Hundreds of Kinsmen and Kinette volunteers filled every corner of the building: phone banks buzzing with pledges, runners weaving carefully between camera operators, finance teams tallying totals with steady hands. The layout had been perfected over months — a choreography of wires, tables, lights, and people that made the impossible look effortless.
Backstage, Telemiracle Chair Tammy Blackwell stood with her TM 50 committee. For a year, they had planned this moment — meetings, emails, rehearsals, sleepless nights, contingency plans. Now, as the final total climbed higher and higher, tears welled in their eyes. Not from fatigue but pride, knowing it had all been worth it.
Across Saskatchewan, living rooms turned into gathering places. Families who had watched the telethon for generations posted memories online — old photos, stories of loved ones helped by the Kinsmen Foundation, words of gratitude. The province wasn’t just watching, residents were participating.
Peter Kilburn, founder
of the Kinsmen Foundation, stepped onto the stage. He spoke of fifty years of compassion. Fifty years of Saskatchewan people helping Saskatchewan people. Then he presented a gift from himself and his family — just under $60,000. Kilburn urged the province to keep the miracle going for another 50 years.
For Kinsmen Foundation, they rely solely on this event. The funds raised would help families travel for out-of-province medical care. They would purchase life-changing equipment. They would improve quality of life for neighbours, friends, strangers. They would make miracles.
When the final total was read, elation outweighed exhaustion. The Telemiracle 51 logo was revealed and the new committee chair talked about carrying the telethon into the next 50 years.
It was announced this was the largest contingent of Kinsmen and Kinette volunteers, numbering in the hundreds, manning multiple areas that collaborate to make the show run smoothly, this year adding two hours to their tasks. A behind the scenes tour shows the fine-tuned layout that enabled plenty
of space for all the stations necessary to ensure a smooth operation.
Audience members filled Prairieland Park throughout the week, with the venue being exception-
ally full most of the event on February 28. Highlights would be many but several stood out including all of those residents who offered bequests, choosing Telemir-
acle as their beneficiaries, most notably a $2.3M bequest late Sunday afternoon. Additionally, the Saskatchewan talent showcased was stellar and the continual flow of dona -
tions, including those presented on air demonstrated how invested people are in this yearly fundraiser. The production crew from Telemiracle 1 was on stage with a donation of $5,050.50.
A memorial donation in honour of Brent Allin of $10,000 was made to Telemiracle 50.
At a young age Brent was diagnosed with a progressive disease that limited his physical ability. However this did not affect
his ability to be an excellent communicator, building relationships and influencing lives within and beyond the community.
Brent volunteered his time in activities like Weyburn Minor Football, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Communithon.
Brent was a big advocate for getting involved and wanted everyone to be a part of it. His efforts provided a forum for the community to see city council meetings, raise money for the community, watch local sporting events and see their children and grandchildren on TV.
After a Rider Game in 2019, Brent’s van was destroyed in a moose collision. Telemiracle’s support enabled the family to get a new one.
Members of the Weyburn Kin club attended Telemiracle 50 in Saskatoon over the weekend. Pictured, l-r, Tara Kyle, Adrian Prybylski, Rebecca Olson and Sean Olson.
Photo courtesy Weyburn Kin Club
COMMUNITY
Wheatland Centre game results
In Spades on February 23, Kim Bent placed first, Marge Schultz won second and Jean Fahlman finished third.
The team of Gladys Lokken and Janet Van Winkoop took first during Trump Whist on February 23. Willa Mae Donald and Sheila Wendel placed second, Jean Knibbs came in third, with Janet Van Winkoop and Gladys Lokken taking fourth place.
In Kaiser on February 24, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson placed first, Jean Fahlman took second, and Jean Knibbs and Shirley Cherpin came in third place.
During Canasta on February 25, Joni MacNaughton won first, Elaine Frasz placed second, and Cris Herlick came in third.
In Hi-Low Whist on February 25, Brenda Paul and Dave Frayn placed first, Cris Herlick and
Phyllis Lindskog came in second, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson took third, with Jannette and Elaine Frasz taking fourth place.
During Thursday Crib on February 26, Doreen Knibbs and Chris Carter placed first, Kim Jacob and Kathy Jacob took second place, and Sheila Wendel and Elroy Ulmer came in third.
Willa Mae Donald and Kathryn Groshong took first in Friday Shuffleboard on February 27. Mel Schindel and Coral Schindel came in second, and the team of Ron Frayn and June Irvine finished third.
In Friday Contract Bridge on February 27, Erskine Sandiford placed first, Jean Knibbs took second and Jeanne Molnar came in third.
There were four players in attendance for Friday board games.
Family Place to offer prenatal classes
The Family Place will be offering free prenatal classes on Tuesday, March 24. The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. at their location,
744 McLelland Street, Weyburn.
To register, please call the office at 306-842-7477. Spaces are limited.
2026 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE TENDER
South East Cornerstone Public School Division No 209 invites tenders for Grounds Maintenance at all locations in the division:
Tendered amount shall be on a per cut basis
• Cut includes mowing, removal of large grass piles, trimming and cleaning grass clipping off walkways
• Cost to include the supply of equipment, labour, fuel & mileage
• For a maximum of ten (10) cuts during this period
Contractors must carry their own WCB and insurance liability up to $1,000,000 in coverage.
For further information, please contact Jim Swyryda, Manager of Facilities at (306) 848-4713 or jim.swyryda@secpsd.ca
Lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Preference will be given to applicant(s) within each school catchment area
Please submit tenders by 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2026 to:
Michelle VanDeSype
South East Cornerstone Public SD No 209
80A-18th Street N.E.
Weyburn, SK S4H 2W4
michelle vandesype@secpsd.ca
The YF Wives recently began a Comfort Cart initiative with COPS Weyburn (the Community Oncology Program of Saskatchewan), an outreach department of Allan Blair Cancer Centre, located at the Weyburn General Hospital. COPS is a Saskatchewan Cancer Agency initiative, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, that provides cancer care, systemic therapy (chemotherapy), and support services closer to home for patients. Oncology nurse Jenn Morris, centre, is pictured with YF Wives representatives Dallen Hodgkin and Carly Henning. The goal of the Comfort Cart is to provide comfort for patients during their treatments and reminds them they have a community thinking of them and cheering them on.
Soccer Association to host Frostival
The Weyburn Soccer Association (WSA) is gearing up for its annual Frostival Club weekend, and this year’s event is particularly special as it coincides with the WSA’s 50th Anniversary.
The Soccer Association will be hosting a justfor-fun games weekend at the Weyburn Credit Union Spark Centre on Friday, March 6, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. Participating clubs that
will travel from all over Saskatchewan, including Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Yorkton, and Swift Current and of course the hometown Weyburn Devils.
There will be 45 teams of ages U9 to U17 boys and girls teams for nonstop games starting on 4 p.m. Friday, and will run run all day on Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. and on Sunday until 4 p.m.
The Soccer Assocation will also have a raffle table with a huge list of items donated by businesses and families. The amazing community support and volunteers is what makes Frostival a huge success and a favorite for teams to travel to Weyburn and wrap up the winter season. Admission to the Frostival soccer weekend will be $5 per day or $10 for a full weekend pass
Photo courtesy of YF Wives
Sofia and Maren baked mini-muffins during the KidVentures program at the Weyburn Public Library last week.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
EDITORIAL
GENE-EDITED MEAT IN CANADA: TO LABEL OR NOT TO LABEL?
Gwendolyn Blue, University of Calgary
The Canadian government’s recent approval of the first gene-edited animal to enter the food system has reignited debates over whether foods produced using genetic engineering techniques should be labelled.
Gene-edited animals, including faster-growing fish, heat-tolerant cows and disease-resistant pigs, have already been approved in the United States, Japan and several countries in South America. These decisions, including Canada’s approval, were made with limited public awareness and input.
Advocacy groups such as the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, political parties including the Bloc Québécois and organic pork producers are calling for mandatory labelling of gene-edited meat in Canada.
Public demand
Public opinion research indicates that many Canadians view labelling gene-edited foods as essential.
Polling commissioned by the Canadian Health Food Association suggests many Canadians want greater transparency about the use of gene editing for food production.
Studies in the United States also suggest that consumer acceptance increases when the benefits of gene editing are clearly communicated.
Similarly, a survey commissioned by the company that developed Canada’s first approved gene-edited pig found that many Canadians would consider purchasing gene-edited pork if health and environmental benefits were delivered.
Why label gene-edited meat?
Food labelling serves multiple purposes: it provides information about a product’s ingredients and the production methods involved. Labels also play a democratic role by promoting transparency and accountability. This in turn allows consumers to make choices that reflect health considerations as well as their ethical, political and environmental values.
Debates over the labelling of geneedited meat often hinge on tensions between ethical principles such as protection and autonomy. On the
one hand, governments are tasked with protecting the food supply and ensuring food safety. On the other hand, individual consumers have the right to know how food is produced and to make choices accordingly.
Proponents of labelling argue that consumers have a fundamental right to know what’s in their food, how it was produced and what potential risks are involved.
With gene-edited meat, public concerns include health and safety risks, as well as environmental consequences, animal welfare, corporate control of the food system via patents and licensing and threats to food sovereignty.
For example, gene-edited animals could potentially be harmed by unintended consequences, including off-target side effects. It is imperative to ensure traceability in commercial settings with clear mechanisms to report on animal health and welfare.
By enhancing consumer choice, labelling can also foster market competition.
Opponents of labelling argue that gene-edited foods are scientifically proven to be safe and that labelling could mislead consumers into assuming there is a risk where none exists. They argue that labels can create fear and confusion, potentially undermining the adoption of breeding techniques that could enhance health, reduce environmental impacts and improve food security.
Labelling also has political consequences. Market-based approaches shift responsibility to individual consumers, which can foreclose other avenues for collective decision-making about how food systems should be governed.
Mandatory versus voluntary labelling
Canada currently doesn’t require the labelling of genetically modified (GMO) or gene-edited foods. Under the Food and Drugs Act, labelling is mandated only when a product poses a health or safety concern.
This is at odds with approaches elsewhere. For example, the U.S. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires companies to label genetically engineered foods, while decisions
about the labelling of gene-edited foods are made on a case-by-case basis.
In Canada, voluntary labelling is permitted provided it’s truthful and not misleading. The Canadian Standards Board, scheduled soon to cease operations due to budget cuts, provides guidance on voluntary labelling for genetically engineered foods. Notably, its definition of genetic engineering excludes both conventional breeding and gene editing.
The Canada organics sector relies on voluntary non-GMO food labelling. Similar to international organic standards, certified organic products in Canada prohibit the use of genetically engineered and geneedited seeds, feed and food.
Following Health Canada’s approval of gene-edited pigs in January, organic pork producer duBreton introduced Canada’s first verified non-gene-edited and noncloned meat label.
This proposed label was also a response to a now-paused federal proposal to exclude cloned animals
from the definition of novel foods, a move that would allow cloned meat to enter the market without consumer or government notification.
A lack of public engagement
The labelling of gene-edited meat raises several questions. Food labels can support consumer autonomy and transparency, but labels are not good at conveying complicated information. Labels also privilege market forces for making collective decisions, instead of other democratic processes such as public deliberation and stringent regulation.
In a regulatory context that largely promotes biotechnology while offering few opportunities for meaningful public engagement, it remains unclear whether labelling is the most effective democratic approach to gene-edited meat in Canada.
As gene-edited animals potentially become more common in global food systems, the question is not just whether to label these products, but which political opportunities labelling creates or restricts — and for whose benefit.The Conversation.
World Day of Prayer to learn about Nigeria’s history
Submitted
The World Day Ecumenical Service for Weyburn will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m.
The World Day of Prayer is a Christian women-led global prayer movement. The 2026 prayer service will focus on Nigeria, a western African country with a rich heritage and diverse ecosystem. All are welcome to attend, pray and reflect on the theme “I will give you rest: come”, and learn about Nigeria’s history, culture and concerns. The scripture base is Matthew 11:28-30.
World Day of Prayer is an international, ecumenical movement which enables local residents to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world, their hopes, concerns and prayers.
The preparation for the day is vast. The service begins with the selection of a country and a theme several years in advance. Once written, it goes to the World Day of Prayer International Committee in New York for translation and then dissemination to the National Committee in each participating country.
The service is then discussed and edited by the
Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada before being presented nationally, regionally and locally for branches to make their plans. At local churches, the World Day of Prayer is held on the first Friday in March. Everyone is welcome to gather and celebrate the service prepared by the women of Nigeria.
The World Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 120 countries. It begins in Samoa on March 6, and prayer in native languages travels through the world, through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Canada and the United States, before finishing in American Samoa some 38 hours later. It becomes a worldwide wave of prayer. For additional details on the Weyburn World Day of Prayer services, contact Pat Wolensky or Velma Hoffman at St. Vincent de Paul parish.
Spamalot coming to Grace United Church
Monty Python’s Spamalot is coming to Grace United Church from March 25-31.
Get ready to laugh because this uproarious show is a guaranteed time of absurd fun. The Tony awardwinning high school edition musical comedy, lovingly ripped off from the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail is heading to the stage in Upper Grace Hall under the direction of Colleen Weimer.
Join King Arther, Patsy and the Knights of the Round Table on a hilariously chaotic quest for the Holy Grail. You won’t want to miss out.
The March 25 show will feature a King Arthur’s Ham meal. The March 27 show will offer Sir Robin’s Chicken meal and the March 31 show
will feature Sir Lancelot’s Pasta Night. All dinner theatre tickets are $55 each with tables of eight and four offered at $50/ ticket. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. and the show to follow. There will be a cash bar available.
There will also be a Prince Herbert’s Dessert
Theatre Matinee offered on Sunday, March 29. Tickets are $40 each with tables of eight and four offered at $35/ticket. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. with the show to follow. Don’t miss out as tickets and meal nights are filling up fast. Tickets are available at Grace United Church office or call 306-842-5131.
Skylar, Krisha and Aria played bingo with Mildred Thompson at the Weyburn Special Care Home during the Legacy Park Elementary School Neighbour’s Club program.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
SPORTS
Knapp rink drops heart-breaking games at Brier
SaskToday.ca
The Kelly Knapp rink is one of two teams representing Saskatchewan at the Canadian men’s curling championship.
Knapp and his Highland foursome includes third Brennen Jones, second Dustin Kidby, lead Mat Ring, alternate Trent Knapp and coach Brian McCusker.
With one win and three losses, the Knapp rink is sitting second to last in the A pool of the round robin of the Brier.
The rink opened the Brier defeating Nova Scotia’s Kendal Thompson 8-5.
Team Knapp got off to a good lead against Nova Scotia, scoring three in
the second and two in the fourth for a 5-2 lead. Thompson scored a pair in the second to get back into it, but Knapp got another deuce in the seventh and stole in the eighth for an 8-4 lead. Thompson would get one in the ninth but no closer and Knapp was in the win column.
It was a long, emotional Monday, a day that saw Knapp fall twice in heartbreaking fashion.
Knapp stepped onto the ice in the morning sitting at 1-1 and staring down Quebec’s Jean-Michel Ménard, who came in with the same record. The Regina foursome came out sharp, posting a deuce in the second end to take early control.
But Ménard answered right back, stuffing three onto the board in the third to swing momentum in Quebec’s favour.
The teams traded singles through the fourth and fifth, but the turning point came in the sixth. Knapp had a tough, angled raise for three, but instead wrecked on his own stone—opening the door for a Quebec steal and a 5-3 lead.
To their credit, Saskatchewan punched back with a pair in the seventh, then held Quebec to one in the eighth. That set up a critical ninth end where Knapp executed a delicate final-stone takeout to score two and grab a 7-6 lead.
But the one-point edge didn’t hold. Ménard played a sharp tenth end and scored the deuce he needed, handing Saskatchewan an 8-7 loss that stung.
Monday night brought a chance for Knapp to reset against P.E.I.’s Tyler Smith, but the theme of frustration resurfaced.
Smith opened with a single in the first and then turned up the pressure in the second, stealing one to go ahead 2-0. Knapp’s crew responded in the third, capitalizing on P.E.I. errors to post a three-spot and grab the lead.
From there, the middle ends turned into a grind.
The teams exchanged sin-
gles through the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh, giving Knapp a slim 5-4 lead heading to the eighth.
Smith, with hammer, made his move—scoring two to jump back in front 6-5. In the ninth, a P.E.I. mistake left Knapp a chance for three, but his takeout attempt clipped a centre-line guard. Instead of a big end, Saskatchewan settled for one and a 6-6 tie.
That set the stage for the tenth. Smith drew beautifully with his first stone, and Knapp attempted a difficult double to salvage the end. But the tricky ice bit him again, leading to an 8-6 final in favour of P.E.I.
Knapp ended the day
at 1-3, and the path to the playoffs is narrowing. Saskatchewan’s Knapp returned to the ice Tuesday at noon to face Nunavut’s Derek Samagalski (0-5) in what now feels like a must-win matchup.
The Mike McEwen rink is still keeping Brier hopes alive for Saskatchewan, as they had three wins and one loss, and were sitting third place in the B pool.
The round robin action of the Brier continued on Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday and Thursday. Playoffs for the Brier will be held this weekend, Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7, with the finals played on Sunday, March 8.
Weyburn skaters earn medals at Moosomin regionals
Kaitlynn Nordal Freelance reporter
Athletes from the Weyburn Skating Club recently competed in the Moosomin Regional Competition, all skating in separate flights but each placing bronze or higher in the competition.
The Weyburn Skating Club has lessons for children as young as four, starting in Pre-CanSkate before proceeding to the next levels: CanSkate, Bridging, Junior Development and then on to the STARSkate levels.
The Weyburn Skating Club runs lessons twice a week, with Pre-Can and CanSkate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, then Bridging up to the STARSkate levels on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Five of the club’s athletes attended the Moosomin Regional Competition on February 14 and 15.
“They all came out placing very well in their events,” said Diana Hay, the team’s social media coordinator. “They all skated in separate flights, and they all placed with a Bronze or higher.”
Brooklyn Hay started
skating when she was five but took a couple of years off after completing the PreCanSkate and CanSkate program. Brooklyn has moved from Junior Development to STAR 2 and is looking to move up to STAR 3 once competition season is completed. She received silver for her STAR 2 freeskate solo and silver for her STAR 2 elements event.
Minsa Manzoor began figure skating at the age of four and has developed a strong love for the sport. Manzoor is currently competing at the STAR 2 level. Manzoor’s dedication and positive attitude show in her steady progress, and she looks forward to continuing her journey in skating. Minsa earned silver in the STAR 2 freeskate program and silver in STAR 3 elements.
Sara Woodard has been skating, off and on, since she was three and, in 2021, returned full time to figure skating, starting in Junior Development. Woodard is currently working on her STAR 3 levels. Woodard received bronze in her STAR 3 freeskate and silver in her
STAR 3 elements.
Rehaam Manzoor is now competing at the STAR 4 level as she continues to grow and challenge herself on the ice. Despite the challenges of limited local ice time and the significant cost of travel, ice rentals and coaching fees, Manzoor continues to pursue her skating dreams with dedication and determination. Manzoor received gold in her STAR 4 freeskate elements and silver in STAR 4 freeskate.
Clare Crooks, 15, and in Grade 10, has been skating with the club since her days in CanSkate. Crooks is working toward her STAR 4 elements. She received silver in her STAR 3 elements and freeskate.
Their next competition will be the Winter Classic in Swift Current, which takes skaters who are STAR 2 and up.
“This is a huge event that happens every year and moves around southern Saskatchewan,” said Hay.
“All the girls will be competing there next weekend in the same events they competed in at Moosomin,” continued Hay. “This will
be their third and final competition of this year, so they are all practicing very hard to try to improve on their placements from the last two competitions in Moosomin and Pense was the weekend before.”
Hay had final words of encouragement for the athletes competing in the Winter Classic.
“We want to wish you all good luck. We hope you all do your very best and above all, have fun,” said Hay.
The Weyburn Skating Club will also be hosting a carnival on March 15, at the sports arena at 2 p.m. There will be a silver collection by donation for the entry fee, and a raffle table will be set up.
Five members of the Weyburn Skating Club recently competed in the Moosomin Regional Competition. Back row, l-r, Brooklyn Hay, and Minsa Manzoor. Front row, Sara Woodard, Rehaam Manzoor and Clare Crooks.
Photo courtesy of Diana Hay
Team South East wins medals at 2026 Winter Games
Team South East had a strong showing in the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games, held in Meadow Lake and Flying Dust First Nation.
The South East athletes won 13 gold medals, seven silver and 10 bronze for 30 total medals, placing fourth in the overall medal standings.
Bowling 5-Pin Team Male: South East members included Adam Brisebois, Theoren Frazer, Kelsey Steven Andrew Hovanak, Rhett Terrence Pierce and Craig Wendel.
Artistic Swimming Solo Co-ed: Sierra Alexis Mantei.
Figure Skating STAR 4/5 Dance Mix: Lily Hill and Maggie Hill.
Judo Newaza Competition 40 kg Male: Lincoln Dunford.
Judo Newaza Competition 53+ kg Female: Eva Sophia Kanasevich.
Target Shooting Super Finals Air Rifle Male: Kai Stevenson.
Target Shooting Team Air Pistol Mix: South East members included Chyler Bigalky and Brady Goldfinch-Bali.
Target Shooting Super Finals Air Pistol Male: Ashton Levi Haus.
Target Shooting Individual Air Pistol Male: Brady Goldfinch-Bali.
Weightlifting 63 kg Female: Avryelle Molnar.
Wrestling Individual Competition 44-49 kg Male: Renan Desautels.
Wrestling Individual Competition 42-46 kg Female: Anica Marie Todd.
Silver Medals
Wrestling Individual Competition 62 kg Male: Ephraim Henning.
Curling Female: Team South East, members included Emma Jo Marsch, Trinity Massier, Arizona Eva Spencer and Malina Stead.
Judo Individual Competition 53+ kg Female: Eva Sophia Kanasevich.
Judo Kodomo no Kata: #4 Mix: Eva Sophia Kanasevich and Lincoln Dunford.
Target Shooting Super Finals Air Pistol Male: Brady Goldfinch-Bali.
Target Shooting Individual Air Rifle Male: Kai Stevenson.
Weightlifting 110 kg 110kg Male: Hudson Fowler.
Bronze Medals
Artistic Swimming Team Co-ed: South East members included Ava Donison, Mahaley Kathleen Fonstad, Sierra Alexis Mantei, Isabelle Frances Pyra and Rowyn Shier.
Biathlon Sprint Female: Isla Edith Ann Whyte.
Bowling - 5 Pin Singles Male: Theoren Frazer. Bowling - 5 Pin Team Female: South East members included Serena Kellan Lynn Bayliss and
Kaydance Kennedy.
Bowling Special Olympics Individual Female: Robin Stelter.
Table Tennis Team 18 and Under Female: Team South East members included Tenley Catherine Clements and Madison Lee Richaud.
Wrestling Individual Competition 56 kg Female: Kylee Bear.
Figure Skating STAR 5 Free Skate Female: Kristen Gatapia.
Judo Individual Competition 40 kg Male: Lincoln Dunford.
Weightlifting 71 kg 71kg Male: Rhys Fowler. Athletes from Weyburn included:
• Ava Donison, Weyburn, Artistic Swimming.
• Robin Stelter, Justin De Roos, Daemeon Budney, Leah Whitrow and
Vernon Ernst - Weyburn Special Olympics. This team was coached by JoAnn Paxman.
• Owen Goodfellow, Bodhi Cochrane, Ranson Jordens, Tave Fladeland, Canaan Braun - Futsal, male. Weyburn coaches included Rob Jordens and Jason Roy.
• Zara Cochrane, Avery Dewit, Madison Dewit and Burke Tollefson - Futsal, female.
• Lexi Heimlick and Shay Warren - gymnastics.
• Avryelle Molnar, Hudson Fowler and Rhys Fowler - weightlifting. Weyburn coaches were Ryan Fowler and Heidi Fowler.
• Ephraim Henning and Thomas Orr - wrestling.
Red Wings back on the ice vs. Terriers
After a week off from regular league action, the Weyburn Red Wings will return to the ice and host the Yorkton Terriers at Whitecap Resource Centre tonight, March 4, at 7 p.m. It will be an important game for the Red Wings, as they are currently eight points behind Yorkton for first place in the Bunge division of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
The Red Wings were last in action on February 24, when they lost 4-2 to the Melfort Mustangs.
In the first period, Melfort scored at 4:43, followed by a Weyburn goal at 8:08 by Will Munro to tie up the game, with assists to Callas Pierce and Luke Schreder. The Mustangs responded with another goal one minute and four seconds later to regain the lead.
Melfort added two
more goals in the second period, at 3:39 and at 18:25. Weyburn’s third goal was scored by Josh Karman at 4:50 in the third period, assisted by Rylan Pearce and Dion Schraeder.
Both Joey Rocha and Nate Stevens were in net for the Wings. Rocha played for 40 minutes and stopped 22 out of 26 shots. Stevens played for 17 minutes and four seconds and stopped five out of five shots.
The Red Wings have five games left in the regular season. They will head to Yorkton on Friday, March 6, and then play a re-scheduled game against Melville on Tuesday, March 10.
The Wings end their regular season with a home-and-home series against the Estevan Bruins on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14.
Weyburn’s Team Nikolejsin won the 2026 Curl Sask men’s Masters Provincial Championships over the weekend. Pictured, l-r, are skip Jim Nikolejsin, third Jaime Miller, second Ray Calbow and lead Darcy Cretin. The Nikolejsin rink will represent Saskatchewan at the 2026 Canadian Masters Curling Championships, April 6 to 11 in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
courtesy of SaskCurl FOR THE FULL STORY, PICK UP THE MARCH 4 ISSUE OF THE WEYBURN REVIEW
Team South East weightlifters included coach Heidi Fowler, Avryelle Molnar, Rhys Fowler, Hudson Fowler and coach Ryan Fowler.
Photo
Art comes naturally to published former Estevan resident
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Michele Doucette didn’t start painting until later in life, but art has opened a lot of doors for her.
The former Estevan resident, who now resides in Calgary, was at the Estevan Public Library February 28 to share from Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret, a children’s book she helped write and for which she provided illustrations. She also guided a collaborative art project connected to the book.
Her friend, Lindsay Bath of Newmarket, Ont., helped write the book.
“I started in art five years ago. And Lindsay was the one who designed my first website. We just became friends,” recalled Doucette. “Someone on social media said you should do a book based on your bear paintings.”
Doucette initially laughed at the idea, but
Bath had done a children’s book previously and so they collaborated on Fenn’s Giant Blue Secret. It marks the first time Bath has had her art published.
“I brought some examples to show the kids what they look like before they go into the book,” said Doucette. “So I’m pretty happy with them. I like to paint more than I do like to draw.”
A number of family members were present for her reception.
Doucette was born in Calgary and moved to Estevan when she was four years old. She went to school in Estevan until she was in Grade 8, then went to Lampman School from Grades 9-11 and returned to the Comp. for her Grade 12 year.
When she reflects on the message of the book – being brave enough to be who you are – she thinks about changing
schools and struggling to fit in somewhere new at 14 years of age.
“It’s important just to accept people for who they are,” said Doucette.
She didn’t take any art classes when she was growing up in the Estevan area, she said, but Doucette was quick to add she still hasn’t taken any courses. While she says she has always been creative, Doucette hadn’t spent much time in an art gallery until a few years ago.
“Within a year of trying painting, I was in a gallery and I had an art show. It’s just been a very wild ride, which is why giving back through my creativity is my primary purpose.”
Doucette said she needs to get back to painting. Her next “give back” art show is scheduled to be in about a year. She has previously raised money for Cubs Calgary.
Sask. independence push continues with Prairie Rising meetings
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The concept of Saskatchewan independence continues to be discussed at various town halls.
Prairie Rising and the Saskatchewan Prosperity Project teamed up to host more than a dozen town halls at locations throughout the province. But in a February 24 post on its Facebook page, Prairie Rising said it was moving forward on its own.
Prairie Rising board member Michelle Krieger said their focus is on the legal pathway for where they need to go, while Saskatchewan Prosperity’s attention is on the why.
“It’s probably better for us to get our message out to be doing it on our own,” said Krieger. “When you put the two of us together, the events morph into a three, four or four and a half hour thing.”
Krieger said it’s best to
have their own dedicated events to explain what they are trying to accomplish.
People have asked how there could be two groups, but Krieger noted there are other entities working towards the same goal of a referendum on Saskatchewan sovereignty, and eventually they will have to work together.
The first Prairie Rising town hall since the split was February 28 in Moosomin.
Krieger and fellow board members Stephanie Garber said attendance has been good for their meetings. They had 260 people attend a town hall in Estevan on February 21, and 50-75 people in Arcola the following day. Communities have been selected because they were invited, they said.
Meetings typically open with a presentation and then a question-and-answer session.
“This came about be -
cause, like everybody else in the province, we were feeling that our lives were getting unaffordable, that the policies coming down didn’t help Saskatchewan people, and the frustration built,” Krieger said.
Garber and Krieger said they came together with four of their closest friends and tried to determine how to solve the issue. A Prairie Rising Forum was held in Regina in October 2025 to launch the effort, and since then town halls have been happening.
Krieger believes the sentiments expressed at town halls have always been in Saskatchewan and now they’re coming to a head.
“We got together and decided instead of complaining about it, we’re going to try to decide something about it,” Krieger said.
They believe there is a path forward to having a referendum, but the laws
in Saskatchewan for such a vote are very different from Alberta.
“I hope people come away from our meetings also feeling empowered, because Saskatchewan really does have what it takes to make it on its own, and I think people just needed to be reminded of that,” said Krieger.
Even if a referendum were to be held to change legislation in Saskatchewan, it would be nonbinding, they said.
“People don’t have a voice despite our government saying we do. We don’t. I think regardless of what it is for, our movement is for independence ... and I think the people of Saskatchewan need to have a voice,” said Garber.
Prairie Rising wants the referendum to occur in 2027. Krieger said the organization needs to gather the support for them to press the government to change the Referendum
and Plebiscite Act so that it is more in line with other provinces.
“Once that happens, an actual petition can go out to ... have a referendum on the question,” said Krieger.
Current legislation also isn’t clear on the percentage of voters needed to hold a non-binding plebiscite, which Garber said would be a “really expensive opinion poll that the government is under no obligation to listen to.”
They recognize they have a big task in front of them, but they believe it is attainable.
“We have a plan to get there, and I hope that people leave feeling like they can be part of shaping our futures, because when you get right down to it, it is less for us and more for our children and grandchildren,” said Krieger.
Among the commonlyasked questions, they said, is if Saskatchewan can afford to leave Canada.
“Saskatchewan, with its natural resources, has more than enough equity to pull away and be successful on its own,” said Garber. If Saskatchewan residents vote in favour of separation, Garber said it wouldn’t occur immediately. Negotiations would have to occur with the federal government. The Canada Pension Plan, which Garber said would become part of the negotiation process, is another common focal point.
“We can always look at having our own CPP and maybe increasing it so that our seniors aren’t struggling and can actually afford to live in Saskatchewan, which would be an ideal situation,” said Garber.
Prairie Rising is not looking to join the U.S., they said at the Moosomin town hall.
The next town hall will be March 7 at the Timothy Eaton Centre in Moose Jaw, starting at 2 p.m.
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
People in the Estevan area were very generous with their support for the Estevan Kinette Club’s TeleMiracle 50 fundraising efforts.
The Kinettes presented a cheque for $31,776.98 on March 1 during the 22-hour broadcast. Kinette Club member Susan Colbow noted the top fundraisers included a jail and bail that generated more
than $8,000 and a Facebook auction that brought in over $11,000. She added the club hosted a barbecue at the Southern Plains Co-op, had a fundraiser at an Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins hockey game and a toonie matinee at the Orpheum Theatre. Fundraisers were held at the Estevan Comprehensive School, Spruce Ridge School, Fired Up Grill, Dominos Pizza and Canuckcade.
Jackson and Olivia Faris held a lemonade stand, the late Vikki May bequested a donation, and helping hands were sold in the community. The hosts applauded the Kinettes and the community for their support.
This year marks the 50th edition of TeleMiracle, which supports the medical needs of people in Saskatchewan. Telemiracle 50 was held in Saskatoon last weekend.
Photo courtesy of Estevan Kinette Club
Michele Doucette with one of her illustrations and a copy of her book.
David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
Estevan music festival finalizes dates, adjudicators
SaskToday staff
The Estevan and District Music Festival committee is looking forward to another year of giving young people the chance to perform and showcase their skills.
The festival is slated to run from March 1526, and will feature performances in a number of disciplines.
“Music festival is just around the corner,” the organization said in a news release. “Students are busy practising in preparation for their performances. The committee is always looking for volunteers.”
Gail Fry will adjudicate musical theatre, vocal and spoken word components March 15 and 16. Fry received a bachelor of music education with great distinction from the University of Regina. Since 1976, she has taught at high schools in Saskatoon, Regina and La Ronge. From 19872014, Fry was a faculty member at Luther College High School in Regina, having taught music and mathematics, and was al -
so the academic guidance counsellor.
She was the producer of Luther College’s music theatre shows for 20 years. She directed various choirs and hand bell choirs while at Luther. Under her direction, they received many awards at local, provincial and national competitions.
Nick Fanner will adjudicate the band section of the festival from March 17-19. He taught elementary and high school band with the Saskatoon Public School Division for more than 30 years before retiring.
Fanner continues to be active in music education. He currently directs the Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra, which he formed in 2017, as well as two of the five adult bands within the Saskatoon Community Bands organization: the wind ensemble and the 6:30 Experience, which is for adults beyond beginner band. He has directed several junior and intermediate honour bands.
He was the recipient of the 2022 SaskTel Sas -
katchewan Jazz Festival Special Recognition Award and the 2019 Saskatchewan Band Association’s Distinguished Band Director Award.
Canadian violinist Kerry DuWors is adjudicating string on March 20. DuWors has garnered acclaim as a soloist, chamber musician and pedagogue. She has performed across Canada, the U.S., Japan, Central Asia, South America, Europe, Mexico and New Zealand.
She has won prestigious awards, including grand prize at the 26th Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition, Felix Galimir Award for Chamber Music Excellence, Canada Council for the Arts Career Development, Grants and an Explore and Create Grant. She is a four-time laureate of the Canada Council for the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank.
Her recent artistic endeavours include tours through Prairie Debut with pianist Katherine Dowling.
Lynette Sawatsky will
be in Estevan to adjudicate piano from March 23-26. She began her musical training at the age of four and completed her performer’s Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto in piano while in high school.
She has taught both group and private lessons, worked as a music specialist in the public school
system, and participated as a guest workshop clinician and piano adjudicator across Canada. She currently directs a group of enthusiastic youngsters from core neighbourhoods during a weekly lunch hour choir program.
“She believes that music is a gift that brings joy and enriches lives,” the press release states.
Several of her pieces have been recently selected by Conservatory Canada for their new Mosaics repertoire series.
The music festival thanks those who help in different capacities, whether it be a parent encouraging music, volunteer, teacher or sponsor for changing the lives of youths in the community.
Clockwise from top left, Kerry DuWors, Nick Fanner, Lynette Sawatsky and Gail Fry.
Photos courtesy of the Estevan and District Music Festival
Second annual Bunco ladies
night to be held on March 7
The WeyStrong Cancer Support Services Inc. is hosting a second annual Bunco ladies night this Saturday, March 7 at Knox Hall. The event is returning for another year of fun and laughter. A small cash bar, 50/50, raffle table and a silent auction table will be available for the evening which has been moved to a larger facility this year to accommodate the interest in the event. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for ladies to sign in, purchase raffle and 50/50 tickets, start bidding on the silent auction, as well as getting a little bit of visiting in before the game begins at 7:00 p.m. There will be an intermission between rounds as well.
Bunco is a no skill required dice game and is open to all ladies over 19 years of age. The evening is much like an evening at bingo. It’s a fun, but some-
times competitive vibe in the air, with chit chat and lots of laughter and banter. This is not a team game, so women are welcome to come on their own. The group of ladies is very welcoming and thanks to medications and menopause, they sometimes have trouble remembering names so name tags are worn which offers an opportunity for ladies to actually get to know others attending the event. It’s not an overly late evening, wrapping up around 10:00-10:30 p.m. All proceeds are used to directly impact women of all ages and stages of their diagnosis. Once a woman has received a cancer diagnosis, it’s something that is part of their life forever. Unfortunately, cancer is not something you can just forget about once the treatments are done. A variety of educational events, Coffee & Connection, fun
gatherings such as axe throwing and the annual free all day retreat day in October are all offered by the group.
Tickets are just $40 and available through the WeyStrong facebook page or by emailing weystrong2024@gmail.com. If anyone is interested in sponsoring or donating any prizes, they are still accepting them and would be truly appreciated.
WeyStrong Cancer Support Services Inc. is a registered non-profit organization offering a variety of peer-based supports for any women who has ever received any type of cancer diagnosis. While based in Weyburn, WeyStrong aims to support all women in the southeast corner of the province. All the funding comes from sponsorship, individual donations and fundraiser events such as the Bunco night.
WeyStrong Cancer Support Services held their first Ladies Bunco night last year. The success of the event has sparked a return of the fun evening, to be held this Saturday.
CLUES ACROSS 1. Unit of dry measure
One who defies authority
Social media giant
Render holy
“Much __ about nothing”
Computer manufacturer
Mountain pass
Winged nut
Don’t know when yet
Elected officials 23. Corrupt tendencies 26. Popular adult beverage 30. Made a mistake 31. Morally correct 32. Type of whale 33. Portable conical tent 34. Native people of the Congo 39. More (Spanish) 42. Classroom implements 44. Cognizant of 46. One who tells 47. Free from bondage
49. Thick piece of something 50. Containing two adjacent nitrogen atoms
51. Removed from the record
56. Legendary singer Turner 57. Broke up the earth 58. Hunting expedition 59. Contributes 60. Unit of work or energy
61. Wreckage on the sea bed
62. Affirmative! (slang) 63. Witness 64. Scrape (Archaic) CLUES DOWN 1. “__ and flows”
2. Humble request for help
3. A position of leadership 4. Continent 5. Adherent of a particular religion 6. Things that can be eaten
7. Self-governing Netherlands territory
8. Long-tailed crow
9. Repeated
10. Bluish greens
11. Humanities
13. Someone who serves in the armed forces
17. Labor (Spanish)
24. Zero
25. Shared by involving three parties
26. Queens ballplayer
27. Consumed
28. Rest here please
29. Men’s fashion accessory 35. American time 36. Sound unit 37. They __
38. Soviet Socialist Republic 40. Places to play video games 41. A sudden attack of illness 42. When you hope to arrive 43. Charges 44. Actress Seyfried
Photo submitted
Jaxon, Bryson, Scarlett and Nirman.
Arlyss, Natalie, Calista, Dakota, Rhett and Liana.
Octavia. Nika, Maci, Leona, Sofia, Denary and Anu.
