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EMPEY SWEEPS IN
RETURN TO MAYOR'S CHAIR
By David Willberg
John Empey is back on top of Estevan's political landscape.
In a dominant victory, Empey garnered 1,783 votes, more than 47 per cent
of the 3,770 that were cast for mayor. Empey finished in top spot in each
of the nine polls - including the advanced poll the week before and two
mobile polls.
Newcomer Shirley Thera finished second with 1,072 and incumbent Tim Perry
was third with 915.
A veteran politician, Empey served two-plus terms as a councillor from
1981 to 1988, and was mayor for two terms from 1988 to 1994. He was defeated
in the 1994 mayor's race by John Len, lost in the 1997 alderman race,
and was edged by Perry in 2000 by a mere seven votes.
The nine-year gap is the largest for a mayor in Estevan's history.
"It feels really good, and it looks like the plurality was quite
significant," said Empey. "I'm very pleased, and very confident
that we can move forward, and I'm very grateful and a little bit humbled
by it."
"It's been nine years since I've been in office, and it's nice that
people look back to the time I spent there and think that maybe I contributed
something and maybe think that I have something to contribute again. I
hope that in no way will I disappoint them."
Empey will have a veteran council, as the four incumbents who ran were
re-elected: Gary St. Onge, Sandy Wilson, Roy Ludwig and Brian Johnson.
Empey attributes the wide margin of victory to one less mayoral candidate
than three years ago.
"That makes quite a bit of difference, as that fourth person's votes
went some place else, and obviously a significant number of them went
to me," Empey told Lifestyles.
The 3,770 vote count represents roughly 60 per cent of eligible voters,
and a drop in about 500 voters from the 2000 election. Still, the 500
wouldn't have made any difference.
Minutes after his victory, Empey confirmed that he would resign his post
as president of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce. Vice-president Ron Areshenkoff
will assume those duties.
His other short-term goal is to build a unified council that debates the
issues. While there may be differences of opinion, once the decision is
made, the will of the majority is accepted.
"You're dealing with seven of us, all of whom have egos, and if we
didn't, we wouldn't have run in the first place," said Empey. "So
you're dealing with strong-willed folks who have constructive ideas, and
ideas of where the community should go. So there'll be some give and take.
That's a challenge at the best of times."
Bringing unity to council was one of Empey's focal points throughout the
campaign.
He'll also be meeting with Perry to discuss some of the issues that are
facing the City.
Perry believes Estevan is in good hands with Empey.
"John is a good man, he'll do a tremendous job running the City,"
said Perry. "I've said that right from the get-go. It didn't really
matter if John was in the chair or if I was in the chair, things were
going to move ahead."
"I've always said that John was a good mayor," Perry added later.
Empey had several other issues during the campaign: city beautification
through improving the appearance of entrances; reaching out to the youth
of Estevan through having an Estevan Comprehensive School SRC representative
sit in on council meetings in an advisory role; having issues discussed
in open council; developing long-term plans in five-year increments; holding
the line on taxes; and improving services to the industrial east side.
He also hopes to put the building blocks in place to grow the city to
15,000 people within the next 10 years. Estevan's population has hovered
around the 10,000 mark for decades.
Empey had 65 of the 126 votes in the advanced poll, and was well ahead
at every polling booth in both the north and the south. Despite holding
a 210-point lead on Thera and nearly 300 on Perry after the votes from
the southern station were counted, Empey never viewed victory as imminent
until after he had a lead of nearly 600 on Thera when the second of three
northern polls was reported.
"You never count your chickens until all the eggs crack open, because
you can get quite a surprise," said Empey. "It looked very good,
I felt very good about it, and my supporters seemed to indicate it was
won."
"But mostly what I think about is where we go from here, because
it's a big challenge and a big job ahead."
ELECTION RESULTS
RESULTS FROM THE OCTOBER 22
ESTEVAN CIVIC ELECTION (I MEANS INCUMBENT).
Mayor (1):
John Empey - 1,783
Shirley Thera - 1,072
Tim Perry (I) - 915
Councillor (6):
Dennis Moe - 2,197
Gary St. Onge (I) - 2,168
Sandy Wilson (I) - 2,105
Roy Ludwig (I) - 2,048
Lori Carr (Morstad) - 1,936
Brian Johnson (I) - 1,837
Colin Keess - 1,691
Dave Elliott - 1,824
Larry Ward - 1,408
John Len - 1,309
Helene Lalonde - 1,192
Public School Board
(5):
Ron Jickling (I) - 1,618
Linda Perry (I) - 1,564
Pam Currie (I) - 1,524
Teresa Dumaine (I) - 1,385
Jade Cable - 1,192
Jack Bramham - 1,076
Holy Family Roman
Catholic Separate School Board (3):
Lester Bill (I) - 738
Karen Melle - 715
Vince Marcotte (I) - 703
Cindy Zeleny (I) - 504
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Karwacki pays Estevan
a visit
By David Willberg
Saskatchewan Liberal Leader David Karwacki was in the Estevan Constituency
October 16 for the second time since the provincial election was called
October 8.
Karwacki participated in the grand opening of local candidate Tim Seipp's
Estevan campaign office. He spoke with over a dozen supporters at the
office, then toured the Boundary Dam Power Station with Seipp.
Ironically, Karwacki's day started in Calgary at an MRI clinic, where
the province is sending SGI and Worker's Compensation Board patients.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan MRI sites aren't used to their full potential.
Health Care is one of his biggest issues.
"We need action on Health Care," he said. "We know the
past, we've had studies, we've had (Dr. Ken) Fyke, we've had (Roy) Romanow,
we know where we're going on Health Care."
Other platforms include: generating jobs for young people, ensuring safe
living in Saskatchewan, making the province affordable for all residents,
and getting the education portion of the property tax down to 30 per cent
over the next 10 years.
"We have a plan that's reasonable, it's pragmatic, it can happen
immediately, we're going to implement everything in our policy platform
immediately, everything can start," said Karwacki. "Not like
the Saskatchewan Party, who have said 'we're going to wait two years before
we have any tax relief in this province.'"
He views tax cuts as the Sask. Party's only platform. Meanwhile, the NDP
didn't reveal their entire platform until October 17, and Karwacki can't
understand their direction.
Karwacki vowed they will have a full slate of 58 candidates by the November
5 election, even though they still have some vacancies. Others, like John
Atwell in Cannington, are parachutes.
As for Seipp, Karwacki called him "a star" after Seipp was nominated
in July.
Karwacki's first visit was October 10 at the Encana CO2 project in Goodwater.
He hopes to visit the constituency once more before November 5.
There has been much speculation on how many votes the Liberals would lose
after Jim Melenchuk and Ron Osika formed a coalition government with the
NDP four years ago. Osika and Melenchuk have since been booted from the
Liberal party and will run for the NDP in the next provincial election.
Karwacki is still confident his party can form a majority government,
and isn't expecting a coalition backlash.
"I think we're by that," said Karwacki. "People are so
... frustrated with the options that they see. We really want to provide
something positive. I think people are getting pretty cynical about politics,
so it's about being positive."
"I was very definitive on the coalition, that we're not going to
make deals like that in the future, and I think I dealt with Mr. Melenchuk
and Mr. Osika in that way. I gave them a chance to come on our team, they're
not on our team, nor will they ever be on our team."
See pages 4 and 5 for more coverage on the 2003 provincial election.
Saskatchewan Library
Week 2003
Oct. 19th to 25th, 2003
Saskatchewan Library Week is a province-wide, annual event, which promotes
the wonderful resources and services that libraries have to offer. Saskatchewan
Library Week is celebrated throughout Saskatchewan in all types of libraries,
in both urban and rural communities and by all age groups. The Saskatchewan
Library Association has proudly presented this weeklong celebration for
the past 26 years.
Our theme for 2003 is 'Everything from A to Z @ your library'. SLW 2002
was so popular that the same graphics are featured again this year on
our poster. The A-Z listing on the SLW poster shows many of the things
that libraries have to offer.
Libraries are places of opportunity, self-help and lifelong learning.
And with today's library technology, information from around the world
is just a few clicks away. Now that is wonderful and exciting news!
We want the general public to know that libraries are….
-Dynamic, community centres for learning, information and entertainment.
-More than just printed materials but provide access to computers, the
Internet and programs.
-Rare institutions that are within everyone's reach, regardless of age,
education or income level.
-The ultimate equal opportunity resource
AND that librarians are….
-Well-trained, friendly, information experts who help people find whatever
it is they are looking
-Information smart in an information rich world
Saskatchewan Library Association www.lib.sk.ca
INFECTION CONTROL WEEK
It's Infection Control week in Canada - one of the most important "weeks"
on the health care calendar. In modern health care, infection control
is an important part of the increasing emphasis on disease prevention
and maintaining health.
In the Sun County Health Region infection control is provided by a dedicated
team of professionals. Dr. David Butler-Jones, the Medical Officer of
Health, is an expert on infection control and communicable diseases. A
communicable disease nurse keeps track of and provides follow up services
for communicable diseases in the community and S.C.H.R. institutions.
Public Health inspectors provide inspection services, advice and monitoring
of various community establishments. An infection control nurse provides
education and information to staff members and physicians.
"Infection control is also practiced by many of our professionals
as part of their day to day duties," says Michelle Luscombe, R.N.,
Infection Control Nurse for the Sun Country Health Region. "Workers
in Housekeeping, Lab Services and the Pharmacy practice infection control
every day. The most visible parts of infection control are the gloves
and gowns that we have to wear for some patients, but the behind the scenes
daily practices of many of our workers are just as important in controlling
the spread of germs."
Good infection control is so important in modern society that most of
us practice it daily. We wash our hands often and encourage our children
to do likewise. We arrange the necessary immunizations for our children
at school age and get them for ourselves before we travel. When we are
feeling sick we avoid visits to frail relatives. We practice safe skills
in cooking, food handling and storage.
"One of the most important things you can do this time of the year
is to get your flu shot," says Luscombe. "For most people it
will dramatically reduce the chance of getting influenza and will help
to limit the spread of this disease."
PROVINCIAL ELECTION
CANDIDATES OF 2003
SASKPARTY CANDIDATE: DOREEN EAGLES
Doreen Eagles is seeking a second straight term as Estevan's MLA with
the Saskatchewan Party.
Eagles was nominated to again represent the Sask. Party back in August
of 2002, and was re-nominated in January due to the redesigned constituency
boundaries. She wasn't surprised when Premier Lorne Calvert called the
election on October 8, and claims she was ready last spring.
"Ninety-nine per cent of me believed it was going to go this fall,
I guess it was one per cent thinking that he would wait until spring,"
said Eagles. "When you sit down and do the rationale of it all, and
think 'what is he going to gain by waiting until the spring,' there was
absolutely nothing he could gain by waiting."
Since her campaign began, many have expressed their desire to see a change.
She's optimistic of her chances locally, but not enough to become complacent.
She was hoping to start a door-to-door blitz last week, and has been campaigning
in the Radville area.
As for her party, Eagles is cautiously optimistic they can take the next
step and form government. The Sask. Party won 26 seats in 1999, none of
them in Regina or Saskatoon. This time, Eagles expects two or three seats
in Regina and at least double that in Saskatoon, while maintaining their
rural grasp.
Issues she plans to key on are the NDP's record on population growth and
out-of-province investment. As for the Liberals, Eagles doesn't think
the electorate have forgiven them for forming a coalition government with
the NDP.
There is much conjecture on the future of the Crown Corporations, but
Eagles vowed the four major ones - SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskTel and
SGI - aren't for sale.
"Our platform clearly states that the four major crowns are not for
sale, and that's what I believe, and that's what I'm campaigning on,"
said Eagles.
LIBERAL CANDIDATE:
TIM SEIPP
Liberal Tim Seipp is seeking a first term as Estevan's MLA.
Seipp was nominated in July. With the influx of funding announcements
that had been made by the NDP, Seipp knew that an election was imminent.
He'd also received word from the provincial office that the writ could
be dropped soon.
Since the election was called October 5, Seipp has been talking to people
at various functions in the riding, and going door-to-door. He's heard
a desire for change, and thinks the Liberals have the plan for it. Party
Leader David Karwacki has already made two stops in the constituency:
the Encana CO2 project in Goodwater, and the grand opening of the Estevan
campaign office on October 16.
"We've had him two times in the first nine days of the campaign,"
said Seipp. "The riding is important to us locally and to the Liberals
provincially, both Estevan and Weyburn-Big Muddy."
Estevan is an important riding, Seipp said, because of the strength of
the Crowns and the oil and agriculture industries.
Seipp and the Liberals want the Crown Corporations to serve the people
of the province. They have a 10-year plan to reduce the education portion
of the property tax, and want to make maximum use of all the transportation
systems available.
Not only does he like his chances, but he thinks the Liberals can form
a majority government, even though they currently have one seat in the
legislature. Seipp isn't concerned about a voter backlash because of the
coalition government with the NDP, since it was arranged by past leadership.
"We're the fastest-growing party in the province," said Seipp.
"We're coming out with a message that's positive, our campaign is
positive, we haven't got into the other parts of it, we want to talk about
what our plan is, what our vision is for Saskatchewan, and people really
seem to like that message."
NEW GREEN ALLIANCE
CANDIDATE:
SIGFREDO GONZALEZ
Sigfredo Gonzalez is taking another run at the Estevan constituency's
MLA seat with the New Green Alliance Party.
Gonzalez finished fourth in the 1999 provincial election while running
for the NGA. Like the candidates for the other parties, the October 8
election call wasn't a surprise, as his party's connections were predicting
an election call for some time in September or October.
The NGA platform is the same they had four years ago, with the key issues
being social justice and environmental awareness. They believe that the
three main parties are the same, they essentially all stand for the same
things, and that the NGA is the only one representing change.
So far, 30 candidates have been nominated, so they won't likely have a
full field in the election.
"I don't know why people are scared to run for a party that stands
for more social justice than the rest of the other parties," said
Gonzalez.
As a smaller party, they haven't opened a campaign office. However, they're
hoping that NGA Leader Ben Webster could be in Estevan sometime this week
to meet with people in the community.
Provincially, he thinks his party can get a couple of seats and attain
official party status. The NGA wants a new system implemented that would
base seats on the percentage of the number of votes each party gets. Majority
governments often don't have a majority of the votes.
Locally, he's confident of his chances, but winning isn't his only goal.
"Our main point is to bring our platform out, a different point of
view and a different approach to politics," said Gonzalez. "It's
a different approach to deal with the social issues that affect everyday
life, then after that ask the people to choose who they want."
NDP CANDIDATE:
DAVID PATTYSON
David Pattyson is the NDP's hope for reclaiming the Estevan constituency.
He's attempting to become Estevan's first NDP MLA since Larry Ward held
the post from 1995 to 1999, when he was defeated by Doreen Eagles.
A former mayor of Tribune and current manager of the Saskatchewan Wheat
Pool, Pattyson has several issues in this election: agriculture, highways,
health, education and the Crown Corporations. He wasn't surprised when
the election was called October 8.
"If a person was listening to what Lorne Calvert was saying publicly,
there were certainly a few hints that the election was near," said
Pattyson. "We were prepared and ready to go."
They've already gone door-to-door in several parts of the constituency.
Pattyson has done mainstreeting in Estevan and talked with people in Radville
and Midale.
Health Care is an issue that's been mentioned to him repeatedly. Deteriorating
highways, the Saskatchewan Party's stance on the Crown Corporations, agriculture
and the future of organized labor in the province are other concerns.
A grand opening for his campaign office - located at the intersection
of King Street and Souris Avenue - was held on October 18.
Pattyson would like to see Premier Lorne Calvert visit during the campaign
to build support, but doesn't think he'll be hurt if Calvert doesn't come.
Calvert was in the southeast region in September.
He hopes that people will look at the ideologies and economic policies
of the NDP and the Saskatchewan Party before making a decision.
"Taking a look at the two platforms, it should be an easy decision
for the people of Estevan to look towards the NDP," said Pattyson.
"As I go around and humbly ask for their support, I'm finding that
it's there, it's just a matter of making people aware of what the alternatives
are."
Raum, Moroz coming
to Estevan
Saskatchewan violinist Erika Raum and Manitoba pianist David Moroz will
perform at St. Paul's United Church in Estevan on October 28 at 7:30 p.m.
as part of the Stars for Saskatchewan series.
Performing masterpieces from a classical violin and piano repertoire,
the duo will entertain with their artistry. Raum has performed coast to
coast in Canada and in the U.S. and Europe. The Toronto Star refers to
her as "one of Canada's most talented young string players."
Moroz is a graduate of the Julliard School. As a soloist, he has performed
in every major Canadian city, and appears regularly with Canada's most
distinguished musicians. He is a frequent guest on CBC radio.
UPCOMING FLU CLINICS
The Sun Country Health Region will be hosting flu immunization clinics
during the coming weeks.
The clinics are free to individuals in high risk groups: seniors; those
with chronic heart, lung or kidney diseases; those with diabetes or asthma;
and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care institutions.
Upcoming clinics are in:
*Alameda: October 28, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Merry Maker's Society.
*Alida: October 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the
Golden Gate Senior Citizens' Centre.
*Bienfait: October 30, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the 55 and Over Club.
*Carievale: October 30, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Caravilla Lodge.
*Carlyle: October 28, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Happy Gang Club.
*Carnduff: October 27, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Carnduff Friendship Centre.
*Estevan: October 23, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Sussex Arms; October 27, 9:00
to 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Tower and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Heritage Place;
October 29, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Creighton Lodge; October 30, 9:30 to
10:30 a.m. at Midtown Manor; and November 3, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Yardley
Place and 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Inglis Court.
*Gainsborough: October 30, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Happy Hours Club.
*Kenosee Lake: October 30, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Drop-in
Centre.
*Kisbey: October 30, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Silver Threads.
*Midale: October 21, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Mainprize Manor.
*Oungre: October 21, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oungre Regional Park.
*Stoughton: October 23, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Drop-in Centre.
*Torquay: October 30, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the 50 and Over Club.
Lions converge
on Estevan
Southeast Saskatchewan Lions Club delegates made their way to Estevan
October 17 to 19 for the District 5-CE fall conference.
There were also representatives from Manitoba and North Dakota in attendance.
It was the first time Estevan has hosted the convention since 1998.
A variety of speakers updated members on what is happening in their organization
and what the Lions have done for them: Mary Arpin from the Canadian National
Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Catherine Weisgerber from Canadian Blood
Services, Jim Wilm of Leader Dogs, Gail Shirley with the Red Cross, and
Fire Chief Rick Perry with Estevan Fire Services.
"It's to try to motivate Lions and see what else we can do in the
community, as well as acknowledge what we have done in the community,"
said event co-chair Margaret Duncan.
There were also elections, services and celebrations. A banquet and dance
were held on the 17th.
Duncan said the entire Estevan club spent a lot of time putting it all
together. District governor Dennis Jean-Marie of the Avonlea chapter was
in town frequently to assist preparations.
"It's a big event to put on with the people and the number of speakers
we have coming in," said Duncan.
Jean-Marie said the members enjoyed their stay in Estevan and the things
they learned. He says many exciting things are happening within the Lions
organization.
"If people are in need, they come to us, and we try to help them
out the best way we can," said Jean-Marie.
Bailey likes united
right
By David Willberg
Souris - Moose Mountain MP Roy Bailey is backing the amalgamation recently
announced between the Canadian Alliance Party and the Progressive Conservatives.
The respective party leaders, Stephen Harper and Peter MacKay, put an
end to 16 years of conservative separation with an October 16 merger agreement.
Talks had broken off last month between the two sides, but were rekindled
again early last week. The party will be called the Conservative Party
of Canada.
Main obstacles are now ratification and leadership. The Alliance by-laws
stipulate that only 50 per cent plus one is needed for approval, but the
PCs require a two-thirds majority. David Orchard, who has the backing
of about a quarter of the PC party, has voiced his disapproval, as have
several others.
Bailey expects the deal will still get done.
"I personally think that the Conservative membership realizes that
if they say no, they are left to obscurity," Bailey told Lifestyles.
"They will die a slow death."
As for a new leader, Bailey's pick is Harper, whom Bailey backed in the
2002 Alliance leadership race.
"Peter and I are good friends, but Stephen Harper is probably the
best leader in the house today," said Bailey. "He has outstanding
abilities and personality, a real Canadian."
If a merger is approved, a leadership vote will occur March 21, giving
a new leader little time to prepare the party for an expected spring election.
The amalgamation should improve their strength in western Canada, while
improving the chances of winning in Ontario.
"The Canadian Alliance ran a strong second in almost half of the
Ontario seats," said Bailey. "The combined votes would have
made a world of difference."
COUNCIL NOTES
Highlights from the October 14 meeting of Estevan City Council:
*The City will issue income tax receipts to individuals who make donations
to the Estevan Woodlawn Golf Course's renovations. The City can do that
because they own a majority of the land.
*If a tender comes in within the budgeted amount for the Bay Meadows drainage
problems, it will be approved, as the project needs to be finished before
freeze-up. If it is over budget, the new council will have to deal with
it.
*Tenders for modifications to the Waste Water Treatment Plant came over
budget, so the contracts will be clarified and consolidated to get a better
offer. The sewer by-pass and stainless steel tank can still be built this
year, but the rest of the project must be re-tendered. The lowest of three
tenders for the building was $235,400, with the estimated amount $167,000;
mechanical came in at $66,340 on a $42,000 estimate; and electrical came
in at $19,119 on a $20,000 estimate. There was also confusion from the
companies on the scope of the project.
*R.S. Wilson and Son Construction Ltd. was awarded a $9,073 tender for
mid-slope excavation and stabilization on the hill overlooking Elm Street.
Members of council decided to focus on the top third of the hill, where
the problems are, instead of the entire slope.
CANDIDATE FOR RURAL
BOARD: MARCEL POULIOT
Marcel Pouliot is seeking a second term as the Lampman representative
on the Estevan Rural School Board.
Pouliot got in via acclamation in 2000, but his seat has been challenged
by Greg Wallin. He is seeking another three years on the board because
he wants to see the completion of the Lampman project - which he views
as the most pressing issue for the new board - and he wants to see the
best education possible for the students.
"I've enjoyed my first term, very much so," said Pouliot. "You
learn a lot, it's very eye-opening."
He didn't realize before how much goes into running a school division,
especially working with the government and different groups of people.
He's pleased with how the last three years have gone and the direction
the board has taken during that time. Pouliot isn't surprised his seat
has been challenged.
Pouliot has two grandchildren currently attending the Lampman School.
National Massage
Therapy Awareness Week
OCTOBER 19TH - 25TH 2003
"Leaders in Soft Tissue Healthcare"
SIXTY PERCENT OF YOUR BODY - CELEBRATE!
The muscle and skeletal system are 60% of the mass of the human body.
Skin, fascia, muscle, tendon and ligaments are a few examples of what
is called soft tissues. Apart from its obvious role in the support and
motion of the body it is also involved in biochemical and biomechanical
activities. Soft tissue is the main consumer of our body's energy.
Soft tissue can be a source of a great deal of pain and dysfunction. This
pain can be general, localized or refer to other areas of the body. Dysfunctions
can be the result of trauma, like sport or motor vehicle injuries; illness,
emotional stress and mechanical stress like poor posture.
Massage therapists are specifically trained to assess, treat and manage
soft tissue problems or dysfunctions. In many ways massage therapists
are leaders in the care of soft tissue. Increasing research into the efficacy
of massage therapy confirms what has been known for centuries.
Across Canada there are 5,000 members of the Canadian Massage Therapist
Alliance (CMTA). The CMTA represents provincial and territorial massage
therapy associations that share the same vision, goals and educational
requirements. Every year the CMTA celebrates National Massage Therapy
Awareness Week. October 19-25, 2003 is the date of National Massage Therapy
Awareness Week. Across our nation, this Week will be celebrated with the
theme "Leaders in Soft Tissue Healthcare.
Additional information about massage therapy or the Canadian Massage Therapist
Alliance can be found at http://www.cmta.ca.
CANCER DISCUSSED
AT MEETING
By David Willberg
The Canadian Cancer Society held their final "Talking about Cancer"
consultation meeting on October 9 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Estevan.
It was the 21st session, capping off a series that toured the province.
The night before, there were 18 people attending a similar meeting in
Redvers.
Maaike Asselbergs chaired the Estevan meeting. She said the meetings served
as an opportunity to ask various communities about their needs.
"We ask them, community by community, what are the most pressing
needs that affect their quality of life, and not just the quality of life
of patients, but also their families and care givers," said Asselbergs.
"We ask them a second question about what ideas and suggestions they
may have for what can be done to improve the quality of life. And lastly,
we want to offer them an opportunity to give advice to the Canadian Cancer
Society."
Issues addressed during the sessions included transportation, which is
a big one in Saskatchewan because of the distance people have to travel
for care. A lack of awareness of resources and an inability to link to
them, the need for a coordinated effort and dissemination of information
have also been covered during meetings.
Asselbergs sees progress in the fight against cancer, but that is tempered
by the aging society and more people being diagnosed with cancer.
"The news is getting better and better in terms of earlier detection,
better screening, a lot more answers about treatments that work,"
said Asselbergs. "The investment on research is really beginning
to pay off in a big way. The kind of daily new findings, if they're all
put into practice, should make for an increasingly bigger difference."
Murray GM holds
grand opening
Murray GM in Estevan and Oxbow celebrated their grand opening October
16 at their Estevan dealership. The Murray Automotive Group purchased
the two former Bordertown Chev Olds outlets late last year, and long-time
employee Herb Padwick is now running the two businesses. National and
provincial representatives from the Murray Group were on hand. Guests
were served cake, snacks and refreshments, and a reception at the Beefeater
Plaza followed.
SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, OCT. 23-27
Economic Development Minister Dwain Lingenfelter said Oct. 19th Small
Business Week in Canada, Oct. 23 to 27, is a celebration of special importance
to Saskatchewan.
"The small business sector is probably more important to Saskatchewan's
economy than almost any other province," Lingenfelter said. "Small
businesses represent almost 40 per cent of all employment in Saskatchewan.
In 1993, they had a payroll of more than $2.3 billion. Locally owned,
independent and innovative, they create nearly three-quarters of the new
jobs in Saskatchewan.
"That's why small business has been an integral part of the Partnership
for Renewal economic plan." The plan, introduced in 1992, is a 10-year
strategy to improve the economy by working in partnership with business,
workers, producers, communities and the people of Saskatchewan.
Lingenfelter said the Saskatchewan government worked in partnership with
the federal government to create the Canada Saskatchewan Business Service
Centre, which combines information on federal and provincial government
programs, services and contacts at a single point of access.
"Other steps to support small business include lowering the small
business tax rate, the investment tax credit on capital purchases directed
to manufacturing and processing activity, and reduced Corporate Income
Taxes tied to the level of manufacturing and processing activity in the
province." Lingenfelter said this year's Small Business Week theme:
New Markets - Opportunities for Growth, is a perfect fit with the fastest
growing companies in the Saskatchewan economy.
"Our fastest growing businesses are young companies with just a few
employees, aggressively marketing new ideas and new products, and searching
for new markets all over the world," Lingenfelter said. "These
enterprises play a vital role in our province, providing necessary services
and products, and creating jobs. They can react faster, achieve higher
standards and provide better service at lower cost than many of their
much larger, more readily recognized competitors based outside of Saskatchewan."
Small crowd for
forum
Estevan's Catholic Teachers hosted a candidate's forum for the Estevan
Roman Catholic Separate School Board election October 16 at the Knights
of Columbus Hall.
Only two of the four candidates - Vince Marcotte and Karen Melle - were
in attendance. Lester Bill and Cindy Zeleny were unable to attend. Marcotte
and Melle gave opening and closing statements and answered questions from
the floor.
The election will be held October 22. Three candidates will be elected
to join the board, which will amalgamate with the Weyburn and St. Olivier
boards to form the Holy Family board January 1, 2004.
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Bruins blow lead
to La Ronge
By David Willberg
The Estevan Bruins home ice unbeaten streak came to a crashing halt in
a 3-2 overtime loss to the La Ronge Ice Wolves October 18.
Estevan had gone 4-0-1 in their first five games at the Civic Auditorium
this year. A fifth of the way through the season, Estevan owns a 6-2-1-2
record, second in the Sherwood Conference, and two points behind first
place Melville with a game in hand.
Estevan came out flying in the first period. Dominic Cote scored on a
wraparound attempt three minutes into the game to give his team a 1-0
lead, and Joel Pullman made it 2-0 after a scramble in front of the net.
Estevan outclassed the Ice Wolves throughout the first, outshooting them
19-4.
But La Ronge didn't give up. Patrick Voll redirected a point shot midway
through the second to close the gap to one goal, and Kirby Markowsky tied
the game in the third after a scramble in front of Bruin netminder Justin
Mrazek. The Bruins had several chances to win late, but couldn't convert.
In overtime, Jeff Marshall dangled past a Bruin defenceman to create a
two-on-one, then slid a pass to Kyle Gladue, who buried the opportunity
to complete the comeback.
"We stopped competing in the second and third," said Cote. "We
just got comfortable, and they took it to us in the third. We didn't capitalize
on our chances or work hard, and it ended up in a loss."
Assistant coach Evan Handley echoed Cote's statement that they became
complacent after the opening 20 minutes. He said they need to keep working
when they get an opponent down. Getting one point from an overtime loss
against the team with the worst record in the league was little consolation.
It was a far cry from the night before, when the Bruins were stellar in
holding the lead in a 3-2 victory over the Nipawin Hawks. Nursing the
3-2 lead after 40 minutes, the Black and Gold held Nipawin to six shots
on goal in the third period. Most of those shots were low-quality.
Forward Matt Harms made his return to the line-up against Nipawin after
missing seven games with a broken thumb. He said it still isn't 100 per
cent, but that didn't stop him from scoring a goal.
"It's great to come back and score a goal in the first game back
after sitting out seven," said Harms. "The confidence is coming
back."
They did, however, suffer a loss at the end of the Nipawin game, as captain
Chris Stubel was assessed a match penalty for a slash. He missed the game
versus La Ronge, and will sit out the October 25 and 30 games versus Flin
Flon and Weyburn as part of a three-game suspension.
"It's very disappointing they gave him a penalty like that, it's
the first one called in the SJHL this year," said Handley. "It's
a big part of our team, captain Stubel, so hopefully he'll be back soon."
Miller wins again
Tory MIller won first place in the two kilometre race for the second straight
year at the district track meet in Wawota October 7.
Tory Miller knows all about success over long distances.
The 13-year-old Lampman School student took first place in the two kilometre
run, the furthest distance in his age group, at the district cross-country
meet October 7 in Wawota. He posted a time of seven minutes and 33 seconds,
about 16 seconds ahead of his closest competitor.
He said it was one of the hardest runs he ever had, but his margin of
victory was larger than his normal 10 seconds.
"The track just seems longer," he said. "The one in Estevan
didn't seem the two full kilometres, but this one did. There's more uphill
running than in Estevan."
He won three track meets in Estevan leading up to districts.
It was the second straight year he took first in the two kilometres at
districts. Last year, he was tops amongst the pee-wees. This year, he
was the best against the bantams. He's pleased he was able to repeat against
an older crowd.
Next year, he'll be racing in the 14 and 15-year-old midget bracket, with
a chance to qualify for provincials.
He first got involved in cross-country through track and field. He runs
two to three kilometres each night, plays hockey with the Estevan TS&M
Bantam AA Bruins and swims, all of which help him to stay in shape.
Minor hockey underway
Another season of minor hockey in Estevan is well underway.
All of Estevan's A and AA teams have started their season, and the selection
process for house leagues is almost finished.
One of this year's new teams, the Estevan P.S. Electric Bantam A Bruins,
played their first-ever regular season home game October 18 versus the
Moose Jaw KCS Marketing Bantam Warriors. It wasn't the result the Bruins
were looking for, though, as the Warriors beat them 5-1.
Badminton season
underway
The Estevan Badminton Association will serve up the start of another season
October 17.
The club will meet Friday and Sunday nights at the Estevan Comprehensive
School gymnasium until the end of March. Players of all ages and skill
levels are welcome.
Season membership and nightly drop-in rates are available. Nets and shuttles
are supplied free of charge and coaching is available upon request.
A new doubles league will run from November to the Christmas break. Players
will be divided into groups and each will compete in two games with the
other group members. Scores will be tracked for each player, and prizes
will be awarded during the final evening for the top players in each group.
Variety at Model
Engineer Show
Over 60 people from across western Canada and the mid-west U.S. brought
an assortment of items to the annual Model Engineer Show, October 18 and
19 at the Wylie Mitchell building in Estevan.
Model engines, gas steam engines, threshing machines, boats, machine tools
and even racing cars and telescopes covered the tables. About a quarter
of the exhibitors were new, including one from Wisconsin, who created
a bolt that is one-nine thousandths of an inch in diameter. Then, he created
a nut for it.
Many of the exhibitors had products for sale, such as castings, while
others showed the people how they built the models.
"We have some locomotives under construction," said spokesman
Kelly Tytlandsvik. "Partially finished projects are good to see,
people like to see them partly done, so they know where you start at."
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