Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast is hosted
A Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast was held at St. Michael School on March 4. Shrove Tuesday , is a Christian tradition that marks the day before the start of Lent.
Weyburn releases Spring/Summer Guide
Discover all the leisure opportunities Weyburn has to offer this spring and summer with the release of the 2025 Spring/ Summer Leisure Guide.
This comprehensive guide provides information on a variety of leisure offerings, including registered and drop-in programs in arts, culture, aquatics, sports, and recreation.
“The Spring/Summer Leisure Guide is an essential resource for residents to find activities that promote healthy, active lifestyles and community engagement,” said Richard Henning, Director of Leisure Services.
The Credit Union Spark Centre offers a range of programs and activities designed to engage all ages. “We are excited to offer dynamic programs
that encourage residents to be active, learn new skills, and connect with the community,” said Amanda Wallace, Leisure Services Manager.
The Weyburn Leisure Centre provides aquatic
programming for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. “Our aquatic programs offer something for everyone, from swim lessons to fitness classes, helping residents stay active and safe in the water. We are thrilled to be opening our seasonal facility to get Weyburn residents back into the pool,” said Kaylee Ens, Weyburn Leisure Centre Manager.
Arts and culture are also highlighted in this year’s guide. “Our arts programs provide an opportunity for residents to express their creativity and engage with the community in meaningful ways,” said Regan Lanning, Curator/Arts Coordinator.
Residents can browse the leisure guide to learn more about the diverse programs and services available throughout the spring and summer seasons. Residents can create their Xplor account at weyburn.ca/xplor to register for programming when registration opens.
Weyburn Library sets March programs for teens and adults
The Weyburn Public Library recently released their March program guide for teens and adults. Children’s programs for March are still being considered and created, and will be released at a later day.
Art and craft activities for teens include the Teen Take and Make kit for St. Patrick’s Day garden hats, available on Friday, March 14, and a Kumihimo bracelet program on Wednesday, March 26 at 2 p.m.
Food and drink programs for teens include a Cookies and Crime session today, March 12 at 6 p.m. Teens can listen to a true crime podcast, while making chocolate cool whip cookies.
Fun and games activities for teens include the Tabletop Teens program on Wednesday, March 19 at 6 p.m., and the Fright Night: Teen After Hours movie on Friday, March 21 at 6 p.m.
A special Volunteens program will be held March 25, March 26 and March 28 at 4 p.m., and March 30 at 2 p.m. This program will allow teens to gain some volunteer hours for their school, by helping to set up for the spring book sale in April.
A Comic trivia at Skies the Limit comic book store will be held on Tuesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m. This partnership event will feature comic book trivia and prizes available for participants.
For adults, a special Jam Session with RD Jones will be held at the Library on Saturday, March 15 at 2:30 p.m. Fun and game activities for adults include a Board Game Blast on Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m., and a Discord Game Night on Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Inclusive Connections, for adults of all abilities,
will offer a chili making program on Monday, March 24 at 1:30 p.m.
The Weyburn Public Library is also available for book outreach on Thursday, March 20 at 1 p.m. Interested residents can contact the library about book delivery to care homes and private houses, for those residents who are unable to get to the library.
Offered as wellness and lifestyle programs for adults, a Mindgul Mingle with occupational therapist Teagan Paulhuse will be held on Wednesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. Also, a special companion gardening and seed starting program with the Weyburn Horticultural Society will be held Monday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m.
The Take and Make Kit for adults for April will be Yarn Wrapped Eggs, and these will be available on Saturday, March 29.
Upcoming in April, the spring book sale at the Weyburn Public Library will be held on Thursday, April 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, April 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, April 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations for the book sale will be accepted starting March 17.
Those interested in volunteering during the book sale can contact the Weyburn Public Library at 306-842-4352. Volunteer shifts are available from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, 12 noon to 3 p.m., 3 to 6 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m.
Registration is encouraged for all programs hosted by the Weyburn Public Library. For more information, contact them at 306-842-4352. or visit them online at weyburnpubliclibrary.weebly.com. Information on the children’s programs will be released at a later date.
Photo – Courtesy St. Michael School
COMMUNITY
Weyburn Theatre hosts trivia fundraiser night
Corey Morrissette, audio technician, and trivia master Kevin Brown challenged residents, during a Trivia Fundraiser for the Weyburn Theatre held at the Weyburn Legion on March 7.
ArtsVest to match sponsorship funding for artists in province
The Government of Saskatchewan will provide $100,000 to support Saskatchewan artists and arts organizations through ArtsVest Saskatchewan, a matching sponsorship and training program delivered by Business/Arts that encourages private sector investment in arts, culture and heritage organizations.
Participating organizations can apply to receive funding and professional development support through webinars and hands-on workshops on topics such as governance, fundraising, marketing, fund development and financial sustainability.
“Our province is home to so many talented artists and we are proud to fund artsvest Saskatchewan for another year,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “Saskatchewan was the first province to partner on the program which provides a wonderful opportunity to support the arts community and help organizations strengthen their
knowledge and skills.”
Since 2011, the province has invested more than $2 million in the artsvest Saskatchewan program. This in-turn has helped create 1,641 partnerships between the arts, culture and heritage sectors and the private sector, resulting in a total economic impact of over $10 million in Saskatchewan.
Over the years, this program has proven itself to be a highly successful way of aligning businesses with arts, cultural and heritage organizations to work together and partner in ways that benefit both parties, their communities and ultimately the province.
“The arts and business sectors can achieve remarkable things when they work together, and artsvest helps make those connections possible,” said Business / Arts President and CEO Aubrey Reeves.
For more information on the program, or how to apply, visit: www.businessandarts.org/artsvest/ about-saskatchewan/.
Photo – Courtesy Weyburn Theatre
Last week to vote in James Weir exhibit Regan Lanning, arts curator for the City of Weyburn, talks about the different art pieces in the James Weir People’s Choice Art Exhibition to a group of students. Voting for the exhibit closes March 14 at 5 p.m.
EDITORIAL
RUTTLE REPORT: COVID ALTERED THE OSCARS FOR LIFE
Derek Ruttle/ SaskToday.ca
So, the Academy Awards came and went on March 1, where Hollywood’s rich and famous got together in overpriced suits and dresses and awarded each other for doing a bang-up job in certain movies and roles.
In all honesty, and I say this as a guy who has loved cinema since I was a young kid and even attended film school out in BC almost twenty years ago with the dream of working in La La Land itself, I really couldn’t have cared any less, and it kind of hurts to say that today.
I remember when I was a kid going to classes at Outlook High School, and one of my favorites was Media Studies with John McPhail. In that class, we studied the media, including Hollywood, and discussed its impact on everyday society. In early 2003, Mr. McPhail spoke to us in class one Friday afternoon and told us that he would promise $10 to anyone whose picks for the Oscars that Sunday night would turn out to be true.
Well, that following week, I made an extra $5 when most of my picks wound up taking home awards. I ended up splitting McPhail’s $10 with my buddy Kevin, who also came up with most of the right winners.
Man, that class was awesome.
Twenty-two years later, the Oscars have definitely changed, and depending on who you ask, it might not be for the better.
The biggest change to come to Hollywood in the last 15 years has been the colossal rise and popularity of streaming services, with giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ leading the charge. Five years ago, when this decade decided to kick us all off with a viral pandemic called COVID-19, we saw those services depended on more than ever as we were all told to stay put and limit our contact with anyone else from outside of our collective bubbles at home.
Instead of going out to the movies, which we couldn’t do as Hollywood pressed ‘PAUSE’ on releasing any new content for the time being,
we had to make our entertainment choices at home. Maybe a movie, maybe a TV show, maybe that old series you used to love when you were growing up and a shot of nostalgia was in order. We all did it, because at the time, it was essentially all we could do.
The thing is, after we crawled out from under that pandemic, the entertainment landscape had been changed forever.
Now, because of the popularity and extreme spike in viewing numbers and data, original films and content from streaming services found themselves eligible for the Oscars. Something you happened to watch on Netflix or Prime at home on a lazy Tuesday afternoon can now be up for an Academy Award? Yep.
The model changed because a pandemic kept people home and saw the numbers skyrocket. Theaters were closed and a new avenue opened up for getting your movie out there. As a result, Hollywood turned and said, “Okay, let’s open up the eligibility to THIS over here.”
And I’m not so sure that’s a good thing.
The measuring stick of a film’s success has always been the movie-going experience. The act of going out to your local theater, buying a ticket, grabbing snacks, and sitting down to enjoy the movie for the next couple of hours. That’s always been the standard, and thankfully, this tried-and-true formula returned a couple of years post-Covid, and Hollywood is once again rolling in the dough with the last couple of years being very profitable ones for standard movie releases.
But that’s changed due to streaming. Instead of testing one’s film with the paying public in a movie theater, it can simply be dumped onto Netflix, Prime or Hulu, and when the new year rolls around, suddenly you’ll start seeing articles hyping up this movie or that one, claiming it has Oscar buzz, and odds are pretty good you’ll be left saying, “Huh? I’ve never even heard of that movie.”
That’s because it’s one of those streaming
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movies that was dumped online with little to no fanfare.
Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg has some thoughts on the matter as far as allowing streaming content to be eligible for the Academy Awards. In 2018, he said the following:
“Once you commit to a television format, you’re a TV movie,” Spielberg told ITV News.
“You certainly, if it’s a good show, deserve an Emmy, but not an Oscar. I don’t believe films that are just given token qualifications in a couple of theaters for less than a week should qualify for the Academy Award nomination.”
Interesting take. Another iconic director, Christopher Nolan, said the following about Netflix in 2017:
“Netflix has a bizarre aversion to supporting theatrical films,” Nolan said in an interview. “They have this mindless policy of everything having to be simultaneously streamed and released, which is obviously an untenable model for theatrical presentation. So they’re not even getting in the game, and I think they’re missing a huge opportunity.”
I’ll go a step further and declare that the Oscars is essentially handcuffing filmmakers from a content standpoint. A few years ago, the Academy introduced a number of diversity inclusion standards that films must have if they wish to be eligible for an Oscar. This includes the following on-screen requirements for filmmakers:
“A1. Lead or significant supporting actors from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups
At least one of the lead actors or significant supporting actors submitted for Oscar consideration is from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group in a specific country or territory of production.
A2. General ensemble cast
At least 30 per cent of all actors not submitted for Oscar consideration are from at least two underrepresented groups.
A3. Main storyline/subject matter The main storyline(s), theme or narrative of the film is centered on an underrepresented group(s).”
So, wait a minute here. On one hand, Hollywood is encouraging filmmakers to go out and make “their movie” free from studio interference or any form of censorship, but hold on, if those same filmmakers want to submit their film for consideration of an Oscar, it has to fit within these narrow parameters? That’s ridiculous. If a certain film is powerful, carries strong story tones, and has incredible performances from some amazing actors, but it has one or two few people from “underrepresented groups”, suddenly it’s disqualified?
I don’t agree that “forced inclusion” belongs in cinema just so we can check off requirements for Oscar night. You’re stepping pretty hard on the toes of filmmakers with that one, folks.
I remember the year when iconic director Martin Scorsese won his first Oscar for ‘The Departed’ in 2007. That film made almost $300 million worldwide and not only won Scorsese the Best Director nod, but it also won Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Editing, and the creme de la creme, Best Picture. At this past Sunday’s Oscars in Hollywood, someone who directed “that one Netflix or Prime movie” took home the same statue for a flick that maybe 30% of the viewing audience has seen or even heard of. Interesting times we live in in this digital age.
For this week, that’s been the Ruttle Report.
Ministerial: Under His Wings
By Pastor Brian Hopfe Generations Pastor Weyburn Free Methodist Church
As we listen to the news, I am sure many of us are thinking, “What next?” It seems that the world today is in chaos and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. If it is not the wars that are going on, it is the weather. And if it is not the weather, it is the plane crashes. To say nothing about the politics that are going on around us.
Many are scared and wonder what is going on, and if there is a God, does he really care? Why does He seem to be distant and not care about all that is going on in our world?
If this is you I would suggest to you to find a Bible and read Psalm 91. In verses 1-4 we read, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings.”
Psalm 91 shows us that God, “the Almighty,” is not intimidated or frightened by our world’s chaos. Instead, God is so gentle and concerned for everyone that they can find refuge in him like hatchlings under the care of a hen. As people, we must learn
that we can trust the Lord fully because he will surround us, guard us against dangerous threats, and deliver us. Resting in the shadow of God’s protective wings means that we don’t need to be afraid of chaotic things happening around us. There is a time for us to walk courageously into situations with God’s help, and there is a time to retreat and be still in his caring presence. As chicks take cover under a hen’s wings, one notices that they stay very still and quiet, completely out of view of danger, while the hen is alert and watchful and will do whatever she can to protect her young. Just because we have Christ in our lives and we have His protection this does not necessarily mean He will fix everything so our lives are smooth and untroubled, but we can rest assured that He will walk with us through the deep waters. Isaiah 43:2 tells us, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” What a great promise for us to hold on to.
I close by reminding you that if you are a child of God he will help us if we stay close to Him and when danger threatens, we will be safe in His care. May He gather us in and hold us close.
Ministerial Message: A life of faith
Rev. Doug Loden, Calvary Baptist Church.
My mother, Marg Loden, passed away last month at 101. She had a strong faith in Jesus. A few weeks before she passed away, she told me, “I want to be with Jesus and with dad.” Her story can inspire people.
Mom just kept going. She recovered from serious bowel trouble, breast cancer, a stroke, three broken femurs, and Covid. Every time, she got up, and worked hard at keeping her mobility.
Mom wasn’t perfect. We were camping in the Redwood Forest of Northern California and mom made pancakes. The pancakes tasted soapy. I knew that mom wouldn’t like hearing the pancakes tasted like soap, so I just ate them. Doing the dishes, mom said, “Where’s the soap?” She realized the powdered soap, in the jar, had gone into the pancakes, along with the flour.
There was a severely
handicapped child near our home. Teams of three women would go and help the child do a classic crawl. The child was on it’s back and one lady would move the head, side to side. Two other ladies, 1on each side, would move the arms and legs, in a crawling motion. The idea was that this would help develop coordination in the infant. With this background, when my grandkids came along, I would get down on my hands and knees and try to teach them a classic crawl. It turns out grandkids are not interested in being taught how to crawl by grandpa. They crawl how they crawl. Recently, I asked mom, “Did it help the child?” Mom said, “No it didn’t, but it sure helped the mother.” Mom was a helper.
Mom and dad were leaders of the cubs for 20 years. Dad was 100% patient with the difficult kids. I understood this better when I ran a day camp
when I was an intern at First Baptist. Mom and dad did this for 20 years, weekly meetings, hikes in the mountains, cub camps. There was a tragedy in one of the cub families. The father of Billy was a banker. A robber came into the bank and shot and killed the father. Billy came to our home and stayed with us after this tragedy. Our home was a place of safety and comfort until his older sister was able to come and pick him up.
One day, mom brought home from Hobbit House, our church coffee house, a young man troubled with drugs and alcohol. I woke up in the morning, and this man was sitting on the bed, on the other side of the room, staring at me. He wasn’t there when I went to bed. He was a cousin of Eddie Shack, the craziest guy who ever played in the NHL. God spoke to mom, in a vision, it was Joel 2:28. Mom looked up the passage in the Old Testament and read, “I will re-
store the years the locusts have eaten.” Mom understood this to mean that God intended to restore a better life to this man. Mom took the young man to Teen Challenge and years later he was much better.
I was about 12 and mom asked me to go with her, she wanted to visit a lady. There had been a great tragedy, the son that killed his father with a knife when he was abusive to the mother. Imagine the anguish of this lady whose son had killed her husband. Mom wanted me with her so that she could talk with the mother. Mom went to give some encouragement, to the lady. I did my job, and played pingpong with the boy, and mom gave the lady words of comfort.
The lesson from mom’s life is that when a person is led by the Spirt of God, they can touch people with God’s love and comfort. Isn’t this exactly what people need?
SPORTS
Sparks Centre hosts ‘Frostival’ tourney
Soccer players from Yorkton and Regina teams competed for the ball, while attending the ‘Frostival’ soccer tournament at the Credit Union Spark Centre on March 7 to 9. Roughly 52 teams, ten of which were Weyburn teams, competed in the fun tournament.
Olympia In Depth powerlifting athletes compete at Nationals
The 2025 Canadian Powerlifting National Championships were held in Moose Jaw from Feb. 23-March 1, 2025. The Olympia In Depth team from Weyburn, Estevan and area sent 17 athletes to compete. The Olympia team is coached by Ryan Fowler, and the event was co-hosted by Ryan and Heidi Fowler.
The team had a great showing, and athletes walked away with personal bests, medals, and Provincial and National records.
Results:
Heidi Fowler competed in the Classic Bench Only 84+kg Master 1 category. Her best bench was 80 kg.
Natalie Butz competed in the Equipped Bench Only 84kg Junior category. Her best bench press was 102.5 kg.
Rhys Fowler competed in the Classic Powerlifting 66kg Youth 3 category. His best lifts were: Squat: 80 kg; Bench: 52.5 kg; Deadlift: 100 kg.
Chelsea MacNeill competed in the Classic Powerlifting 57kg SubJunior category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 77.5 kg; Bench: 60 kg; Deadlift: 100 kg.
Avryelle Molnar competed in the Classic Powerlifting 63kg SubJunior category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 85 kg; Bench: 47.5 kg; Deadlift: 115 kg.
Calla Hrynewich competed in the Classic Powerlifting 57kg SubJunior category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 110 kg; Bench: 60 kg; Deadlift: 110 kg.
Calla also competed in the Equipped Powerlifting 57kg SubJunior category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 142.5 kg; Bench: 85.5 kg; Deadlift: 135 kg.
Mykelle Doud competed in the Classic Powerlifting 84+kg SubJunior category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 130 kg; Bench: 72.5 kg; Deadlift: 142.5 kg.
Mickenzie Whitford competed in the Classic Powerlifting 84+kg SubJunior category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 115 kg; Bench: 62.5 kg; Deadlift: 122.5 kg.
Lily Sedor competed in the Classic Powerlifting 84+kg SubJunior category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 90 kg; Bench: 52.5 kg; Deadlift: 117.5 kg.
Charlene Cossar competed in the Equipped Powerlifting 76kg Open category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 210 kg; Bench: 120 kg; Deadlift: 207.5 kg.
Charlene also competed in the Equipped Bench Only 76kg Open category. Her best bench was 117.5 kg.
Marnel Spencer competed in the Equipped Powerlifting 52kg Master 3
category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 121 kg; Bench: 65 kg; Deadlift: 132.5 kg.
Doris Dechaine competed in the Classic Powerlifting 84+kg Master 3 category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 87.5 kg; Bench: 62.5 kg; Deadlift: 127.5 kg.
Joselene Keating competed in the Classic Powerlifting 84kg Master 2 category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 107.5 kg; Bench: 77.5 kg; Deadlift: 122.5 kg.
Jessi Warren competed in the Classic Powerlifting 76kg Master 1 category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 107.5 kg; Bench: 65 kg; Deadlift: 135 kg.
Pam Scott competed in the Classic Powerlifting 76kg Master 1 category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 90 kg; Bench: 40 kg; Deadlift: 100 kg.
Vicki Leas competed in the Classic Powerlifting 84kg Master 1 category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 117.5 kg; Bench: 70 kg; Deadlift: 147.5 kg.
Krista Sandney competed in the Classic Powerlifting 84kg Master 1 category. Her best lifts were: Squat: 107.5 kg; Bench: 57.5 kg; Deadlift: 155 kg.
Krista also competed in the Equipped Bench Only 84kg Master 1 category. Her best bench was 80kg.
Sports Dinner fundraiser to help support Weyburn Beavers
Sabrina Kraft Weyburn Review
The Weyburn Beavers will promote the upcoming baseball season during their annual Sports Dinner fundraiser at the Weyburn Royal Canadian legion on March 15. Sportsnet Central baseball analyst Jamie Campbell and former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher John Axford will speak to fans during the event.
“I am looking forward to attending this fundraiser event,” said Jamie Campbell. “I have never been to Weyburn, and am arriving a day early so I will have
the opportunity to attend a Weyburn Red Wings hockey game. I have heard so much about the hockey league, and the team, and looking forward to watching them play.”
“I am also looking forward to learning about the Beavers, as I have an interest in the Western Canadian Baseball League,” added Campbell.
He said that the fundraiser will be an opportunity to promote the approaching baseball season. He is also glad to share the stage with John Axford, who was recently honoured by
the Milwaukee Brewers in their Wall of Honour.
“John has gone from an unknown kid, to someone who is now a major league regular.”
The evening should be very light-hearted, with an engaging focus on the sport of baseball. “We really hope to have the audience participate in our discussion, and if you have something to say, we really hope you speak up and add to the conversation,” said Campbell.
He added it was also a great opportunity to assist the fundraising efforts of the Weyburn Beavers, and
to help them stay as a viable baseball team in the city.
The Weyburn Beavers will also hold a silent auction with items being lined up for bid the night of the supper.
The fundraising event kicks off with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by supper at 7 p.m.
V.I.P tickets are $1,000 or a table of eight for $750. Individual tickets are $100 per person. Tickets can be purchased by either contacting a board member directly, or by emailing weyburnbeaverswmbl@gmail. com.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Sportsnet Central baseball analyst Jamie Campbell
Former pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays John Axford
CMHA Weyburn encourages residents to take the March Wellness Challenge
CMHA Weyburn and Coach Sarah have partnered to create the March Wellness Challenge.
The focus being on wellness from three different angles - Physical Health, Mental Health and Nutrition. Encouraging people to take action, and providing tools to assist
with overall wellness. Daily challenges are posted at 8 a.m. on the CMHA facebook and instagram pages.
The March Wellness Challenge calendar is also posted on the CMHA Weyburn website and a photo is available on socials as well.
Weyburn Gold Wings defeated by Stars
The Weyburn Gold Wings were defeated by the Saskatoon Stars in the first round of the Saskatchewan Female U18 AA Hockey League.
The Saskatoon Stars won 7-1 in game one of the best-of-three series over the Gold Wings, held March 8 in Saskatoon.
The Stars scored three times in the first period, added another three in the second period, and one goal in the third period. The lone Weyburn goal was scored by Hallie Parada during a powerplay in the third period, with assists going to Peyton Halayka and Julia Durr.
Goaltenders Amy Swayze and Tila Boyd were in net for the Gold Wings. Swayze stopped 47 out of 53 shots, and Boyd stopped 12 out of 13 shots. The Stars claimed another 7-1 victory in game two of the series, held March 9 in Weyburn.
The Stars had three goals in the first period, two in the second, and another two in the third.
The lone Weyburn goal was scored by Durr in the third period, with assists from Halayka and Parada. Swayze was in net for the Weyburn Gold Wings, and stopped 39 attempts on net.
March Wellness Challenge held by
CMHA Weyburn
Many participants have taken the March Wellness Challenge, organized by the
Weyburn branch, with instruction provided by
CMHA
Coach Sarah.
Photo – Courtesy CMHA Weyburn
25032BA0
Leaders take pies in the face to help raise $12K for Telemiracle
Anastasiia Bykhovskaia SaskToday.ca
The Estevan Kinettes once again stepped up for Telemiracle 49, raising $12,037 through community-driven fundraising efforts. The annual Saskatchewan telethon, held in Saskatoon over the weekend, brought in an impressive $5.7 million to support people in the province with medical expenses and mobility equipment.
For Krissy Wallman, chairwoman of the Estevan Kinettes’ fundraising efforts, the event’s conclusion brought a mix of emotions.
“It’s a time to reflect and relax now for a little bit. It was wonderful,” Wallman said. “I always love the busyness of Telemiracle and all the things we do, but just after Telemiracle, you get that sense of relief and get a moment to relax and see everything that we did for Telemiracle.”
The Estevan Kinettes raised funds through several initiatives, including an online auction, coin box donations, an entertaining “Pie in the Face” challenge that brought together local leaders and residents in a friendly competition, Helping Hands and more.
Wallman noted that the annual auction has been a cornerstone of their fundraising efforts, with this year marking its sixth edition.
“We had 169 items and raised $8,930,” she said. Coin donation boxes were placed at local businesses such as Fired Up Grill and A&W, with A&W also selling Helping Hand cutouts to support the cause. Additionally, the Faris family, including two children and their grandmother, contributed by hosting a bake sale and lemonade stand, which brought in $751.
Fired Up Grill also made a monetary donation, with tips from their Valentine’s Day services contributing to the total.
One of the highlights of this year’s campaign was the third friendly fundraising challenge between Estevan and Nokomis, where Wallman’s mom and a big supporter of Telemiracle lives.
“We always like to put the fun into fundraising,” Wallman said.
For this year’s challenge, community members donated money and earned votes to determine which local figures would receive a pie in the face.
“Mom, she had five people from Nokomis, and
we found five here, which included the mayor, Tony Sernick, the ECS principal, James Jones, lifetime Kinsmen member[and city councillor] Dave Elliott, and two of our Kinette members, Susan Colbow and Raylene Fieber,” Wallman explained.
At the end of the campaign, the top vote-getters - Sernick, Jones, and Colbow - each took a pie to the face during a livestreamed event on the Estevan Kinettes’ Facebook page.
“We had 119 votes in total,” Wallman said. “Tony Sernick, he got the most votes with 33 votes, and he got pied.”
Wallman herself was also on the receiving end of a pie after Nokomis outfundraised Estevan in personal donations.
“The opposing team rep had to get a pie,” she said. “So unfortunately, I got pied as well, because Nokomis, they raised over $2,300, and we raised $1,775.”
Although Wallman was unable to attend Telemiracle 49 due to illness, several Estevan Kinettes members made the trip to Saskatoon to volunteer during the live broadcast, answering phones, helping with transportation and more.
Wallman expressed pride in the group’s continued participation and dedication to the cause.
She also emphasized that none of these efforts would be possible without the generosity and support of the Estevan community.
“I just want to thank the community,” she said. “Whether they donated items for the auction, or they were the winning bids, they donated personal donations - any which way they helped make a difference and raise that total. A huge thank you to them, because without them, we wouldn’t be doing what we do.”
Telemiracle, organized annually by the Kinsmen and Kinettes, has been a staple of Saskatchewan philanthropy since 1977. The funds raised go directly toward helping individuals across the province access specialized medical care, equipment and travel assistance.
With Telemiracle 50 on the horizon next year, Wallman is already looking ahead to new ways to engage the community and keep the fundraising momentum going.
“I don’t know what brings for next year,” she said. “With Telemiracle 50, I’d like to try and do something different.”
Lifeguard training gives Estevan youth confidence and valuable job skills
Courtesy Southeast District news
Nestled in southeast Saskatchewan, Estevan is known as the “sunshine capital of Canada.”
This picturesque community offers residents and visitors walking paths, parks, skating rinks – as well as outdoors pools and the Access Communications Aquatic Centre (ACAC), which is a focal point in the municipality and a place where local youth gain important firstjob experience.
In 2024, the city’s young aquatics staff were able to participate in important lifeguard training - and boost their job skills - thanks to funding from the CPRA’s National Swimming Recovery Program (NSSRP), which was funded in part by the Government of Canada.
“(This program) provided essential skills and certifications that created more employment opportunities,” says Tionna Nashiem, program facilitator at City of Estevan Leisure Services. “Many partici -
pants gained practical work experience working as seasonal lifeguards.”
Nashiem says that the funding assisted with more training opportunities for its current staff, as well as training for new employees. Overall, she says that 10 lifeguarding courses were provided to 10 aquatics staff.
Training these staff members, she says, meant that the youth were able to gain on-the-job experience and learn important, transferrable skills that will help them with future employment.
“They learned communication skills, and how to effectively communicate with patrons,” Nashiem says, adding that the job experience also taught the youth lifeguards how to prevent and respond to emergencies in aquatic environments.
She also says the youth participants learned problem-solving skills, and the value of teamwork.
“They learned how to work alongside a team and other staff to make an en-
joyable environment for all,” Nashiem says.
As these youth lifeguards were stationed across the city’s four outdoor pools, and watched over the many programs offered at ACAC, Nashiem says they also gained leadership skills.
“They developed the ability to assess a situation quickly, and make informed decisions while looking out for others’ personal safety,” she says.
“Many of our guards and other youth say they felt more confident in their skills – particularly in water safety, first aid, and emergency response. They also felt a sense of responsibility, ensuring patron safety.”
In addition to providing local youth valuable job skills, Nashiem says that the program also supported the city’s efforts to hire more youth and young adults who have the potential to become lifeguards – and ensured that lifeguard staff had up-date-training which promoted a sense of water safety in the community.
“With more trained lifeguards, our community members felt safer. This program has contributed to a positive environment for families and children,” Nashiem says.
She adds that the training allowed the city to offer various opportunities for safe aquatics programming for all residents - including the community’s Paddling Pool and Playpark Programs, and swim time at the community’s four outdoor pools which included Hillcrest Park, Hillside Park, Rusty Duce Park, and Churchill Park.
Overall, she says the NSSRP made a significant impact on youth employability, and aquatics programming for the community.
“The City of Estevan is appreciative of funding support programs such as this one. The NSSRP allowed us to continue to grow our programs, and ensured that our community had a wide variety of recreational opportunities available to them,” Nashiem said.
Having fun by getting pied in the face
Kinettes Krissy Wallman and Susan Colbow were pied as part of the fundraiser.
Photo courtesy of Krissy Wallman
Estevan Chamber braces for U.S. tariffs, warns of impact
Anastasiia Bykhovskaia
SaskToday.ca
The Estevan Chamber of Commerce is warning that new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports could have a significant impact on local businesses, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.
“About half of Saskatchewan’s exports go to the United States,” said Merissa Scarlett, executive director of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce. “There’s going to be an impact on consumer buying, business buying, and overall costs. Which also means an increased cost for consumers and our business owners on both sides of the border,” she noted.
These increased costs
are highly likely to trickle down to the consumer level, raising prices for products, as well as potentially affecting jobs and spending patterns within the region.
As of March 4, the U.S. has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on most Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy imports. Canada has responded with retaliatory 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of imported goods, beginning immediately with a list of goods worth $30 billion. The scope of the Canadian counter tariffs will be increased to $155 billion if the current U.S. tariffs are maintained, or if new tariffs are imposed, said the Can-
adian government.
Scarlett noted that Saskatchewan industries, such as agricultural equipment manufacturing, agrifood, and mining, are likely to feel the pain first, as well as the oil and gas and ag.
The chamber is taking steps to assist local businesses as they navigate the fallout from the new tariffs. Scarlett has emphasized the importance of feedback and communication.
“If you’re struggling and you just need some resources...please reach out,” she said. The chamber is offering members a platform to share their concerns and connect with support networks. “I can offer members a forum if they want to provide feedback. If you
need help, if you’re dealing with layoffs, or looking for ways to retain staff, we can guide you to where you need to go.”
The chamber encourages local businesses to reach out for support by calling or emailing Scarlett.
For local businesses that may face challenges due to the tariffs, Scarlett also suggested looking beyond North American markets to diversify their exports. She pointed to the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) as a valuable resource for companies seeking to expand internationally.
“There are resources if you’re looking even for expansion or just opportunities to take your product
TheRight Gearfor Your Growth
worldwide and I can point you to the right people on that as well,” she noted.
While businesses are preparing for the shortterm challenges posed by the tariffs, Scarlett believes that long-term strategies could help mitigate some of the impacts. She expressed optimism about initiatives such as pipeline development, which would strengthen Saskatchewan’s oil and gas sector.
However, Scarlett warned that the economic uncertainty created by these tariffs could dampen consumer spending, which would, in turn, hurt local businesses.
Despite the uncertain landscape, Scarlett urged the Estevan area residents
to support local businesses during this turbulent time.
“If you have to spend as a consumer, be thoughtful about where you put that money. Keeping that dollar in Estevan goes a long way to keeping our businesses open and keeping jobs here,” she said, emphasizing the importance of local economic resilience.
The local chamber is also working closely with provincial and national counterparts to advocate for broader trade solutions. Scarlett pointed out that the Saskatchewan and Canadian Chambers are pushing for the federal government to take a more active role in diversifying Canada’s trade relationships, especially beyond the U.S.
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New Western Business Coalition formed to support businesses
The Business Council of British Columbia, Business Council of Alberta, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, and the Business Council of Manitoba have recently formed the Western Business Coalition. This alliance is dedicated to ensuring Canada reaches its full economic potential by unlocking the economic power of the West. For the coalition, that begins with natural resources.
Canada is home to vast natural resource wealth, yet federal policies have long constrained the growth and global export of these assets. A complex and uncompetitive regulatory environment, combined with trade barriers, and shifting global economic dynamics, has limited Canada’s ability to fully leverage its energy, agriculture, mining, forestry, and aquaculture sectors. The time has come for that to change.
“Our provincial busi -
ness organizations have come together to advocate for policy and action that will bring prosperity to Canada rooted in the strengths, assets and people of Western Canada,” says Adam Legge, President at the Business Council of Alberta. “By starting with policy solutions to unleash our natural resources sector, Canada can create a better life for all by meeting the world’s growing demand for energy, food, materials and minerals.
“Ironically, Canada’s resource sector is our Trump card when it comes to strengthening the economy,” says Laura Jones, President and CEO of the Business Council of B.C. “When the resource sector thrives, so do our workers, families, and communities.”
The coalition’s first initiative is a new natural resource policy development project aimed at providing actionable policy recommendations and raising
public awareness about the sector’s critical role in Canada’s economy. The coalition will also produce policy recommendations on Canada U.S. trade, as well as reducing barriers to Canadian interprovincial trade in subsequent work.
The first initiative focuses on five key areas:
• Energy – Oil & Gas: Enhancing the industry’s global competitiveness and ensuring access to new markets.
• Agriculture: Strengthening Canada’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse while promoting sustainability.
• Mining & Critical Minerals: Expanding production of essential minerals needed for clean technology and economic security.
• Forestry: Advancing responsible forestry management and increasing global trade
• Aquaculture: Supporting the sustainable
growth of aquaculture to meet rising seafood
Each policy stream is being jointly led by two of the four councils, with top business leaders from across the West contributing to each, ensuring a collaborative approach that reflects the diverse expertise and regional priorities across Western Canada. The final recommendations will form a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering economic growth and reconciliation, innovation, and regulatory improvements.
“Now is the time to use our collective ability and voice to advocate for policies that will strengthen Canada’s economy and our position as a global leader in natural resources,” says Bram Strain, President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba. “By collaborating with industry and prioritizing strong Indigenous partnerships, we believe a sustainable natur-
Wheatland Seniors Centre game results
The Weyburn Wheatland Seniors Centre held a variety of games during the week of March 3 to 7, with the following results.
The winners of Spades on March 3 were Kim Bent in first, Sherrill Taylor in second, and Stan Hubick in third.
In Kaiser on March 4, first went to Brenda Paul and Marlene Szczecinski; second was Eva Morley and Marie Marcotte; and third was Jean Fahlman and Theresa Istace.
The winners of Canasta on March 5 were Trina Maas in first; Lavine Stepp
in second; Phyllis Lindskog in third; Shirley Hubbs in fourth; and Pat Peterson in fifth. In Hi-Low Whist on March 5, first went to Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson; second was Janet VanWinkoop and Emily Zyla; third was Chris Herlick and
Phyllis Lindskog; and fourth was Jeanne Molnar and Elaine.
The winners of Thursday crib on March 6 were Cheryl Vogel and Emily Zyla in first, Garth White and Marlene Szczecinski in second; and Stan Hubick and Sheila Greiner in third.
al resource sector is key to Canada’s economic future.”
“At a time when Canada faces both economic and global uncertainty, collaboration is more important than ever,” says Prabha Ramaswamy, President of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. “By uniting as a coalition, we are strengthening our ability to advocate for policies that drive investment, create jobs, and ensure Western Canada’s resource industries remain competitive on the world stage.”
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We create loc al jobs, support loc al business es, and invest in what strengthens the community. In 2023 alone, we contributed over $500 million to Saskatchewan’s economy.
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Learn more at enbridge.com/s askatchewan.
All
dressed
up for ‘Spilling Tea’ gala
A gala evening was hosted by the YF Wives and Spilling Prairie Tea, to promote the upcoming Women of Distinction awards.
Spilling Prairie Tea and the YF Wives host live pre-gala show
The YF Wives Women of Distinction Gala committee chair, Cara Cugnet, and past committee chair, Dallen Hodgkins spilled all the tea about the upcoming YF Wives Women of Distinction Gala to Spilling Prairie Tea Host Felecia Watson on February 28 at the Credit Union Spark Centre.
Spilling Prairie Tea guest host, Heidi Bousfield, presented the big reveal. Monica Osborn and Dara Currie graciously volunteered to get gala ready, featuring outfits from local businesses, Eve-
lyn Lane and Expressions Ladies wear.
Make-up artist, Megan Birdsell, along with Karma hairstylists, Tori Mahnke and Julie-Anne Vogel, shared the latest hair and makeup trends while Shelley Lueck added the sparkle, completing each look with her beautiful handmade jewelry.
Abby Kradovill, Lindsay Manko-Bauche and Lori McIntosh joined Spilling Prairie Tea host, Lindsee Michel, to share their insights and perspective on the nomination process. Their honesty and vulner-
NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL Village of Ceylon
NOTICE is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Ceylon for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the office of the assessor from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days:
Monday to Thursday, March 17, 2025 to May 20th, 2025.
A bylaw pursuant to Section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Village of Ceylon, 107 Main Street, P.O. Box 188, Ceylon, SK S0C 0T0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $100 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., Nicolle Hoskins, P.O. Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 20th day of May, 2025.
Dated this 14th day of March, 2025
Laura Delanoy, Assessor
ability left everyone empowered and excited about the nomination process for the YF Wives Women of Distinction Awards Gala, presented by the Weyburn Credit Union.
Jasmine Istace, from the Weyburn Credit Union and Danielle Knoll from Prairie Sky Coop took a moment to share why it is so important to support events like the Women of Distinction Gala as a cooperative business.
The studio audience was full of enthusiasm and added a special touch to the night. Their presence was appreciated. At the end of the evening, the YF Wives had their very own Dress Pop Up, a rack of new and previously loved gala gowns. The night ended with a try-on session! It was a non-stop night of fashion, fun and community.
Remind your neighbours to recycle and help preserve our planet’s natural resources.
