Mother-daughter team Brooklyn and Julia help to clean-up straw and waste from the Therapeautic Animal Park, during a cleaning bee on May 24. The Animal Park will officially open for the season on June 7, and will remain open until the end of September.
The new Young Entrepreneur Bursary will support up to 57 local young entrepreneurs with bursaries of $5,000 to foster business development. The program was launched on May 21 by Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding, along with Saskatchewan Chamber CEO Prabha Ramaswamy.
The province will provide Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce with $285,000 per year, for three years, plus administration costs to support entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years of age who have been in operation for 10 years or less. Applications open today through to July 14, 2025 and will be awarded in the fall.
“The New Young Entrepreneur Bursary promotes business development and innovation, creating opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs across our Province,” Kaeding said. “Collabora-
tion between government and organizations like Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is an important component of Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan and our commitment to ensure the province remains one of the best places in Canada to start and grow a business.”
The funding will be administered by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce with support from local chambers across the province.
Infographic showing a man and a woman sitting next to each other, looking at a laptop, with the text “”$285,000 annually for 3 years to support Saskatchewan’s next generation of entrepreneurs.”
“Saskatchewan’s future depends on the bold ideas and determination of its next generation of entrepreneurs,” Ramaswamy said. “The Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program ensures that emerging business leaders have the sup-
port they need to pursue their vision and contribute to a thriving provincial economy. We are proud to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to reduce financial barriers and champion the growth of our province’s entrepreneurial talent.”
The bursary will encourage the next generation of entrepreneurship and support economic development across the province, creating jobs and opportunities, while ensuring we continue to build resilient and vibrant communities for years to come.
Saskatchewan is committed to fostering a competitive business environment where all businesses can succeed. The Government of Saskatchewan supports small businesses through low tax rates, reduced red tape and streamlined regulations. This promotes growth and innovation that enhances the quality of life for people across the province.
The innovative businesses and government support across the province are vital to the province’s recent economic success.
Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2024 real GDP reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This ranks Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.
Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.
For more information visit : https://saskchamber. com/initiatives/youngentrepreneur-bursary/
The Weyburn Legion Branch #47 is celebrating Decoration Day on Sunday, June 1. This is an annual event where volunteers visit the local cemeteries and place Canadian flags on the grave sites of those who served.
Historically, before Remembrance Day came about, Canadians had a different memorial called Decoration Day in which we commemorated our war dead with the laying of real flowers, not in the hopeless gloom of November but in the warm light and optimism of late spring or in summer, often on the weekend closest to June 2, the anniversary of Canada’s forgotten first modern battle, the Battle of Ridgeway in 1866.
On Decoration Day, Canadians gathered at war monuments, tended to soldiers’ graves after the ravages of winter and “decorated” them with flowers, wreaths and garlands, prayed that their sacrifices were not in vain and that we had come to be worthy of them. Veterans were showered in flowers as they passed, escorted by phalanxes of children. It was a popular communion of young and old with the
souls of our fallen soldiers in a celebration of hope, life and rebirth. We remembered and we remembered well.
Decoration Day includes all veterans who served in any and all wars to protect our country. We are asking the community to step in and help us honour those who fought for all of us. Please volunteer by coming out on June 1st to put flags on graves of our local fallen veterans. The day starts at 9 am at both cemeteries and you can volunteer by putting your name on the list while you are at the Legion or by calling the office at 306-842-4258. Depending on the number of volunteers that are willing to come out, this will take approximately 2 or 3 hours. Obviously the more who come out the less time it is for everyone. There is a short memorial service at Hillcrest Cemetery at 2 p.m., followed by a lunch served in the Weyburn Legion lounge for anyone who comes out to volunteer.
“We will remember them!” More information can be found on https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ridgeway.
Members of the Weyburn Youth Council recently had the opportunity to meet with the MLA of Weyburn-Bengough. From left are Coun. Kellie Sidloski, Youth Councillors Mariesa Erasmus and Bailey Roy, Youth Mayor Jackson Stadnek, MLA Mike Weger, Youth Councillors Harper Williams and Yuan Presto.
The City of Weyburn’s Household Hazardous Waste Day is back!
Residents are invited to participate in the Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Public Works Building (55 – 16th Street NE) for a free, oneday-only drop-off event.
This is your opportunity
to safely get rid of household hazardous materials that can’t be disposed of through regular garbage or recycling collection.
Accepted items include:
• Household cleaners and chemical.
• Paints, stains, and varnishes.
• Aerosol cans and solvents.
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Creelman intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No 141/88 known as the Zoning Bylaw.
INTENT: The proposed bylaw will increase the permitted size of garages to 83.6 square meters in the R – Residential District and will allow garages over 83.6 square meters as a discretionary use in the R – Residential District
AFFECTED LAND: All parcels of land within the Village that are zoned as R - Residential.
REASON: The reason for the amendment is to update the bylaw to align with the construction needs of residents
PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the municipal office until June 11 at 7:00pm Copies are available at cost
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on June 11 at 7:30pm at 28 Main Street to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing.
Issued at Creelman this 20th day of May, 2025. Amanda Baumgartner, Administrator
• Pesticides and garden chemicals.
• Batteries, propane tanks (up to 20 lbs), and fluorescent light bulbs. Important reminders:
• Residential waste only – no commercial or industrial items.
• All products must be in original containers and clearly labelled.
• Motor oil, antifreeze, and tires are not accepted at this event, but can be taken to SARCAN.
For a complete list of accepted materials and more information, visit the HHWD webpage. Help keep the community clean and safe — responsibly dispose of your hazardous waste on May 31.
Public Notice is hereby given the Rural Municipality of Tecumseh No 65 intends to adopt a Bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No 5-99 by enacting as follows;
Purpose:
To establish regulations and requirements for the development of Wind Energy Systems in the entire Municipality.
Reason:
To provide criteria for the development of a Wind Energy System
Public Inspection:
Any person may inspect the Bylaw at the R.M. of Tecumseh No 65 at 111 Government Road North in Stoughton, SK. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. from May 22, 2025 to June 10, 2025.
Public Hearing:
A public hearing will be held on June 11th at 10:00 a.m. at the R.M. of Tecumseh No 65 Council Chambers at 111 Government Road North in Stoughton, SK. to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed Bylaw. Council will also consider written comments at the hearing or deliver to the undersigned: By mail: R.M. of Tecumseh No.65 P.O. Box 300 Stoughton, SK S0G 4T0 By e-mail: rm65@sasktel.net
The 2024–25 Weyburn Youth Council (WYC) term was defined by hands-on learning, community involvement and meaningful opportunities for youth to contribute their voices to local, provincial and national discussions.
Led by Youth Mayor Jackson Stadnek (Grade 12), Secretary Yuan Presto (Grade 12), and Councillors Harper Williams (Grade 11), Mariesa Erasmus (Grade 10) and Bailey Roy (Grade 10) the council represented Weyburn’s youth with dedication and enthusiasm.
Over the course of the term, running from October 2024 to June 2024, Weyburn Youth Council members participated in City Council meetings and offering youth perspectives on municipal issues. This involvement provides firsthand experience in governance and policy-making, reinforcing the importance of youth voices in shaping Weyburn’s future.
WYC met with MLA for Weyburn-Bengough Mike Weger on May 22, to discuss provincial initiatives affecting youth. The conversation focused on building stronger connections between young residents and their provincial representatives. Mr. Weger shared insights into his role as an MLA and expressed an interest in seeing more young people involved in shaping Saskatchewan’s future.
In April, WYC hosted the Captivator Series at Southeast College, welcoming Grade 9 students from Weyburn Comprehensive School. This year, the series featured the youth councillors as a panel to discuss why youth engagement matters. The event served both as a
leadership moment for the councillors and as a meaningful recruitment and awareness opportunity for future youth leaders.
In February, the council hosted Member of Parliament Dr. Robert Kitchen. With Dr. Kitchen not seeking re-election in the 2025 federal election, the discussion served as a unique chance to reflect on federal leadership and explore how youth can help shape national conversations. Discussions centered on youth inclusion in governance, Weyburn’s community strengths and strategies for ensuring local youth have platforms to contribute to broader governmental discussions.
Beyond their youth council roles, members continued to demonstrate leadership in other areas. Councillor Williams remained active on the Weyburn Theatre Community Service Cooperative, while others brought their voices to school leadership teams and community organizations - showing how youth can lead in many ways, not just in formal settings.
As the term wraps up, the 2024–25 Weyburn Youth Council leaves a strong legacy of participation, dialogue, and initiative. Their work reflects both the support they’ve received from the City and the initiative they’ve shown in municipal governance. Both City Council and WYC encourages incoming members to build upon this foundation, fostering a more inclusive and participatory community for all. Applications are open for the 2025-26 Weyburn Youth Council term. Submission deadline is Sept. 30, 2025. Applications can be found on at weyburn. ca/youth-council.
Jackie Wilson from Inclusion Weyburn presented a Spirit of Inclusion Award to the Superannuated Teachers of Sask., Weyburn chapter, accepted by chair Brenda Croft. Members of this group once taught youth with diverse abilities long before formal diagnoses and resources were available. Despite limited tools, they gave deeply of themselves to find meaningful ways to support their students. That spirit of care and dedication lives on in today’s teachers who continue to champion inclusion in their classrooms and schools.
Derek Ruttle/SaskToday.ca
You don’t really know the good that can be accomplished with some much-needed time away from work until you’re looking at your calendar and realizing that your time away from work is staring you in the face.
I had last week off, concluding with the May long weekend that didn’t exactly bring us those typical presummer temperatures and conditions that we all expect at this time of the year. I was glad to have it off, and I’m grateful that I’m looking at even more holidays coming up through the next few months.
Before I go on, perhaps a public disclaimer of sorts is in order here because I’ve got a number of days off coming up. I will be on holidays from the following dates:
• The last weekend of June until July 17. Although there’s no way in Hell I’m missing Canada Day in Outlook; legitimately my favourite day of the year.
• August 23 - September 2 (just after Labour Day long weekend)
• October 4 - October 14 (just after Thanksgiving long weekend)
Now that this information is on the record, back to my time off from last week.
In the days leading up to it, I honestly didn’t know how I was going to spend it. Oh sure, some significant downtime spent with a good book here and there was a given, and I appreciated the time I spent over at Veterans Memorial Park reading because the conditions ended up being juuuuust right; not too hot and a welcome slight breeze.
But then two things hit me.
Why not cross off that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try for a few years now? And after that, why not take your brother up north to a place he’s never been before?
So, that’s what I did.
On Thursday, May 15, I ventured up north to Nipawin to dine at The Dam Smokehouse, a barbecue and smokehouse establishment serving up brisket, burgers, ribs, chicken and about a dozen other variations of perfectly cured, succulent meats and dishes. It’s a place I’d been meaning to try out for the last few years, but I’d just never found the time to drive up there. Well, on that day I did, and man oh man, I am so glad I finally found the time!
People, this place is legit. The chicken wings are top notch; these don’t come from a frozen box from
ClicktheSoutheastcategory,andbookmarktheWeyburnReview
the corner grocery store. And that brisket - oh good lord. It’s moist, it’s flavorful, and it so perfectly pulls apart. I ordered a brisket sandwich with fries, and I was incredibly happy to be able to say that the 3.5 hour drive each way was worth it. Owner Faron Saufert is doing it all right and he knows how to keep his customers happy. I cannot wait to return there during my July vacation when I’m spending a few days up at Candle Lake; luckily, Nipawin’s only an hour’s drive from the lake!
If that sounded like an advertisement, I really didn’t mean it to; I was just happy that I ended up driving three and a half hourseach way - and that the food was just amazing and lives up to the hype. If you ever find yourself in the Nipawin area, I highly recommend this place for your lunch or supper needs. It’s that ‘dam’ good.
I’ve heard local rumblings here around town that the plot of land over on Franklin Street that used to house CJ’s Java Joint is supposed to become a BBQ joint in the future. Here’s hoping.
But when I wasn’t stuffing my face with brisket and chicken, I was facing a ghost that I’d been wanting to chase off and put to bed for the last four years. Let me explain....
On March 3rd of 2021, on a day off from the office, I hopped in my SUV and drove up north to Prince Albert National Park on a daylong photo tour; hoping to see some wildlife and spectacular scenery to capture behind my lens. The day went okay, even if I would’ve been happier to see more wildlife besides the elk and deer; the fresh wolf tracks I saw were pretty cool, though.
The scenery was interesting because we were looking at the last few weeks of winter, so things up north there were already melting and clearing up. I believe at one point in the afternoon, it reached as high as +4 degrees - real chinook weather. The thing that kind of threw me off was how isolated it felt, but I guess I should have known better; Prince Albert National Park is a summertime hotspot, and the community of Waskesiu only comes alive once we hit mid-May on the calendar. This was the first few days of March, so things were quiet as a mouse and I legitimately felt like I was the only person up north there on that day. It
was almost haunting.
But I’m kind of a lone wolf in my everyday life, so may as well be one in nature, right? I took my photos, saw the sights, and drove back home. Unfortunately, just days afterward, this was the time in which everything started to go downhill for my mom Lynda’s health. I drove her to the health centre in Outlook a number of times so she could have an IV hooked up to her as her body had become dehydrated; it was like her body just couldn’t get enough sustainable fluids. Of course, this led to Mom being hospitalized in Saskatoon and, inevitably, she died after several complications had decided to rear their ugly heads.
So, in short, whenever I thought of my last trip up to PA National Park, I linked it with everything happening shortly afterward with my mother that ended up with her untimely passing.
Not a good memory.
However, the date of Saturday, May 17 proved to be a great day for exorcising personal demons.
I took my brother Brendon back up there to PA National Park as he’d never been there and wanted to see the sights, and I’m very happy to say we had an incredible day. We ended up seeing six bears in total; a mama black bear and her three cubs, another black bear eating grass right by the entrance to the famed Height of Land tower, and then a brown bear when we were leaving Waskesiu. Add to that two elk, one bald eagle, and a fox, and it was a very animal-centric kind of day. We also took in some incredible scenery, including the creek and the cement walkway that led out into Waskesiu Lake, and ate fresh fish and chips at a local eatery.
All in all, a very good day, and for me, I was glad that I finally had a chance to wave off that particular ghost of my past.
My week off reminded me that sometimes the best days are the ones spent within the walls of our home province. I’m not much of a world traveller, so you probably won’t find me flying off to Mexico or anywhere else exotic until I won the 6/49, but you don’t always have to leave Saskatchewan to make memories.
Sometimes the best times are spent here at home.
For this week, that’s been the Ruttle Report.
The Wheatland Senior Centre had a busy three weeks of games and activities at their location.
During Spades on May 12, Rose Levesque placed first, Kim Bent won second and Stan Hubick finished third. In Spades on May 5, Kathy Carson won first, Stan Hubick placed second and Melba
Bent took third. In Spades on May 19, Mildred Sandiford won first, Stan Hubick placed second and Gladys Lokken finished third.
In Kaiser on May 13, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Kim Bent and Melba Bent placed second and Brenda Paul and Marlene Szcze -
cinski finished third. In Kaiser on May 6, Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Norma Kapusaniuk and Melba Bent placed second, and Elaine Frasz and Jeanne Molnar finished third.
In Kaiser on May 20, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Mildred Sandiford and Coral
Allena and Zsophia carefully create designs on their clay butterflies, during a May Clay program at the Credit Union Spark Centre. May Clay is a program available to Weyburn students thanks to a number of partnerships.
Schindel placed second, and Jeanne Molnar and Elaine Frasz finished third.
In Canasta on May 14, Cristine Herlick won first, Marlene Szczecinski placed second, Phyllis Lindskog took third, Jean Reich placed fourth and Pat Peterson finished fifth.
In Canasta on May 7, Shirley Cherpin won first, Phyllis Lindskog placed second, Elaine Frasz took third, Marlene Szczecinski placed fourth and Gladys Lokken finished fifth.
In Canasta on May 21, Eveline Porte won first, Janet Van Winkoop placed second, Cristine Herlick finished third, Elaine Frasz placed fourth and Trina Maas finished fifth.
During Hi-Low Whist on May 14, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Janet Vanwinkoop and Emily Zyla placed second, and Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn finished third. During Hi-Low
Whist on May 7, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn placed second, and Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum finished third.
In Hi-Low Whist on May 21, Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn won first, Willa Mae Donald and Yvonne Von Hagen placed second, and Janet Vanwinkoop and Emily Zyla finished third.
In Thursday Crib on May 15, Shirley Hubbs and Theresa Istace won first, Shirley Sparks and Rose Levesque placed second, and Marge McLeod and George McLeod finished third.
In Thursday Crib on May 8, Gerry Thomspon and Phyllis Lindskog won first, Stan Hubick and Sheila Greiner placed second, and Garth White and Marlene Szczecinski finished third.
In Thursday Crib on
May 22, Sheila Greiner and Stan Hubick won first, Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson placed second, and Emily Zyla and Cheryl Vogel finished third.
In Friday Bridge on May 23, Lucy Nickel won first, Dave Frayne placed second and Betty Knibbs finished third.
In Friday Shuffleboard on May 9, first place was won by Kathryn Groshong and Jannette Tonn, second was earned by Mel Schindel and Willa Mae Donald, and third was placed by Bert Sanquin and Willis Groshong. In Friday Shuffleboard on May 23, Willa Mae Donald and Kathryn Groshong won first, June Irwin and Mel Schindel placed second, and Bert Sanguin and Jane Vanwinkoop finished third.
In Fun Cribbage, Stan Hubick won first, Cheryl Vogel placed second and Sheila Wendel took third.
Sara Parks SaskToday.ca
Members of the Vilcu Karate Klub in Weyburn showcased their skills at the 2025 WKC Nationals in Gatineau, Quebec, from May 16-18, marking their debut on the national stage. The athletes competed in Kata, Kumite, and Weapons divisions against some of the country’s top talent.
Qualifying through their performance at the
Annual Vilcu’s Karate Klub International Championships (VIMAC) – a provincial qualifier hosted in Weyburn – the team intensified training with one-on-one sessions in both Weyburn and Estevan to prepare for the highlevel competition. “The competition went very well,” said Sensei Isaac Vilcu. “There were extremely talented competitors, and we saw huge
improvements in our students just from facing this calibre of athletes. It brought out the best in them and we have seen vast improvements since then.”
Despite the nerves that come with a first-time national appearance, the club held its own, with standout performances from Robyn Vilcu, who placed third, and Caramia Hope, who took fourth in the 18+ Chinese Soft Style Forms.
Both athletes earned spots on Team Canada, with Robyn set to represent the country at the WKC World Championships in Niagara, New York, this October.
Financing remains a challenge, however, for the club.
“Financially, we need to do more fundraising as it is a huge cost to all the students travelling to compete provincially, nationally and internationally,”
said Vilcu.”We focus on training as it is a top calibre competition. Nerves are and always will be part of any competition, but our students held their own with positive support knowing they may or may not place as it is their first Nationals Tournament.”
The club plans to ramp up fundraising efforts and is grateful for past sponsorships from Estevan and Weyburn businesses.
Reflecting on the experience, Vilcu emphasized the growth of his students. “I’ve kept ongoing coaching/teaching and positive moral support to all my students to instill confidence and discipline,” he said.
From the nationals they took away “new skills and insight into what we need to change and adapt in order to improve our skills at that level,” he said.
Kyle McDonald
The Weyburn Red Wings announced the twoyear contract renewal of Kyle McDonald, Director of Performance, through the 2026–27 season.
Since joining the organization, McDonald has played a pivotal role in elevating the Red Wings’ player development strategies. The holistic athlete development program contributed significantly to the culture
and professionalism of the Red Wings program seeing measurable gains in confidence, mindset and overall team culture.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Kyle” said General Manager/Head Coach Cody Mapes. “His expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in building a high-performance environment for our
athletes. This renewal reflects our confidence in the direction we’re heading and the standards we’re setting.”
The two-year extension signals the Red Wings’ ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in athlete development, performance psychology, and leadership to not only develop the hockey player but the person as well.
“It’s an honour to continue this journey with the Red Wings.” said McDonald. “Over the past two years, we’ve laid a strong foundation focused on athlete development, mental resilience, team culture and longterm performance. This renewal is not just about continuing the work — it’s about raising the standard as we continue to develop the holistic
athlete in an environment where growth, accountability, and excellence are the norm.”
The Weyburn Red Wings continue to invest in building a winning culture rooted in development, resilience, and performance. This extension ensures consistency and momentum as the team continues to enhance player opportunities both on and off the ice.
Submitted Ten Special Olympics bowling athletes from Weyburn attended the Bob Pedde Provincial Tournament, held in Saskatoon on May 3 and 4.
In singles: Adam and Gerald won bronze medals in their class. Robin won a silver medal in her class. In the team event: Weyburn won a bronze medal in their class.
Special Olympics Weyburn athlete Leah won the Ray Kloschinsky Spirit Award which is awarded to an athlete that exhibits enthusiasm, positive attitude and friendly to others.
Special Olympics bowler Leah, at right, won the Ray Kloschinsky Spirit Award during the tournament. This recognition is awarded to an athlete that exhibits enthusiasm, positive attitude and is friendly to others. The award was presented by
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The annual Radiothon for Life for the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation set an off-air record, which has pushed the Together We Will – MRI for Estevan campaign closer to its goal.
The fundraiser, held from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on May 21, had an off-air total of $252,044. Since it wrapped up, additional donations have come in, bringing the total to more than $269,000.
“I always am surprised by people’s generosity,” said foundation executive director Lori Gervais. “I did feel that because this is our second year with
the MRI [fundraiser] … I did wonder … that people who donated last year maybe wouldn’t want to do that again.”
Combined with the economy, she hoped for the best, but she didn’t expect to raise so much. Gervais is grateful the people of the southeast have been so generous. She noted a lot of people include a donation to the radiothon in their budget each year.
The radiothon had a head start with a $50,000 donation from Whitecap Resources weeks before the event. Support continued throughout the day, and with an hour remaining, the total was just shy
of $145,000. Then Del Wanner dropped by with a donation of $100,000 that Gervais said was “unexpected”.
“Knowing Del, who is a huge supporter of the foundation, and a very generous man and just a lovely human being, we visit regularly and I know that he is a great supporter. He donates to the hospital memorial for people who have passed away.”
Wanner has supported the MRI campaign previously, Gervais said, but he wanted to step up, be generous and make a donation in memory of his wife Cathy. Gervais noted Wanner wasn’t sure about the publicity, but she told him
it was good to celebrate people’s generosity and encourage others to donate.
The 12-hour fundraiser was aired on Golden West Broadcasting’s three Estevan radio stations: CJ 1150, Sun 102.3 and Country 106. Gervais said they had a lot of people milling around the hospital during the day. Southern Plains Co-op brought food for a barbecue lunch and supper that attracted lots of people, including staff. Other activities also took place during the day.
Power Hour sponsors saluted those who have made significant contributions to the foundation and the radiothon. Donations were made from
campaigns that led up to the radiothon. Testimonials included a couple of patient stories from people who have benefited from the hospital’s care and who want to see MRI services at the hospital. Lots of staff members in the hospital also had stories.
The MRI for Estevan campaign now stands at around $5,635,695, so it is less than $865,000 away from the $6.5 million goal.
“It’s been a consistent flow. People have been showing up [with donations]. Along the way, I kept saying ‘Oh, we have 2.5 million [dollars] to go, we have 1.5’. Now we’re under a million.”
A couple of fundraisers are ongoing. Golf the Southeast, which features rounds at 12 different courses, is to be drawn June 4. The winner for two e-bikes from the Estevan Market Mall will be known June 18. People can purchase tickets by visiting the foundation’s website. Construction is underway on the site where the MRI will be located. They’re waiting for the weather to be ideal to begin pouring cement, and Gervais said things “will be happening in no time”. The specially-constructed building for the MRI will be brought in from Quebec.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
After being closed for more than nine months due to flooding, Estevan’s 111-year-old Orpheum Theatre is set to reopen.
Jocelyn Dougherty, who owns the Orpheum with her husband Alan, said the Orpheum will reopen on May 30 with “quite a variety for everybody”. Up first will be a children’s movie, Peppa Meets the Baby at 4:45 p.m. It will also be shown May 31 and June 1 at 10:30 a.m. All tickets will be $5. Featured attractions for the first week back will be A Minecraft Movie, which will split time with Sinners in one theatre. Lilo and Stitch will be shown in the other theatre.
“We realize a couple of the movies have been out for a little while, but obviously we weren’t able to play them, so we feel there still might be … people that
want to see them yet,” Jocelyn Dougherty said in an interview with SaskToday.
Then on June 6, the Orpheum wants to bring in Mission Impossible –The Final Reckoning, as Dougherty said people have clamouring to see it.
The Doughertys were hoping to have the theatre open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend or the U.S. Memorial Day long weekend, which is traditionally the start of the summer blockbuster season.
The staff has been hired, and Dougherty said there is a lots of training that remains. Just one person has worked in the theatre’s concession previously, and Dougherty said he’s a great worker, but he’s also in Grade 12 and will move on when he graduates.
They still need to have a technician from Cinematronics to come in and inspect the projector
and sound system, since they’ve been unused for the past nine months.
“We just have to make sure there aren’t going to be any issues before we fire everything back up. That was a hold-up to get that all booked,” she said.
The final stages of the building’s restoration also had to be completed. Projects in the basement needed to be finished and final approvals were needed with insurance companies.
“We can finally see the finish line and we’re going to reopen,” said Dougherty.
The hot-buttered popcorn machine is ready to be used. The Orpheum has been training the new staff how to prepare the popcorn, and Dougherty hopes patrons will be excited to try it again.
The Orpheum is partnering with KoN Artisan Ice Cream for a special Orpheum Theatre popcorn ice cream, which will be avail-
able at both the theatre and the ice cream shop.
“He is going to use Orpheum Theatre popcorn to make this special blend … so I think that is new and exciting.”
Also new will be online ticket sales, so people can purchase their tickets in advance for movies and
concerts.
Dougherty is hopeful that their absence means people will be more eager to go to the movies. The Orpheum has faced plenty of adversity in recent years, with the closure and seating restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest closure
occurred after the building flooded during the water main replacement in the 1200-block of Fourth Street last summer, associated with the downtown revitalization project.
“Hopefully … people will want to come back and enjoy the big screen experience,” she said.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The many contributions of Robert Kitchen as Souris-Moose Mountain’s MP were saluted during a social May 22 at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course’s clubhouse.
Several speakers recognized Kitchen at the event, which was hosted by the Estevan Chamber of Commerce. Business and community leaders were joined by Kitchen’s family, friends and colleagues.
Estevan Chamber of Commerce president Tania Hlohovsky-Andrist, Estevan-Big Muddy MLA Lori Carr, former chamber executive director Jackie Wall, Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick, RM of Estevan Coun. Suzanne McNabb and local farmer Crystal Ross all paid tribute to Kitchen, a local chiropractor who served as SourisMoose Mountain’s MP from October 2015 until April of this year.
The speakers wove humour into their reflections. Ross recalled Kitchen’s experience branding cattle, while HlohovskyAndrist talked about their golf exploits. Others thanked him for his efforts to promote Estevan while in Ottawa.
Hlohovsky-Andrist noted that many of her conversations with Kitchen have centred around his advocacy for Estevan’s industries in Ottawa, and how it wasn’t popular for Kitchen to wear his “I Love Lignite” button.
Carr finished second to Kitchen in the nomination race to be the Conservative Party of Canada’s candidate for Souris-Moose Mountain in the 2015 election. She later won a contested nomination to be the Saskatchewan Party’s 2016 candidate, so she said she was glad to lose to him.
Carr said she couldn’t have asked for a better provincial counterpart than Kitchen, to be able to work together and fight for what is best in SourisMoose Mountain and Estevan Big-Muddy. She marvelled at his family’s support for him. It can’t be easy spending time away from family, and Carr is pleased he still has the opportunity to enjoy time with family.
She knew when she sent something to Kitchen’s office that it would be handled. “I didn’t feel like I had to follow up, or it wouldn’t be taken care of, because they did an excellent job and that was with your leadership,” said Carr.
Wall, Sernick and McNabb praised Kitchen’s
commitment to the region. Wall also lauded his compassion for people when she brought her then-nineyear-old daughter to see him as a chiropractor for the first time. “I believe she referred to you as a ‘magician’ when we left your office, and she often referred to you as that,” said Wall.
If there were more politicians like Kitchen, Wall believes Canada would be a better country.
The strongest tribute was courtesy of Kitchen’s daughter Kathryn Gilliss. She noted that some in the crowd were present to thank Kitchen for his work as a member of Parliament, while others were there to recognize him for his work as a chiropractor, hockey and soccer coach, Beaver troop leader, Bruin team doctor and fellow board member.
“For me, I have the immense honour to know him for all these roles, in addition though – and perhaps his most impactful role – as my dad,” said Gilliss.
Gilliss went on to recap her father’s contributions to the chiropractic profession in Saskatchewan and Canada. She noted she was in law school when her father informed her that he was looking to enter the political world for the 2015 federal election.
“From there, he jumped into three long and exhausting campaigns over a 10-year period, travelling thousands of kilometres, meeting thousands of people, with no community too small or too far out,” said Gilliss.
He didn’t just pay attention to the communities whose size was deemed worthy. He tried to engage as many people as possible, no matter where they were in the riding.
“He was constantly meeting with any interest group, individual or organization whose mandate was intentionally promoting the needs of Souris-Moose Mountain,” said Gilliss.
He had an ability to genuinely connect with people, she said, regardless of whether they were farmers, business owners, unemployed, pensioners or someone else.
“He faithfully and purposefully served all constituents of Souris-Moose Mountain, not just the ones who voted for him. Admittedly, that was handedly most of them, with each election between 76 and 86 per cent of the vote, but it truly didn’t matter,” said Gilliss.
You could always find him throughout the riding, or in his office or in Ottawa, talking to people.
She predicted people
would see the trickle-down impact of her father’s efforts on Canadians as time moves on.
Public service is a lot like parenting, she said. It’s a thankless job that is under constant scrutiny, and there is always someone underqualified who thinks they can do better. It will also make you tear your hair out, she said, it will impact your health, sanity and time, and it’s woefully underpaid.
“But when the right person engages in it, and truly engages in it, they create something that will transcend their lifetime and has a ripple effect and imprints on the lives of so many. I think it’s extremely clear here that this is what happened.”
As she concluded her speech, Gillis became emotional as she praised her father’s leadership, integrity and selflessness, and she said she hopes he takes the time to enjoy time off with his family. The two embraced after Gilliss’ speech.
Kitchen also had his chance to reflect. He said he has been in Estevan since 1989; he noted his practice was all about community and how he could advance Estevan.
“My role at that point in time, as a chiropractor, was to assist, from a health-care point of view, wherever I could, plus my passion for sports … because I think that is such an important part for our youth, to be involved.”
He also encountered so many business people, some of whom were in attendance at the clubhouse, and he thanked them for promoting Estevan.
Kitchen recalled when former prime minister Stephen Harper was in Estevan in March 2008 to speak about the federal government’s support for the carbon capture and storage project at the Boundary Dam Power Station.
“That technology … is such a great asset, not only for here, but the whole country, and I spent 10 years pounding into the heads of the … Liberals, who didn’t want to listen to me, about carbon capture. Over time, in the last couple of years, we’ve seen steps being taken to advance carbon capture as an avenue to advance energy.”
Kitchen said he believes Estevan can be the energy capital of Canada, with support for agriculture producers, coal miners and SaskPower employees.
Thanks to the people in the room and those in Souris-Moose Mountain, he spent a decade in Ottawa. He thanked his
four staff members from throughout the riding who came to the social in Estevan. He is also grateful to his two staff members in Ottawa for their dedication. The members of the local Conservative constituency association helped him succeed.
He also had to spend time away from his family. He thanked his daughter for her speech. But he said he couldn’t thank his wife Donna enough for standing by him.
“For 10 years, I haven’t been around as much as I should be. Now I’m going to be around a lot more,” said Kitchen.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were taking their frustrations out on her, rather than talking to him directly.
“I can’t thank you enough, dear, for everything you’ve done,” Kitchen said to applause.
Kitchen said he’s not sure what he will do next, but he’s not finished. He and his wife are going to spend more time together, and he’s looking forward to travelling and golfing with her.
Dr. Robert Kitchen was recognized for his many years of service as the MP for SourisMoose Mountain. During his speech at an Estevan event, Kitchen thanked his family and others for their support.
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Always remembered by
In memory of Kathy Refvik (Gaab) who passed away May 30 2002
Our friendship was a blessing and the memories will never fade Love, Gaylene
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Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) provided $2.1 million in charitable gaming grants in the fourth quarter of 2024-25, benefiting more than 1,100 groups and organizations across the province.
“Our government is committed to delivering for Saskatchewan communities and one of the ways we do that is through charitable gaming grants,” Minister
Responsible for LGS Jeremy Harrison said. “The proceeds from gaming in Saskatchewan support charitable organizations and activities across the province, including the arts, culture, sports and more.”
Groups in about 230 Saskatchewan communities received a charitable gaming grant in the fourth quarter, with more than $425,000 going to groups in Regina and nearly
$561,000 to groups in Saskatoon.
In the Weyburn area, groups received more than $23,760. Grants included:
• Hockey Weyburn, receiving #337.51.
• Royal Canadian Legion Weyburn Branch, receiving $2,105.56.
• U11AA Panther Drilling Wings, receiving $427.50.
• U15AA Weyburn Annugas Wings, receiving $755
• U16AA Weyburn Agriterra Wings, receiving $228.75.
• Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation, receiving $828.76
• Weyburn and District Junior Hockey Assoc., receiving $4,702.56.
• Weyburn Gymnastics Club, receving $2,908.06
• Humane Society, receiving $6,438.50.
• Weyburn Soccer Assoc., receiving $252.
• Weyburn U13AA
The City of Weyburn announced the official opening of its two seasonal museums – the Soo Line Historical Museum and the Weyburn and Area Heritage Village – for the 2025 season.
Beginning May 20, both sites are open to the public and offer visitors a unique glimpse into Weyburn’s rich history and prairie heritage.
Thanks to the generous support of Sask Lotteries and Vermilion Energy, admission for all walk-
in visitors and school tours will be free for the entire 2025 season. This sponsorship helps ensure access to local history remains barrier-free and supports community education and tourism.
“We are so grateful to our sponsors for making it possible for everyone in the community to explore our history without financial constraints,” said Amanda Wallace, Leisure Services Manager. “These spaces celebrate our local story, and we want every-
one to be part of it.”
Donations are welcome at both locations to support continued preservation, programming and community engagement efforts. The City of Weyburn is proud to partner with local businesses offering exclusive perks to museum visitors who contribute a minimum of $1 donation:
• Meokja Milk Tea Bar is offering a 10 per cent discount coupon for Soo Line Historical Museum visitors.
• Michael’s Coffee Shop & Bakery is offering $2 off any iced beverage to visitors of Heritage Village. Visitors can pick up a discount card at the respective museum and present it at the participating business to redeem the offer.
The Soo Line Historical Museum and Weyburn & Area Heritage Village are open seasonally from May through September. For hours, tours and more information, visit weyburn.ca/xplor.
Young Fellows, receiving $1,193.75.
• Weyburn U15 Dodge Wings, receiving $833.13.
• U15A Creekside Car Wash Gold Wings, receiving $484.88.
• U18A Female TS&M Gold Wings, receiving $542.50.
• Weyburn Wildlife Federation, receiving $1,725. Other regions across the province also receiving funding, included:
• Estevan areamore than $26,440.
• Yorkton, Melville and area - more than $93,000.
• Swift Current and areamore than $27,000.
• Prince Albert and areamore than $122,000.
• Meadow Lake and areamore than $55,000.
• Humboldt, Melfort and area - more than $60,000. These quarterly grants are paid to groups and organizations in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities such as bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas hold ‘em poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events. The grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event, up to a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually. The amount of each grant paid by LGS to each charity is calculated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) based on financial reports and other information submitted by the group or organization
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