this week
New hospital build complete, marking ‘fruits of city’s labour’
Steven Wilson
SaskToday.ca
The physical construction of the new Weyburn General Hospital is officially finished, bringing a long-awaited vision to reality for the city and surrounding region.
The provincial government announced the completion of the $134-million facility last week. The milestone is the culmination of a process that began when the province first announced funding for planning in 2015, followed by the site selection on Fifth Avenue North and formal construction approval in 2020.
For Weyburn Mayor Jeff Richards, the completion of the build marks a significant milestone after years of advocacy and planning.
“It’s 10 or 15 years of work. And to start to see it, and, of course, we’ve got to watch it unfold live here in the community as
construction is happening, it’s now, the fruits of our labour have been realized,” said Richards.
The new 35-bed facility consolidates regional health services under one roof, featuring 25 acute care beds, 10 inpatient mental health beds, ambulatory care and social work workspaces.
A major addition to the new hospital is a dedicated STARS heliport, a feature Richards said is essential for rural emergency response.
“I think for rural Saskatchewan, having that STARS landing pad is a must-have, not a wantto-have, and we’re very grateful that the foresight was there to ensure that it was integrated so well into the facility,” he said.
Richards emphasized the hospital’s role in accommodating and sustaining local growth, noting the city’s population is currently approaching
12,000 residents.
“Having that core service of the hospital is critical, not just to the City of Weyburn, but to the region as well,” said Richards. “A lot of folks in our area, rural folks, that come and use our hospital will continue to do that, probably more will now with this new upgraded facility.”
Beyond patient care, the city is optimistic that the state-of-the-art infrastructure will support physician and health-care recruitment.
“We think, like anybody, you always want to go to work in a state-ofthe-art facility, regardless of what your career path is,” Richards said. “Just talking to some of the
staff, we think this new facility will be very appealing to a lot of healthcare professionals.”
Despite construction wrapping up, the facility will not open immediately.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority must now enter an activation phase to move in equipment, furniture and fixtures while ensuring staff are prepared
and patient care continuity is maintained.
Richards said it could be about six months before patients begin using the facility due to the required commissioning period.
“As soon as we can get this thing open to the public, we’ll be on our way,” he said. “We’re really excited about it.”
Weyburn approves new $100 recreation levy
SaskToday
City council gave final approval at its May 11 meeting to two bylaws setting the 2026 property tax rates and mill rate, including a new $100 recreation levy.
With the new $100 recreation level applied to all 5,404 doors in the city, the levy will generate $540,400 in revenue for recreation facilities, said Laura Missal, director of finance.
For a typical Weyburn
home that paid $2,500 in property taxes last year, the 2026 mill rate and the new $100 recreation levy brings the estimated bill to about $2,737. That works out to an increase of about $237 for the average homeowner.
Administration presented the 2026 mill rates, tax base and recreation levy with a uniform mill rate of 11.516 mills for 2026. Missal said the percentage increase was calculated to equalize the 2025 levy fol-
lowing the reclassification of properties from condominium to multi-family.
The 2026 assessment saw 106 properties reclassified from condominiums to two-multi-family classes, said Missal. The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) provided updated assessments, with additional reclassifications occurring in agriculture, commercial accommodations, and commercial other categories.
The condominium mill rate decreased due to the reclassification and to bring it more in line with the residential rate.
Councillor Kellie Sidloski asked whether administration had received any questions or feedback following council giving first reading of the tax bylaws.
“The only thing we received was just about the recreational levy, just basing it as a levy or a base tax,” said Missal.
Livvie Koller, Jerrica Waddell, Alexander Schuck, Sylvie Truman and Sophia Brenholen looked for
‘Mr. Lee’ during the year-end dance recital for De Tricky Feet on May 9.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
COMMUNITY
Walleye tournament set for Mainprize Regional Park
The Dam Store at Mainprize Regional Park
will host their fourth annual Rafferty Dam Walleye tournament on May 23 and 24.
This is a weigh-in tournament with the cost to enter at $500 per team. There will be $100 big fish draws and a roast beef banquet included in your entry.
For further information and to enter a team check out https://prairieprooutfitters.ca/the-dam-store/ or call 306-461-8353.
Busy month of bridge games held at Senior Centre
A number of games were hosted by the Weyburn Duplicate Bridge Club during the month of April.
Two tables played on April 2. There was a tie for first place between the pair of Barry Mactaggart and Lucie Nickel, and the pair of Gord Bell and Jim Kaz.
Two tables played on April 6. Finishing in first place were Gord Bell and Marg Stewart. There was a tie for second between the pair of Boyd Stewart and Garnet Hart, and the pair of Warren Betker and Barry Mactaggart.
Two tables played on April 9. Barry Mactaggart and Gwen Wright took top honours, while Erskine Sandiford and Lucie Nickel placed second.
Two tables played on April 16. There was a tie for first place between the pair of Gord Bell and Boyd Stewart, and the pair of Barry Mactaggart and Gwen Wright.
Two tables played on April 20. Barry Mactaggart
and Diane Bell finished in first place, edging out Boyd Stewart and Terry Bendickson who placed second.
Two and a half tables played April 23. Barry Mactaggart and Gord Bell had an extremely strong game playing at 87.5 percent to claim first, and second place went to Grant Paulson and Garnet Hart.
Two tables played April 27. Finishing in first place were Gord Bell and Barry Mactaggart, while second place went to Warren Betker and Jim Kaz.
The last game of the month was held April 30 with two tables in play. There was a tie for first place between the pair of Gord Bell and Barry Mactaggart, and the pair of Warren Betker and Jim Kaz.
The Weyburn Duplicate Bridge Club plays at the Wheatland Senior Centre on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and on Thursday afternoons at 1 p.m.
All bridge players are welcome to come and play.
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF GRIFFIN NO. 66
NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the RM of Griffin No. 66 for the year 2026 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday May 15, 2026 until June 16, 2026.
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the 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 RM of Griffin No. 66, Box 70 Griffin, SK. S0C 1G0. 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, Nicolle Hoskins, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., Box 149, Meota, SK. S0M 1X0, by the 16th day of June, 2026.
Dated this 15th day of May, 2026.
Tawnya Moore, Assessor
Ministerial Message: Learning from our Mothers
Submitted by Brian Hopfe Free Methodist Church
Before I get started let me assure you that I know that Mother’s Day is over, yet I figured it might be a good thing to write this little article giving, hopefully some additional thought and maybe insight into this important day on our calendar. You see, everyone of us have a mother. Some of us have been blessed to have a or had a great mother and sadly some have a mother that is/was not so great. Our mother’s
carried us for the first nine months or so of our lives, giving of herself the very nutrition to help us grow and become who we are today. That itself is a miracle of God. Just to think of how one moment of passion and desire would lead to one being impregnated is truly a miracle. This says nothing of the miracle of how one’s body adjusts and adapts to the concept of carrying and providing for that unborn child.
I believe that motherhood is a divine calling,
and Scripture affirms the beauty and blessing of a mother’s role. Proverbs 31, in the Bible, captures the dignity and wisdom of a virtuous woman it says, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” What a perfect verse to honor a mother’s grace and strength but the author is not finished, he goes on to say, “Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” These verses praise the unmatched value of a faithful mother.
For many of us we have been so blessed to have an amazing mother, a mother that went without so that we would have one that they put our cares before their own. I suggest to you that this world would be a better place if we could all learn and put into practice what our mothers did for us.
Wheatland to hold month end supper May 29
Many games were held at the Wheatland Senior Centre.
In Spades on May 4, Stan Hubick placed first, Marge Schultz won second and Melba Bent took third.
During Trump Whist on May 4, Fay Johnson and Marge Schultz came in first place, followed by Willa Mae Donald and Ruth Boren in second and Marjorie McLeod and Jannette Tonn in third.
In Kaiser on May 5, Fay Johnson and Marge Schultz placed first, Elaine Frasz and Jeannie Molnar took second, and Mildred Sandiford and Coral Schindel placed third.
During Canasta on May 6, Cris Herlick won first, followed by Trina Maas in second, Janet van Winkoop in third, Jean Reich took fourth, followed by Jean Knibbs in fifth and Sheila Wendel in sixth place.
NOTICE
Weyburn Utility Board
Annual Meeting of Subscribers
Public notice is hereby given that a meeting of the subscribers of the Weyburn Utility Board will be held at the RM of Weyburn Office, 1633 1st Avenue N.E., Weyburn on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. for the purpose of receiving reports and the nomination and election of candidates for the office of Director for Divisions 2, 4, 6 for a two year term.
In Hi-Low Whist on May 6, Fayn Johnson and Marge Schultz took first, Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum came in second, and Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul placed third.
During Thursday Crib on May 7, Shirley Hubbs and Chris Carter placed first, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson took second place, and Ruth Boren and Garnet Bartlett was third.
In Friday Contract
Bridge, Jeannie Molnar placed first, Lucie Nickel came in second and Jean Knibbs took third. The month end supper will be held Friday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. The menu will include lasagna roll-ups, string beans, Caesar salad, garlic toast and dessert. Please sign up in advance and pay at the supper. The price for supper is $20 for members and $22 for nonmembers.
A line-up of customers added toppings to burgers during the Prairie Sky Co-op customer appreciation barbecue on May 7, assisted by Co-op staff members Dustin Gerry and Laura Harden.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Trudi Griffin sewed patches of fabric together to create a unique design during the Plainsight Artist Retreat held at the Weyburn Public Library on May 9.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
EDITORIAL
Frosty Balls Run
By Trudy and Dale Buxton, Publishers of The Independent
We will take a break from our British Columbia trip and add in some new riding in 2026.
The snow finally done (we hope!) and it’s off to the annual Frosty Balls run that includes the communities of Warman, Blaine Lake, Shellbrook, Prince Albert, Rosthern, and the last stop in Laird.
This annual run is sponsored by the Blue Knights Motorcycle Riding Club of Saskatchewan, the Motorcycle Ride for Dad, and the Laird Volunteer Fire Department with all the proceeds from the days event going to the Motorcycle Ride for Dad.
The Motorcycle Ride for Dad is a national organization that raises money towards groundbreaking prostate cancer research and lifesaving public awareness of this disease, and the importance of early detection.
The Motorcycle Ride for Dad has a chapter that is located in Saskatoon, established in 2009, and has raised over $2-million that stays within Saskatchewan with research dollars going to the University of Saskatchewan research facility.
In addition to the regular ride, which happens on June 20 starting at the Western Development Museum, the Motorcycle Ride for Dad are involved in a number of other events including the Frosty Balls to raise money for prostate cancer.
In Biggar it is important to note that donations can be made locally with either Dale Buxton at The Independent or with Don Sapsford. All donations will receive a tax receipt.
On to the ride itself which started out as a reasonable day in the morning and not to cold. In the past, temperatures have reached the zero mark, reinforcing the
name it is. But today was nice and comfortable for the ride to Warman to registration and meet up with some long-lost friends of the past.
Here is a few facts about Warman that you may know. Did you know that Warman is the fastest growing city in Saskatchewan.
Warman at one time was a quiet small growing bedroom community for the City of Saskatoon, but in 2012 Warman officially became a city and now has a population that has grown to around 13,000 - still a bedroom community but with its own infrastructure and business community.
The original name that was given to the community by the Canadian Northern Railway was Diamond back when it was established in 1905 but was changed to Warman after Cy Warman, an American journalist and poet that wrote about the Canadian West. Interesting enough he never visited the community.
Did you know that Warman has 150 kilometres of walking paths around the community and a skateboard park?
After some visiting and picking up my sheets for the poker run, it was off with a group and on our way to Blaine Lake and the next poker stop.
The organizers say that there were 178 registered motorcycles, which is a pretty good number for most that are just getting on the bike for the first time of the year.
Once we got going out the highway we noticed that the wind was starting to pick up, and at about the halfway point to Blaine Lake, the wind was fiercely gusting ... hang on to your hats this will be a fun day!
Stay tuned to next week as we finish the Frosty Balls run for a good cause.
Frequency of ‘emergency service disruption notice’ to be increased
The Government of Saskatchewan is directing the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to increase the frequency with which temporary emergency service disruptions are posted on the SHA website from once daily to at least twice daily, or as soon as practically possible.
The SHA launched a new process on November 10, 2025, to provide patients, families, and communities with accurate and reliable information about emergency room availability. All emergency service disruptions, regardless of their length, are now posted publicly on the SHA website, with updates occurring daily at 4:00 p.m. As of May 19, 2026, the frequency of updates to the website will double, occurring twice a day at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
”Our focus remains on implementing our Patients First Health Care Plan to deliver innovative solutions to reduce the occurrence of temporary service disruptions and ensure everyone in Saskatchewan has access to the right care, at the right time, as close to home as possible,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “It is important for Saskatchewan people to have reliable and timely information on health care service availability in their community. This is why our government is directing the Saskatchewan Health Authority to move to twice daily reporting of temporary emergency room service disruptions.”
The SHA’s service disruption webpage, found at saskhealthauthority.ca/ news-events/service-disruptions, lists all affected facilities alphabetically and provides direct links from the SHA Facilities & Locations directory to community-specific disruption notices.
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing in practical solutions to strengthen the health care system to prevent temporary service disruptions. Investments in innovative strategies, such
as the Virtual Physician Program, Pointof-Care Testing and the Health Human Resources Action Plan, have helped to prevent more than 6,000 potential emergency room disruptions in more than 28 communities across the province since 2023. Saskatchewan has seen a downward trend in the number of temporary emergency room service disruptions over the past three years.
The Patients First Health Care Plan, released on March 9, 2026, contains more than 50 next steps to strengthen health care in Saskatchewan. These include initiatives to help stabilize and strengthen emergency room services, such as:
• Increasing nurse practitioner positions in emergency rooms to reduce wait times and improve patient flow;
• Expanding the number of communities eligible for the Rural Physician Incentive Program and the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive Program;
• Expanding health career training opportunities in rural and regional communities, including new family medicine residency seats launching this year in Melfort, Nipawin and Yorkton; and
• Expanding the Virtual Physician Program.
When emergency room services are temporarily disrupted, signage will continue to be posted at the affected facility, and HealthLine 811 will have real-time information available. Patients and families are encouraged to call HealthLine 811 toll-free, 24 hours a day, for advice regarding service availability or to access health guidance from Registered Nurses and other qualified health professionals.
In any life-threatening emergency, 9-1-1 should be called immediately so paramedics can assess, treat, and transport the patient to the nearest available site for medical attention.
The annual Frosty Balls run included the communities of Warman, Blaine Lake, Shellbrook, Prince Albert, Rosthern and the last stop in Laird.
Jase and Grady, Grade 6 students at St. Michael School, collected food donations as part of a wellness program to support the
Wayne’s Weiner Wagon was on location with hot dogs, baked beans and other lunch options at the first ‘Market on the Farm’ of the year, on May 9.
Photo by Leslie Coulter/Weyburn This Week
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Cheyanne and Macy Lake of the 1st Stoughton Girl Guides sold cookies in the Canadian Tire parking lot on May 9. Funds raised will go towards their 2026 Europe trip.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
Registered Nurses deliver safe, trusted care
College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan Safe, trusted health care does not happen by chance. It depends on skilled nurses and a strong system that sets clear expectations for safe practice.
National Nursing Week, May 11 to 17, is a time to recognize the important role nurses play in the health of people across Saskatchewan. This year’s theme, The Power of Nurses to Transform Health, reflects what many people already see every day: nurses make a real difference in our communities. They improve access to care, support better health outcomes, and help strengthen the
health system.
The CRNS provides guidance and sets expectations for ongoing learning. Nurses keep their knowledge and skills current to meet practice standards through self-directed learning. This is a key part of protecting the public and supporting safe care.
Across Saskatchewan, nurses are a trusted part of the community. They are often the first person people turn to for help and are a steady source of support. In hospitals, clinics, and other care settings, nurses help people get the care they need.
An overview of Hospital Codes
• Code red – fire. Alerts staff to a fire and activates fire safety procedures.
• Code blue – cardiac or respiratory arrest. Signals that a patient needs immediate resuscitation.
• Code orange – external disaster. Activates preparation for a mass-casualty or community emergency.
• Code green – evacuation. Instructs staff to begin a partial or full facility evacuation.
• Code black – bomb threat. Warns of a suspected explosive device or related threat.
• Code white – violent or aggressive incident. Calls for a team response to safely manage a disruptive or dangerous situation.
• Code brown – hazardous spill. Indicates a release of dangerous substances inside the facility.
• Code grey – infrastructure failure. Signals issues such as power loss, water interruption or HVAC failure.
• Code pink – pediatric or infant emergency. Alerts staff to a life-threatening situation involving a child or infant.
• Code amber – infant abduction. Triggers exit security and search procedures.
• Code yellow – missing patient or resident. Initiates a coordinated search to ensure patient safety.
• Code purple – hostage or active-threat situation. Activates immediate lockdown and security protocols.
Estevan pastor supporting city police through chaplain program
David Willberg SasKToday.ca
Michael Hoffort said he always wanted to be a police officer, but then he felt the call to be a pastor.
Now the senior pastor at Estevan’s Living Hope Community Church has found a way to continue with his work while helping out with the Estevan Police Service as the EPS’s chaplain, filling a role that had been vacant for several years.
“When I felt called into ministry, I put that [policing] dream on hold, never expecting to really do much with it. But now I see chaplaincy as a way to fulfill both roles, to be a chaplain for the police officers ... not to live vicariously through them, but to be able to minister to them and help them,” said Hoffort.
Hoffort recalled it started when he asked EPS Insp. Tyler McMillen if they had a chaplain or if they were interested in the role. It took a little time to get it going, but earlier this year, he stepped into the role as a volunteer. “The officers have ongoing, daily issues that they end up with in their calls, and I just wanted to be a support to them.”
He also spoke with EPS Const. Geoff Thiessen about the role. Thiessen was the EPS chaplain while he was the senior pastor at the Estevan Church of God. He also thought Hoffort’s involvement was a good idea.
It’s been a good experience getting to know the members and their stories, Hoffort said, and he hopes to be available if and when they need to
ting, getting to know each other, getting to know where they’re from, getting to know their favourite hockey team and such,” said Hoffort.
The members have been receptive, and have been happy to get to know Hoffort and ask questions. He said it leads to good conversations when he has been at the police station.
Police Chief Jamie Blunden said this is part of the EPS wellness program that hadn’t been in place for several years.
“We’ve done a lot for our wellness program with respect to physical fitness. We have a financial wellness program going on. We’ve got the mental health program that we have available, but we never had the spiritual part where somebody’s available to listen to somebody,” said Blunden.
Blunden had conversations about bringing back the program so it came together well.
Hoffort has now met everybody on the EPS, he’s talked with them when it’s been convenient and Blunden said it opens up an avenue for members if they need to reach out to somebody who isn’t inside the police service.
“It’s just about someone there to be able to listen and give you a little bit of guidance, like what pastors do. They listen to the individuals in their congregation, and that’s what we’re asking him to do here is just be here for our members if the time comess,” said Blunden.
The schedule is flexible, Hoffort has been accommodating and Blunden said it’s been well received.
New committee to address people’s wellness
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
A new social prescribing committee has been formed in Estevan to address the wellness needs of those ages 55 and up.
“Instead of just giving medicine, they can send a social prescription to a community connector, who works with this person to create a plan that fits their needs,” said committee cochairwoman Shelly Veroba.
The committee was recently formed will be comprised of members from the Estevan Community Wellness Committee. The manager of Estevan Area Home Care will be invited and Veroba said the Envision Counselling and
Support Centre is also providing assistance.
The community connector would be a part-time employee.
“They will fill the social prescriptions by connecting people to relevant local services, programs and supports to help them feel better and rely less on medical care,” said Veroba.
These services can vary from home programs and volunteering to joining local activities, she said.
The deadline to apply for the role was May 8, but Veroba said it could be extended if necessary. They want to have the person in place in time for an event in Regina at the end of May when other community connectors will be in attendance. The Estevan connector will work with others in the province.
life better by encouraging friendships, support and confidence. Studies show that this approach helps communities become healthier and happier, while also lowering health inequalities, which means making sure everyone gets a fair chance to be well,” said Veroba.
If somebody is continuously going to the doctor but doesn’t have a serious health issue, Veroba said the community connector will provide a referral to organizations or people that could help.
where the steering committee will come in to help find different agencies or solutions to help the individual.
“Because we’ve partnered with the community wellness community, we can also rely on the 20-plus agencies that helped us build the community wellness plan back in 202324,” said Veroba.
She noted a number of other communities have launched similar committees and are going well.
“Maybe they would direct me to a counsellor that would suit my needs. Maybe they would connect me to the senior’s club that would help fill a social need,” Veroba hypothesized.
The social prescribing committee fills a need that exists in Estevan, she said, because sometimes people fall through the cracks. They aren’t acutely ill any longer but they don’t feel well, and they need someone to help figure out solutions with services that are already here.
Referrals can come from health professionals and other programs.
“Social prescribing helps people in many ways. It can help make
The connector will develop a plan for each individual who is referred, and Veroba noted that person might have some connections in the community but not all of them. That’s
“We never wanted to reinvent the wheel. We just want to solidify and strengthen our community by coming together and utilizing what we have available,” Veroba said.
ECS athlete at badminton provincials
David Willberg
SaskToday.ca
A Grade 12 student at the Estevan Comprehensive School came home with a bronze medal from the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association’s badminton provincials May 9 at Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon.
Jane Contillo went 4-1, with most of her victories coming in tight games. She opened the tournament by going 3-0 in the round robin, including close 2-1 victories, one over a player from
Moose Jaw Vanier (19-21, 24-22 and 21-14) and the other over a member of the Saskatoon Holy Cross team (19-21, 21-19, 21-17).
Her other victory was a 2-0 (21-17, 21-18) decision over an athlete from Choiceland. Contillo was seeded first in her pool based on her round-robin record. She lost 2-0 (21-16, 21-12) to a member of the Saskatoon Aden Bowman team. But she recovered to win 2-1 (15-21, 21-15, 21-19) in the bronze medal game against the same athlete
Pastor Michael Hoffort, third from left, with members of the Estevan Police Service.
Photo courtesy of Michael Hoffort
Ed McMillan & Jonathan Kowal (Tundra) Tami Scott, Miles Stahl, Treena Mohrbutter (Ralph Allen Museum)
JANE CONTILLO
from Moose Jaw Vanier she had defeated in the round robin.
a
Clint Harkins and Darcy Dukart snagged the largest walleye at 5.32 lbs.
Anglers flock to Boundary Dam for Estevan walleye classic
The Estevan Wildlife Federation (EWF) once again kicked off fishing season by hosting its Walleye Classic May 9 at Boundary Dam.
A total of 36 twoperson teams entered the catch-and-release competition. Each tandem could
weigh up to six fish. Most entries caught their allotment.
Trent Dukart and Bart Shaw finished first with a combined weight of 18.48 pounds for their six fish, edging Winston and Will Stockdale, who were second at 18.38 pounds.
Dion and Devin Draper were third at 17.06 pounds, followed by Aaron and Dallas Toles in fourth (16.56 pounds) and Clint Harkins and Darcy Dukart in fifth (16.42 pounds). Harkins and Dukart also had the biggest fish of the day at 5.32 pounds.
Southeast teen wins provincial 4-H speaking award
David Willberg
SaskToday.ca
Peyton Van De Woestyne’s thoughts on common sense have earned her a provincial title.
The 13-year-old member of the Browning 4-H Beef Club took top spot for the junior division at the provincial 4-H public speaking competition May 3 in Humboldt.
“It feels great. I was really surprised,” said Peyton in an interview with SaskToday.
Eight other speakers from across the province were entered, she said, and Peyton thought they were all really good.
Peyton noted the judges were impressed with her choice of a topic, because they thought it was “very mature”. They were also pleased with how she started with a question, “Common sense: is it something we are born with or is it something we learn?”.
“They also liked my pace when I was speaking and they liked the humour. They liked how I based it off of real life, and they also liked how I used stories from my personal experience and gave information about them,” said Peyton.
She recalled she came up with the topic while talking about how people were lacking in common sense these days. She compared how it differs from urban to rural settings.
This was the fifth time she has delivered the speech. She also spoke at the club, district and regional levels, and at the Estevan Farm Family of the Year banquet in March. Peyton added the only real change she made to the speech was to use more hand gestures.
Peyton is in her fifth year in 4-H and will move up to the intermediate age group next year. She
said she enjoys meeting new people, making new friends and spending time with animals. Public speaking is a big part of 4-H’s programming, and Peyton is fond of that
component.
“It’s helped me get better at presentations at school, with how I speak, talking to adults and talking in front of strangers,” she said.
Winston and Will Stockdale finished second with 18.38 lbs.
Trent Dukart and Bart Shaw finished first with
combined weight of 18.48 lbs.
Peyton Van De Woestyne with her speaking awards.
Photo courtesy of Dorrie Van De Woestyne
The Rotary Club of Estevan showed its support for the Regina Cancer Lodge by supplying hair dryers and handheld mirrors for each of the guest/patient rooms. The Regina Cancer Lodge is a non-profit facility with 18 rooms and is heavily subsidized, making it much more affordable. Regina Cancer Lodge administrator Tracy Glass, left, accepted the donation from Rotary Club of Estevan past-president Terry Williams.
Photo courtesy of Terry Williams
543-0927 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca
Collector paying top prices: old advertising signs, gas pumps, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Ford Dodge, GM, 1968-70 Chargers, 1970-71 Barracuda’s. Running or not.
Pharmacists reach three-year funding, deal with province
The Government of Saskatchewan and the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan (PAS) have developed a three-year agreement that aligns with the province’s Patients First Health Care Plan, according to a government media release.
The Pharmacy Proprietor Agreement funds things like dispensing of medications and publicly funded services such as minor ailment diagnosis and treatment, states the release, adding that the agreement will help sustain pharmacies, optimize scope and modernize programs.
The Pharmacy Proprietor Agreement began May 1, and provides a total funding increase of $13.8 million. This increase represents a 5.4 per cent investment in pharmacy sustainability and a 3.7 per cent investment in scope optimization and service enhancement, for a total of 9.1 per cent. Implementation will be phased over the three-year term.
According to the government, the contract includes further expansion of strep throat and ear infection services, enabling broader availability and timely access to care in
the community. There is an expansion of the Saskatchewan Medication Assessment Program to more residents, and commitments to support minor ailment prescribing by pharmacists and chronic disease management services by pharmacy professionals.
“We want to thank the Government of Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Health for recognizing and supporting the important role pharmacy professionals can play in helping to expand health care access to Saskatchewan residents,” said Pharmacy Association CEO Michael Fougere. There are more than 1,400 practicing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in 433 licensed community pharmacies across Saskatchewan.
“This is an opportunity for us to recognize the important work pharmacists do every day, and the role pharmacy technicians and assistants play in helping care for the people of Saskatchewan,” said Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill
The government said that it and PAS will also work collaboratively to review and modernize policy to improve patient access to care.
SPORTS
Roughriders QB Jack Coan hoping third time’s the charm at camp
Randy Palmer SaskToday.ca
Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Jack Coan finds himself in a rather unique position as he heads into his third training camp with the Canadian Football League team.
For the first time in his CFL career, he’s one of the most experienced pivots taking the field -- with only Grey Cup winner and 14-year veteran Trevor Harris having more snaps in the league than the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish standout.
That’s not to say Coan is riding on cruise control as main camp hits high gear this week. In fact, the furthest thing from it. Competition for a backup spot promises to be fierce as camp progresses and, to that end, Coan has done all he can to get ready for the challenge ahead.
“Yeah, I feel great,” Coan said in a conversation with Roughriders play-by-play announcer Dave Thomas on Sunday morning. “I mean, it’s just great to be out here again with the guys. It’s my third year in the offence, so I’m feeling a lot more comfortable with everything. I can help out guys a lot more in terms of what I know about the offence and just helping people get lined up and learn the playbook as well. I definitely feel a lot more comfortable and just super excited to be out here.”
Playing two seasons in the Riders’ system has given Coan a pretty good feel for what to expect heading into camp -- and that’s all quite a bit different compared to his early days with the team, when basic improvement was the goal.
“I remember after my first offseason, a big point of emphasis was just really working on my arm strength and just being able to touch all spots of the field,” Coan said. “It was an adjustment for me my first year, just how wide and big the field was. I just take that with me every single offseason and, like always, just try to work on my athleticism, arm strength, and be able to make more plays.”
While eventually taking the field as a starter would be the ultimate goal, having the chance to learn from someone with the kind of experience Harris has certainly doesn’t hurt, and Coan is doing what he can to make the best of the opportunity.
“I’d say we’re always trying to compete. Trevor is obviously one of the hardest workers on the team, if not the hardest worker, and I see whatever he does and try to take it one step past,” Coan said. “It’s just kind of the relationship we have. We pretty much do everything together, and if I see him in the weight room and he’s doing a certain amount of weight, he’ll be making fun of me if I’m doing less. So it’s that kind of relationship, and he’s just an awesome guy to be around.”
Roughriders head coach Corey Mace kept his cards close to his chest when talking about the quarterback situation, but acknowledged that Coan’s experience is certainly a benefit.
“Jack’s been around the system now for three years. He’s always been in Trevor’s hip pocket, so he’s someone who can mimic what that looks like,” Mace said. “But obviously he’s
his own man. He has to go out there and take advantage of the reps he’s given. He’s competing just like everyone else.”
While his time on the practice roster, and as a second and third-string back-up, has kept Coan involved, he hasn’t seen a lot of action on the CFL field as of yet. He completed 10 of 21 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown in the 2024 campaign. Then while playing behind Harris, Jake Maier and Tommy Stevens, Coan saw action in only five games in 2025, completing two of eight passes for 38 yards.
Naturally, the Sayville, N.Y. product hopes that situation changes for the better this season.
“I mean, at the end of the day, I haven’t done a thing in this league yet, so I’m just trying to make the most out of every single day,” Coan said. “I get my opportunity to just make the most of them and to see where it goes from there. “
That all will likely begin in Saskatchewan’s first preseason game May 18 when the Riders travel to Calgary to take on the Stampeders.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve always just viewed myself as the starter or starter in waiting, so I just try to take that mindset onto the field that I’m always a play or two away,” Coan said. “So, that’s just my mindset.”
Riders training camp continues at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon all week, with practices running from 8:30-11:55 a.m. each day. Be sure to keep an eye on SportsCage.com for regular stories and features as camp progresses.
City Council receives update on progress for aquatic facility project
Sara Parks SaskToday.ca
The City of Weyburn’s planned $30 million aquatic facility is progressing on schedule, with key procurement packages advancing and a construction delivery method now confirmed.
Director of Leisure Services Richard Henning gave council an update at its meeting on May 11.
“Work this month focused on advancing key procurement packages, preparing for upcoming competitions, and maintaining alignment with the overall project schedule through regular coordination with the steering committee,” said Henning.
The total budget for the project is $30 million with $1 million allocated specifically for existing facility work, including assessment, potential demolition, and related activities. Preliminary cost allocations include $2.75 million for consultant fees, $25.25 million for construction costs, and $1 million for furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Following a planning session held March 4 at the Spark Centre in Weyburn, the project team reviewed the planning approach with the steering committee, focusing on priorities such as scope, schedule, budget, and overall requirements.
The schedule remains on track, with initiation and planning and prime consultant procurement both
set for the second quarter of 2026. Site investigations are scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, while procurement of the construction manager is planning for the fourth quarter of 2026. Design is expected to run through the third quarter of 2027, with construction completion targeted for the fourth quarter of 2029 and project closeout in the first quarter of 2030.
A Risk Register has been created and shared with the steering committee.
“While the project is not considered to be at risk at this time, early identification and ongoing manage-
ment will help maintain a low-risk profile and allow the team to take advantage of opportunities as they arise,” said Henning.
Bi-weekly meetings with the steering committee are being held to support schedule oversight, review key milestones, and maintain consistent communication with the project team. During the update, Councillor Kellie Sidloski asked who serves on the steering committee. Henning said that the committee includes Facility Manager Rob Schultz, City Clerk Tina Clay, and himself.
Presley Woitas of Lake Alma competed in the junior girls goat tying competition at the High School Rodeo held in Weyburn.
Jack Korpusik of Norquay placed second in senior bareback at the High School Rodeo competition held in Weyburn.
Photos by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
City Council approves rezoning for new store
SaskToday
City council gave second and third reading to two bylaws on May 11, allowing for the Game Gremlins store. After council gave first reading, notices were sent to residents within a 75-metre radius of the property.
“No responses were received,” said Shara-Lee Malcolm, planning and development co-ordinator.
A public hearing was held prior to council passing the bylaws, where no one spoke.
Scott Moffatt of Game Gremlins Ltd. plans to open a retail gaming store on the first floor of the property. There will be a residential apartment unit on the upper floor.
The bylaws rezone a property at Block 72, Lot 31 and 32, from residential semi-detached (R2)
to neighbourhood commercial (NC). The amendments also update the city’s official community plan’s (OCP) future land use map to reflect the change.
The property is currently zoned R2, which doesn’t allow commercial development. The requested NC designation is meant for smaller businesses that serve daily commercial and personal service needs.
Councillor Larry Heggs said he spoke with residents and some had concerns about the traffic on Government Road North and the parking along that side of the street.
Since the amendment affects the city’s OCP, the bylaw to amend it has to be approved by the Minister of Government Relations. Both bylaws would then take effect after receiving ministerial approval.
Province invests $ 1.4M in housing for women leaving violence
The Government of Saskatchewan announced approximately $355,000 will be invested in secondstage housing intervention and counselling support services annually over the next four fiscal years, for a total of $1.4 million.
Second-stage housing provides safe, affordable and long-term support for women and their children to break the cycle of violence and help them rebuild their lives. In addition, clients receive counselling, connections to education and employment, and programs for their children.
Individuals in need of second-stage housing are provided with private, apartment-like living spaces. They can also access a variety of programs that will support them in their transition to permanent and independent living, free from violence and abuse. Clients pay rent and are responsible for their own living expenses, which allows them to build confidence and independence. Second-stage housing is offered in Regina, Saskatoon, Melfort, La Ronge and Prince Albert. In 2025-26, second-stage housing served approximately 470 people.
Saskatchewan annually
invests more than $70 million in programs, services and initiatives to address interpersonal violence and abuse. This funding directly supports interpersonal violence programs and services that help victims, broaden housing supports, raise awareness of human trafficking and improve access to legal and courtbased resources. In 2026-27, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General will also provide more than $8 million to 12 transition housing agencies across Saskatchewan that support women and their children leaving violence.
Local residents browsed the used book sale hosted by the Weyburn branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association on May 7, as part of Mental Health Week.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week
SaskToday.ca
Campers celebrated the joys of summer during a dress rehearsal for ‘Summer Camp’ at Legacy Park Elementary School last week. Participants included Kinzley P., Bridgette G., Lexi R., Brin. J., Mila M., Heath H., Hunter W., Rylan M., Jared G., Gavino D., Emerson S., Blaise E. and Maci C.
Photo by Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn This Week