Feature

Storm wreaks havoc on Estevan

By David Willberg
It was a storm to remember, for those who witnessed it and others who were directly affected by it.
More than 20 millimetres of precipitation were recorded at Environment Canada's official measuring station at the Estevan Airport July 2. High winds, heavy rain, large and sustained hail and even tornados were part of the freak weather system that lasted only a few minutes.
Funnel clouds were spotted in and around Macoun, Hitchcock, Outram, Glen Ewen and Carnduff.
Wind gusts eclipsed 100 kilometres an hour and destroyed trees. Estevan city clerk Yvette Wright said initial estimates indicated 63 trees were uprooted. City crews cleaned up debris well into the night July 2.
"Between them and a lot of really great volunteers, I think the streets were made passable," said Wright. "From then, most of the people have just been looking after their own property and dealing with the debris."
Free landfill services were being offered to Estevan residents to dump trees and shrubs damaged by the storm.
All Estevan residents were without power at some point during the storm, and some customers didn't have electricity restored until around midnight Saturday. Power failures also occurred in Oxbow, Glen Ewen, Carnduff, Carievale and Gainsborough and the surrounding rural customers.
"Part of that was the fact that in Estevan, the roof off the Legion Hall fell on the power line, and that had an impact on the operation of the sub-station," said SaskPower spokesman Larry Christie.
At the peak period, Christie estimated 3,000 customers were without power.
Several buildings sustained serious damage. A portion of the plastic roof at the Souris Valley Market Gardens' greenhouse was torn off.
"From the highway, it looked fine, but once we got in and saw the east side, it had ripped away," said owner Rhonda Hesketh.
Perhaps the most staggering destruction was sustained to the unfinished Southview Court Town Homes, located on the old hospital site in Estevan. Dennis Moe from Century 21 Border Real Estate, who is selling the condominiums, said he was "devastated" when he saw the damage.
"The fortunate part is nobody was hurt, the building didn't fall on top of any other buildings, and it's just lumber," Moe told Lifestyles.
Insurance representatives inspected the damage on July 4. A deadline for the insurance agencies final report hasn't been established.
"We aren't in a position to make any kind of announcements until the insurance adjuster looks at it and deals with it," said Moe. "It was a good project a week ago, I'm sure it'll be a good project again."
Lumber from the project was hauled away starting July 5.
Neil Kish witnessed the development's destruction from his house a few feet away.
"We were looking out the front window, it was blowing and hailing, and from the amount of time where the wind really hit to when the building went down was probably 10 seconds at the very most," said Kish.
Kish said the wind pushed the lower levels down, and the top came down on top of what collapsed.
The tin roof from the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion's main hall was blown away. Office manager Maureen Duncan said they also lost their two air conditions, electricity and ceiling tiles.
The neighbouring small hall, Jubilee Room and club room escaped unscathed, but were closed from the lack of power.
Legion bingo was cancelled for July 4 to 8. Duncan hopes they can resume games in the small hall the following week. Three wedding receptions had to be moved.
"One wedding, fortunately, found another place to go to. I have to get in contact with the other two wedding parties and tell them they can't be here. I'm trying to find other places for them to go to," said Duncan. "The Elks said they will help us, the Knights of Columbus said they will help us."
Duncan estimates the main hall will be closed until the end of July.
Stephanie Michel watched the storm develop from her Hitchcock home. They finished mowing the lawn, weeding the garden when conditions became ugly.
"It seemed to come in pretty quick, it got kind of overcast, and it just suddenly blew up into major winds," said Michel. "We were keeping a pretty close eye on the sky, and it was looking pretty ugly there. I got my camera and was taking some pictures, but by the time I was done, we had everything in the basement and prepared for the worst."
The tornado did not touch down near them. They lost trees, shrubs, some shingles off the roof and their garden.
Bryant Conquergood from Border Bannatyne Insurance said more than 100 claims have flooded his office since the storm, all related to wind and hail damage.
"I think we've got three or four that had trees come down on their house, but other than that, they're pretty small," said Conquergood. "A lot of it just turns out to be clean-up more than anything else: branches, leaves and a couple blocks on the west end with trees falling in the front yard."
Conquergood said there were worse storms in August of 1997 and July of 1986.
"Those would be the two biggest volume and dollar-wise claims in the last 20 years," said Conquergood. "We probably had 80 per cent of the city, both times, put claims in. This time, it'll be lucky to be 10 per cent of the city."
Tim Katsantonis and his wife Tara were fishing offshore by the boat launch on Rafferty Dam when the clouds rolled in. They packed up their gear and traveled home, and they saw the funnel clouds forming as the reached the overpass that crosses the Dam. Katsantonis then started to take pictures.
Katsantonis estimates that the tornado struck about 25 kilometres west of Estevan, between Outram and Rafferty Dam. It was the first full-fledged tornado Katsantonis had witnessed.
"I've seen a lot of funnel clouds around Estevan, but usually just small, little skinny things," said Katsantonis. "This is the biggest one I've ever seen up close and actually got pictures of. It was a little bit freaky at home and the wind picked up. Your adrenaline gets going."

News

Yoga workshop July 16
(L-R) Rebecca Andrist and Heidi Hesselink will lead a yoga workshop July 16 at the former St. John’s School in Estevan.
A yoga workshop will be held at the former St. John’s School in Estevan on July 16.
Rebecca Andrist, a certified yoga instructor, will lead the sessions. Heidi Hesselink, the local yoga teacher, will be her assistant.
The morning workshop will consist of a morning practice, teaching Sun salutations and proper alignment in standing poses. Andrist and Hesselink will offer advice on how to open and ground the feet to give more stability to the knees, hips, lower back and spine.
The afternoon workshop will concentrate on opening the shoulders, which can help to relieve neck and shoulder tension. There will also be a meditation time.
The morning session runs from 9 a.m. to noon, and the afternoon class is 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Andrist is a certified yoga instructor who completed her training in 2000 at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. Since then, she has been teaching yoga and nutrition at a healing clinic in Thailand.
Hesselink, one of Andrist’s students, recently completed her yoga teacher training at the same facility in Massachusetts and is now teaching yoga Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum.
Hesselink said she enjoys teaching the classes, and has noticed a huge difference in the flexibility and comfort of her students. Her classes have attracted up to 15 people.

Centennial medals handed out
Captions:(L-R) Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock pins a Saskatchewan Centennial Medal on Carlyle’s Ted Brady.
Thirty-six Saskatchewan Centennial Medals were handed out July 6 during a special ceremony at the Beefeater Plaza.
Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock and Moose Jaw MLA Glenn Hagel, the 2005 centennial chair, were on hand for the occasion.
“Our greatest gift is our generous, compassionate, hard-working, visionary people,” said Haverstock. “I am speaking about those who always say yes when asked to volunteer, those for whom almost perfect is not good enough, individuals who when they see a need take action, and those who approach challenges as opportunities for growth and to help others.”
Recipients were:
*Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles.
*Conservative Senator Len Gustafson, a former Souris-Moose Mountain MP.
*Estevan Mayor Gary St. Onge
*Bienfait Mayor Garry Hammett
*White Bear Chief Allan Maxie
*Estevan Police Chief Vernon Forbes
*Estevan Fire Chief Rick Perry.
*R. Barry Anderson, a 41-year employee with SaskPower.
*Shirley Andrist, a long-time volunteer in the Estevan arts community. Andrist also received a Celebration of the Arts pin.
*Bob Barnstable, a long-time Macoun resident, volunteer and a former village councillor.
*Ray Barnstable, a long-time and active Macoun resident.
*Estevan Police Service Cst. Craig Bird, who is also a volunteer with the Estevan (Elks) PPCLI Army Cadets.
*Ted Brady, a former mayor of Carlyle, president of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association and president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
*Robert Burns, a Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Famer and an umpire for 54 years.
*John Deadlock, a volunteer with the Estevan United Way and long-time host of their televised marathon.
*Sharren Dukart, a volunteer with the Royal Canadian Legion’s veterans program.
*Stan Durr, a donour to the Souris Valley Museum.
*Frank Ferguson, a former councillor with Radville’s RM.
*Ray Frehlick, a successful entrepreneur and farmer in the Estevan area and a volunteer with many organizations.
*Marguerite Gallaway, a member of the order of Canada and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit who is involved in many organizations.
*Richard Hagel, a former councillor and reeve with the RM of Benson.
*John Henderson, a Carievale resident who is a provincial past-president with the Legion.
*David Hoffort, a 40-year resident of Benson and an active volunteer.
*Robert Keating, the chair of this year’s Bienfait homecoming and a volunteer with curling and baseball.
*Frank Mosley, a charter and still active member of the Estevan Wildlife Federation.
*Peter Piper, a Stoughton resident who is the Legion’s provincial district commander.
*John Pott, a Carlyle resident who is vice-president of the provincial Legion.
*Robert Rooks, a long-time volunteer with the Estevan (Elks) PPCLI Army Cadets
*Peter Sereggela, a sponsor of local teams, organizations and events.
*Walter Stregger, a Macoun volunteer and former village councillor.
*Christian Sutter, a Redvers resident who received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and the Order of Canada.
*Lloyd Thompson, a Stoughton resident and a Legion zone commander.
*Kenneth Turner, an Army Cadets volunteer in Estevan.
*Captain Roy Wardrope, the commanding officer of an air cadets squadron in Yorkton.
*Gerry Westgard, the chair of Estevan’s centennial activities.
Andree Harkness and Pheasant Rump First Nation Chief Patrick McArthur were slated to receive awards but weren’t in attendance.
Each recipient received encouraging words from Haverstock as they accepted their medal.

Thera wins councillor by-election
Shirley Thera defeated five other candidates to win the Estevan City Council councillor by-election July 6.
According to the unofficial results, Thera received 276 of the 1,002 votes cast - about 27.5 per cent of the popular vote - and defeated Brad Denouden by 46 votes. Shelly Veroba (195), Dave Elliott (158), Colin Keess (118) and Cameron Robock (23) rounded out the ballot.
"I'm extremely honoured, and I'm speechless to be picked to represent the city of Estevan with six other people on Council," she said moments after her victory. "I'm looking forward (to it) and very excited. I can't believe how close the numbers are."
Thera led for most of the evening, leading all three south polling stations, a special poll and an advanced poll. Denouden narrowed the gap with strong support from northern polls.
The runner-up in the 2003 mayoral election, Thera said the exposure gained from that campaign may have helped her this time.
She said her first priority is to get up to speed on the pressing issues. Her first meeting is July 11.
"Obviously I'm going to have to do some powerful, fast reading just to catch up, because there are some decisions that have been tabled until the seat was filled - the recycling issue and a couple other things," said Thera.
She voiced support for the direction that Council has taken this term, especially their recently-released 30-year plan.
The by-election was necessitated after Gary St. Onge resigned his seat in May to make what would proved to be a successful run for mayor.

Eagles new Sask. Party whip
Caption: Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles
Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles has been appointed as the new whip for the Saskatchewan Party.
She recently accepted the position after she was approached by Sask. Party Leader Brad Wall. She replaces Humboldt MLA Donna Harpauer, who took on some additional critic responsibilities.
"I was surprised, but at the same time, I was very honoured," said Eagles. "It's a big job. Just to think that he has that much faith and confidence in me was just very, very humbling."
Eagles' responsibilities are to ensure the Sask. Party MLAs show up for Legislature sessions, attend caucus meetings, make it to press conferences, and fulfill other commitments. If they're absent, they need to provide her with a good reason.
She vowed to be tough if she needs to be.
Eagles will maintain her critic duties for SaskWater, the provincial secretary, the status of women and seniors.
A whip position means a lot of work, she said.
"You always have to be available," said Eagles. "We have caucus retreat coming up, and if MLAs can't come to the retreat, I'd imagine they'll be phoning me pretty soon, trying to say they can't be there. They have to have a legitimate excuse, because caucus is mandatory. They'll be excused if it's legit, but other than that, no."
Eagles was first elected as Estevan's MLA in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003.

Canada Day in Oungre
Captions: Antique tractors paraded around the park during the Oungre Canada Day celebrations.
Dale Updike was one of the many entertainers for the country gospel jamboree.

Hundreds of people converged on the Oungre Memorial Regional Park for the community’s annual Canada Day celebrations.
Many activities were planned throughout the day. The annual country gospel jamboree was held at the park’s hall, with a mixture of local and national bands.
Fastpitch games were contested in the park’s ball diamond. Other attractions included an antique tractor display and parade, beach volleyball, entertainment, a classic car show and shine and concession booths.
Many people also enjoyed the various amenities offered by the park: camping, swimming, a playground and miniature golf, among others.

Opening night for the Souris Valley Theatre
Caption: (L-R) Doris Frehlick, Lynda Haverstock and Ray Frehlick

The Souris Valley Theatre held the opening night for their 2005 season July 6.
Hundreds of people converged on the Frehlick Hall grounds for a supper and the first performance of “Dandelions and Grasshoppers,” which chronicles the life of three generations of Saskatchewan women.
Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock was in attendance. She praised organizers for their work in developing a perennially successful arts program. She presented Celebration of the Arts pins to artistic director Ron Ror and Frehlick Hall donors Ray and Doris Frehlick.

Bienfait comes together
Captions: Sally Davies reads the historical material at the Bienfait museum.
-Kyler and Cole McKechney competed in the bungee run at the inflatable playground.

By David Willberg
Bienfait’s past, Canada Day and Saskatchewan’s centennial year were all celebrated during Bienfait’s homecoming, “Come Together,” from June 30 to July 2.
More than 550 people registered for the festivities. Guests came from across Canada and the U.S., and as far away as Scotland and Taiwan. Homecoming was incorporated into Bienfait’s annual Canada Day celebrations.
“I’m really pleased with all the people that came back, and all faces and names that I haven’t seen for so long,” said event chair Ingrid Beahm. “I think it really made it all worthwhile when I saw all everybody hugging and in tears, and reminiscing, that’s what it was all about.”
Former residents of Roche Percee, North Portal, the old Briquette Plant, Taylorton, Estevan and Frobisher were also in attendance.
For some, it was their first time in Bienfait in 50 years. Beahm said they noticed the changes, especially to the town’s layout and the school.
“A lot of them went to the old white school, which was right behind the pool,” said Beahm. “A lot of them hadn’t seen the (modern) school in any shape.”
Bienfait Weldon School underwent an extensive renovation and expansion in 2001 and 2002.
“Now that it’s been remodelled, a lot of people didn’t even recognize the school they used to go to,” said Beahm. “It’s a beautiful school now.”
Tours were offered of the community, school, SaskPower stations and Luscar’s Bienfait Mine. Historical displays were at the museum.
A glut of activities took place both days. An historical fashion show was held on July 2.
“We had some very old outfits, like a wedding suit that Ross Dunbar’s grandfather wore on his wedding day in the late 1800’s,” said Beahm. “We had a pre-1917 dress, as well as lots of old, old wedding dresses, some that were 83 years old.”
Patrons signed their names and offered comments or memories on a giant tablecloth.
Canada Day events included the parade, fireworks and the inaugural Bienfait Idol, won by Jeremy McKenzie.
Beahm said rain during the Canada Day parade and the thunderstorms July 1 and 2 didn’t dampen enthusiasm.
“We were sitting on a float … we got a little wet but we looked out at all the people on the sidelines who were getting wet, and they were cheering and smiling,” said Beahm. “I put my umbrella down, and said ‘it’s not going to dampen my spirits.’ Everybody’s spirits were just up there.”

Former Torquay residents come home
Captions: Wheelbarrow races were among the many activities offered for children.
- Kelly Tytlandsvik entered his vintage vehicle in the parade and drove people around the village July 2.

More than 900 former residents of Torquay and Outram joined current citizens to celebrate the villages’ homecoming and the provincial centennial July 2 and 3.
A variety of activities were lined up throughout the two days: pancake breakfasts, a parade, lunches, suppers, socials, children’s activities, class reunions, a dance, concerts and a Centennial Memories program.
“It was a lot of people,” said event chair Theresa Stepp.
Registrants came from as far away as B.C. and Ontario.
About 55 entries were registered for the parade. An outdoor tent enabled people to mingle in the shade. Children’s games at the baseball diamond ensured the youth would be entertained.
The Torquay Communiplex gymnasium was plastered with pictures from Torquay’s past. Many of the people in attendance took time to look through all of the photos and reminisce on their past.
“The lady who did it did a fabulous job,” said Stepp. “She had all the teachers that ever taught, teachers with classes, all the different religious churches that we ever had, the Muster Up celebrations and Canada Day celebrations.”
People that Stepp talked to were pleased with the village’s current appearance.
“Everyone had a great time, they hadn’t seen people for years, so it was very nice to see all the people they haven’t seen for a long time,” said Stepp. “The town was looking really good for the weekend, we had comments on how the town looks.”
Planning for the homecoming started about two years ago. Stepp said it was a lot of work, but they had enough volunteers to pull it together.
Centennial Memories, which chronicled the history of Torquay, Outram and Saskatchewan, was presented both days. The first performance packed about 500 people into the Torquay Communiplex gymnasium. The second attracted another 200.
“We had very positive comments about all the performances and all the singing,” said writer/director Inis Marcotte.
Centennial Memories featured narration, songs and skits to recount 100 years of the province. There were several special musical performances.
A slide show in the background complimented each portion of the program.
One of the highlights, according to Marcotte, was the presentation of plaques to 15 Torquay and Outram residents more than 90 years old, and to 15 centennial farm families from the area.

Stoughton Daze 2005
Caption: Snowmobile races were a popular attraction during Stoughton Daze July 2.

Residents of Stoughton celebrated Canada's 138th birthday during the annual Stoughton Daze bash July 1 to 3.
A variety of activities were held all three days. Canada Day celebrations took place at Taylor Park July 1, with a flag raising ceremony, talent show, face painting, a barbecue, a cabaret featuring The Prairie Travelers and fireworks.
July 2 was the busiest day, with a pancake breakfast, parade, a pet show, bingo, fish pond, puppet theatre, dunk tank, softball tournament, snowmobile races, horse show, gymkhana, a roast beef supper, and a performance by the band Mistatica.
Local artists' paintings were displayed at the museum and the Stoughton Ag Society had exhibits at the Memorial Hall the first two days.
A Texas scramble golf tournament at the Stoughton Golf Course was the featured activity July 3.

Brokenshire farm suffers extensive damage
Captions: The Brokenshire farm north of Outram sustained extensive damage from a tornado July 2.
- A fence post was hurled into a field by the furious winds.

Blaine Brokenshire's farm, located three kilometres north of Outram, was one of the hardest-hit areas by the tornado that touched down in southeast Saskatchewan July 2.
The Brokenshires lost their barn, a cattle shed, some granaries and most of their wooden corals, as well as maple, evergreen and poplar trees.
Fortunately, their livestock emerged unscathed.
"We had a 4-H steer in the barn at the time, but he survived," said Brokenshire.
The Brokenshires watched as the tornado approached from the northwest, and saw it touch down before hitting their farm.
"When it came over the yard, you couldn't tell what it was," Brokenshire told Lifestyles. "When it actually hit the farm, we didn't see it."
Once the storm passed, they were amazed to see the damage. One of their steel granaries was deposited nearly a kilometre away.
Many colleagues have been supportive since the tornado struck and have offered to help with the rebuilding process.
"Our neighbours and friends have been over and they're ready to start helping us clean up," said Brokenshire.

Hail proves costly to crops
The severe summer storm that pelted hail onto the southeast July 2 will be costly to producers.
Provincial agrologist Gary Coghill from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food said they had hail reports from all eight RMs in the southeast jurisdiction.
"Hail is usually quite localized, but there was lots of hail around, and I think what makes the difference is the size of the hail," Coghill told Lifestyles. "There was some very large hail reported in the southeast on Saturday (July 2)."
Baseball-sized hail lasted up to 10 minutes in some regions.
"In those areas, they would have lots of damage, not just to the crops, but to equipment," said Coghill.
Coghill said they won't be able to ascertain the exact dollar value of the damage until after the completion of fall harvest and the submission of crop insurance forms.
While moisture levels were already at a surplus and crop development has slowed due to cool weather, the hail came at a time when crop conditions were thriving.
"Across the southeast, the crop conditions for all crops are at least 85 per cent in good to excellent condition," said Coghill. "The crop is looking very good."

Columnists

HITTING LIFE'S DITCHES
by Linda Wegner
The most nerve-wracking "off course" event I've experienced took place a few years ago. It was March, a notoriously fickle month for weather in Saskatchewan and I was headed to a tiny community five or six hours away. The day I left it was snowing, blowing and brutally cold. "Hmm," I mused, "wonder if anyone will attend tomorrow's event?"
To my amazement, more than one hundred women braved the weather to take part in a Rural Women's conference; I left that afternoon basking in the excitement of the day and in the semi-warmth of the sun breaking through.
While it wasn't hot enough for sunbathing, melting snow covered the road and, particularly, the crest of a steep hill ahead (for those whose journeys have been restricted to the TransCanada highway, there are actually some pretty good inclines in parts of this marvellous province). Just as I reached the top, my wheels hit a patch of ice and the next thing I recall was staring full-face at a speeding telephone pole. Thankfully, the car shifted to the right and I ended up in the bottom of a snow-filled ditch with all but my pride intact. A local resident immediately came to my rescue, even refusing payment for his labours.
That's nothing compared to what one BC Ferries sea captain endured this weekend. When his vessel lost power, he ended up putting a four hundred fifty foot, seven thousand ton vessel loaded with over three hundred vehicles and five hundred people in the proverbial ditch. Today he is being rightfully lauded for his actions; by blasting out a prolonged warning while steering the ship away from the pier, there were no injuries or deaths.
"When I fall, I will arise…the Lord will be a light to me." Micah 7:8
Going off-course is human; getting back on, divine.

GARDEN NOTES
By Gerry Fichtemann
It's Iris Time
Most perennials should be divided in the spring and some need to be divided in the fall. Iris are one exception.
If your iris are getting thick and dying out in the middle of the clump, it is high time to divide them and give them a healthy new start. This must be done or you will end up with small plants and not very choice blooms. Instructions are easy but it must be done right now and not left later than the end of July.
First of all dig up all the rhizomes and clean away all the soil around them. You will find many of the rhizomes that have rotted away.
With a good sharp knife or shears cut off all the old decayed pieces but be sure to leave some of the years previous rhizome growth. Replant the divisions of iris rhizomes and make sure they are placed in a drier part of the sunny garden. Low sots are not advised as they will be subject to more water and this could rot the rhizomes. Be sure to plant the rhizomes very shallow with a covering of soil of about 1 inch and no deeper. Planting your iris rhizomes can either lead to no flowers or could even lead to the death of your plants.
Iris are not as popular as other perennials, probably because of their short season of bloom. They do however, make a nice filler in a perennial bed, as the sword shaped leaves add greenery right up until frost where some of the perennials will get dissipated looking. In recent years, the iris have been making a big comeback and their popularity is gaining strength.
Iris comes in all colors of the rainbow plus many sizes. Tall bearded iris are difficult on the prairies, however some gardeners have good luck with them.
The more reliable class of iris for our area are the classes in Intermediates and Standards. These are just a bit lower than the Talls. The color range is amazing with more colors than a rainbow can provide. We now even have irises that are black in color plus a lot of browns and coppers.
There is no perennial flower that can compare with the majestic beauty of iris. Often called the poor man's orchid, it is a class all of its own.
If you are thinking about putting some iris in your garden, the time is right now. This coming spring, they will pop up in your garden and give you a display of many unbelievable colors.
Gerry Fichtemann is the owner of River Bend Nurseries in Estevan.

LOOK to the BOOK!!
By Tim Pippus
Don't Leave For Home Without Him
If you have ever lost your child, even for a short period of time, you can probably relate to this story.
When Jesus was twelve, his parents took him to Jerusalem for the Passover. After the festivities were over, the group with whom they were traveling started for home. Neither Joseph nor Mary worried too much about the fact that they had not seen Jesus for a while, because they figured that he was somewhere nearby. However, when they stopped that night, they came to the frightening realization that they had left him in Jerusalem. Luke 2:46 tells us that they searched for three days before they finally found Jesus.
Do you know where Jesus is in your life?
You see, a lot of people are like Joseph and Mary did at the start of their journey. They are comforted by the thought that "Jesus is somewhere near by" when, unfortunately, they have actually left him far behind.
To Joseph and Mary's credit, they begin searching for him immediately. That leads me to wonder, "Am I searching for Christ in my life? Is there any sense of urgency about finding him, or do I really care?" How would you answer that question?
His parents finally find him at the temple. His mother scolds him for making them worry and then Jesus says something very significant, "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my father's house?" (verses 45-49)
In essence, Jesus is saying, "You knew where to find me". He was not hiding. He was not lost. He was in the most obvious place. I wonder if someday Christ will say to us, "Why did you not find me? You knew where I was!"
God and his son are still easy to find today. They are not hiding, but rather are working all around us and even in and through us. The question is not "Where is Jesus?" but "Are you really looking for him?"
Do not be satisfied with saying, "I hope Jesus is around here somewhere".
"Seek and ye shall find…" (Matthew 7:7)

Sports

From the SIDELINES
By Kyle Kapiczowski

2005 baseball all-star rosters announced
The 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game line-ups have been announced.
Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield and Mariano Rivera are going from the New York Yankees. Rodriguez is the starting third basemen, Sheffield is a backup outfielder and Rivera is a relief pitcher.
Representing the Atlanta Braves are pitcher John Smoltz and outfielder Andruw Jones.
The Toronto Blue Jays also have two players: pitcher Roy Halladay and first baseman Shea Hillenbrand.
The lone Canadian is Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay of Trail, B.C., who will appear in his first all-star game.
Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers has been named to the American League squad, even though he got suspended 20 games for assaulting a cameraman. I think Rogers deserved the punishment. There is a real dipstick for you.
This year's all-star game is July 12 in Detroit. The home run derby is the day before. I think the American League will shut out the National League 5-0.
Happy birthday to Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who turned 75 on July 4. The present that he got was a win by his team.
In the CFL, the Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 23-21 in a close game. Riders rookie Dominique Dorsey had a big game with over 100 return yards.
Here are my Week 4 picks:
*Winnipeg at Edmonton: Edmonton by 10, because the Eskimos will have home-field advantage.
*Toronto at B.C.: Toronto by three, because the Argos will want revenge after their home-opening loss to the Lions.
*Calgary at Ottawa: Ottawa by seven, because the Renegades play well at home.
*Hamilton at Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan by three, because the Riders have looked good so far this season.
In other CFL news, Toronto receiver Robert Baker was suspended by the team for one game after an incident July 2 against Calgary, when he punched teammate and kicker Noel Prefontaine.
In NFL news, Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander won't play for the team unless he gets a long-term contract. I think he will get signed.
At NASCAR's Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, Bobby Labonte finished in 35th place. Tony Stewart won the race.
At the Tour de France cycling marathon, Lance Armstrong is leading the overall standings after Stage 4 on July 5. They set a new record in team trials with an average speed of over 57 kilometres an hour.
That's all, folks!

Golden Eels win home meet
Caption: Entrants in the Estevan Golden Eels Swim Club’s meet prepare to dive into the pool.

The Estevan Golden Eels Swim Club once again captured their annual home meet July 2 at the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
More than 140 swimmers from eight communities descended on the city for the meet. Estevan won by a very large margin, with 482 points. Weyburn was second at 247 and Regina was third at 208. Teams compiled points based on how swimmers fared in their heats.
Events included the freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke and individual medley. There were also several team relays.
Gold medal winners for Estevan were: Brandon Marcotte (11 and 12 boys), Akeela Jundt (13 and 14 girls) and Mykea Jundt (15 to 17 girls).
Auriel Bill (seven and eight girls), Yakira Smeltzer (13 and 14 girls) and Patrick McLeish (senior boys) captured silver.
Bronze medal winners were: Kristen Van de Woestyne (seven and eight girls), Veronica Finkas (nine and 10 girls), Danielle Jardine (11 and 12 girls), David Finkas (11 and 12 boys), Megan Van de Woestyne (15 to 17 girls) and Rylan Barlow (15 to 17 boys).
Thirteen members of the Oxbow Seawolves traveled to Estevan and finished sixth overall with 129 points. Steven Baerwald won gold in senior boys, Chad Jeannot captured silver in 11 and 12 boys, and Tanner Jeannot (seven and eight boys) and Matt Buchanan (nine and 10 boys) won bronze.

Viewpoints

What's Happening

Playparks in full swing
Children enjoyed some time in the pool at the Churchill Playpark in Estevan July 4. While the parks have been open for swimming since June 28, July 4 marked the first full day of activities in the city. Crafts in the morning and swimming in the afternoon will continue every week until the end of August.

Kin-style Canada Day
Estevan’s Kinsmen and Kinettes Clubs celebrated Canada Day with a series of activities at their playpark in the Hillside subdivision. There was a wide variety of games and activities for children, including a maple leaf piñata and beach volleyball. Children could also go for a swim in their pool. Birthday cake, cotton candy, hot dogs and refreshments were served.

Last day of school
June 30 was a day to celebrate for (L-R) Tasia Peterson, Cyrus Ackrill, Xavier Ackrill, Sarah Reeb and Kale Peterson, as well as thousands of students across the province: it was the last day in the 2004-05 school year. Students in Estevan and area picked up their report card, advanced to the next grade and embarked on two months of summer activities. School will be back in session in late August.

Estevan Tourism marks Canada Day
(L-R) Walter and Dale Purvis enjoyed birthday cake at the Estevan Tourism Information Booth July 1 as part of the Canada Day celebrations. Birthday cake and refreshments were served in honour of Canada's 138th birthday. There was also a quilt show at the adjacent Souris Valley Museum.

Mysterious bug found
This mysterious bug was found in John and Audrey Chess’ garden in Estevan recently.
The Chess’ don’t know what kind of bug it is, and even the conservation officer couldn’t identify it. If you know what kind of bug it is, or if you have an idea, please call Lifestyles at 634-5112 or email lifestyles@sasktel.net

Macoun School Shares the Warmth
SaskEnergy employee Lorraine Oleskiw (R) presented a trophy to Macoun School principal Lori Andries June 27 in honour of the school's efforts in the Share the Warmth program last year. Students enjoyed a complimentary barbecue for their efforts. Macoun School's 54 students collected a total of 641 warm fuzzies for needy Saskatchewan families during the annual campaign.