The Weekly Bean - March 14, 2024 by yourwestcentral

TOWING LIGHTS

Red Hat Society celebrates its 28th anniversary

BY JOAN JANZEN

Nine ladies from the Red Hat Society gathered together at the Dairy Queen on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the club’s 28th anniversary. Angela Deschner is Queen of the Kindersley chapter, which was fi rst started by Ellen Krepps in the 1990’s.

Ellen said the club started out with 21 members, but had up to thirty members for several years. They meet once a month to have lunch, celebrate birthdays, and enjoy a fun outing. You might see them in the local parade or fi nd them serving cake and ice cream at Caleb.

They love to take bus trips to the winery at Maple Creek, the Berry Barn near Saskatoon, Moose Jaw tunnels and many other destinations. Ellen had a collection of photos documenting all their travels throughout the years. As for the hats, they can be ordered from the Red Hat Society or you can create your own if you wish.

The Red Hat Society was originally started with a poem by Jenny Joseph which reads, “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat which doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me.” And so the sisterhood of purple and red still thrives, and the ladies continue to get together, visit, have fun and visit some interesting destinations.

The Red Hat Society celebrated their 28th anniversary on Tuesday, March 12th. Back row (l-r): Shirley Kucher, Caroline Baril, Thressa Whitﬁeld, Kathy Kutschera, Gloria Lowe. Front Row (l-r): Monica Ritter, Ang Deschner, Ellen Krepps, Cathy Bur. See the story on the next page. |

PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

(Upcoming in

Celebrity Extra

Q:I recently watched the series Sofia Vergara starred in about a female drug lord, and it made me wonder if Julie Bowen is also doing something now that “Modern Family” is over? — A.E.

A:It’s been four years since the smash-hit sitcom “Modern Family” ended, but Bowen has been selective with her next series commitment. She’ll soon star in the 1980s-set supernatural-thriller series “Hysteria!” on Peacock, where she’ll play the mother of a teenager who is accused of being a satanist. A premiere date hasn’t been announced yet, but the highly anticipated series recently added Garret Dillahunt (“Raising Hope”) and Nolan North (“Pretty Little Liars”) to the cast. ***

I saw that Denise Richards and NeNe Leakes from “Real Housewives” are in a new TV movie on Lifetime. Who are the other two women in it? Are they also from the Bravo shows? — K.S.

“Christmas with the Knightlys.” ***

Q:A:Despite the movie starring Denise Richards and NeNe Leakes, and having a title like “Hunting Housewives,” this new Lifetime movie isn’t about Bravo’s “Real Housewives” franchise. Instead, it’s a scripted movie about four friends whose plane crashes en route to a spa vacation, and they find themselves being stalked by someone — or something.

What happened to the show “Will Trent”? I hope it wasn’t canceled. It was one of the best new series I’ve seen in a while. — A.K.

A:“Will

West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre

Richards had a long acting career before returning to reality TV for “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” As she’s no longer a regular cast member, she’s back to acting in television and films. Leakes is best known for her time in the Atlanta franchise of “Real Housewives,” but she’s also guest-starred on shows like “Glee.”

The other two women running for their lives in the movie are played by Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford. Ford has starred in several music videos, but is best known as a podcaster. Herjavec is best recognized for her days as a dance pro on “Dancing with the Stars,” where she met her husband, Robert Herjavec, of “Shark Tank.” She also co-starred in the holiday romance movie

Trent” returned to ABC for its sophomore season on Feb. 20. It’s based on Karin Slaughter’s best-selling novels about a special agent who grew up in Atlanta’s foster care system. Ramón Rodriguez, who plays the crime-solving titular character, earned a Critics Choice Award nomination for the role in his debut season.

Erika Christensen (“Parenthood”) co-stars as Detective Polaski, who was seriously injured by a serial killer at the end of the last season, and Iantha Richardson is back as Will’s partner. The great cast is a big reason why the show has earned accolades from fans and critics alike. The new abbreviated season is due to last year’s months-long strikes in Hollywood, but hopefully, “Will Trent” will be renewed for a third and longer season this fall.

Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

there is a

in Eston

Julie Bowen (Upcoming in “Hysteria!”)

Depositphotos

Submit your event to: kate@yourwestcentral.com or text 306-463-2211

ESTON

MARCH 15-17

• Eston Curling Club Open Bonspiel at the Eston AGT Community Centre Curling Rink. $120/team. Contact Sandy Sutherland to register 306-962-7572.

MONDAY, MARCH 18

• Eston-Snipe Lake Funeral Chapel & Crematorium Inc. AGM 2:00 PM at 615 Main Street. Everyone welcome.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

• Celebrity Sports Dinner & Auction at the Eston AGT Community Centre Curling Rink. In support of the Eston & District Recreation Committee Fairgrounds Project and Eston Lions Swimming Pool. Contact the Town Oﬃce for tickets 306962-4444.

- Eston Wheatland Centre Chase the Ace - Draws every Wednesday at the Centre. Ticket sales 4-7 PM. Draw at 7:30 PM. See our Facebook page for details. Lic#LR23-0068.

- Wheatland Centre Potluck Supper fourth Friday of each month 6:00 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coﬀee & tea provided.Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw. Must be 14 years of age. Call 306962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.

- Youth Curling Mondays 4:30-5:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306962-4460.

- Youth Bowling Mondays 6:30-7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306962-4460.

- Adult Bowling Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306-9624460.

- Mens Curling Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306962-4460.

- Mixed Curling Thursdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306962-4460.

KINDERSLEY

FRI, MARCH 15 - SUN, MARCH 17

• Kindersley Curling Club Men’s Bonspiel” Entry Fee: $280/team. To register contact Richard at 306-460-6258. Saturday Night Steak Supper. Cash Prizes. SUNDAY, MARCH 17

• Kindersley Air Cadets Fundraiser 1:00-

4:00 PM at Clearview Community Church. You’re invited to enjoy a bowl of Homemade Soup and Buns with Refreshments and Desserts. Allergy friendly, gluten free and vegan options available. Adults: $7.50, Children (12 & under): $5.00; Refreshment and Dessert Only: $2.50. Cash Only. Bouncy Castle on site!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

• Kindersley Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. AGM 2:00 PM at 801 - 9th Street West. Everyone welcome.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

• Kindersley Arts Council presents Andrea Superstein at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre 7:30 PM.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

• Kindersley Screen Arts presents “Priscilla” 4:00 PM at the Sunset Theatre. $10 at the door.

• Kindersley Wildlife Federation Annual Banquet at the Kindersley Elks Hall. $60 adult; $30 children. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Contact Brooke Kachmarski 306460-5935 to get your tickets.

- FREE! Drop-In Soccer (Ages 15-99) Westberry School Gym every Thursday at 8:00 PM; Elizabeth School Gym every Friday at 7:00 PM. All welcome. Contact Kevin for more info: 306-430-4103 or email: kindersleysoccerboard@gmail. com

- Youth Curling hosted by the Kindersley Curling Club (Grades 4-12 welcome). Wednesdays at 5:30 PM on a weekly basis until March. No fee! More info contact Lexie at 306-831-5330.

- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 2:00 PM at the Kindersley Hospital. Everyone is welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306-463-4514.

- Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to set-up, then the fun begins at 7-11 PM. Call Keith 306-460-8633.

- Interested in a support group for weight management? TOPS meetings; every Monday at 6:00 PM in the Kindersley Senior Centre OR contact Jill at 306-4634210.

- PickleBall every Sunday & Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM at Elizabeth School $50 per season or $5 drop in. More info call 306-

460-8356.

- Prairie Crocus Quilt Guild meet the second Tuesday of the month (September to May) at the Pensioners Hall (3rd Ave. E., Kindersley) at 7:00 PM. For more info contact Donna at 306-463-4785.

LEADER

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

• Leader & District Chamber of Commerce AGM Doors open: 6:30 PM. Meeting starts at 7:00 PM at the Leader Friendship Center. Speaker: Corwin Boechler - Chamber Insurance. Everyone welcome.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

• Leader & District Arts Council presents Piano Heist 7:30 PM at the Leader Community Centre.

- Mondays are Family Fun Night (open to all ages) at the Leader Library 6:30-7:30 PM.

- Tuesdays & Thursday Stretch Exercises 10:00 AM at the Leader Friendship Centre.

- Wednesdays Toddler Time (ages 1.5 to 3) at the Leader Library 10:30-11:00 AM. - Thursdays Baby & Me at the Leader Library 10:30-1:00 AM 0-2 years old (older siblings welcome)

- Adult Volleyball every Tuesday 7:30 PM at LCS Gymnasium (student parking lot door). Participants must be Grade 10 or older. Call Shelley 306-628-7643 for more information.

MAJOR

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

• Major Rec Board Steak Shoot.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

• King & Young concert at the Major Hall. Fundraiser for Kindersley Crisis Centre. Tickets $40 available at Bicks Drugstore, Kerrobert, Major Credit Union or at the door. Cash Bar, Door Prizes, Silent Auction. Contact Fiarra to book a designated driver 306-602-0472.

PLENTY

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

• Comedian Sean Lecomber at the Plenty Community Hall. Doors open 8:00 PM. Show starts at 9:00 PM. Contact Helena Olson 306-831-0007 for tickets or more information.

Whip Up Cheese and Scallion Biscuits for St. Patrick’s Day

Whenever I run into my Irish-American friend Margaret Wachholz, I feel like I’ve just won a ticket to the Emerald Isle. It’s not just her catchy sayings and accent that inspire me; she simply exudes joy whenever I tell her about my attempts to be just a wee bit Irish, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.

When I recently shared a favorite biscuit recipe made with cheddar cheese and scallions, which I thought might be ideal for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner, she exclaimed, “’Tis, indeed, but be sure to add lashings of butter! Irish butter.”

Good thing, because this recipe calls for butter in the batter and for brushing on top of the warm biscuits — perfectly suited to accompany an Irish-themed meal on March 17.

This easy recipe skips mixers, kneading and biscuit cutters in the prep. Just set out a big bowl, grab a wooden spoon and call in the kids. They can measure and stir before you pop the doughy mounds in the oven. After it’s done baking, they can brush the lightly browned tops with “lashings” of butter and top them with a shamrock-shaped flat parsley leaf as a nod to the “green.”

CHEDDAR CHEESE AND SCALLION BISCUITS

Makes 16 medium biscuits

— 2 cups all-purpose flour

— 1 tablespoon baking powder

— 1 tablespoon garlic powder

— 1 tablespoon sugar

— 1 teaspoon salt

— 1 cup whole milk

— 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted melted butter (resources below)

— 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (look for Irish cheddar)

— 2 teaspoons scallions, chopped — 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped — 16 whole leaves from flat leaf parsley for garnish (optional)

To prepare oven and baking pan: Heat oven to 450 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

To prepare dough: In a large mixing bowl, let your kids measure and combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, sugar and salt. Stir with a big spoon. Add milk and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Combine lightly until flour is mixed in. Do not overstir; it will be sticky. Fold in the cheese, scallions and chopped parsley.

To bake: Use an ice-cream scoop or large spoon to drop equal-sized mounds on the baking sheet. Bake 12-14 minutes, until lightly browned.

To serve: Remove from oven. Brush each biscuit with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter and press a parsley leaf shaped like a shamrock on top. Extra idea: If you have leftovers, warm them up in the morning for Sunday brunch to accompany an egg dish.

Resources: Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter is widely available. Find it in a store near you by visiting KerrygoldUSA.com.

***

Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.

Apex Distribution Inc. 306-356-2116

Belitski Contracting Ltd. www.belitskicontracting.ca

Big Sky Steel Fabricators (2002) Ltd. bigskysteel@sasktel.net

Big Valley Sales www.bigvalleysales.ca

Bow-Way Electric www.bow-way.ca

Brock Oil Ltd. (Red Sky Resources) 306-460-7102

Bumper to Bumper 306-463-6232

Canalta Kindersley 306-463-1570

Carl’s Mobile Welding 306-372-4420

Dennis’ Welding Ltd. www.denniswelding.ca

Family Oilﬁ eld Services Ltd. familyoilﬁeld@sasktel.net

Fountain Tire (Kindersley) 306-463-4655

Full Tilt Holdings www.fulltiltholdings.ca

Get A Grip Tire and Performance 306-463-7215

Good To Go Rentals www.goodtogokindersley.ca

Good To Go Trucking www.goodtogokindersley.ca

GPE Fluids Management www.goodtogokindersley.ca

Great Plains College www.greatplainscollege.ca

H & G Motel 306-463-0440

Holland’s Hot Oiling www.hollandshotoiling.ca

Insight Sign & Decal www.insightsign.ca

Integra Tire 306-463-2277

J & H Rentals Ltd. www.hollandshotoiling.ca

Jorann Safety www.jorannsafety.ca

To be listed in our 2024 West Central Energy Directory, please complete our online Google Form at www.yourwestcentral.com/energy

Kindersley Auto Value

www.mypartstore.ca

Kindersley Bearing www.kindersleybearing.ca

Kindersley Inn www.kindersleyinn.ca

Kindersley Machine Services 306-604-9984

Kodiak Sand & Gravel www.kodiaksg.ca

Kyote Energy Services www.kyoteenergyservices.com

Lufkin Downhole Pumps www.lufkin.com

Mayhem Mechanical Ltd. mayhemmechanicalltd@hotmail.com

McKinnon Oilﬁ eld Ltd. www.mckinnonoilﬁeld.com

Merrington Safety 306-463-3468

Mid Plains Diesel Ltd. www.midplainsdiesel.ca

Nova Inn Kindersley 306-463-4687

OK Tire Luseland 306-372-4389

Pro-Plus Sales & Rentals www.proplusrentals.ca

Reinbold Electric Ltd. www.reinboldelectric.ca

Safety Evolution www.safetyevolution.ca

Sequel Energy Services www.sequelenergyservices.ca

Shh... It Happens Septic Service www.ithappens.com

Sim-Con Oilﬁ eld Equipment Ltd. 306-463-4938

Tarnes Electric Ltd. www.tarneselectric.com

TGB Industries Inc. www.omtprojects.com

Tirecraft Dodsland www.tirecraft.com/tirecraft-dodsland

Weese Electric Ltd. 306-932-2001

PHOTOS BY BRAIN ZINCHUK

•

Saturn Oil & Gas joins multi-lateral bandwagon, reports year-end results with more than double production

Twice last week, SaskEnergy set new daily natural gas usage records, and we can thank Alberta for most of our supply

BY BRIAN ZINCHUK

BY BRIAN ZINCHUK brian.zinchuk@pipelineonline.ca

e past weekend proved to be a closerun thing for the Alberta electrical grid, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is making statements resolving he won’t allow that to happen here.

A day after the Government of Saskatchewan announced a new multi-lateral well incentive program, the reason behind it was reinforced by Saturn Oil & Gas’ announcement that it, too, had begun drilling eight-leg wells in the Bakken.

Not only was Saskatchewan setting electrical consumption records during the cold snap of last week of December, we also set two consecutive natural gas consumption records, too.

Speci cally, a er having nearly completely divested itself of coal- red power production, Alberta’s dramatic buildout of wind and solar proved impossible to keep the lights on in that province when the chips were down and temperatures hit -35 C, or worse.

Those ﬁrst two seven- and eight-leg multilateral wells averaged 168.5 barrels of oil equivalent per day over their ﬁrst 30 days of production. That’s double the IP30 numbers for their Frobisher and Midale wells in southeast Saskatchewan. Two more of these multi-lateral wells are in the works, as part of the company’s largest development plan to date.

According to SaskEnergy in a Dec. 31 release, “Extreme cold weather across Saskatchewan this week resulted in record-breaking natural gas demand in the province. On December 28 and 29, natural gas consumption surpassed the previous daily record of 1.57 petajoules (PJ) which was set in February 2021.

“A new daily record of 1.62 PJ was set on December 28 and broken again on December 29 with total system delivery of 1.64 PJ. Delivery numbers for December 30 and 31 are not yet finalized, but are also expected to exceed 1.6 PJ.”

“In Saskatchewan, we will not attempt the impossible when it comes to power production in our province,” Moe said in a post on X and other social media the evening of Monday, Jan. 15.

Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSX: SOIL)(FSE: SMKA)(OTCQX: OILSF) reported its ﬁnancial and operating results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 the evening of March 12.

The natural gas records coincided with record power consumption. On Dec. 29, SaskPower set another record in power consumption for Saskatchewan. At 5:27 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2021, Saskatchewan homes and businesses reached 3,868 megawatts (MW) in power use, according to the Crown corporation. The previous record of 3,792 MW was reached four years ago to the day, on Dec. 29, 2017.

“We will not risk plunging our homes, schools, hospitals, special care homes and our businesses into the cold and darkness because of the ideological whims of others.

“2023 was a tremendous year of progress for Saturn in creating a substantial and sustainable free cash generating enterprise. In addition to doubling our production base over last year, we have assembled a deep inventory of high-quality development drilling locations to sustain current production levels for decades,” said John Jeffrey, chief executive ofﬁcer. “Saturn has maintained its strategic focus on developing light oil focused assets and optimizing our cost structure to deliver some of the highest cash ﬂow margins in Canada, and to further our ultimate goal of shareholder value creation.”

“To support the ongoing power demands across western Canada, Boundary Dam 4 has been restarted to ensure families can continue to keep the heat on. Net zero by 2035 is not only impossible, it’s irresponsible as it would leave Saskatchewan and Western Canadian families freezing and in the dark.”

Saskatchewan’s power production has increasingly shifted from coal to natural gas as a fuel source. In December, Boundary Dam Unit 4, a coal-fired generating unit, was retired, reducing the Boundary Dam Power Station to 672 megawatts capacity. On the natural gas side, Saskatchewan has seen the construction of several new natural gas-fired power plants. They include the baseload North Battleford Power Station (289 megawatts), Yellowhead Power Station peaking plant (also at North Battleford, 135 megawatts), the baseload Chinook Power Station at Swift Current (353 megawatts) and peaking plant Spy Hill Power Station (89 megawatts). Another 353 megawatt baseload

2023 Fourth Quarter and Annual Highlights:

It was in response to the extraordinary events that occurred in Alberta over the weekend, in which Saskatchewan played a key part. And it was also a tacit acknowledgement that as much as SaskPower’s been trying to wean itself o coal, it just can’t do it yet. We still need it to keep the lights on.

• Delivered record crude oil and natural gas production with fourth quarter 2023 averaging 26,891 boe/d (82% oil and NGLs), compared to 12,514 boe/d (96% oil and NGLs) in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 115%;

• Generated quarterly adjusted EBITDA(1) of $100.1 million compared to $62.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 61%;

• Achieved record quarterly adjusted funds

e Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) declared four “grid alerts,” over four days in a row, starting the a ernoon of Friday, Jan. 12. Desperately cold temperatures drove up demand for power, just as the same

COLEVILLE, SK

ﬂow(1) of $80.2 million compared to $50.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 58%;

• Invested $57.2 million of capital expenditures(1) in the fourth quarter, drilling 19 (16.9 net) horizontal wells;

plant, very similar to Chinook, is under construction at Moose Jaw.

All of this added natural gas-fired power generation has, in turn, driven higher usage of natural gas during times of high electrical consumption.

The Crown noted that increased demand from SaskEnergy’s industrial customers, including natural gas use for power production, was the main driver of this week’s record-setting consumption.

temperatures reduced wind power generation to nothing at times, and close to nothing for most of the weekend. And since the mass of cold air stretched from the Yukon to Texas, every grid operator in between was in the same boat – high demand but short supply. e Southwest Power Pool, which incorporates parts of 14 states from south of Saskatchewan to the Texas Panhandle, as well as Texas grid operator ERCOT, all put out various forms of alerts suggesting their clients reduce electrical consumption.

• Generated free funds ﬂow(1) of $23.1 million in the fourth quarter 2023, compared to $15.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 53%; and

• Exited 2023 with net debt(1) of $460.5 million, realizing a net debt to fourth quarter annualized adjusted funds ﬂow(1) of 1.4x.

Staring into the abyss

SaskEnergy said it measures daily natural gas consumption for the 24-hour period from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. A PJ is a unit of measurement equivalent to one million gigajoules (GJ) of natural gas. An average Saskatchewan home consumes about 100 GJ of natural gas each year.

Average production increased 153% to 24,262 boe/d, compared to 9,593 boe/d average production in 2022;

Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 147% to $363.1 million, compared to $146.7 million in 2022; and

Adjusted funds ﬂow(1) increased 134% to $278.1 million, compared to $118.7 million in 2022.

“SaskEnergy’s natural gas system design can accommodate additional capacity to manage increased consumption even on peak days,” SaskEnergy president and CEO Ken From said in a release. “Throughout the year, SaskEnergy employees inspect, maintain and enhance the system to support safe and reliable natural gas delivery in all weather conditions. In addition, employees monitor the system 24 hours a day to ensure sufficient system capacity to meet customer demand across the province.”

This province is now largely dependent on neighbouring Alberta to fulfill roughly two-thirds of our natural gas needs.

e rst three of Alberta’s grid alerts ran from mid-a ernoon until late evening, but the fourth occurred for an hour on Monday morning, as the workweek began. e second of those grid alerts turned out to be the most signi cant. On Saturday, Jan. 13, Alberta came within a half-hour of rotating blackouts, an Alberta Electric System Operator spokesperson told CBC News on Jan. 15, con rmed by Alberta A ordability and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf the same day.

During 2023, Saturn successfully drilled and rig released a total of 59 gross (48.8 net) horizontal wells across its four core operating areas, comprised of:

• 28 gross (25.2 net) wells in Southeast Saskatchewan;

• 19 gross (14.3 net) wells in West Central Saskatchewan;

• 4 gross (4.0 net) wells in North Alberta.

When natural gas prices took a tumble roughly 14 years ago, Saskatchewan’s domestic gas production fell off a cliff. Targeted gas drilling went essentially extinct, with next to no gas-specific wells being drilled in this province for most of the past decade. Our domestic gas production is now largely based on associated gas production that comes with oil production. As a result, Saskatchewan went from being a net gas exporter for the period of 1988 to 2009 to a net importer that year.

• 8 gross (5.3 net) wells in Central Alberta; and

The February acquisition of privately held oil and gas producer, Ridgeback Resources Inc. was a key contributor to Saturn’s growth in 2023, the company said, adding 670 net sections of land featuring development opportunities to sustain the company’s production going forward.

Indeed, the province stood at the brink of the abyss Saturday night, as rotating blackouts would have impacted di erent areas of the province for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, as temperatures ranged from -30 to -45 C, depending on where you were in the province. As the province’s grid-scale batteries neared depletion, and there was nothing le to call upon, the AESO and provincial government put out an emergency alert to all cellphones and TV screens, asking Albertans to shut o and unplug everything they could, from electric vehicle chargers to ovens to bathroom fans.

“The acquisition of Ridgeback was highly synergistic to the company’s existing Southeast Saskatchewan assets expanding its high cash ﬂow, light oil production base by approximately 65%;

and added

Cardium, Kaybob and Swan Hills areas.”

The company has continued to focus on streamlining its cost structure by reducing overall royalties, decreasing operating costs and improving average hedging pricing:

• Average royalties decreased to 11.5% in 2023, compared 12.8% in 2022;

• Average net operating expenses(1) decreased 18% to $20.33 per boe in 2023, compared to $24.67 per boe in 2022; and

• Average realized loss on derivatives decreased 80% to $4.41 per boe in 2023, compared to $22.38 in 2022.

In light of the above cost reduction impacts, the company’s 2023 operating netback(1), net of derivatives of $43.23 per boe, was comparable to the $43.82 per boe in 2022, despite an approximately 17% drop in the average benchmark WTI oil price to US $77.60 in 2023, compared to an average WTI oil price of US $94.25 in 2022.

Commitment to Debt Repayment

On February 28, 2023, the company expanded its senior term loan by $375.0 million in relation to the acquisition of Ridgeback. Saturn continues to prioritize the rapid repayment of its senior term loan, and in 2023, the company made principal payments totaling approximately $164.5 million, with additional aggregate payments of approximately $50.7 million made to date in 2024, for a total of $215.2 million of principal payments since December 31, 2022. The company said it intends to continue directing free cash ﬂow to ongoing debt repayment and balance sheet strengthening.

West Central Saskatchewan

The company added a third rig to the fourth quarter development plan in order to extend the drilling success of its Viking light oil targets in West Central Saskatchewan, adding four additional wells with 100% working interest. In 2023 Saturn successfully drilled 19 gross (14.3 net) Viking wells and continued to follow up on its best performing areas of Hershel and Plato with 12 operated wells. These 12 wells were drilled with 100% working interest, had an average IP30 of 97.9 bbls/d of light oil, which outperformed the type curve expectations by 44%. Saturn has 165 net locations booked for future Viking development.

The company’s West Central Saskatchewan assets averaged 3,504 boe/d of production for the

three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 4,992 boe/d in the prior year.

Central Alberta

Saturn successfully drilled three Cardium horizontal wells in the fourth quarter of 2023, with 100% working interest, for a total of eight gross (5.3 net) Cardium wells being rig released in 2023. The 2023 Cardium wells drilled by Saturn were Extended Reach Horizontal (ERH) wells having an average lateral length of 2.2 miles. Five of the Saturn operated Cardium wells were put on production in Q4 of 2023, with IP30 rates consistent with type cure expectations, and delivering approximately 1,316 boe/d in aggregate during the ﬁrst 30 days on production. The 6th Cardium well drilled in late 2023 has now been completed along with an additional three gross (3.0 net) ERH Cardium wells drilled to date in 2024. The four new wells are expected to be brought online before the end of Q1 2024. In total during 2024, Saturn expects to drill eight net Cardium ERH wells.

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the company’s Central Alberta assets produced an average of 8,066 boe/d.

ESG Initiatives

Saturn said it continued its dedication to responsible environmental stewardship by directing approximately $10.7 million in 2023 to decommissioning expenditures, including the abandonment of 114 wells that no longer had economic production potential, amounting to approximately 2x the number of gross new wells the company drilled in 2023.

Outlook

Saturn’s Board of Directors has approved the company’s largest ever development plan in 2024, with a budget of approximately $145.6 million targeting the drilling of up to 61 net wells. With Saturn’s extensive pipeline network and facilities infrastructure within each of its core operating areas, the company said it has ample capacity to handle incremental new production coming on-stream. Over 85% of the company’s 2024 development capital expenditures will be directed to drilling, completions, equipping and tie-in of new production.

Through the first quarter of 2024, the company employed a full-time rig in Southeast Saskatchewan, resulting in the drilling of five gross (5.0 net) conventional wells (two Frobisher, two Spearfish, one Tilston) all of which have been put onto production. The company is now drilling the first of two Bakken OHML wells that will continue through the first half of 2024 with 100% working interest to Saturn.

Article has been edited for length. Please see the full article on PipelineOnline.ca

* In a process called rice-fish culture, Indonesian farmers introduce fish into their rice fields so the fish droppings will act as fertilizer. In turn, the fish also eat harmful insects and improve oxygen circulation, increasing crop yields by up to 10%.

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* John Quincy Adams was an avid skinny-dipper who included dips in the Potomac River as a regular part of his exercise regimen.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

You’re correct to want to help someone who seems to need assistance. But be careful that they aren’t pulling the wool over those gorgeous Sheep’s eyes. You need more facts.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The Bovine’s optimism will soon dispel the gloom cast by those naysayers and pessimists who still hover close by. Also, the good news you recently received is part of a fuller message that is yet to come.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Feeling jealous over a colleague’s success drains the energy that you need to meet your own challenges. Wish them well and focus on what you need to do. Results start to show up in midMarch.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22)

You’re likely to feel somewhat crabby these days. So, watch what you say, or you could find yourself making lots of apologies. Your mood starts to brighten by the weekend.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your pride might still be hurting from those unflattering remarks someone made about you. But cheer up — you’re about to prove once again why you’re the Top Cat in whatever you do.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A misunderstanding with a co-worker could become a real problem unless it’s resolved soon. Allow a third party to come in and assess the situation without pressure or preju-

dice.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Call a family meeting to discuss the care of a loved one at this difficult time. Don’t let yourself get pushed into shouldering the full burden on your own.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) An upcoming decision could open up a path to an exciting venture. However, there are some risks that you should know about. Ask more questions before making a commitment.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Personal matters need your attention during the earlier part of the week. You can start to shift your focus to your workaday world by midweek. Friday brings news.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You’ve been going at a hectic pace for quite a while. It’s time now for some much-needed rest and recreation to recharge those hardworking batteries.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) This is a good time to upgrade your current skills or consider getting into an entirely different training program so that you can be prepared for new career opportunities.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Keep a low profile in order to avoid being lured away from the job at hand. Focus on what has to be done and do it. There’ll be time later to enjoy fun with family and friends.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can be a dreamer and a realist. You dream of what you would like to do, and then you face the reality of how to do it.