Brent VanDeSype spoke from the heart to how grateful he is for the freedoms allowed to Canadians due to sacrifices made during wartime. He was one of the guest speakers at the Remembrance Day service for the Weyburn Legion.
There were four words that were key to him, the first of which was remembrance.
“Remembrance is not just for November 11, it’s every day of every year. Each day I wake up, I’m grateful and I’m very fortunate to recognize that we live in Canada, free to
decide what we want to do that day, thanks to those that we’re honouring today and the sacrifice they make.”
“Today is a single day of the year, a very special day, being November 11, a day that we come together to honour those who fought for our country, those who served at the highest degree.”
The second word was serve. “Often the word serve is used in relation to those in law enforcement or any emergency service, which is true, but certainly not to the degree of those that we’re honouring today. Most officers won’t see any active gunfire in their career. Some do, but
most don’t.”
“I couldn’t imagine being barely an adult at 18, 20, even 25, leaving life as they knew it, heading off to war, far from home. That’s what these men and women did for their country, for Canada, for us.
Again, thanks to those we honour today, we enjoy the life as we know it,” said VanDeSype.
The next two words were honour and respect.
“It’s two things that we can give back to our veterans and what they sacrificed.”
“Honour and respect from everyone, young and old, to recognise what these men and women gave up and fought for. Honour and respect, speaking more
to our youth in relation to sports, HR, honour and respect can also stand for home run. So if you understand and recognise what we’re honouring today, consider that a home run for yourselves.”
VandeSype closed by speaking on how honoured he was to place Canadian flags on veterans’ gravesites during Decoration Day, held in June.
“Even I didn’t realise the number of veterans we have here in Weyburn. I sincerely thank all that have served and gave up everything for the life we Canadians enjoy today,” said VanDeSype. “Thank you, God bless, let us not forget.”
City council presses Ottawa for support in meeting with MP
Sara Parks SaskToday.ca
Souris-Moose Moun -
tain MP Steven Bonk met with Weyburn City Council on November 10, with councillors raising concerns about aging infrastructure and the need to attract new investment.
Mayor Jeff Richards said the city’s pressing infrastructure needs range from underground pipes to recreational facilities.
“Probably the biggest thing for the city of Weyburn is infrastructure,” said Richards. “We’re going to ask you to advocate for us in Ottawa for some help from our federal government on that.”
Bonk said his office is
committed to helping municipalities like Weyburn navigate funding opportunities.
Bonk said there will also be new funding streams available for hockey rinks, soccer pitches and sports centres, “with the onus on it being to improve the health of Canadians.”
On the mayor’s question of business and investment attraction, Bonk praised Weyburn’s efforts, pointing to Prairie Green Energy’s recent move to the city as a “big win.”
He encouraged council to continue its proactive approach. “You’re punching above your weight when you look at the industries that you have
Salvation Army provides assistance
The Salvation Army is opening a toy store this Christmas season, is looking for sponsors to purchase toys.
Shopping will be made available at no cost for lowincome families in need.
Those interested in assisting can call 306-842-2280 or e-mail nicole.strickland@ salvationarmy.ca for more information.
The deadline to apply for the Toy Store and Christmas assistance is November 21.
here in a town of this size,” said Bonk.
Richards praised Bonk for his advocacy with the federal agriculture minister on the use of strychnine for gopher control,
which is an issue that affects rural and urban areas.
“The gophers don’t respect the city boundaries and they come in and tear up our parks,” said Richards.
Councillor Ryan Janke raised broader concerns about trade and the local economy.
Bonk stressed his Conservative Party’s philosophy of creating conditions for private industry to thrive rather than direct government intervention.
“When private industry is thriving, then you will have no trouble with the need for trades.”
Young Fellows Club members Dave Morley, Mason Richaud, and Chad Knoll unloaded a shipment of Christmas trees at the Young Fellows lot on November 15. The tree lot will open on November 24.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
COMMUNITY
The City of Weyburn will receive a total of $418,000 through the Municipal Police Grants program in 2025-26.
The Government of Saskatchewan, including a contribution from Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), is providing the funding to support three police positions within the Weyburn Police Service that focus on enhanced community policing initiatives, including two Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) positions and one member of the Organized/ Serious Crimes Task Force.
“This funding allows the City of Weyburn to operate policing initiatives that address the unique public safety concerns facing our community,” said Legislative Secretary for the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety MLA Michael Weger. “The Municipal Police Grants program is designed to support police services, such as the
Weyburn Police Service, as they work to make our neighbourhoods safe and secure for everyone in Saskatchewan.”
The CTSS initiative works to minimize serious traffic accidents and fatalities on Saskatchewan roads, while the Organized/Serious Crimes Task Force plays a vital role in addressing gangrelated activity and targeting organized crime in the community.
Funding for the CTSS program includes $180,000 from SGI to support one of the two police positions in the community.
“The Weyburn Police Service is extremely grateful for the continued support provided by the Municipal Police Grants program,” said Weyburn Police Chief Brent VanDeSype. “This funding is vital in sustaining key positions within our organization, specifically the organized crime and CTSS unit.”
November 13.
YF tree lot to open Monday
The Weyburn Young Fellows tree lot, located behind the Co-op Food Store, is set to open on November 24.
Spokesperson, Tyler Sorenson, said, “Our club has been selling trees since 1951 on our 74th year, as a service to the community.”
“We have three types
of trees this year - fraser, balsam and douglas with 11 different price points, and we’ve been able to hold pricing flat to last year to try and help out our continuous supporters.”
“We are also selling tree stands, tree bags and tree life along with bags of our birch firewood.”
The hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. Sorenson added, “There are limited quantities, so shop early for best selection and to avoid disappointment.”
The Young Fellows are also offering photos with Santa by photographer, Sherry Lynn, on Saturday, December 6. To book an appointment for a photo with Santa, go to: www. photographybysherrylynn.pixifi.com/booking/ christmastreelotfundraiser2025/.
The tree lot will run through to Tuesday, December 16 will quantities last. The club also reminds the public that tree pick up will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Mickey Woodard and Laurin Dreher watched as a red rock hits a yellow one, but does not quite move it out of the house, during Senior Drop-In at the Weyburn Curling Rink on
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Ryan Janke, left, and Brett Ferguson man the Weyburn Theatre Community Service Co-operative booth at Gifted Winter Art Market on November 15.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
EDITORIAL
WORD WISDOM: CARDINAL
Byline John Kreutzwieser SaskToday.ca
Cardinal is a word that is used in various disciplines, from religion to mathematics to ornithology.
Cardinal has been used to describe important clergymen of the Roman Catholic Church since the 12th century. Cardinals, appointed by the Pope, assist him as ecclesiastical officials and members of The College of Cardinals.
In the 1800s cardinal was used to designate numbers (such as 1,2,3,4 etc.) that are used in simple counting and that indicate how many elements there are in an assemblage. This contrasts with ordinal numbers which indicate the place (as first, second, third, fourth) of an item in an ordered
sequence.
Cardinals also label a crested finch of the eastern United States, Canada, Mexico, and Belize. Both sexes of this bird have black faces and heavy red bills. The male is nearly completely red in colour. The bird Cardinalis cardinalis was so named as its red colour resembled a Roman Catholic cardinal’s robes.
As an adjective cardinal refers to things of basic or main importance, implying that the outcomes depend on them. In psychology, a cardinal rule is often cited as “what is rewarded is repeated, and what is punished is avoided”. In fitness, a cardinal rule is that protein is necessary for maintaining muscle.
Cardinal is derived from the Latin noun, cardo, meaning hinge, and the
TeleMiracle extends broadcast for milestone 50th anniversary
SaskToday
The Telemiracle 50 cast has been selected, with legacy cast members Beverley Mahood, Brad Johner, Jeffery Straker and the TeleMiracle House Band (Sheldon Corbett, Jack Semple, Dave Chabot, Don Griffith and Glenn Ens), returning to the lineup.
New to the TeleMiracle cast are:
• Kate Beirness – TSN host and sports commentator for the Toronto Raptors and the CFL.
• Clayton Kroeker – radio personality with 92.9 The Bull, born and raised in Saskatoon.
• Jojo Mason – Canadian country music singer-songwriter, from Regina.
• Sera-Lys McArthur – actor, producer and martial artist, from Regina and a member of the Nakota/Assiniboine Nation.
Additional cast members will be announced closer to the telethon.
Many talented Saskatchewan performers from every corner of the province will be showcased. The telethon will also feature impact stories from Saskatchewan residents who have benefitted from the Kinsmen Foundation.
TeleMiracle is an annual telethon benefitting the Kinsmen Foundation. The Kinsmen Foundation exists year-round, granting applicants access to medical travel assistance and/or mobility and special needs equipment. Over the years, TeleMiracle has raised over $171 million for the Kinsmen Foundation.
Two Extra Hours
In celebration of 50 years of TeleMiracle, the telethon has been extended by two
hours. TeleMiracle 50 will begin at 7 p.m. on February 28 and conclude on March 1 at 5 p.m. for a total of 22 hours at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.
“We are so excited to have an additional two hours moving TeleMiracle into prime time,” Danika Dinko, executive director of the Kinsmen Foundation, said.
“These extra hours give us time to highlight the talent across Saskatchewan, showcase memories and create new ones.”
This will offer two more hours to donate for those in need of the Kinsmen Foundation’s help, and two more hours of entertmainment for viewers.
Special Appearances
In addition to the TM Cast, tune in for special appearances by The Steadies, Northern Air, Brodie Siebert, Munroe & Patrick, Brock Andrews, Jay & Danica and more.
Backstage Lounge
TeleMiracle has provided livestreams for many years. This year, one of the livestreams will include exclusive interviews and behindthe-scenes content in the Backstage Lounge. The Backstage Lounge will offer audiences a deeper dive into the stories of those seen on the telethon, as well as feature others not included in the broadcast.
Backstage Lounge hosts are Shailynn Taylor, a disability advocate, motivational speaker, past recipient of the Kinsmen Foundation and former TeleMiracle cast member, who will host alongside Gary Nickel from Dufferin Ave Media Network.
Watch for the livestream announcement this winter so you can tune in to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes content in the Backstage Lounge.
Latin adjective cardinalis, signifying serving as a hinge. From the literal meaning, a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns, cardo evolved to refer to a turning point, axis, or principal line. Cardinalis was used to designate the main north-south street in Roman cities.
Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church are the Pope’s principal advisors and are the only ones who can elect a new Pope in a conclave. Governance of church activities around the world hinge on the decisions and support of this group of men so they were named cardinalis.
Essential, fundamental, vital, and cardinal all mean so important as to be indispensable.
Essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character. Conflict between actors is essential in a drama. Funny situations are essential for comedies.
Fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex would collapse. The principles of thermodynamics are based on fundamental laws.
Vital means something that is necessary to a thing’s continued existence or operation. The rebels
surrounded the capital and cut it off from vital supplies.
Cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. A cardinal rule in buying a house is to never skip the home inspection.
In religious circles there are cardinal sins that are the root of all others sins and lead to spiritual death. In Christianity the cardinal sins are pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. The cardinal prohibitions of Judaism are idolatry, sexual misconduct, and murder. These sins violate the core principles of a just and holy society. In Islam, attributing partners with Allah, unjustly taking an innocent life, and sorcery are cardinal sins.
Cardinal numbers are the chief numbers in counting things. Like cardinal numbers we have cardinal directions. North, south, east, and west are considered the primary and most important directions upon which all other directions and locations are based.
Cardinals, the birds and the religious variety, are rarely seen in Moose Jaw. But keep your eyes keen, as you never know when one may show up.
Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for SaskToday/MooseJawToday.
Book lovers of all ages attended the Fall Book Sale held at the Weyburn Public Library last Thursday. The three-day sale helped raise funds for library programs.
Wheatland Centre offers variety of games
The Weyburn Wheatland Centre held several games in the past week.
In Spades on November 3, Jannette Tonn placed first, Roseline Levesque won second and Coral Schindel finished third.
During Trump Whist on November 3, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson took first, Jeanne Molnar and Elaine Frasz placed second and Ruth Boren and Willa Mae Donald finished third.
In Kaiser on November 4, Jean Fahlman and Heather Carter placed first, Eva Morley and Marlene Szczecinski took second place and Kim Jacob and Kathy Jacob finished third.
In Canasta on November 5, Brenda Paul won first, Marlene Szczecinski placed second, Lavine Stepp took third, Chris Carter came in fourth, Geri Thompson placed fifth, and Phyllis Lindskog placed sixth.
During Hi-Low Whist on November 5, Fay Johnson and Marg Schultz won
first, Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum placed second, and Janet Van Winkoop and Emily Zyla finished third.
In Thursday Crib on November 6, Heather Carter and Don Peterson won first, Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson placed second, Garth White and Dave Frayn finished third, and Chris Carter and Shirley Hubbs finished fourth.
During Friday Bridge on November 7, Mildred Sandiford placed first, Bonnie Olvera took second and Erskine Sandiford finished third.
During Friday board games on November 7, five persons were playing Scrabble and two were playing Crokinole. The cost for an afternoon of fun playing board games with friends is $5.
In Spades on November 10, Marge Schultz placed first, Gladys Lokken won second and Stan Hubick finished third.
During Trump Whist on November 10, Elaine Frasz
and Jeanne Molnar took first, Gladys Lokken and Janet Van Winkoop placed second, Willa Mae Donald and Ruth Boren finished third and Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson placed fourth.
In Kaiser on November 11, Norma Kapusaniuk and Melba Bent placed first, Elaine Frasz and Jeanne Molnar took second place and Eva Morley and Marlene Szczecinski finished third.
In Canasta on November 12, Heather Carter won first, Janet Van Winkoop placed second, Gladys Lokken took third, Jean Reich came in fourth, Sheila Wendel placed fifth, and Shirley Cherpin placed sixth.
During Hi-Low Whist on November 12, Marg Schultz and Fay Johnson won first, Elaine Frasz and Jannette Tonn placed second, and Cris Herlick and Phyllis Lindskog finished third and Janet Van Winkoop and Emily Zyla
placed fourth.
In Thursday Crib on November 13, Stan Hubick and Fran Long won first, Kim Jacob and Kathy Jacob placed second, Marj McLeod and George McLeod finished third, Rose Levesque and Marlene Szczecinski placed fourth and Diane Bell and Doreen Knibbs finished fifth.
During Friday Bridge on November 14, Dave Frayn placed first, Erskine Sandiford took second and Bonnie Olvera finished third.
During Friday board games on November 14, four persons were playing Scrabble. The cost for an afternoon of fun playing board games with friends is $5.
In Friday Shuffleboard on November 14, Marg McLeod and Ron Frayn placed first, Mel Schindel and Willa Mae Donald finished second and Janet Van Winkoop and Kathryn Groshong came in third.
Weyburn moves ahead on landfill project despite funding uncertainty
Sara Parks SaskToday.ca
Weyburn city council passed a resolution to support its application for federal and provincial funding to expand the city’s regional landfill.
The resolution, approved at November 10 meeting, provides the Government of Saskatchewan with the documentation needed for Weyburn to be considered under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) ProvincialTerritorial Stream Fall 2025 intake.
“The project is required,” said City Manager Mathew Warren, when asked by Councillor Laura Morrisette if the expansion would proceed even without the grant.
“We are running a regional landfill, and there is work that has to happen within that space this year,” said Warren. “If we don’t receive the funding, we still have to move forward.”
He said that CHIF is a $6 billion program designed to accelerate construction and expansion of water, wastewater, storm water, and solid waste infrastructure, directly supporting housing growth and densification.
Councillor Todd Bedore asked when the city might know if its funding application is successful.
Warren said a decision is expected between December and February, adding that early tendering is critical because of the limited number of contractors capable of handling a project of this scale.
These projects will be cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments and municipalities, and administered by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations on behalf of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC). The funding could cover up to 70 per cent of costs, said Warren
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
A LOOK AT THE MODERN BUSINESS WOMAN
When women contribute to the business world, they often bring a fresh perspective that helps companies to accelerate their growth. Studies have demonstrated that gender diversity in corporate settings increases productivity and innovation.
What’s more, women tend to bring a more humane leadership style to the table, one based on inclusivity and the empowerment of marginalized voices. This open-minded and collaborative attitude has been shown to improve a corporate team’s performance, products and decision-making.
OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME
Women continue to face numerous challenges in the business world. For one, the wage gap persists with full-time female employees making an average of $0.87 for every dollar earned by men in the same position. This disparity is even wider for women of colour, Indigenous women and recent immigrants.
Additionally, women are less likely than men to apply and be considered for management roles. Often, this is due to implicit or explicit bias among male employers. Another factor is the persistence of traditional gender roles among many couples, which leave women disproportionately responsible for childcare and household tasks. Without a proper support system, it’s difficult for women to strike a balance and advance in the workplace.
Yet despite these hurdles, many women are thriving in the business world, and companies, as well as communities, are the better for it.
Festival of Trees gala raises big money for health care in Estevan
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation celebrated Christmas, the community’s generosity and a recent milestone during the annual Festival of Trees gala November 15.
Nearly 500 people attended the supper, which had a theme of Winter Wonderland. A supper prepared by Spilchuk’s Catering was followed by black-tie Bingo, live and silent auctions, raffles, a 50-50 draw, and entertainment courtesy of Saskatchewan country music singers Karissa Hoffart and Justin LaBrash were all part of the event. The theme was Winter Wonderland.
The gala happened nine days after the foundation eclipsed the $6.5 million goal for the Together we Will – MRI for Estevan campaign to bring MRI services to southeast Saskatchewan.
“This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary and something, personally, I will definitely never forget,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation executive director Lori Gervais at the start of the event.
“Together we’ve reached our fundraising goal and this is an incredible achievement.”
The MRI was made possible by Elaine Walkom and her contribution of $2 million that kicked off the campaign, Gervais said, along with the belief that people have in better health care closer to home, and their willingness to stand beside the foundation every step of the way.
“Tonight’s not just a celebration, it’s a moment to recognize what can happen when the whole community comes together with heart, determination and purpose,” said Gervais.
Gervais thanked the sponsors, ticket buyers and
donors for their support.
Corey Miller, the president and CEO of Emmanuel Health, which manages and operates St. Joe’s and a number of other hospitals in the province, was at the gala and also thanked the crowd.
“It’s a celebration of community and the support that the community and surrounding area have put into this MRI project at St. Joseph’s Hospital,” said Miller.
He also lauded Gervais for her dedication, passion and commitment, particularly during the MRI fundraising.
“Lori, our community and the health care that we deliver here is stronger because of your dedication,” said Miller.
He thanked Walkom, not just for her donation but for her leadership and advocacy to get the MRI drive rolling; the hospital’s local council and the foundation’s board of directors for believing in the project; and Estevan-Big Muddy MLA Lori Carr and the provincial government for giving the campaign the green light.
“For those of you who have supported health-care services in the province or in this area of the province, thank you. We’re excited to stand with you and to deliver this MRI service in the province. St. Joseph’s Hospital will continue to serve and seek opportunities to enhance health-care services in the southeast corner of the province.”
The Festival of Trees reminds them of what is possible when communities believe in something bigger than themselves.
Hospital executive director Candace Kopec told the crowd the MRI project is on time, on budget and it will have MRIs scheduled next summer. Jasmine Shaver has been hired as the first employee as the
MRI supervisor, an on-site construction supervisor has been hired, and the vendors – which she said are mostly local – are in place.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without this incredible community behind this project,” said Kopec.
She added it’s been an absolute privilege to watch Gervais lead the project and raise $6.5 million in a year and a half.
The live auction raised $61,700. Brightly-decorated Christmas trips, vacations and a Michael Lonechild original painting were available. The top-selling item was a weekend for four adults in Kelowna, B.C.
The final live auction total doesn’t include new this year Jingle Jackpot, in which approximately 125 tickets were sold for $100 each, and the person whose number was drawn chose the auction item they wanted. It also doesn’t include proceeds from live auction, raffles and any other fundraising activities conducted within the frames of the Festival of Trees.
Hoffart and her band, the Big Muddy Boys, had the first set of music. They performed numerous wellknown country music hits and some of Hoffart’s songs. Hoffart is a nurse and noted her first job in health care was at St. Joe’s.
LaBrash, who has family in the Kisbey area, also performed some of his hits and some country music classics.
The festival wrapped up on November 16 with the Family Fun Day. Activities the community, which included children’s movies at the Orpheum Theatre, bouncy castles at the Estevan Leisure Centre’s multipurpose room, pictures with Santa at the Estevan Market Mall and a free swim at the Access Communications Leisure Centre.
Hey Dads! Did you get any snow in your neck of the woods yet? We were outside on Friday night and the white flakes were starting to fall. You’re probably wondering what we were doing outside on a cold, snowy, Friday night? I’m glad you sort of asked.
Cow Chasing
or awkwardly over-ythrough all the fences. Our neighbour, and resident cattle expert, told me early on that you just have to get rid of fence jumpers. And did I listen to the wisdom of the cattle whisperer? Absolutely not.
My children have spent many a summer evening walking down our road searching for Wency, finding Wency, and walking Wency back home. Since I’m a good dad, I keep reminding them that cattle-wrangling builds character. You can imagine the enthusiastic phrases my children say to me when I announce that Wency has escaped again and we need to round him up.
around in that field trying to separate Wency from the other cattle. I guess he loved that herd of heifers (female cattle) because there was no separating him from them. Thankfully we have great neighbours who also lose their cattle on occasion so they are very gracious and kind to a rookie cowpoke like me. Wency lived in their field for a few months and we finally got him home last week.
You may have read some of our family’s earlier animal tales. Well, the saga continues on this funny farm. We got two calves about 18 months ago. One of them is a steer. If you’re unfamiliar with cattle-talk, a steer is a castrated bull. If you’re unfamiliar with medicaltalk, I’ll let you google that one. We named our little steer, Wenceslas, after the (famous?) good king you may have sung about in a Christmas carol. Since naming him Wenceslas, I’ve learned that not everyone is familiar with the Good King Wenceslas of Christmas-time lore. I love the name Wenceslas so much that I suggested to my patient wife that we use it for one of our children. She loved the name so much that there are currently no humans in our home bearing that incredibly terrific title.
We call Wenceslas, Wency, for short. Wency has brought tension and conflict to our family. You see, Wenceslas doesn’t appreciate fences. Metal fences. Barbed wire fences. Electric fences. He just blasts over or through
Our last search and rescue operation for Wency failed. He was gone and we thought we would never see him again. Until I got a call the next day from another neighbour. “I think I saw your steer on the side of the road,” about two miles from our place. “Good news, kids!” I shouted. They did not share my enthusiasm. We drove over there faster than you could say “Hamburger Helper” and sure enough, there was Wency tromping along the side of the road. Would he come home easily? Of course not! We got out to walk him home and he awkwardly jumped overy-through another neighbour’s gate. So now the kids and I were running
But he did not like home. He jumped the fence as soon as we let him out of the barn. Fortunately for my cow-chasing children and unfortunately for fence-jumping Wency, his escapist days are now behind him. That’s what we were doing last Friday out in the snow. We were attending the school of cattle butchering 101 and boy were the lessons tough to learn. Find out more next time! Dad, maybe there’s something you’ve never done before (like butcher a cow) that you want to attempt with your kids? Just do it! Time flies! Make every moment count! Even the pasturey-panicky ones. Jason Weening chases cows with his 10 children and one wife. Get a Christmas gift for a dad in your life with his new book, “Yes, Dear…I’m Watching Them,” at the Weyburn Christmas Market at Signal Hill on December 5 & 6
Justin LaBrash provided entertainment.
Photo David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
Saskatchewanderer praises experience at Old Stone Inn
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
Saskatchewan’s tourism ambassador was in Estevan on November 16 to showcase one of the city’s newest tourist attractions.
Andrew Hiltz, who has been the Saskatchewanderer since the spring of 2022, came to Estevan to check out the afternoon tea at the Old Stone Inn bed and breakfast. Hiltz noted he has been trying to connect with Old Stone Inn owner Laurie Wall ever since the business opened. Prior to his visit, Hiltz knew that the Old Stone Inn was located in a historic building, and it was now being run by a former entrepreneur and caterer from Regina who made “really wonderful food”.
“I knew that she did events and had amazing food,” Hiltz said in an interview with SaskToday, noting he came away impressed with the attraction.
“It was beautiful,” he added later. “That’s as cool of a little destination for accommodations as it’s going to get. Staying in a 120-year-old stone church. The rooms are beautiful and the food is amazing. It’s just an exceptional event space. Estevan is very lucky to have somebody like Laurie in a place like the Old Stone Inn in the community.”
A full house of women attended the tea, Hiltz said. He was busy capturing photos of the event, and he added it looked like everybody had a great time. Hiltz said he was able to watch
Wall prepare the scones, snacks and treats, and her mother Susan was playing a keyboard, which he said made for a “really cool” afternoon.
Wall announced Hiltz’s visit on the Old Stone Inn’s Facebook page on November 13. She noted Hiltz criss-crosses the province, digging up the coolest stories, shining a light on hidden gems, and generally making the whole province look like the most interesting place on Earth.
“He’s travelled the province, visited over a hundred communities, filmed hundreds of adventures, eaten his way through every rural food stop imaginable,” Wall wrote. “This is huge for my heart, because it means what we’re creating here — this quirky little stonechurch-turned-magic-house — is being noticed.”.
Hiltz can’t recall the last time he was in Estevan, but he hopes he can eventually make his way back to the Energy City. While in Estevan, he dropped by the downtown blocks of Fourth Street, and he said they look great.
Working as the Saskatchewanderer has been a fantastic experience, he said. He has met a lot of great people and seen a lot of really exciting things while shining a light on businesses and people doing things to make their part of the province special. He hopes to post the article on his visit to the Od Stone Inn in early December.
OILFIELD DIRECTORY
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
You star ted smok ing before Januar y 1, 1976
Primar y Lung Cancer or Primar y Throat Cancer $60,000 PCC
QCAP
You star ted smok ing on or after Januar y 1, 1976
PCC
Emphysema or COPD (GOLD Grade III or IV )
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:
(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
CLUES ACROSS
1. Popular wine __ Spumante
5. Greatly impressed 11. __ and that 12. Uttered with passion 16. Boats
17. Veteran actor Harris
18. Casserole with game
19. Reprehensible acts
24. They precede C 25. Says under one’s breath 26. Taxis
27. It transfers genetic info
28. NFL great Randy
29. Where college students sleep
30. Major European river
31. Taco condiment 33. -frutti
34. Polish city
38. Astronomy unit
39. Khoikhoin peoples
40. Bears QB Williams 43. Scrambled, fried, boiled
44. Price indicators 45. One-time world power
49. When you hope to get somewhere
50. Farm building
51. Choose carefully
53. Magnum was one 54. One who combines 56. Nursemaids
58. Partner to Pa 59. Notable river
60. Officially honors 63. Colorless compound 64. A fancy chair 65. Email function CLUES DOWN
1. The central area in a building 2. Religion of Japan 3. Leggings 4. Officially distributes
5. Arabian Sea seaport 6. Spanish doctors 7. It cools your house 8. Currency of Poland 9. Slowly moves into 10. Days (Spanish) 13. Unit of volume 14. Emit 15. With two replaceable hydrogens 20. Title for a man 21. Equally 22. Scarlett’s home 23. One-time tech titan
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Toward
The Young Fellows Club of Weyburn is bringing back a much-anticipated event. A ”Kick Off to Summer Concert in the Park,” will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Jubilee Park, Weyburn. Presented by Weyburn Tourism, this spectacular event promises an unforgettable evening of music, featuring headliner Brett Kissel.
The concert will host five incredible bands across two stages, offering a diverse lineup for music lovers of all ages. Gates open at 3:00 PM, inviting attendees to enjoy a festive atmosphere with country and rock music.
Opening Bands will include TOQUE - a worldclass rock act, comprised of four incredible rock musicians.
Johner Brothers and lo -
cal bands, Switch and Sask Steel will guarantee all ages can expect an evening filled with great music, camaraderie, and fun.
What a great Christmas gift! Tickets are available on Monday November 24th at www.weyburnyoungfellows.com. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible musical experience in the heart of Weyburn. For more information
or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Jeff Chessall Project Chair, Kick off to Summer in the Park Young Fellows Club of Weyburn 306-861-6768 or email: jeffchessall@weyburnyoungfellows.com. Join us in kicking off the summer in style with music, energy, and community spirit and remember every dollar raised by the Young Fellows goes back into the community.
