de Paul Church, led by Archbishop Don Bolen of Regina and Fr. Francis Hengen, provincial spiritual advisor.
Speakers addressed pressing issues, including, a video presentation on “Understanding Anxiety in Teens” by Fr. Greg Elder, Chaplain for John Paul II Collegiate, North Battleford, and Victor Quijada, student counsellor; “Here I am Lord, Send Me,” presentation on Leadership in the League by President Helen Kayfish and Donna Aldous; and National Task Force R3 to 1, Unity given by Life Member Chantal Devine on recruiting, retaining and regaining members.
The CWL Charitable and Service Projects are many and varied throughout the province. Delegates highlighted ongoing projects, such as: Indigenous relations with First Nations people are being developed; awareness of trafficking of women and children; “Bags of Love” providing necessities for children who are removed from their homes due to parental abuse; donating to food banks; and supporting schools with scholarships and hot lunches.
Looking ahead, the CWL is prioritizing mental health outreach and membership growth.
“Many councils including ours have had speakers on this topic,” said Schuck. “Our convention this year had the presentation on anxiety in teens. Another goal is to continue to invite Catholic women to join the league so that we can increase our membership in order to grow in faith and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service.”
Sara Parks/SaskToday.ca
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Legion members attended Yellow Grass Cemetery for Decoration Day on June 3. Canadian flags were placed at grave sites and the Memorial monument in the park. From left, Weyburn Legion vice president, Jerry Ponto; Cold War veteran and 65 year Yellow Grass and Weyburn Legion member, Sam Hennie and Weyburn Legion president, Brian Glass.
This year,we’rechanginghow we distribute equity cheques. Instead of handing them out in person, they’ll be maileddirectly to your home.Noneed to line up—just keep an eyeonyour mailbox!
Additionally, we will NOTbehosting traditional Equity Week BBQs this year.Instead, we’re excited to announce Customer Appreciation Events coming at various dates at our branch locations andamajor eventplanned for Weyburn laterthisyear. Stay tuned—moredetailswill be shared soon!
We arealso committed to continuouslyimprovingour facilities. In the last2 years, weinvested $9.1 million to upgrade our infrastructure,ensuring we can better serve our customers now and into the future. All equity cheques shouldbe receivedinthe mail by July31, 2025.
Based on 2024 purchases, Prairie Sky Co-opallocated $1.1 million back to itsmembers. Just over $766,000 totalcashwill be paid outtomembers, making the totalcashbeing paid out since incorporationover $61million
EDITORIAL
MY OUTLOOK: SPLIT SECONDS YEARS IN THE MAKING
Shelley Luedtke/SaskToday.ca
Were you watching? Did you see it? If you blinked, you likely didn’t. Cole Perfetti’s game tying goal with only 1.6 seconds left in game 7 of the Jets and Blues series in this year’s first round of the NHL playoffs was a stunner—and a heartbreaker for the Blues when the Jets went on to score in overtime and advance to the next round.
Not to be outdone, in another series, with less than half a second to go, a deflection ended game three between the Golden Knights and the Oilers in mouthdropping fashion. I was just planning my intermission snack and getting ready to settle into overtime when all of a sudden the game was over.
A documentary entitled “1.6 Seconds” tells the story of British diver Tom Daley and is so named because of the length of time that passes between leaving the diving platform and entering the pool. Those divers have put in years of training to achieve what they do in that brief flash of time. So too, those hockey players, whose game winning heroics were recorded in mere fractions, but came only after putting in the time to hone those shots.
After playing the piano at an event a woman came up to me and asked, “How long did it take you to learn to do that?” Unsure how to respond, I said I started taking lessons when I was a young child and have been playing ever since. Unless someone is a savant and exhibits exceptional skill or brilliance, most musicians develop slowly over time—getting a little bit better day by day as they put in the effort to improve.
Sadly though, despite the fact that many people
know how to play, there are an awful lot of pianos sitting idle. Just 13% of adults who can play, actually do. Even though they put in the time at one point in their life to learn, now they rarely use that skill. The same can be said of other instruments. How many clarinets or trumpets are sitting in the back of closets? How many saxophones or guitars are tucked away somewhere in the basement? What’s so sad about that is the fact that not only are we missing out on the musicianship of so many, those musicians themselves are missing out…missing out on something that goes beyond music.
Each time we learn something new our brain forms new connections. Existing neural pathways are made stronger. Think about that. Each time we try something new it benefits the functioning of our brains. Imagine the way those neural pathways could light up if we buckled down and learned a new song.
My husband and I toured an American music museum and while many of the exhibits were of the ‘no touch’ variety, there was one room filled with historically significant pianos and harpsichords that visitors were encouraged to sit down and play. It was a bit intimidating at first, but I got to play a Steinway concert grand, as well as a Bechstein Grand. The latter was an 1878 instrument nicknamed “The Velvet Touch” that once belonged to an Austrian music patron. Throughout its history, musicians like Anton Rubinstein, Franz Liszt, Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms and Bela Bartok graced the keys. Yes, I got to touch the same keys as those giants of music. I was incredibly grateful my parents made sure I kept taking piano lessons so I could sit down and be part
of that remarkable instrument’s history. If I hadn’t put in the time on the keys, I would have missed out on a goosebump moment.
It is often said it takes 10 years to become an ‘overnight sensation’ because while it may seem an actor, singer or group’s fame simply explodes quickly, it likely comes only after a decade or more of hard work. But the public doesn’t see that. They see the excitement surrounding the new star but not the time devoted to developing their talent and honing their craft, allowing them to be perceived as an overnight success.
If you watched the Indianapolis 500 this year you know that a rookie won the pole position. It’s the first time in 42 years that such a feat was accomplished by a rookie driver. He was described as someone who ‘burst on the scene’. True enough. Since he is new to the circuit few knew his name until qualifying day. But Robert Schwartzman has been racing for 13 years in other types of cars. He put in the time and was ready when given the opportunity to qualify as an Indy driver.
There are no shortcuts to game winning goals, hoisting trophies, publishing books, job promotions, strong relationships or any other measure of achievement we might set for ourselves. Unless someone is willing to put in the time it is unlikely any of those successes could happen. Hour upon hour upon hour, year over year over year is the preparation required for those memorable moments.
The equation that may not sound like much fun, but it’s effective. Time plus hard work equals being ready for the opportunity. That’s my outlook.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioners
The Government of Saskatchewan is asking for an expression of interest (EOI) from Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who want to deliver publicly funded primary care services. This initiative will allow NPs to work to their full scope of practice, promote collaborative, teambased care, and increase access to primary care services for patients.
“We are committed to ensuring that every Saskatchewan resident has access to a primary care provider by 2028,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “This new initiative creates more opportunities for Nurse Practitioners throughout the health system and improves access to primary care services across our province.”
The expression of interest opens today. NPs who would like to be considered for this initiative should fill out the EOI by July 6 at midnight.
The Government of Saskatchewan announced plans in 2024 to develop a funding model that allows NPs to deliver publicly funded primary care services, such as health assessments, treating
common illnesses and injuries and chronic disease management. This is the first step in the plan.
After EOIs are submitted, invitations to apply will be sent out in late July. Successful applicants will enter a contract developed by the Ministry of Health and will function as independent contractors.
The Ministry of Health will work with the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners (SANP) to implement this initiative.
“We are excited to see this project come to fruition, as it allows Nurse Practitioners to work both individually, and alongside primary care physicians and allied health professionals,” SANP President Michelle O’Keefe said. “We appreciate the efforts by the Ministry of Health to provide Nurse Practitioners access to an innovative funding model that promotes team-based care.”
Information sessions on this project will be held virtually on June 17 and 19, 2025. For more information on these sessions, this project or to fill out an EOI please visit: saskatchewan.ca.
Ministerial Message: A Father’s Letter to his children
Submited by
Pastor Cameron Weber Weyburn Ministerial
In honor of of Fathers Day Coming up I felt this letter was appropriate.
My Children -you may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up. I am familiar with all your ways even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
You were made in my image. In me, you live and move and have your being, for you are my offspring. I knew you even before you were conceived. I chose you when I planned creation. You are not a mistake, for all the days are written in my book. I determine the exact time of your birth where you would live. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I knit you together in your mother’s womb (Ps139:13) and brought you forth on the day you were born.
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love. And it is my desire to lavish my love
on you, simply because you are my child and I am your father.(1 John 3:1). Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand,for I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope, because I love you with an everlasting love. My thoughts towards you are as countless as the sand on the seashore, and I rejoice over you with singing. I will never stop doing good to you, for you are my treasured possession.
I desire to establish you with all my heart, and all my soul, and I want to show you great and marvellous things. If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me; delight in me, and I will give you the desires of your heart, for it I who gave you those desires. (Phil 2:13).
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine, for I am your greatest encourager. I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you as a shepherd carries lamb, I have carried you close
to my heart. One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes, and I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Rev 21:3-4).
I am your father, and I love you, even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23). In him, my love for you is revealed. He is the exact representation of my being. He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you, and to tell you that I am not counting your sins against you. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Rom 8:31-32).
If you receive the gift of my son, Jesus, you receive me, and nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. I have always been Father and will always be Father. My question is: will you be my child? I am waiting for you.(Luke 15:11-32).
This is Pastor Cameron Weber, repeating the father’s love letter.
Cooper raised $200 for the Weyburn Food Bank, accepted by Nicole Strickland, Community Ministries Worker for the Salvation Army. He participated in the Action Plan for Change with the St. Michael School Grade 6 Wellness classes. Cooper held a cake raffle and bake sale with the support of his mom from the Domesticated Caker.
Photo
An Oungre Orioles runner scores a run, during a game against the Bat Flippers. The Weyburn Minor Baseball Association held a special ball day for U7 and U9 teams on June 7.
Help shape a safer, healthier Weyburn: residents asked to participate in new survey
Weyburn
Several Weyburn track athletes competed in the 2025 Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association Provincials, held in Moose Jaw.
SJHL adopts new player protection rule
Benny Walchuk SaskToday.ca
The 2025 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League annual general meeting wrapped up over the weekend at Jackfish Lodge, north of North Battleford, highlighted by the official addition of the Warman Wolverines as the league’s newest franchise.
ed local protections based on roster space.
The league held its 2025 draft on Tuesday. It will be an eight-round draft, featuring two rounds of selections for 2010 birth-year players, followed by six rounds for 2009 birth-year players.
Weyburn has been selected to take part in an important initiative to strengthen our community: the development of a Community Safety and WellBeing (CSWB) plan. This initiative, facilitated by the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA) and supported by the Ministry of Justice, is designed to bring together residents, organizations, businesses and governments to help make Weyburn an even better place to live, work and grow.
community where everyone feels safe, supported and connected.
What is CSWB Planning? At its core, CSWB planning is about identifying local priorities that impact quality of life and working together to address them. Things like education, health, safety, housing, economic opportunity and cultural inclusion. The goal is a thriving
Why Now? Weyburn is one of five Saskatchewan communities selected to develop a local CSWB plan. This is a proactive step forward and one that allows us to understand current strengths and challenges. The goal is to create a shared plan for a safer, healthier future.
Have Your Say: The
City is inviting residents, business owners, and community members to take part in a short survey to help guide this process. Your input will help shape the direction of local strategies and ensure that the plan reflects the real experiences and needs of our community.
Survey closes June 16, 2025. The survey link is www.surveymonkey. com/r/P2XTQ65.
The move, which sees the team relocate from the College of Notre Dame in Wilcox to Warman, was finalized with a unanimous vote from the SJHL Board of Governors on Saturday.
Also approved was a revision to the auto-protect player policy. Starting immediately, teams can automatically protect two local players annually on their 50-man list before the draft. A third may be protected at the cost of the team’s first available draft pick—a change from the previous system of unlimit-
In total, 92 players are expected to be drafted, though some teams may pass on picks in the later rounds. Eligible players must be Saskatchewan residents from outside the 12 SJHL markets (or not ‘auto-protected’) and must not have been previously drafted by any SJHL team.
The 2025 Draft holds special significance for the Warman Wolverines, who are preparing for their inaugural season in the SJHL and have taken over the assets of the Notre Dame Hounds, including the first overall picks in both the 2009 and 2010 age groups.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
AGPRO SEEDS - BUYING HEATED CANOLA, FEED BARLEY & FEED GRAIN #1 buyer on the prairies top price paid! For Bids Call/Text: 306-
The City of Estevan won the Golden Garbage Can, after judging occured in both cities on June 9. Estevan judges, left to right, Wendy May-Clark; Jacquelyn Massey-Rounds, marketing and communications, City of Estevan; Merissa Scarlett, executive director of Estevan Chamber of Commerce; Kirsten Walliser - City of Estevan Councillor. Weyburn judges, Kellie Sidloski, City of Weyburn Councillor; Monica Osborn, executive director, Weyburn Chamber of Commerce; Deanna Colbow - rep., Weyburn Horticultural Society; and Paige Tenbult, communications coordinator, City of Weyburn.
Energy City Ex to bring three days of entertainment to Estevan
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
People in southeast Saskatchewan will get to enjoy three days of entertainment through the Estevan Exhibition Association’s (EEA) Energy City Ex., which is scheduled for June 13-15.
Association president Crystal Ross said the event will feature many of the same attractions as last year. West Coast Amusements will be supplying the midway, which will be open all three days, while the KCRA will once again sanction the rodeo, which will be on June 13 and 14.
Rodeo performance times will be 7 p.m. on the 13th and 6 p.m. on the 14th, with slack times at 8 a.m. each day.
Ross referred to West Coast Amusements as “the best in the west” with their midway rides and carnival games, and the EEA always appreciates what they bring.
Other highlights will include a quilt show in the EEA’s building that will feature the talents of local people, while the WylieMitchell Air Cadet Hall will feature the agriculture pavilion, which Ross said
will be twice as large as last year.
“This year we have an equipment lineup, we have livestock coming again, and we also have more exhibitors coming to show people where their food comes from,” said Ross.
The pavilion can also accommodate school tours June 12 and 13. Inquiries can be sent to eea@sasktel. net.
Food trucks and a cattle show will also be part of the Energy City Ex. The rodeo cabaret will happen on June 14 at the indoor rodeo arena at 9 p.m., with
the Fog Dogs providing entertainment. Ross said the association is partnering with the Estevan Humane Society for the event.
The annual SMILE Services Parade will kick off activities June 13. It starts at 4:30 p.m. in the 1600-block of First Street and will follow the same route as last year, travelling down First Street, Souris Avenue South, Sixth Street, 13th Avenue and Eighth Street, wrapping up at Estevan Leisure Centre. This year’s theme is Hats off to the Rodeo.
For the second straight year, the Grad Parade for the Estevan Comprehensive School will be incorporate with the SMILE Services Parade.
Ross said the EEA congratulates all of the graduates in the ECS Class of 2026.
The rodeo queen competition will not be back this year due to what Ross said was a lack of volunteers. The EEA will look at hosting the contest next year.
Ross said they can always use additional volunteers. People who want to help out can email eea@ sasktel.net.
Ross noted the EEA relies on the Energy City Ex. to remain operational throughout the year, so it’s important to attract large crowds.
The Energy City Ex. will happen the same weekend as the Estevan
Comprehensive School’s graduation ceremony for the second straight year. Ross noted the biggest challenge they encountered last year came during the parade due to the added length from the grad floats. She believes they will be better prepared this year. As for June 14, which is the second day of the Energy City Ex. and the day of the grad ceremony, Ross said it went well a year ago. People were very respectful and the grads had first right for the Estevan Leisure Centre’s parking lot. It might take a little longer to drive around the area and find a parking spot, but she believes people will be patient and understanding again.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
The Rotary Club of Estevan’s biggest fundraiser of the year once again proved to be a hit with the community. Lobsterfest was held June 6 at Affinity Place. An estimated crowd of 725 people gathered to enjoy a fresh, whole Atlantic lobster, a barbecued steak and more. A silent auction, 50/50 draw and raffles during the evening also helped raise funds. Proceeds from Lobsterfest will be directed to Rotary’s efforts.
Nominations now accepted for Estevan business awards
SaskToday staff
The Estevan Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its annual Estevan Business Excellence (EBEX) Awards.
On its website, the chamber said it wants to recognize the “importance of highlighting the outstanding achievements in our business community”.
“In an effort to publicly acknowledge the superior efforts of these businesses and individuals, the Estevan chamber created its biennial Estevan Business Excellence (EBEX) Awards,” the chamber said.
This year’s event will take place Oct. 24 at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus. The evening will feature a gala cocktail reception and awards presentation.
“We encourage nominations from all of our area citizens as well as selfnominations,” the chamber said.
The EBEX Awards are open to all privatesector businesses (nongovernmental), including for profit, non-profit and charitable organizations,
and individuals in the Estevan region. Membership in the Estevan Chamber of Commerce is encouraged but not mandatory to participate in this awards program. All third-party nominations must be approved by an authorized representative of the sponsored company.
Award categories are outstanding service, community involvement, growth and expansion, young entrepreneur of the year, new business venture, outstanding employee, diversity in the workplace, social impact and business of the year. The new inductee for the Nick and Verna Morsky Business Hall of Fame will also be announced.
Businesses may be entered in more than one category, but they cannot win in the same category for two consecutive years. Sponsors of awards can be nominated in any category, and they will make the decision on whether they wish to let their name stand.
All businesses nominated will be entered into the business of the Year
category, and all nominations will be entered for the Saskatchewan chamber’s Achievement in Business Excellence Awards for 2026.
Nomination forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 13. Nomination finalists will be announced week of Sept. 15. Financial information is particularly important for some award categories; financial information is confidential and only seen by MNP judges to determine the financial stability of the business.
Award nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of judges comprised of representatives from MNP residing outside of the Estevan area to ensure impartiality. The judges are responsible for determining eligibility of each nomination in accordance with the criteria outlined, and selecting an award recipient in each category.
The nomination forms can be sent to the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, 2-322 4th Street, Estevan, Sk, S4A OT8, or emailed to admin@estevanchamber.ca.
SE drivers at Tougher than Dirt Tour event
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Drivers from southeast Saskatchewan swept the championships in this year’s edition of the Tougher than Dirt Tour.
Eli Turnbull (junior slingshots), Leevi Runge (IMCA sport modifieds) and Diezel Raynard (IMCA hobby stocks) won the six-night motorsports competition.
The tour, which is patterned after the Dakota Classic Modified Tour, was slated to have races each night from June 3-8, with five programs in North Dakota and one in Saskatchewan on June 6 at the Estevan Motor Speedway. But the program in Minot slated for June 8 was cancelled due to rain, ending the tour early.
A driver’s top four finishes between the five races were counted towards their overall point total.
Turnbull, who hails from Estevan, finished first in his division with 159 points, thanks to three firstplace results and a second. He wound up eight points
clear of Gunner Raynard’s total of 150. Kolby Fichter was third with 143 and Jaeger Mahlen was fourth at 130. The top three drivers in the slingshots were from the southeast. Runge, who is from Lampman, also had 158 points to take top spot, six ahead of Chad Strachan, who had 152. Gabriel Deschamps had 150 to wind up in third and Cole Hanshow’s 147 left him in fourth.
Much like Turnbull, Runge had two first and two second place finishes among his four counting results. Deschamps won the other three features.
Raynard, also from Lampman, took top spot in the hobby stock division with 155 points, thanks to two firsts, including the program in Estevan, a third and a fourth among his four best finishes. He was six points ahead of another local driver, Ty Saxon, who won the third night of the tour. Trever Haaswas third with 146 and Kyler Satran was fourth at 145. Another SE driver, Cash Saxon, won the opening hobby stock race of this tour.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Ward
Madden and Ken
tune
An oddity: the Burrowing Owl’s unique nest
After a long journey from the American Southwest and Mexico, Burrowing Owls have finally arrived at their summer home on the prairies. With breeding season well underway, the endangered owls are now pairing up and selecting their nests where they will soon be laying and incubating their eggs.
Burrowing Owls are generalists in terms of their habitat requirements, however, there are a few things that they need and prefer. They like areas of short, sparse vegetation, especially around their nest so they can easily see and detect predators, flat open grassland with a mosaic of grass heights, and, as their name tells us, an abundance of burrows.
Burrowing Owls rely on abandoned burrows made by burrowing mammals such as badgers and ground squirrels. Once a suitable burrow is found, the female will lay 6-12 eggs, with 9 being the average. Because there are thought to be as few as 270 breeding owls throughout Canada, the success of each nest is important to the survival and recovery of this species.
While most nests occur in grazed native or tame grassland pastures, they can also be found in cropland and along roadsides in the ditch. Grace Pidborchynski, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator at Nature Saskatchewan, explains why: “Agricultural fields, particularly in the spring when the fields are newly plowed and before crops grow tall, can draw owls in since they like short vegetation to detect and capture prey”. Ditches can be acceptable foraging and nesting areas as they
often have a mix of vegetation that attracts small mammals and insects for the owls to eat. “If there are burrows available, it’s possible that it could be used by Burrowing Owls”, says Pidborchynski. “So make sure to keep your eyes peeled and you might be lucky enough to spot one!”
Active burrows can be identified by the presence of droppings, or whitewash, at the burrow entrance, and pellets that were regurgitated by an owl made up of the indigestible bits of their diet such as fur, bones, feathers, and insect shells. If you discover an active burrow or Burrowing Owls on your land, do not fear! There are many advantages
to having owls on your land, including free pest control. Burrowing Owls eat large amounts of small mammals such as mice and voles, and the young feed primarily on grasshoppers. In one summer, a family of Burrowing Owls can consume up to 7,000 grasshoppers and 1,800 rodents!
Nature Saskatchewan’s Operation Burrowing Owl records sightings of Burrowing Owls to help determine distribution and population trends across Saskatchewan.
“Without the voluntary efforts of ranchers, farmers, and the general public, recovery of this unique little owl would not be possible”, says Pidborchynski. She encourages the public to
report any sightings of a Burrowing Owl by calling 306-780-9833 or email obo@naturesask.ca. Personal information is kept completely confidential and never shared without permission.
Red Cross collecting for wildfire relief
SaskToday
The Government of Canada has announced that it will match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires Appeal to support wildfire disaster relief and recovery efforts across Saskatchewan.
In a media release issued over the noon hour Tuesday, the Government of Saskatchewan said it will be immediately providing $15 million to the Canadian Red Cross to work with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to support wildfire evacuees.
Donation matching will be open for 30 days, retroactive to when the appeal first opened on May 30. The funds raised will be used to assist those impacted by the wildfires in Saskatchewan, including those who have evacuated their homes.
The Canadian Red Cross is working closely with Indigenous leadership and all levels of government to provide emergency accommodations, personal services and critical information to people who have been forced from their homes.
Canadians wishing to make a financial donation to help those impacted by wildfires in Saskatchewan can do so online at www. redcross.ca or by calling
1-800-418-1111.
“These wildfires in Saskatchewan have been devastating; we are seeing people uprooted, homes destroyed,” Secretary of State (Rural Development) Buckley Belanger said. “From the beginning, the Canadian Red Cross has been providing crucial support to affected people on the ground. Now, your federal government is partnering with the Red Cross and the province to match every donation they receive, so that we can make sure we get more help to those that need it most. As always, we stand ready to respond to any further requests for assistance, now and in the days ahead.”
“This has been a devastating beginning to wildfire season in Canada and our thoughts are with those impacted by the fires,” Canadian Red Cross Pressaid ident and CEO Conrad Sauvé. “The Canadian Red Cross is grateful for the generosity of people living in Canada, and to the Government of Canada for their support of people impacted by wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Red Cross is committed to providing support to people in the immediate days of the response, as well as for recovery.”
Ben,
play a jazzy
along with the St. Michael School jazz band. A year-end band concert was held at the school on June 3.
