What's Happening:

RATEPAYERS ATTEND MEETING
By David Willberg
The Estevan Public School Board hosted their annual ratepayers meeting June 2.
Seven members of the public attended the meeting, seven more last year. It's a sight that pleased Chair Shirley Batters.
"It shows that our parents are interested," said Batters. "Certainly the parents who came tonight were expressing some concerns about some of the facility issues in their particular schools, and we ... will take those comments very seriously. Hopefully we can find some solutions to remedy some of the concerns they brought to us."
Many of those in attendance are parents of children at Hillcrest School. Parents are happy with the renovated facility and the staff that work there, but they did have some concerns. Amongst them are the absence of a fence between the school yard and a back alley, the height of a heating duct near the stage area, and the lack of washrooms and gymnasium changerooms.
The heating duct is one issue that will be difficult to address. The alternatives are very expensive, and would likely require raising the gymnasium roof or eliminating the new stage. The duct is very warm and its proximity to the ground creates a potential hazard to the children.
It was the first time Batters had heard many of the concerns.
This promises to be another year of transition for the board. They face the closure of Hillside School and the Estevan Junior High this summer and the opening of Spruce Ridge School in the fall. The four public schools will return to kindergarten to grade eight status after many years of just going to grade six.
The Facilities Renewal Plan took nearly a decade to complete, and the board is looking forward to tackling new issues.
"There will be things, I'm sure, that will pop up in the new facilities that we haven't thought about yet and we'll have to deal with," said Batters. "Being part of a school board that's in charge of education for all our students, we are never bored. There are always things that are coming up that we have to deal with."

NO REPEAT FOR MINE RESCUE TEAM
They may not have repeated as provincial champions at the Saskatchewan Mining Association's 35th annual Mine Rescue Competition, but that doesn't mean Luscar's Bienfait and Boundary Dam Mines team didn't give their all.
The local squad lost the surface mining title to PCS Potash Patience Lake May 31 in Regina. The team completed all events - practical bench, proficiency, firefighting, first aid and field problem - but didn't win any of them.
"The team performed very well, and speaking with the members at the end of the competition, they felt they did very well, and at that point in time, you're just waiting to see how the judges score them," said coordinator Jim Samenook.
Field problem was scored this year after previously being a viewed event.
Samenook felt the competition was stiff this year, too.
The team trains for eight to 10 hours a day over a 10-day stretch, working on various skills: rope training, gas detection and detection knowledge, advanced level one first aid, surface problems involving search and rescue or extraction of vehicles, fire training and other challenges that may happen at a mine or industrial site.
They also write exams to test their knowledge.
"We have to go through not only knowing the equipment, but knowing how to use it, knowing how to safely work with it and ensuring that everything is capable to be used in a safe environment and be used safely," said Samenook.

Bringing students to the world
A presentation from Pleasantdale School teacher Arlene Schick highlighted the monthly meeting for the Estevan Public School Board June 2.
Schick spent two years teaching English in Cameroon. Through that experience, she realized the importance of creating awareness of the world, through not only bringing the world to her students, but bringing them to the world.
Schick has utilized world tours at Hillcrest and Pleasantdale Schools. Students enjoy African activities, games and culture, then have follow-up assignments. Schick receives much positive feedback from parents and students.
She has vacationed in Thailand and incorporates their culture into her lessons.
Schick wants her students to look at the world in a positive way and believes it's another step in creating lifelong learners.
Other notables from the meeting:
*Michael Ross, currently residing in Three Hills, Alberta, is the new principal at Southeast Christian Academy.
*Enrolments through the end of May showed 965 students in the division's schools.
*Hillcrest School's grand re-opening ceremony takes place June 19 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Minister of Learning Judy Junor and several representatives from her department will be in attendance. While the inside of the school was wrapped up over Christmas, the board wanted to wait for the completion of landscaping and other exterior works before holding the ceremony.

Salvation Army not using phone solicitation
The Estevan Salvation Army is not using telephone solicitation.
The Estevan Police Service was tipped off last week that somebody had been making calls to local residents, claiming to be working with the local branch of the charitable organization. The Salvation Army uses mail-out campaigns as its main local means of generating funds.
Anyone who receives a phone call from somebody asking for money for the Salvation Army is encouraged to call the Estevan Police Service at 634-4767.

More medals at national Skills Canada
By David Willberg
Estevan had a silver hairstyling sweep at the Skills Canada national competition May 28 to June 1 in Kitchener, Ontario.
Estevan Comprehensive School student Kassie Block finished second in the high school division of the competition, while ECS alumnist Lindsey Vicary - a high school bronze medallist last year - was second in post-secondary competition. ECS students and alumni have captured several medals at Skills Canada in recent years.
Four other Comp students travelled to Kitchener for the event - Gerilee Ganje (culinary arts), Brett Hoffart (machining), and Shea Pederson and Andrew Kitchen (video editing). Dustin Schroeder (welding) joined Vicary in the post-secondary division.
Results of those not medallists weren't released before press time.
Team spokesperson Joyce Mack, who teaches hairstyling at the school, was pleased with Team ECS's performance. The competition is considerably more challenging and intense than the provincial contest that was held May 1 to 3 in Regina.
"Those kids were exhausted every day," said Mack. "They had anywhere from a six to eight hour day and they had two days like that."
Along with projects that seem to get tougher each year, students had to deal with a greater focus on safety.
Free time was at a premium, but they did spend a few hours at Niagra Falls before leaving Ontario. Mack said anyone expecting a holiday was in for a surprise.
Competitors can have their coaches at their side at provincials, but not at nationals. It's up to the student to work independently to complete the task on time and to the best of their ability.
"Once those kids are on that floor, we have to be out of there," said Mack. "They can come off at lunch time, (and we can) talk to them, give them hugs or whatever they need to get going again to the next level. But as far as walking them through when they're on that floor, you're out of bounds."
There is also a much stronger level of competition and judging.
"That's the best of every province, plus you have judges that are the best," said Mack. "It's no longer ... people that you found in your area, now you're looking at judges with different criteria. When it was culinary arts and you had chefs from Switzerland judging you .. you're seeing international judges walk through the door."

NEW YORK STARS
The Drewitz School of Dance hosted their 20th annual Spotlight on the Stars May 31 at the Estevan Comprehensive School.
This year's theme for the year-end showcase was "A New York Extravaganza." With the Big Apple serving as the backdrop, students performed routines relating to the city, displaying the many skills and abilities they've learned this year for family, friends and special guests.

ECS grade 12 students graduate
The Estevan Comprehensive School held their graduation ceremony June 6 at the Civic Auditorium.
One hundred and seventy-five students walked across the platform and into the next stage of their lives in front of friends, family and fellow students. Staff, parents, outgoing principal Maurice Jago and valedictorian Kevin Rappel all paid tribute to the grads.
Jago, serving as Master of Ceremonies for the last time before he moves on to the Souris - Moose Mountain School Division, spoke on this year's theme of "The Future is Now: Reach out and Grasp It."
Jago reminded grads it's not how they grasp it, but what they do with it that will determine their success in life. They can't change what has happened, and they shouldn't look to the bad things in the past. Instead, they should remember the good things and good times.
An hour after the ceremony, graduates returned for the grande marche. They again walked across the stage, then enjoyed a dance with their parents and their escort.
The evening concluded at the Estevan Comprehensive School with the annual Chem Free Aftergrad celebration. Students were given play money for games of chance. At the end of the night, students used the money to bid on auction items.

Comp recognizes students
The Estevan Comprehensive School hosted their annual awards night June 4 in their cafetorium.
Students were recognized for their academic and athletic accomplishments. Many grade 12 students were presented bursaries and scholarships for their prowess in the classroom and in the community. Several departments presented special awards to salute students for their success.

Nothing can replace a father's love
For many people, fathers are a great source of inspiration. In their own way, fathers encourage us to become better people and reach our full potential. Even if you don't always see eye-to-eye on certain subjects with your father, deep down inside you probably know that he only wants what's best for you. On June 15th, which is Father's Day, take time to reach out to your Dad and tell him that you appreciate all the love and support he has given you.
After all, it's not easy being a father. The traditional role of fatherhood has changed over the years, shifting from a figure of authority to an affectionate and protective parent. The way many men are fathers today is much different from how their fathers used to be, so they don't always have an appropriate example to follow. Many men just follow their instincts and do what they think is right. That's why it's important to celebrate a special day in their honour: It gives us a chance to say, "Dad, you may not be perfect, but you're doing a great job!"
The third Sunday of June belongs to Dad, which is very appropriate because at this time of year we're surrounded by the sun's warmth, just like we are surrounded by Dad's love. Fathers are irreplaceable, so cherish him all year long-not just on June 15th. But that doesn't mean you can't do something extra special for Dad on Father's Day; he's worked hard and deserves to be lavished with gifts! Just remember that your love will always be his favourite gift.

Treat Dad to a Father's Day he'll always remember!
It's time to start planning for Father's Day. It will take a bit of inspiration and a lot of perspiration, but you just might be able to find a gift he'll like.
If you're going to find the right gift, it's time to get to work. Make up whatever excuse you need to, but find a way to get him to go to the mall with you. If you have to, tell him there are Coppertone beach models looking for volunteer suntan appliers. Once you're there, walk around. Make a mental note of everything he points out, whether it's a book, a work tool or a new golf club. At the slightest positive comment, add the item to your list of possible gifts. Don't ask why he thinks that joke mug is funny; just write it down on the list!
Remember, the goal is to treat Dad to a Father's Day he'll always remember. Don't just wrap the gift in newspaper and think that's that. It's Dad's special day of honour, not 10 minutes of honour! If you're going to celebrate, do it right. Start in the morning with a surprise visit and a special meal with the family. Try to serve him food he actually likes to eat. If he's a steak and potatoes kind of guy, stay away from the veggie wraps and carrot juice. If you have lots of relatives living nearby and Dad enjoys spending time with them, invite them over for a special party in which all the Dads are guests of honour. This idea also lends itself well to lots of funny Dad-related games and stories. Keep in mind that by this point, a barbecue is almost mandatory.
Just when Dad thinks he can't have any more fun in a single day, shift gears and help him get in touch with his softer side. Bring out the old photos and home videos. He'll laugh, he'll cry (well, maybe not cry, but he'll probably tear up a bit). And voilà! You've just finished giving Dad the most incredible Father's Day he has ever had! And one last thing: Don't forget to say, "I love you, Dad!"

Estevan Street Fair
One of Estevan's most popular outdoor events was held May 31.
Street Fair, a project of Estevan Promotions, provided hours of entertainment for youth in the morning and early afternoon. For the first time, two blocks of Fourth Street were closed off, allowing for more games and activities. Meanwhile, adults were able to enjoy one-day only sales at many businesses.

Exhibitors enjoy Oil and Gas Show
By David Willberg
They came from centres as big as Calgary and as small as Carnduff, driving many hours or just a few minutes.
There were nearly 300 exhibitors at the 10th edition for the biennial Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show in Weyburn June 4 and 5. Most were pleased with what they saw.
Bill McKnight of Lufkin Industries Canada works in Nisku, Alberta. The show resulted in early success, as he sold a pump jack to Encana. He was hoping to sell a few more.
"We come here every two years, and it's good here this year," said McKnight. "We have some good customers that we sell to this year, so we kind of feel we have to have a presence here."
Bruce Hodgkin didn't travel nearly as far. The operator of South Saskatchewan Rat Hole in Weyburn had a booth at the show for the first time, after attending it before. He believes it attracts people to the southeast who normally wouldn't come and allows them to see what the region has to offer.
"There are services here that maybe they don't think are around or available, it shows them that the technology is here and it helps bring people in," said Hodgkin.
Hodgkin believes this year is as good as any show he's been to, as people are bringing in new technology and ideas.
Rick Ziegler is the western general manager for Strongco, a Mississauga-based operation with offices in Regina that sell and rent into the local oil patch. He met three or four potential clients in the first few hours.
"That's one of the most important parts of the show, meeting new and prospective clients and improving relationships that we already have with the local guys," said Ziegler.
Kip Dayman was another individual who didn't have to travel far. He manned the booth for Estevan-based Dayman Trucking June 4. They had a couple of their large trucks on display at their outdoor booth.
"The security is really good, the people around here treat everybody like gold," said Dayman. "It's like Old Home Week, you get to see everybody you haven't seen all year."
Schlumberger was out in full force with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Communications and events manager Michelle Sherman believes it's a good area for them to do business in, and having an office in Estevan makes the decision to come down easier.
"We circulate our company name within the area, let them know that we're here for any needs they have, build and strengthen relationships with our existing clients and build relationships with potential clients," said Sherman.
Weatherford had large exhibits inside and outside. There were several large pieces of equipment outside, and a large, elaborate display inside. Business development manager Don Bertrand said they wanted to show how diversified the operation is while getting employees together to teach about Weatherford's products.
"A lot of people that you don't see every day come through, and you get a chance to talk to them all at the same time without having to go places," said Bertrand. "You always want to show people what you have, and it's a good chance when you bring them together."

Organizers pleased with show
By David Willberg
The 10th edition of the biennial Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show has wrapped up.
Over 280 exhibitors and 4,000 people converged on Weyburn for the June 4 and 5 energy convention. It's the second-largest event of its kind in Canada, behind only Calgary's.
An estimated $100 million worth of equipment was on display, ranging from pump jacks and haulers on the outside to tubing and machining on the inside.
"The feedback from the exhibitors was they were really happy with the numbers and the contacts they were able to make," said event chair Darcy Cretin.
Most of them came from Saskatchewan and Alberta, but there were a few from Manitoba and even one from Oklahoma. Many Estevan and area businesses participated.
There was also a distinct southeast flavor to the June 4 awards ceremony. ARC Resources operations foreman Les Avery was presented the prestigious Southeast Saskatchewan Oilman of the Year Award. Midale resident Ken Lee, Weyburn businessman Jerry Mainil and former Estevan resident Nasie Schnell were all inducted into the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Hall of Fame.
Cretin feels much of the success of the show stems from a strong network of volunteers.
"Everybody who comes really seems to enjoy coming to this show," said Cretin. "They attribute it to the support they get from the volunteers. A lot of the shows they go to, they have to do everything themselves. The fact that we have a lot of volunteers available to assist in set up and tear down (helps)."
The pre-show golf tournament June 3, socials both nights and the ability for oilfield service shop owners to meet producers are other reasons Cretin believes the show succeeds.
Eight speakers were lined up for the two days, covering topics such as the future of the southeast Saskatchewan patch, futures markets, horizontal drills and financing.
Weatherford had likely the most popular indoor attraction: an exhibit in the Sports Arena the size of 10 booths that showcased many of their new projects. Cretin said that one garnered a lot of attention, while several on the outside caught people's eyes.
Organizers will hold a final meeting in a couple weeks, then take the summer off. Meetings will begin in the fall, with a new chair but mostly of the same executive.
Preparation is made easier by the number of people who have previously worked at the show. Most of the preparation comes the week before.
"It runs pretty smoothly," said Cretin. "The Oil Show office is pretty busy a month or two before the show, handling calls from exhibitors, getting everybody booked and taking care of the details."

Hilkewich regains trophy
By David Willberg
Kim Hilkewich is the golf king of Estevan's patch.
Hilkewich fired a 3-over-par 74 June 1 to capture the annual Estevan OTS Oilmen's Golf Tournament. It wasn't an easy victory, though, as Hilkewich had to endure a four-way playoff with Rick Hallberg, Scott Blackstock and Sean Gagnon.
Hallberg, who had the best score on the 31st with a 68, was eliminated on hole 10, the first of the playoff. Blackstock, a multi-time winner of the tournament, dropped out on 11.
That left Hilkewich and Gagnon. Gagnon put his approach shot on 12 - the third playoff hole - into the trees, leaving Hilkewich in the driver's seat. Hilkewich hit his approach to the front of the green, then stepped up and two-putted for par.
"It was unfortunate for Sean, but it made my decision a lot easier," said Hilkewich.
Hilkewich was concerned he'd blown the tournament on 18 when his approach shot went into the water. His fourth shot landed on the green, and he followed that up with a 40-foot putt to save par. When Blackstock missed a short birdie putt, it meant a playoff for the championship.
He called the sudden-death shootout the toughest playoff he's ever been in.
"I guess I just outlasted those guys, it was going to be whoever screwed up the least," said Hilkewich.
Ironically, he felt his putting let him down during the final day. He said he hit the ball really well, but missed some short birdie putts. Those missed putts weren't the result of poor conditions, though, and Hilkewich commended those responsible for upkeep of the course and the greens.
Bill Stanley of Sherwood, N.D. captured the Masters title with a 78, seven better than Dale Fox of Estevan.
Ironically, the lowest scores on June 1 came from the second flight. Jon Decker and Mark Herperger both shot 72, but Decker won in a count back. According to OTS rules, only those in the championship flight in the final day are eligible to win the overall tournament crown.
Other flight winners were: Kris Carley, first, 74; Tony Heath, third, 75; Dan Wonchuk, fourth, 78; Bill Halkyard, fifth, 77; Tom Latimer, sixth, 85; Doug Hunt, seventh, 85; Chad Chapman, eighth, 84; Norm Mack, ninth, 83; Ian Scott, 10th, 92; Garth Hoffart, 11th, 91; Cory Bjorndal, 12th, 96; Trent Dukart, 13th, 93; G. Wheeler, 14th, 102; and J. Young, 15th, 104.

Les Avery named top oilman
By David Willberg
"Totally flabbergasted" was Les Avery's reaction to winning the 2003 Southeast Saskatchewan Oilman of the Year Award June 4 at the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show.
"I never, ever even dreamed that I would be selected first of all," said Avery, who was still beaming during an interview with Lifestyles June 6.
The veteran patch worker and ARC Resources' operations foreman was confidentially informed in advance that he would be receiving the award so he could prepare an acceptance speech.
The process in getting Avery nominated began nearly a year ago. His office coordinator, Mary Lawrence, was working on it along with Avery's wife and some ARC employees in Calgary. Avery was surprised to find out he'd been nominated.
Thirty-six hours after receiving the award, he was still being inundated with phone calls and E-Mails; from anybody and everybody that Avery had worked for and with over the years, even the president of North Rock Resources. Avery spent three years at North Rock as a consultant.
"It's just been quite a high for me, it's a great honor," said Avery. "I've known some of the past recipients and they're very prominent people in the southeast, people like Ron Carson from Carson Welding (and Maintenance) and Ray Frehlick from Prairie Mud (and Chemical Service)."
"And then you look at the amount of people that work in the southeast," he continued. "The other night when I stood up at the banquet, there were 900 people there, there were likely a number of people in the crowd that could have been recipients as well as me, many people who have worked in the patch for a lot of years."
He views the reaction as a gesture of respect for the work ethic he tried to bring to the job.
The award is something he will cherish for the rest of his career, however long that lasts. He was asked June 4 when he will retire, but he said he won't know it's time until it happens.
Avery lives by and treats his staff according to the golden rule of dealing others as he would like to be dealt with. Most of his supervisors gave him that similar respect. When he views his employees as equals, he finds they're more eager to work.
"I just like people to come to work and enjoy work, because if you enjoy your work, you'll do a lot better job when you come to work," said Avery. "If you come to work in a cheerful mood and keep the morale high, you'll get a lot more out of your staff."
Longevity was a key factor in the recognition. Avery first started working the rigs at Findlater in 1959. Two years later, his family moved to Oxbow, where he got the first of many jobs in the southeast oil patch.
Avery worked at Dome Petroleum for most of his career, and spent five years at AMACO when they bought Dome out. After three years at North Rock, he worked at Star Tech for another three years until they were bought out by ARC in September of 2000.
"Throughout my work career, through all the acquisitions that have been going on, I've just went from one job to another without missing a day's work," said Avery.
There definitely is a feeling of pride that comes from the award, which Avery called the greatest recognition of his 40-plus year oilfield career. But it's not going to change anything: he's still going to come to work every day and work with his employees the same way.
During his 10-minute acceptance speech, Avery touched on the many changes he's seen in his career. Two-wheel drive trucks have become four-wheel drive trucks, and cell phones and two-way radios are mainstays in many vehicles. The focus on safety has been augmented, with the addition of alarm columns and more reliable protection equipment.
Pickers have been added to trucks, backhoes have expanded in size, and cement-based pouring has been simplified.
One thing that hasn't changed, though, is the dedication of people in the patch to their contracts.
"If somebody doesn't show up on time for a job, then that means some other part of the job will be held up, so everything always has to be co-ordinated together," said Avery. "That's one of the things I like about the oil patch is the dedication our service industry supplies."

WHEN IT'S SPRING TIME IN THE SUBURBS ...
Spring must be here - after all, there are warbling songbirds, noisy crows and shades of green I'd long forgotten existed. It's time for us prairie dwellers to swarm from our proverbial nests and celebrate the glorious combination of clear blue skies AND warm weather. Spring is no mere date on the calendar here, no simple reminder that everyone else tampered with the hands on the clock while we remained true to God's time - this is the End of Hibernation.
But I've come to realize there is one more sure indication of this long-awaited resurrection of the land. While robins advertise the season with song, suburban dwellers herald the arrival of spring with signs: "Garage Sale - All Day " they read. Whether they're Estate, Neighborhood or Block, they all mean the same thing…spring is here and folks are cleaning out.
Ed and I have developed a Saturday morning tradition since moving to the city: we indulge in an extra hour of sleep, enjoy our weekly fix of cholesterol (we used to call it bacon and eggs), and then head out to begin our search for treasure.
Over the next couple of hours we will discover and leave, discover and discuss and, in rare cases, discover and purchase "stuff". Some of it we wonder how we ever lived without; some of it will appear in the garage sale we plan to hold someday. Last week I shelled out $5 for the most delightful tea set you can imagine.
Coming to Christ makes us both the recipient and the dispenser of treasures. He gives to us salvation; we give to others the gift of his love expressed through good works. Talk about treasures for every season!
"…And the purses of heaven have no rips or holes in them. Your treasures there will never disappear…." Luke 12:33.

A Rustic Display of Elegance
Sonja's yard displays a true passion for creative gardening and absolute beauty.
Sonja and Lance Colbow along with their three daughters Mackenzie, Madison and Taylor live at 1482 Nicholson Road. Their yard displays a true passion for creative gardening and absolute beauty. "I have always had a passion and love for gardening," says Sonja.
Sonja is a member of the Garden Club and says it gives her the opportunity to share the excitement and joy that gardening brings. For 13 years, Sonja and Lance have been renovating their home and yard where Sonja's grandparents once lived.
The first year they laid a beautiful brick patio upon their front house entrance. They began hauling loads of dirt and manure to soften the soil.
The front yard has a gorgeous appearance. Winding flowerbeds lead along the driveway towards the front entrance of the house. The garden's corner consists of two cream colored potentillas, rose colored sedums, purple and pink creeping phlox, tulips, cushion spurge, fluorescent yellow silver mound, tickseed and ornamental blue fescue.
Large round stepping-stones and annual flowers are planted in between the perennials adding a brilliant contrast in color. Two attractive trellis walls and center walkway have been created along the red brick patio edge, giving a quiet sense of enclosure and privacy.
The front panels of the trellis consist of lovely climbing grapevines and morning glories. Winding flower gardens flow along these walls and consist of weeping caraganas, periwinkles, German catchfly and blue autumn joy sedums.
An enormous blue spruce shade tree is situated upon the front door entrance where a
four by four square box filled with bark mulch has been created around the base all surrounding with elegant red brick walkways.
A beautiful large hexagon shaped flower garden encircles this entire area, consisting of bright anemone white flowers, mini-globe caraganas and Sonja's favorite flowers, which are forget-me-nots, saying they are great shade plants. The garden's corner consists of large mini globe caraganas, lily of the valley and silver mound.
The patio has an elegant display of a rustic wrought iron umbrella table set. Sonja says she likes the rustic look and has created a lovely rustic theme of garden ornaments all within her front and backyards.
Flowers such as spirea, Virginia creeper, variegated hostas; astilbe, brilliant orange black-eyed susans and multi-colored annuals grow within the front house flowerbeds. Two large flowerpots are placed on each side of the trellis's patio entrance.
Upon entering the backside yard is a gorgeous raised brick flower garden. Huge stepping-stones, approximately two by four feet in diameter, serve as an incredible walkway along this garden structure. Within the corner of the yard is a lower flower garden with surrounding goutweed and a variety of perennials such as bleeding hearts and catmint.
An elegant sitting bench is situated in front of this area alongside a storage shed.
Outlining the entire backyard fence is a breathtaking appearance of winding raised brick flower gardens.
Numerous perennials and shrubs grow within these gardens such as tall delphiniums, blue flax, balsam, purple cranesbill, pink and white phlox, maltese cross and mini-globe caraganas. The contrast of the bright orange honey suckles and the bright yellow black-eyed Susans are brilliant. A display of nature plaques, morning glories and sweet peas line the back wall fence. Daylilies, tiger lilies, brilliant centaurea, lavender morden pink and Virginia creepers add contrast and foliage.
A lower corner garden consists of pink and red large shasta daisies, painted daisies and vine growing vegetables. Along the far side of the yard are three three by five foot raised flower and vegetable gardens, all which have been created especially for their daughters. Sonja says they have fun watering their plants as well as learning how to grow flowers and vegetables.
Lance has built an amazing wooden square lattice pergola structure upon the back of the house with elegant French patio doors serving as the entrance. Hanging wooden blinds and an attractive iron and wooden patio table and potting bench are situated within the center. A beautiful white arbor is placed in front of the pergola structure consisting of John Cabot climbing rose plants and surrounding winding flower and herb gardens.
An elegant winding brick walkway leads from the arbor to the back corner utility shed. A huge evergreen shade tree is situated upon the lawn surrounded by a gorgeous array of hostas. The soil within all of the flower gardens is amazingly rich. Sonja says she uses cocoa bean mulch to keep the weeds down and a large amount of manure around the shrubs. Sonja and Lance have created a marvelous yard. "It's been a joint effort," says Sonja, "Lance has great ideas!"
Though gardening is Sonja's true passion, she is also well known for her expertise as a hairdresser at Cuts Unlimited, where she has worked for 15 years. Lance works at SaskPower and with three young daughters, they still find the time to enjoy, maintain and create their home and yard into a rustic display of elegance and splendor.

HEALING OURSELVES
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
This article created by the Prince Albert Mental Health Centre provides excellent information on effective problem solving.
Step One: Fact Finding.
Don't jump the gun and panic over a problem situation. Also, don't jump in and act on the first answer that comes to mind. Find out the facts, by yourself, if possible. Dig to discover them. Don't go by what others say. Don't judge without knowing the facts.
Step Two: Outline the problem to yourself.
Be aware of two common errors, ignoring the problem that really exists and blowing a minor problem into a major catastrophe. Once you locate and define the problem, use brainstorming to uncover ideas about how it might be handled. Don't feel pressured into finding an immediate solution. The first idea is not always the best.
Step Three: Brainstorm a list of ideas.
Think widely for ideas. Let your mind wander and explore. Don't be restricted by normal boundaries or conventional thinking. Write down every thought that comes into your head. Ideas that may seem ridiculous at first, may later turn out to be quite practical, or may lead to more practical ideas later on.
Step Four: Explore resources.
You are not alone in this world. List the various people, agencies or resources you know that might be able to help you with your problem.
Step Five: Explore acceptable criteria for your possible solutions.
Decisions are governed by many factors: laws, money, moral values, obligations, beliefs, a sense of responsibility, of fairness, etc. List the criteria YOU need to meet for a solution to be acceptable. You may require some criteria personally, others by the people you work with, or by policies or laws, etc.
Step Six: Review your list of brainstorming ideas.
Determine which ideas on your list meet the criteria you indicated. You may drop some ideas quickly. Others may appear unrealistic at first glance, but may still be acceptable. If you take a second look at them, or revise them, they may turn out to be feasible, realistic and in line with your criteria.
Step Seven: Review your criteria.
Your initial criteria may have been too restrictive and excluded ideas worth exploring further. Review your ideas and criteria. Distinguish between critical and non-critical factors. Critical factors would be those things that cannot be changed without upsetting law and order or your basic values. Non-critical factors would be those things which although part of established policies, attitudes or procedures might be revised, if doing so would allow a new effective idea to be introduced.
Step Eight: Review after you match your ideas and your criteria.
Ask yourself: What will be the consequences of each of my choices, both for myself, and for others, both short-term and long-term? What choice do I want for myself? Wanting something for yourself is not necessarily selfish, if it doesn't hurt you or others. Choose a solution to your problem. Don't discard your other choices, as you may need to consider them again if your first choice isn't satisfactory.

Archery Club recognizes accomplishments
The Estevan Archery Club held their first annual awards banquet June 7 at the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion.
It was another successful year for the club, which, with 90 members, is the largest in the province. They also have the biggest youth program in Saskatchewan.
Awards, plaques, medals and certificates were presented to young and grown-up archers for outdoor and indoor achievements. Included in those were accomplishments at the local, provincial and even national levels.
Ken Chipley, chair for the 3D Canadian Archery Championships that take place August 1 to 4 in Estevan, updated the 108 people in attendance on progress for the event. He revealed some of the targets that had been purchased through fundraising efforts.

NHLers to have ball in Estevan
Hockey Ministries International (HMI) will host their fourth annual Longest Day of Ball June 14 at Cossette Field south of Estevan.
Calgary Flames forward Dean McAmmond - who was there last year - will be returning for 2003. He will be joined by former Estevan resident Barret Kropf, who has spent the last year working with HMI in the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan. A couple other current and former NHLers could still be joining them.
A 50-inning baseball game, the previous two editions of Longest Day of Ball were held at Al and Shelley Whitman's farm south of Hitchcock.
Over $24,000 was raised through the event last year. Event chair Mike LaCoste said they're hoping for a similar result this year, with between 20 and 35 supporters expected to play.
Proceeds from the event will go to support various HMI projects, including chapel programs and international tours, such as the one that brought a team of Kazakhstan peewee players to southeast Saskatchewan last December.

It wasn't easy an easy victory for Lynn Porter at the 2003 Classic Jewellers/Bastian Ladies Wear tournament June 7 at the Estevan Woodlawn Golf Course.
Porter fired an 86 under threatening skies to win the championship flight at the annual tournament. Along with the distinct possibility of rain, she had to contend with a tight race for the lead, as Linda Murphy and Donna Coulter finished one stroke back at 87. Murphy took second on a countback.
Fifty golfers participated this year, over 25 per cent more than in 2002.
Other flight winners: Cheryl Kendall won the first flight, beating Cathy Empey in a count back after both shot 92s; Myrna Carpenter, second, 102; Bernadette Wright, third, 102; Brenda Florek, fourth, 110; Shirley Barnstable, fifth, 119.
Other prizes during the event included a shortest drive, longest straightest drive, longest drive and longest putt.

SJHL changes rules, announces schedule
By David Willberg
Several significant changes were made during the SJHL's annual general meeting May 30 and 31.
The centre-ice red line was eliminated for two-line passes, beginning with this upcoming season. It's expected to improve the offensive flow and overall speed of the game.
It should also make the SJHL more appealing to college and university scouts. The NCAA, Canadian Interuniversity Sport and Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association have all forsaken the red line.
There will be a cap on the number of 20-year-olds at nine. The BC and Alberta junior circuits have adopted similar restrictions.
"I guess what they (the scouts) were looking at was to make sure you didn't have a team laden with ineligible (21-year-old) players," said Estevan Bruins president Andy Schroeder, who attended the meeting. "Then it sort of wasted their time and effort to come and watch."
The board tabled a recommendation to slash the number of 20-year-olds to six or seven in future years.
The interlocking all-star game with Manitoba has been dropped due to travel costs. All-star and prospects games will be held between the Sherwood and Dodge Conferences January 24 in Melfort.
"There's still a lot of enthusiasm about having the prospects game," said Schroeder. "The scouts love that, it showcases all your young, rookie players."
As for the schedule, teams will begin training camp August 29 and start the regular season September 19. The conference structure - seven teams in the north, five in the south - remains in tact. The top three teams from each conference make the playoffs, with two wildcard teams rounding out the Elite Eight.
The Bruins start their season with a home-and-home against the Melville Millionaires: September 19 on the road and the 20th at the Civic Auditorium. Schroeder is pleased with the club's schedule for this year.
"We're certainly more balanced this year with just about an even number of games for all the months," said Schroeder. "Except for one month, we're pretty balanced home-and-away, and that was done just for the economics of trying to run the organization."

BETWEEN THE LEGS
Jumping with a ball between the legs was one of several events during Hillcrest's track meet.
The threat of rain didn't keep Hillcrest School from hosting their annual track and field day June 6. Instead of spending the day in the classroom, students were able to go outside and participate in many athletic competitions.
Along with traditional track events such as the dash, high jump and long jump, they were able to test their skills in some other competitions: the shoe throw, the three-legged race and the ball-between-the-legs jump.

PRESS FOR THE PRIZE
Students from Estevan's Catholic ran in the 60-yard dash.
The Estevan Roman Catholic Separate School Division held their system-wide track meet June 6 at St. Mary's School. Hundreds of students from the three schools enjoyed a day outside of the classroom - running, leaping and throwing their way into ribbon contention. Sprints, standing and running long jump, high jump and the ball toss served as tests of their athletics abilities.

A Moment of Silence
Let us observe a moment of silence for the six people killed by a suicide blast on a bus near Kabul, Afghanistan.

Hats Off
All those working in southeast Saskatchewan's oil patch and make invaluable contributions to our community.