DKF Red and Black Angus received the Golden Sheaf award during the annual Ag Appreciation Night, held by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce on November 7.
THE DFK story is rooted in southern Saskatchewan, where six generations have carried forward a legacy of resilience, innovation, and community-minded leadership.
The Golden Sheaf recognizes excellence in agriculture and citizenship. Candidates are judged in five areas: community involvement, innovation and entrepreneurship, longevity, professional involvement, and stewardship.
Weyburn Chamber vice-president, Jordan Szczecinski, presented nomination background on DKF Red and Black Angus prior to calling them to the stage, which included highlighting community involvement for many members of the family.
Continued on page 5
SaskToday staff
Softball Saskatchewan recognized a couple of dedicated volunteers from the southeast during a recent awards luncheon.
Shirley Hildebrand from the Southeast Sun Devils and Alameda Minor Ball was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award.
“Shirley’s commitment to the AMB [Alameda Minor Ball] and the Sun Devils is truly remarkable,” the Sun Devils wrote on their Facebook page. “She gives her time, energy and heart to our program every single day, always putting others first
DKF Red and Black Angus was this year’s recipient of the Golden Sheaf award, presented by
Chamber of Commerce during Ag. Appreication Night on November 7. From
Osborn, Golden Sheaf recipients Dwayne and Karen Fettes, and Chamber
and Black Angus is a six-generation farm, with family members Scott, Tina,
and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
“We are beyond lucky to have Shirley as part of our Sun Devils family. She is the definition of selfless, and we would be absolutely lost without her.”
Tanya Gervais of Estevan Minor Softball was one of three recipients of a provincial service award. Her bio, submitted by Estevan Minor Softball, noted Gervais first became involved in Estevan Minor Softball in 2015 as a parent volunteer, helping wherever she was needed and whenever she was asked.
In 2018, she joined the board and took on the roles of treasurer, canteen manager and jersey manager – roles she still holds even though her daughter is no longer in the organization.
“With her financial background and incredible organizational skills, she has kept things running smoothly, often going far beyond the duties of her roles to make sure nothing is overlooked,” her bio stated.
“As canteen manager, she always knows the best ice cream flavours to order for the canteen, makes the most consistent candy
bags, and forever has the expenses recorded right down to the penny.”
The bio goes on to say those efforts create special memories for the children and show the kind of care and attention to detail that she brings to everything she does. She also buys stock and prepares the canteen each spring and cleans it up at the end of each season. She never asks for help but does accept assistance.
As jersey manager, the bio said Gervais makes sure she is at the diamond throughout the first week of practices, sizing players and trying to accommo -
and
date requests for preferred jersey numbers. Her records are meticulous and she follows up to retrieve outstanding jerseys that for whatever reason do not get returned by the end of the season, even offering to clean jerseys that are dirty.
As treasurer, the bio says she is an “amazing” record keeper and provides clear, organized and updated financial statements at every board meeting.
“She is always on top of applying for grants and makes sure applications are filled out in full and made well before the
deadline,” the bio said. “She keeps a very close eye on our finances, brings our attention to so many ways of saving money, and pays bills promptly.” When Estevan hosted provincials the past two seasons, she volunteered to set up the gates and cash boxes, ordered the large tent and picnic tables, and worked 12-hour shifts in the canteen.
“In every way, Tanya embodies the spirit of this award. Her long-term contributions, leadership and unwavering support have shaped Estevan Minor Softball into what it is today,” the bio says.
the Weyburn
left, Chamber Manager, Monica
president, Chad Bailey. DKF Red
Brandy
Eric also recognized.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
COMMUNITY
Drew sorted books into categories at the Weyburn Public Library. Eight teen volunteers helped set up the Fall Book Sale, which will be held November 13, 14 and 15.
Festival of Trees returns
The Festival of Trees fundraiser, hosted by The Family Place, will return on November 26 at the Great Plains Ford Auction Building.
Tree set up for the event will take place on November 17 and 18 from 10 a.m.5:30 p.m.. Tree viewing will be offered November 19-
22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 24 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and November 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Facebook online silent auction will be set up from November 19-24 with the in-person, ticket only tree auction event set for November 26.
If you wish to donate a
silent auction item, it can be dropped off at the Family Place before November 17. You can also contact the Family Place and someone will gladly stop and pick up your donation. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, contact The Family Place at 306-842-7477.
Rotary Club seeking entries for 72nd annual Festival of Carols
Submitted
The Rotary Club of Weyburn is preparing for the 72nd annual Festival of Carols to begin the Christmas season in our city. They invite local residents to share in this wonderful day of music.
They are hoping that all choirs and groups who have participated in Carol Festivals in the past will again prepare an entry this
year. The old familiar carols are enjoyed by all.
The festival will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in the Grace United Church at 210 Third Street NE in Weyburn. There will be one performance at 2 p.m. and a second performance at 7 p.m.
Entries must be submitted by November 23, 2024. Once all entries are received, a copy of the pro-
grams for both performances will be sent to each choir leader.
All participants are asked to assemble in the upper C.E. Centre of Grace United. They also request that parental supervision for children’s groups be provided in the C.E. Centre.
The Rotary Club hope local groups will help make the 72th annual Carol Festival a success.
Young Fellows set Comedy Night
Looking for an idea for your staff Christmas Party or a night out with a group
Roundabouts
of friends? The Young Fellows Club of Weyburn has you covered.
The club is hosting a Comedy Night on Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22 at the Weyburn Legion.
The menu will include a prime rib supper on Friday and a turkey dinner on Saturday.
The headliner for the evening will be Darryl Koszman with Ryan Skjerdal supplying the opening performance.
Tickets are available from any club member or at weyburnyoungfellows. com. Remember, funds raised at every Young Fellows’ event go directly back into our community.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
EDITORIAL
MY OUTLOOK - THAT’S WHAT FREEDOM LOOKS LIKE
Shelley Luedtke/SaskToday.ca
“I’m not getting out of bed before noon,” the woman told me as she spoke about looking forward to a day off November 11. Apparently she didn’t plan to attend any sort of morning Remembrance Day event. It was simply a day off for her. Then again, no one is forced to go to any sort of commemoration. That’s what freedom looks like.
I had the chance to tour the Parliament buildings in Ottawa on a beautiful April day years ago. The iconic structure and grounds looked stunning against a vivid spring sky, marred only by the presence of a group of vocal protestors we needed to walk past. I didn’t support the content of
their protest, but believed they had a right to peaceably be there. That’s what freedom looks like.
Last year approximately 30 per cent of Canadians attended a community Remembrance Day ceremony in person while 44 per cent watched one on TV. Just over 70 per cent observed a moment of silence and 77 per cent wore a poppy. Close to 30 per cent posted something on social media or engaged in a conversation. Those numbers used to be higher. That is our choice, and of course some may do something else meaningful to mark the day. Or nothing at all.
I have attended Remembrance Day services in gymnasiums, churches, halls, event centers, and in the past
MINISTERIAL MESSAGE: Lest We Forget
Pastor Cherian Poonnoose Lighthouse Church
Dear Friends , It is a joy to connect with you once again through this column. As Canada commemorates Remembrance tomorrow the 11th of November we remember the sacrifices of all the people who lost their lives representing the nation.
I want to thank God for the many Remembrance Day ceremonies that I have attended and represented my Church, and I have greatly appreciated how young and old come to pay respects for all the fallen in the line of duty.
As a clergy I am also touched by the scripture in the Bible found in the book of Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 32- Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number. The God of the universe is clearly communicating how His own people have turned their backs to Him. We see from this chapter the reasons God says why His people have forgotten Him.
God lists two evils. Firstly they have forsaken Him the fountain of living waters and then hewed out cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. I was reading in a footnote that the prophet Jeremiah piles image upon top of image, searching for a way to express the astounding fact that Israelites had traded the living God for the idols of their neighbors. In fact here he compares the deed to exchanging a spring of living water for a leaky cistern. Also the prophet compares idolatry to sexual promiscuity. In an interesting twist, Jesus offered “ living water” to a sexually promiscuous Samaritan woman in John 4:16. Dear Reader, you may think how does all this relate to me in this day and age.
63%
Let me please explain. The Bible says the God of this universe, left His glory and came down to die for the sin of humanity- past, present and future. God became sin so that we who are sinners and enemies of God, will be in the right relationship with God, once we believe Jesus sacrifice on the cross. But sadly the vast majority of people don’t remember what Jesus did for us. That is the reason, God is saying - My people have forgotten days without number.
Jesus, before going to the cross, had a last supper with His disciples. In that he said to them, taking the bread, this is My body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me. The apostle Peter, who denied Jesus three times, wept bitterly for his cowardice, was so gently restored by the resurrected Lord Jesus who asked him three times- Peter, do you love Me more than these? Peter knew, now he could not be saying things in an abrupt manner, said Lord You know, You know I love you. Peter was meaning that God sees our hearts and motives not our outward appearances. The apostle Peter, after the day of Pentecost became a changed man and towards the end of His life as a martyr for Christ says to the Church, that they are not bought with silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ, a sacrificial lamb without blemish.
So on this Remembrance Day let us remember all the fallen soldiers with grateful hearts for their sacrifice but also remember and not forget the Lord of all glory, who left heaven to die for humanity to restore them to a relationship with the living God, who His is coming back again, in the twinkling of an eye to snatch His people from this world to live with Him forever.
few years Veterans Memorial Park in Outlook, Saskatchewan. What a beautiful spot the park is. It is something in which we can take tremendous pride and we need to express gratitude to those whose tireless efforts made that park a reality. It is befitting the brave men and women who have served from our communities and those whose lives were lost.
I also remember the year we gathered in front of the museum for the poignant Bells of Peace ceremony, marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.
It was a bitterly cold day and there was no stopping the shivering as we stood in silence, listening as the ringing filled the air 100 times. As the ceremony ended we headed to our vehicles and moments later we were on our way home, shedding the outerwear the cold clung to, and reaching for a blanket or cup of coffee to warm us up. Soon we were comfortable again. Too comfortable. Too easily forgetting the unbearable conditions soldiers found themselves in. Their ability to sustain over months and years what I could never do was a stark reminder that freedom has a cost. For me is an unearned gift. For those I will never meet it looks like pain, suffering, horror and a tremendous amount of courage.
Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants us some pretty remarkable things. We can
worship how we wish, or not at all. We can express our beliefs and opinions, or choose to stay quiet. We can gather with those we want and associate how we choose. We can vote; or not. We can discuss public policy. We can support our governments. Or call attention to what we disagree with. That’s what freedom looks like.
Problems arise though, if we don’t understand what these freedoms are worth. If we aren’t diligent; if we aren’t grateful; if we don’t remember; we will see how quickly they are taken for granted, abused and lost. I benefit from the privileges so many in the world do not know. I need to remember.
From the comfort of my warm home at some point later in the day, I picked up the program we’d been given at the Bells of Peace ceremony. In it was the statement, “The ceremony will proceed regardless of the weather. Fifteen minutes standing in the cold is a minor inconvenience, compared to the horror of Canadian soldiers who stood for endless days in the trenches.” Few of us understand what it took. None of us would have what we do without their resolve. All of us need to remember the cost. If we’re going to do what we do and say what we say using those freedoms as a shield, we better take the time to honor those whose sacrifice made it possible. The view from the trenches must be remembered, because that’s what freedom looks like. That’s my outlook.
DKF Red and Black Angus recognized at Ag Appreciation Night with annual Golden Sheaf award
Continued from front page
“They have served on school boards, coached minor hockey sports, and led 4-H club with unwavering dedication.
From weigh-in days to demonstration clinics, their farm has been a classroom for countless youth. A place where agriculture is just not practiced, but passed on.”
“Their commitment to professional development is equally impressive. They’ve hosted national clinics, served on provincial boards, and earned
recognition from industry associations. One of them was even named National Junior Stockman of the Year, a testament to the values instilled across generations.”
When it comes to their farm, DKF Red and Black Angus have “transformed their operations from commercial to purebred, pioneered rotational grazing, and engineered a revolutionary fodder system that produces a ton of fresh feed daily. Their innovation has caught the attention of researchers
at the University of Saskatchewan and continues to shape sustainable livestock practices.”
“Stewardship is not just a principle for them, it’s a way of life,” continued Szczecinski. “Their ranch runs on solar power, feeding energy back to the grid. Their fodder system reduces land use, emissions, and costs, while enhancing food security and climate resilience.”
“Every tray of sprouted barley is a symbol of their commitment to doing more with less, and
doing it better. They’re educators, innovators, volunteers, and stewards,” said Szczecinski. “They are a family whose contributions ripple far beyond their fence lines, into classrooms, boardrooms, arenas, and communities across our region.”
Dwayne and Karen Fettes received the award on behalf of DKF Red and Black Angus. Other family members include Scott, Tina, Brandy and Eric.
“I was sitting there listening to the wonderful speaker and it made
me think of my mom. My mom lived to be almost 101, and she always said, Life, farming and ranching, is like a roller coaster,” said Karen.
“We have had lots of ups and downs, but oh what a ride. Tonight is definitely one of those ups, in this wonderful agricultural community that we live in.”
Dwayne later shared that farming is definitely in the blood for their family. as it was passed down from both sets of grandparents and parents for he and Karen.
“It is wonderful to be sharing that with our children, and their children, and we can all be together,” added Dwayne.
“Dwayne, Eric and Scott spending countless hours improving on our farm and working together. It is a wonderful, wonderful way of life,” added Karen.
The Golden Sheaf award winner is nominated by community members and other farming neighbours. The Chamber encouraged residents to start considering a family to nominate for next year.
SPORTS
Season wind-up held for two Minor Football teams
Two Weyburn Minor Football teams recently celebrated the end of the season. A wind-up celebration was held for the U14 Young Fellow Falcons on October 31, and the U12 West Country Ravens on October 30.
The U12 Ravens ended their season in Moose Jaw, losing out in the semi-final game, ending up third in the league. This well rounded squad led by head coach Brad Hillstead had a very successful season.
The boys and girls came such a long way in a short amount of time and were a force to be reckoned with against every team they played. The leadership from the coaches exuded onto the football players and made this entire season such a fun one to be a part of. Each one of these athletes brought something special to the table with many planning to return next season.
The U14 Young Fellow Falcons season ended with a home game on Brent Allin Field. They squared off against the Estevan Oilers for the league’s third place title, winning 30-0. This
very young team of athletes had such a successful season as well. Coach Sandy Shipley is very excited to see what the next season will bring with so many faces returning as veterans and some very talented athletes moving up from U12. They had an incredible season of growth both Send us sports results from your team! Email Sabrina Kraft at skraft@glaciermedia.ca
physically and mentally. With a full coaching staff of some returning
coaches and new faces, these athletes took a lot of valuable lessons and
a fun group this season, all
Red Wings split home-and-home series
The Weyburn Red Wings got a measure of revenge with a 5-2 victory over the Melville Millionaires, one night after dropping a 2-1 overtime heartbreaker.
The Millionaires won 2-1 in overtime during a home game held at Whitecap Resources Centre on November 7.
There was no scoring for either team in the first or second period. Melville
was first on the board in the third period, with Weyburn responding with a powerplay goal by Lucas Schmid, tying the game at the 18:01 mark.
The Millionaires scored the only goal in the overtime period to claim the victory.
Preston Patenaude was in net for the Wings, stopping 14 out of 16 shots.
The Red Wings made a strong comeback on Nov-
ember 8 in Melville, with a 5-2 win. The Wings had a strong first period with three goals, while the Millionaires only scored one powerplay goal. Goals for Weyburn were scored by Aidan Mohan, Josh Sale and Bryson Carlyle.
Melville scored their final goal of the night in the second period. An early powerplay goal by Schmid at the 1:49 mark of the third period, extended the Wings
lead, with Trennen Redlick notching the fifth goal of the evening at the 5:51 mark.
Nate Stevens was in net for the Wings, stopping 33 out of 35 shots.
The Red Wings will host the Warman Wolverines at Whitecap Resources Centre on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. with LaRonge coming to town on Tuesday, November 18.
The Weyburn U12 West Country Ravens held a wind-up celebration on October 30.
The Weyburn U14 Young Fellow Falcons held a wind-up celebration on October 31.
skills away from the year. They enjoyed such
unique in their own ways while also bringing some serious skill to the field.
World Series game in LA a memorable time for SE Sask women
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Three sisters from southeast Saskatchewan decided to give their mother a trip to the World Series as an early gift for the woman’s 70th birthday.
It proved to be a memorable experience in more ways than one.
Tannis Kolenz of Estevan, Kyla Tessier of Gladmar and Jaclyn Woitas of Radville took their mother Sue Bourassa, also of Radville, to Los Angeles for Game 5 of the World Series between their beloved Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bourassa turns 70 next year, and the three sisters had discussed taking her on a surprise Blue Jays trip next year. But Tessier’s husband called after Game 2 of the World Series and urged them to go to L.A.
They flew to Los Angeles on October 28, attended Game 5 of the World Series the following day, and returned to Saskatchewan on October 30.
The Jays won Game 5 6-1, to the delight of the Saskatchewan contingent. Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage struck out 12 batters, the most ever by a rookie in a World Series game. Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit back-to-back home runs to start the game, the first time that has ever happened in the World Series.
“You’re getting settled and you’re waiting for the first pitch to happen, and then all of a sudden I see a ball go the other way,” said Kolenz, recalling the historic dingers.
They were about eight rows up on the first base line, which contributed to their other memorable moment. In the bottom of the sixth inning, family members were caught on camera in their Blue Jays gear. Kolenz recalls the Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani was at bat, Dodgers’ fans were
“The sisters and I talked about it and we decided we’re just going to do it,” said Kolenz in an interview with SaskToday. “We got online, booked our flights, booked our tickets and then surprised our mom Sunday night (October 26). We called her and let her know, and she was just a little bit shell-shocked.”
on their feet cheering, and Kolenz and her sister had annoyed expressions on their faces because two tall men were standing in front of them.
“Our phones started blowing up. I was getting tons of text messages and Snapchats and all kinds of communications through all of the platforms, saying ‘I’ve seen you on TV’, and we’re getting pictures of it. I couldn’t keep up,” she said.
They were also stopped while on the Walk of Fame to talk for a story.
Kolenz and her family have travelled to watch the Jays before. She noted Bourassa has been to six different Major League Baseball stadiums. But it was the first time any of them had been to a World Series game.
“Mom was in awe. I think she was in disbelief most of the time, but she had a blast,” said Kolenz. She said at one point, ‘Oh my goodness, this is so fun.’”
The Jays lost the World Series in seven games to the Dodgers, dropping the final two games at home,
including an extra-innings defeat in Game 7. Kolenz said she is still proud of her beloved team, and she believes the Jays were the better squad.
“We played better ball, it’s just Lady Luck was not on our side. I think had it gone the other way,
nobody would have been surprised as far as Toronto goes. I think maybe the rest of MLB was maybe surprised that the Blue Jays were in it. From the beginning, they kept saying oh, the Blue Jays, they’re not a World Series team, but obviously we are.”
Even before going to Toronto to watch the Jays play in August, Kolenz said she knew the club was a contender.
She hopes the Jays can make it back to the series next year, and they can attend a home game in Toronto.
From left, Jaclyn Woitas, Sue Bourassa, Tannis Kolenz and Kyla Tessier at the World Series.
Photo courtesy of Tannis Kolenz
25112SS0
Estevan’s new MRI scanner will be unique in Canada
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The new MRI scanner for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan will be the first of its kind in Canada.
St. Joseph’s Hospital executive director Candace Kopec and MRI tech working supervisor Jasmine Shaver made the revelation during the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Talk at the Days Inn’s Taylorton Room on November 5.
Shaver highlighted the uniqueness of Estevan’s MRI when explaining the speed of a typical unit and the number of scans that can be completed in a day.
When she was working in Moose Jaw, Shaver said a test would take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, so they would do seven or eight a normal day.
“With this new magnet, it’s quite exciting because it’s so much faster,” said Shaver, noting that it is expected to be 73 per cent faster, which drew murmurs from the crowd.
“It makes a big change in terms of what we can do,” she added.
Kopec added the hospital was looking at two different machines: the conventional unit and the new one. The hospital
received Health Canada approval Oct. 14 to start using the new type of MRI.
“We will be the first site in the country with this new machine,” said Kopec.
“There’s pros and cons to it. Do you want to be the first one? But also, do you want to be the one that’s not going to be existent in the future?
“There are other countries that are using this new machine, and so there are people from the province going to Germany to see the new machine, and we will join virtually, which is the plan,” said Kopec.
It was also about $100,000 cheaper to acquire the new type of MRI, they said, because, according to Shaver, there’s no “quench pipe” for the gases like helium and nitrogen that keep the MRI superconducting. Shaver said it runs on 0.7 litres of helium instead of over 1,000, which she said helps.
“I think they say it’s about $25 or $45 per litre if you had to refill your helium, which you don’t usually have to,” Shaver said. They should never have to shut down the MRI’s magnet, Shaver said, because it’s so expensive to start it up again. All of
the gases boil off and they have to be refilled.
“With this being only .7 litres, it’s extremely efficient. They say the efficiency is up to 45 per cent every year, compared to the other models,” said Shaver.
Since the hospital opted with a different machine, some changes had to be made, including upgrading the chiller, Kopec said, but that won’t be nearly $100,000. Kopec noted the project is under budget and the hospital has a bit
of a buffer zone, so Kopec said the hospital feels comfortable with the changes needed to acommodate the new model.
Training is expected to start on April 17, 2026, Kopec said, and she hopes the first scan can be administered in June.
The hours for the MRI will initially be roughly 8 a.m.-4 p.m. from Monday to Friday, they said, as per the terms of a funding agreement with the Saskatchewan Health Author-
ity, but that could change at a later date. The arrangement also dictates how many scans can be performed.
Shaver noted running an MRI for extended hours is difficult. One hospital in Regina tried having the MRI open around the clock to alleviate the wait times, but nobody wanted to be there during the overnight hours.
Kopec added the former Sun Country Health Region had among the longest average MRI wait times in
the province at 120 days; taking away the most urgent ones, the wait times were 232 days.
The fundraising campaign for the MRI, led by the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, is nearing its goal. As of the morning of Nov. 5, the total was $6,481,359, or 99.7 per cent of the $6.5 million objective.
Fundraising started in March 2024, and includes the $2 million contributed by Elaine Walkom in memory of her husband Grant.
New Estevan location makes a big difference for Envision
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Envision Counselling and Support Centre is enjoying its new home in Estevan.
Envision started seeing clients at its new Estevan building at 68 Souris Avenue North, formerly the Estevan Mercury building, on October 31, after spending time getting the building ready and then moving its operations.
“We’re so excited that we’ve officially moved into our new office space,” said communications specialist Raven Daer.
The move is a “major milestone” for Envision, she said, because Envision has been dreaming of being in a space that reflects
the warmth and safety Envision wants clients to feel when walking through the door.
“This is a place where we can continue to grow, support more individuals and families, and also just strengthen our roots within the community of Estevan,” Daer said.
The new building gives the agency more space. Some of the staff members who aren’t supporting clients directly were sharing offices because Envision didn’t have enough room in its old home to accommodate the roughly 15 staff members.
“And now we have a couple of extra offices, as well as some meeting rooms, too,” she said. “So,
we have a lot more space. We have a space where staff can connect and chat while they’re having lunch, and those sorts of things.”
A sense of ownership also makes a big difference, she said. Envision was renting its previous building in the 1300-block of Seventh Street, so it was limited in what it could do with the space.
SaskToday staff
The Government of Saskatchewan said it is redirecting more than $56,500 through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to the Estevan Police Service to build and furnish a child and youth interview room.
According to the government, an equal amount will also be provided to the provincial Victims’ Fund, to support victims of crime and aid in the delivery of community programming.
“This investment will increase safety and security for youth victims of crime, support more effective policing and benefit public safety in southeast Saskatchewan” said Estevan-Big Muddy MLA Lori Carr, the Rural and Remote Health Minister, on behalf of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister
The staff was able to make the former office homey, welcoming and therapeutic, but Daer said employees were excited about the potential of getting a new space. None of the offices at the old building had windows or natural light, making it tough on employees who spent the entire day in the building.
“You’re not getting
that sunlight and that natural outdoors feel that you would hope to get,” she said. “So, each and every one of our offices has big windows. We’re able to let lots of natural light in, but they are privacy windows as well, so nobody can see in.”
All of the staff came together to help shape the spaces, bring their personal
touches, add the decor, create a wonderful space and welcome people to their environment.
Renovations to the building were a lot of work. Daer noted Envision received a lot of community support during the project, and she thanked GFL, RBC, Southern Plains Co-op and everyone else who helped make the move happen.
funding for new interview room
Tim McLeod.
“Our government is committed to wrap-around services for all victims of crimes. The addition of this interview room will support the voices and needs of children and youth who have been victims of or witnesses to crime and allow them to move forward with hope and resilience.”
The government said trauma-informed interview rooms improve emotional and physical wellbeing for child and youth victims. These spaces build trust and communication, which improves the investigation and prosecution of offences against children and families.
The new facility in Estevan will include child and youth appropriate furniture, sound proofing and recording equipment to
document interviews.
“We are grateful for the support provided by the Saskatchewan government through criminal forfeiture funding, which enables us to develop a child and youth-friendly space,” said Estevan Police Service Chief of Police Jamie Blunden.
“This new space will serve as a resource for law enforcement, social services and other support organizations, ultimately enhancing our ability to serve children and families in our community.”
The Government of Saskatchewan says the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund includes forfeited cash and the proceeds of other forfeited assets which are converted into cash. Distributions from the fund are designed to enhance public safety and
assist victims and are made at least once per fiscal year when resources allow. Since the fund’s inception in 2009, the government says over $10 million has gone back into Saskatchewan communities.
“Most of the proceeds forfeited result from drug trafficking activity in Saskatchewan communities,” a press release states. “Making these profits unavailable disrupts and deters future activity as traffickers are unable to purchase additional drugs to resell.
“Since April 2024, the Civil Forfeiture Office has forfeited approximately $635,000 in illegal proceeds related to fentanyl trafficking. This is the equivalent of approximately 63,500 individual doses of fentanyl.”
Jasmine Shaver, left, listens while Candace Kopec speaks at the Coffee Talk.
David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
Southeast Techhub honoured for driving rural innovation
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The Southeast Techhub (SETH) has been recognized for its efforts to enhance and diversify Estevan’s economy.
SETH was named Project of the Year by the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA) Nov. 4 during SEDA’s convention in Saskatoon. Prairies Canada presented the award to the Techhub’s executive director Gordon More and interim chairwoman Rebecca Foord, and explained the work the SETH has completed and has ongoing in the southeast.
More told SaskToday the tech hub was selected for being inclusive in the community and for its commitment to innovation.
“They said that there’s nothing else like us anywhere, meaning a rural tech hub, which is everything we do,” said More. “It’s not just the tech incubation; it’s not all of the fancy things that people hear us do, with coal to hydrogen or coal to graphite or the conferences. It’s all of those things put together.”
SEDA noted that other people across the country are looking at the SETH for guidance to replicate the tech hub’s success, More said.
He added it was good to win the award, but they don’t do it for the recognition. “We’re trying to change how systems think and behave, such that they can now include more rural. You have to rock the boat. Usually when you do that, you don’t win an award, because you’re not popular. So, it’s really special and rare to cause positive change to make the world more inclusive or our nation more inclusive of rural in an innovative way in energy and in technology, and also
win an award.”
He also credited Negin Marashi, who is the SETH’s social media and marketing co-ordinator, for her contributions. Marashi was unable to attend the conference. More described her as a big part of the SETH since she started with the organization in November 2023.
“She’s a large reason for a lot of the good things we wind up doing,” said More.
He thought it was great to have Prairies Can present the award, because the agency is a big supporter of everything the Techhub does, as is the provincial government, which provides funding through the coal transition fund.
More believes people
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are taking notice of the work happening at the SETH. At the Canadian Nuclear Association West conference in Saskatoon a couple of weeks ago, he said a lot of people were interested, and he spoke with
people in New Brunswick about the tech hub. He’s also been talking with people from Alberta, and after the SETH accepted the Project of the Year Award, a couple of people approached him about their efforts.
“I really want the community to really appreciate and understand what the Southeast Techhub has done. It is so unique and so special. Other communities across North America have tried to do this,” he said.
Southeast Techhub interim chairwoman Rebecca Foord and executive director Gordon More (left) accepted the Project of the Year Award from Arla Cameron with Prairies Canada.
Photo courtesy of Gordon More
Envision launches volunteer drive to strengthen community support
Submitted
Envision Counselling and Support Centre is calling on community members to join its growing team of volunteers through a new volunteer drive. Volunteers are a vital part of Envision’s mission to provide free, confidential counselling, education, and support to individuals and families across southeast Saskatchewan.
“The most rewarding thing about volunteering with Envision is the opportunity to support those who are doing such incredible work in our community. I cannot provide the direct support to those who need it, but I can still be a part of the process,” shared one current Envision volunteer.
Volunteers play an essential role by helping with events, awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and behindthe-scenes tasks that allow Envision counsellors and program staff to focus on direct client care.
“Our volunteers help us reach more people, build awareness, and provide a foundation for healing and wellness in our region,” said Raven Daer, Communications Specialist
with Envision. “Whether you have a few hours a month or want to commit to larger projects, your contribution will make a difference.”
Envision Counselling and Support Centre has been serving Southeast Saskatchewan since 1994 and now operates six offices across Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle, Oxbow, Moosomin and Rocanville.
In the past year alone, Envision provided over 5,000 counselling sessions, facilitated 100+ groups and workshops, and served a population area of over 56,000 people through its programs and awareness campaigns. Volunteers help make this reach possible.
How to Get Involved:
Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Envision Counselling and Support Centre by emailing volunteer@envisioncounsellingcentre.com or calling 306-842-8821, 306-637-4004, or 306453-2405.
By giving your time, you can help build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities across southeast Saskatchewan.
If you smoked regularly before Nov. 20, 1998 and were diagnosed with a tobacco-related disease, you may qualify for $1 4,400-$100,000 from a landmark settlement.
As part of a landmark settlement with Canadian tobacco companies, the Ontario Superior Cour t of Justice (Commercial List) has approved two compensation plans to provide payments to eligible smokers and ex-smokers diagnosed with certain tobacco-related diseases:
● The Pan- Canadian Claimants’ Compensation Plan (PCC); and
● The Quebec Class Ac tion Administration Plan (QCAP)
For those who have died that qualify, payments may be available for their estates.
What are the eligible diseases and dollar amount s?
This table shows the diseases covered by the plans and the maximum payment amounts:
Disease
Primar y Lung Cancer or Primar y Throat Cancer
Emphysema or COPD (GOLD Grade III or IV )
You star ted smok ing before Januar y 1, 1976
You star ted smok ing on or after Januar y 1, 1976
Important: Payments may be reduced depending on the number of eligible claims in each plan. A person will only be entitled to one payment, under one plan, and for one disease
What are the claim deadlines?
The Claims Submission Periods commenced on September 3, 2025 and the plans have different claim deadlines:
● PCC claim deadline is September 3, 2027
● QCAP claim deadline is August 31, 2026
Important: QCAP deadline is one year earlier than PCC deadline.
hoW many cigarettes and Which brands?
Both plans require the smoker or ex-smoker to have smoked at least 87,600 cigarettes (for example, 20 cigarettes a day for 12 years) between Januar y 1, 1950 and November 20, 1998. The cigarettes must be from brands sold by the tobacco companies. The website has a list of the eligible brands, which include most legal cigarettes sold in Canada
What are other Pcc requirements?
In addition to the disease and smok ing requirements, the smoker or ex-smoker under PCC must:
OILFIELD DIRECTORY
(a) reside in Canada (or if deceased, must have resided in Canada at the time of death); (b) have been diagnosed between March 8, 2015 and March 8, 2019, inclusive of those dates; (c) have resided in Canada at the time of diagnosis; and (d) have been alive on March 8, 2019.
What are other qcaP requirements?
In addition to the disease and smok ing requirements, the smoker or ex-smoker under QCAP must:
(a) reside in Quebec (or if deceased, must have resided in Quebec at the time of death); (b) have been diagnosed before March 12, 2012; (c) have resided in Quebec at the time of diagnosis; and (d) have been alive on November 20, 1998.
hoW can i get Free helP?
Agents are available free of charge to assist claimants under these plans Agents will help you (a) complete your claim form; (b) commission your signature on the claim form; and (c) provide guidance on how to obtain the necessar y information and documents for your claim.
PCC Agent is Epiq 1-888-482-5852 PCCAgent@TobaccoClaimsCanada.ca
QCAP Agent is Proactio 1-888-880-1844 tabac@proac tio.ca
If you do not submit a claim by the applicable deadline, you cannot be eligible to get a payment.
If you are not sure whether you qualify, the website has a simple questionnaire to help you. The plans have been designed so that you do not need a lawyer to prepare and submit your claim. If you have already registered, you will be notified by an Agent about how to complete your claim.
Full information is available at the official website www.TobaccoClaimsCanada.ca and via the QR Code
Be ca us e what yo u say matt ers .
The propos ed Seven Stars Energy Project is expected to bring more than $100 million to the Weyburn and Griffin region, including tax revenues over its anticipated 30-year lifespan. It will als o create up to 200 construction jobs, with spin-off benefits for loc al business es.
But this isn’t just about what we want to build. It’s about how we plan to build it
We’ve made changes based on what we’ve heard increasing the distance between the wind turbines and homes, adding land to give more space, and installing radaractivated lighting to keep the night sky dark
That’s what being a good neighbour means —listening and committing to doing this right.
Learn more at enbridge.com/s evenstars
New provincial award to recognize sacrifices of public safety personnel
The Government of Saskatchewan is announcing the creation of a new provincial award, the Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem, to recognize the sacrifices of public safety personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The emblem will include a medallion, a scroll, and a miniature pin that can be worn by a family member or designated recipient of the fallen. The design of the Memorial Emblem will be unveiled at a later date.
“An extraordinary debt of gratitude is owed to all of our public safety personnel,” said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod. “The Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem will complement the recently announced Saskatchewan Protective Services Memorial in Regina, symbolizing the province’s enduring appreciation for those who have laid down their lives while preserving the safety and security
of all Saskatchewan residents.”
The names of those honoured with the Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem will be recorded in a Register and etched on the Saskatchewan Protective Services Memorial in the Legislative Precinct in Regina.
The province will be engaging with public safety stakeholders to consult on the Emblem’s nomination process and eligibility criteria.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before January 12, 2026, an interest
registered against the land.
Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.
*On January 1, 2026 the 2025 taxes will become arrears and be added to the amount required to remove the property from tax enforcement proceedings Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable.
Dated this 6th day of November, 2025.
Nicole Hanson, Acting Administrator
Grade 2 students recited ‘Poppy, Poppy’, a Remembrance Day poem, during a school assembly at Assiniboia Park Elementary School on November 6.
