Feature

Gertie Lev and the season of Chanukah
Caption: Estevan's Gertie Lev will be celebrating Chanukah again this year, punctuated by a large meal for friends at the end of the eight-day Jewish festival.
By David Willberg
Many people in southeast Saskatchewan have their own unique Christmas celebrations based on family or cultural traditions.
Gertie Lev of Estevan loves Christmas, but she is Jewish, so she celebrates Chanukah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights. Chanukah is also an event that is deeply rooted in tradition and a significant spiritual event. And each year, she invites friends to experience Chanukah celebrations.
This year's Chanukah started at sunset on December 14, and will continue through December 21. Chanukah is a tribute to the victory of Judah Maccabees over the Syrian king Antiochus, and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. It commemorates the miracle of oil that burned for eight days.
"A wicked king had captured the Holy Land and he set up idols in the Holy Temple and ordered the Jews to worship them instead of God," Lev read from a book on Chanukah's origins.
"The Jews refused, and led by Judah Maccabees, they fought the king's army, and after years of terrible fighting, they drove the enemy out of the Holy Land. The happy Jews cleared the idols out of the temple, and then they started to light the lamp that burns day and night in every temple."
"But they found they only had enough oil for one day, and it would take eight days to make more oil. Then it is said that a miracle happened: the tiny bit of oil burned for eight days. By then, the new oil was ready."
On the first day of Chanukah, one candle is lit on a Menorah. On the second day, two candles are lit, and so on, until the eighth day when all eight candles are burning. A ninth candle, known as a Shamash, is used to light the eight candles.
The Dreidel is another common Chanukah symbol - a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side that translates to "A Great Miracle Happened There." Spinning the Dreidel is also a popular activity for children.
"Chanukah is a holiday for joyous feasts and for the giving of gifts," said Lev.
Each year, Lev prepares a Chanukah meal, and invites about 16 to 18 friends. As many as 24 people have attended. She prepares sweet and sour meatballs; potato pancakes; cheese, cherry and apple blintzes; and other foods. She also cooks a turkey, but her dressing is made out of buckwheat kasha, which is browned in a pan with an egg.
"Water is poured on it, and you cover it, and it puffs up from a little kernel into a very nice thing," said Lev.
She adds bits and pieces of mushrooms and onions into the dressing.
Lev also purchases Chanukah gelt - the Jewish equivalent to chocolate-wrapped coins - as a dessert for her company.
She said she will have her guests for dinner on December 21 or 22. She expects to start cooking for the banquet soon. Many hours will be spent preparing the meal.
"They say to me 'Gertie, after all these years, why do you not let us make this a potluck,'" said Lev. "And I say 'Oh no, my dear friends. It's my Chanukah and I'll cook if I want to.' And I want to."
There are many decorations inside and outside of her home. A close friend purchased a Chanukah stocking for her in Minot a few years ago. It resembles a traditional Christmas stocking, except it's blue and white, with "Happy Chanukah" and Hebrew letters.
On the exterior, she'll have some blue lights on her garage, and some blue and silver decorations around her bushes.
Lev is proud of her Jewish faith. She lights Sabbath candles every Friday night, and says a prayer in Hebrew and English. She asks God to look after her family and friends, and she thanks Him for good health. Lev also prays for world peace and protection over Israel.
She has hosted a Passover service in Estevan.
Lev also enjoys Christmas. After her interview with Lifestyles, she started to prepare for a Christmas supper that evening.
"I've got the best of both worlds, haven't I?" she said, smiling. "All my friends here are Christians, and I'm the only Jewish woman here for about 30 years."
She joins close friends for a Christmas dinner each year, and she wraps gifts for her friends' children and grandchildren.
"I'm a Jewish woman surrounded in a Christian community," said Lev. "And I think I'm respected for what I do in the community, and it's kept me alive."

News

Carol festival
Caption: Sarah Tsoi played her violin during the Estevan Rotary Club's carol festival December 10 at St. Paul's United Church.
The Estevan Rotary Club hosted their annual Carol Festival December 10 at St. Paul's United Church. School and community choirs, bands and violinist Sarah Tsoi performed Christmas and winter favourites. Proceeds will be donated to school band programs in Estevan.

POLICE REPORT
*A 25-year-old male from Quebec has pleaded guilty to a series of crimes - including incidents in Estevan - and has been sentenced to three years in prison. He also committed crimes in Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Regina, Wolseley, Craven, Fort Qu'Appelle, Southey, Melville and Stettler, Alberta. He stole a vehicle in Stettler that was recovered in Estevan. He also broke into at an Estevan office supplies store and stole a car in Estevan. A warrant was issued, but the suspect couldn't be located. He was arrested in Regina through the Automatic Pawnshop Program.
*Officers assisted Estevan RCMP with arresting an impaired driver from Oxbow. Several other impaired drivers have been apprehended in Estevan, including one that caused an accident.
*Several hit-and-run accidents have taken place in the city. Witnesses are asked to call the Estevan Police Service or Crime Stoppers.
*A three-vehicle motor vehicle accident occurred near the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
*A young male caught shoplifting was charged with theft under $5,000.
*A local financial institution complained that NSF cheques were passed through the ATM.
*Two 11-year-old youths were detained for breaking a window at a residence in Pleasantdale.
*An adult male was arrested and lodged in cells until sober for an assault at a local liquor establishment.
*An Estevan male was charged with operating an unregistered vehicle and driving while suspended. He had outstanding warrants from Regina and Estevan.
*Two youths were charged with theft, forgery and uttering threats for trying to cash forged cheques.
*Members assisted with traffic control while Estevan Fire Services tackled a water heater fire in the 500 block of Fourth Street.
*The Estevan RCMP is seeking the public's assistance with the theft of a 32-foot feeding roll assembly for a John Deere Air Seeder model 655 from a farm yard in the Estevan district in November. Please contact the Estevan RCMP at 637-4400 or Crimestoppers with information.
*Officers were kept busy with Christmas parties and at liquor establishments, making sure that permits were abided by. The enforcement will continue through New Year's.

Chipley new Chamber president
Furthering initiatives started in the last two years is the top priority of Lynn Chipley, the Estevan Chamber of Commerce's new president.
Chipley was affirmed as president during a December 13 Chamber meeting. Chipley has been the vice-president to Herb Padwick for the last two years. She applauded Padwick for his contributions.
"He's done an incredible amount to get people going in this community, and I certainly don't want to be the one who drops the ball," said Chipley.
Among the Chamber's accomplishments during Padwick's two-year tenure: developing the CANDO incentives program with the City; hosting a town hall meeting with CP Rail; forming a hospital liaison committee; drafting a physician incentive program; campaigning to attract the clean coal plant to Estevan; hiring Bert Roach and Roxy Blackmore as staff; and launching the "Yes We Can, We're Estevan slogan."
A community and business survey in 2004 found that the city's appearance needed improvement. The Pure Energy committee was formed last year to beautify Estevan. Padwick believes that economic development won't occur if people don't want to be in Estevan.
"I don't think the Chamber's ever been as active as it is, and I don't think the feeling around the table has ever been as positive as it is," said Chipley. "I feel very lucky. I'm not coming into an organization that has to be pulled up by its bootstraps. It's already working its way up. It's a little daunting I have to keep it going in that direction."
Chipley said a strategic planning meeting January 9 and 10 will be important. Chamber directors and City staff will gather in the Chamber's first long-term planning session in several years.
She would also like to see more people at the Chamber's monthly meetings. About 50 people were present December 13.
"It matters that we get more of our membership engaged, and not just paying their membership dues because they feel obligated to pay it, but coming and finding out what's going on, and being prepared to pitch in and do things and help," said Chipley.
Chipley announced that radio talk show host John Gormley will be the guest speaker during the Chamber's annual meeting March 28, 2007, at the Beefeater Plaza.

Council notes
Highlights from the December 11 meeting of Estevan City Council:
*The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM) and the Estevan Family Resource Centre submitted budget proposals. The EAGM is seeking $72,000 in operating grants and nearly $8,000 for a custodian. They also requested $16,000 in capital funding to purchase two rugs, finish the exterior landscaping, construct an accessibility ramp for the North West Mounted Police Museum, and hire a floor engineer to study the large gallery's flooring. The Family Resource Centre wants $5,000 annually for their operating expenses. They believe it would also improve access to provincial grants.
*CUPE Local 726 has notified Council that they are ready to enter negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
*A total of 33.2 centimetres of snow fell between November 24 and 28. Removal costs are estimated at about $60,000.
*A report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) listed Estevan as having the most unfair property taxes in Saskatchewan. Estevan's commercial to residential property tax ratio is ninth among 12 Saskatchewan cities at 2.8912. But Estevan has the second lowest residential taxes at $785.77 for a $100,000 property, and the fifth-lowest commercial rate at $2,271.80. Mayor Gary St. Onge said the CFIB used last year's figures, and he said the CFIB hasn't responded to his concerns.
*A total of 109 building permits, worth nearly $17 million, were issued in the first 11 months of 2006, compared to 110 permits worth $12.484 million for the first 11 months of 2005.
*Chemical tenders were awarded to: Border Chemical Company for $52,320 in aluminum sulphate; Univar Canada for $4,968 in hydrofluosilicic acid; and ClearTech for more than $23,000 in liquid chlorine.
*Souris Valley Paving was awarded the 2007 sludge hauling tender. The contract has a 30-day out clause should the City decide to take the work in-house.

Creighton Lodge safe in the short-term
The short-term future of Creighton Lodge is secure, according to Sun Country Health Region CEO Cal Tant.
A meeting was held November 30 to discuss the future of the Level 1 and 2 long-term care facility. Saskatchewan Health generally does not fund such facilities, but Sun Country has funded Creighton Lodge for many years. Creighton Lodge is the only Level 1 and 2 facility to receive funding from Sun Country.
Creighton Lodge's rent increased by 10 per cent on November 1 - the first rent increase in over a decade. An additional jump of 24 per cent will occur in February. Tant said they gave residents plenty of notice for both increases, and he isn't worried about rate shock for residents.
"Our mandate is to have the day-to-day operations covered by the rent so that the facility can and will continue to stay open," said Tant. "We're all dedicated to making sure that this very valuable facility is maintained in the city of Estevan."
General maintenance and repairs were covered by the Creighton Lodge trust committee. But they lack a renewable source of funding, and they currently have $50,000 at their disposal. Tant said that's not a lot of money.
The trust committee has approached RMs and municipalities for donations. Some RMs have pledged $5 per capita. The City of Estevan has tabled a motion for $1 in annual per capita funding, starting in 2007.
"The plan is to balance the rent with the operating costs," said Tant. "That's why the Creighton Lodge trust committee has asked the municipalities."
Estevan's Council tabled the funding request because they need to find where they could draw more than $10,000 from the budget. Councillor Roy Ludwig, who sits on the trust committee, said Creighton Lodge is a facility that the city can't afford to lose.

Shopping at a Winter Wonderland
Captions:
- Santa Claus was busy during the Winter Wonderland, as he received wish lists from (L-R) Jodi, Brady and Jersey Long.
- The Old Homestead Family Restaurant was entered in the Christmas carol contest.
The Estevan Chamber of Commerce hosted a Winter Wonderland at the Estevan Shoppers Mall December 7.
The Estevan brass ensemble provided entertainment. Children were able to relay Christmas wish lists to Santa Claus. Estevan Chamber of Commerce community development manager Bert Roach promoted all that the mall has to offer, and the Chamber served hot chocolate and cookies.
Carol Barnard from Bentley's won a caroling competition that involved most of the mall's merchants.

Christmas shopping at the mall
(L-R) Dave Wanner wrapped a gift for Barry and Alison Kuntz at Classic Jewelers in the Estevan Shoppers Mall on December 7. The Estevan Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Winter Wonderland was held at the mall on the 7th, giving shoppers one more reason to drop by.

Laing new Legion president
Caption: New Estevan Legion president Dave Laing
Dave Laing will be the president of the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion for the next two years.
Laing, a member for the last 20 years, has served in executive positions, called bingo on Monday nights and occasionally on Wednesday nights, and helped distribute chocolate to veteran's wives. He was named the president on December 7.
Laing would like to see the Legion have a greater presence in the community, with more people involved, especially young people. He'd also like to see membership increase from its current level of about 450.
"We need more people involved, otherwise we won't be able to keep going," said Laing.
Many of the members are senior citizens who can't help as much as they'd like, he said, but contribute whenever they can.
To attract new members, Laing said they need to do more to promote the Legion and its activities, and possibly hold a recruitment night.

Romanyk receives protective medal
Randall Romanyk from Estevan Fire Services was presented with a Protective Services Medal December 8 in Regina.
Romanyk joined fire services in 1980. Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon Barnhart presented him the award.
"He is committed to the protection of people and property and is part of the team that attends training sessions, creating awareness of the dangers and potentials of fire," said Chief of Protocol Deborah Saum while introducing Romanyk. "He is a mentor to new firefighters, showing them the way in pump operations."
The medal recognizes individuals who have 25 years of exemplary service protecting the people of Saskatchewan or their property. This can be in either a volunteer or a full-time capacity.
A total of 35 medals were presented to municipal police, RCMP, fire protection personnel, corrections work, environment personnel, commissionaires and a Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation officer.
The Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal was announced by Premier Lorne Calvert in 2002. The medal is part of the Saskatchewan Honours Program that includes the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal and the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal.
The provincial Office of Protocol and Honours administers the program in close co-operation with the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, Saskatchewan Firefighters Association and other agencies whose personnel are eligible for the honour.

A stellar year ... Saskatchewan land sales
Riding the wave of robust commodity prices, Saskatchewan is enjoying the second best calendar year ever in sales of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights. December's sale brought in $24.8 million, bringing the 2006 total to $176.5 million.
"The oil and gas industry's considerable investment in Saskatchewan should be viewed as an investment in the future of this province," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said.
This month's sale included four exploration licences that sold for $4 million and 285 lease parcels that brought in $20.8 million.
The Weyburn-Estevan area received the most bonus bid activity with sales of over $16.3 million. The Lloydminster area was next at $5.1 million, followed by the Kindersley-Kerrobert area at $1.9 million and the Swift Current area a $1.5 million.
The highest price received for a single parcel was $4.2 million. This four-section lease parcel, located in the Kisbey-Forget area of southeast Saskatchewan, was purchased by Peerless Energy Inc.
The average price per hectare was $525, bringing the yearly average to $388/hectare. The highest price on a per-hectare basis was $6,241. Rife Resources Ltd. paid over $101,000 for a single legal subdivision in the Lashburn area of west-central Saskatchewan.

Eagles' Christmas tea
Caption: Doreen Eagles offered a cup of tea to John Fowler.
Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles hosted a Christmas tea December 12 at the Estevan Perfect Inns and Suites. Constituents dropped by to wish her a "Merry Christmas" and enjoy coffee, tea, punch and snacks.

Prebble promotes green economy
Opportunities for Saskatchewan to achieve its goal of becoming a North American leader in safe, renewable energy sources and conservation have been outlined in a new report by Saskatoon Greystone MLA Peter Prebble.
Following extensive consultations throughout North America, Prebble has developed 32 recommendations, outlined in his report entitled Renewable Energy Development and Conservation in Saskatchewan.
The recommendations include: a legislated Renewable Energy and Conservation Portfolio Standard for the electricity sector; major investments in conservation initiatives, including an expanded EnergyShare conservation program; an important role for large scale wind power; net metering for small scale producers of green electricity; the promotion of higher building energy efficiency standards; and an expanded role for the Office of Energy Conservation.
"Saskatchewan has already taken significant steps toward a green and prosperous economy, which will bring lasting benefits to today's families and to future generations," Prebble said. "This report recognizes that, over time, we can build upon the strong actions we have taken on wind power, ethanol production, carbon dioxide sequestration and our EnergyShare residential conservation program."
Prebble is expected to table a second report in June 2007, addressing transportation, ethanol and bio-diesel production, and opportunities in the north.

Bingo on the Beach
The Estevan Family Resource Centre will host their largest annual fundraiser on Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10 at the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion.
Applause Feast and Folly Theatre will bring their "Bingo on the Beach" production to Estevan.
Family Resource Centre coordinator Colleen Macmillan said the play is about two Saskatchewan farmers who travel to a warm location for a winter holiday, only to find out it's spring break in the U.S., and there are college students everywhere.
The farmers try to encourage everybody to have a casual, relaxing holiday through the bingo on the beach.
"We do rely on it every year," said Macmillan. "This is the sixth year that it's been running. Usually it's a sell-out crowd and hopefully again this year it will be."
Funds will help operate and sustain the Family Resource Centre's programs.
Tickets went on sale December 1, and Macmillan said they are selling quickly.

Mines and union make donation
Sherry Quirk, human resources manager at Prairie Mines and Royalty's Boundary Dam and Bienfait Mines (L), and Lorne Wagner, president of the United Mine Workers of America local 7606 (R), presented a $3,610 cheque to Captain James Rands of the Estevan Salvation Army. The funds were collected during two Christmas parties for Prairie Mines and Royalties staff. The company matched the amount.

Five CWB representatives elected
Farmers have chosen their representatives in five districts where CWB director elections were held this fall.
New directors are Henry Vos in District 1 and Kyle Korneychuk in District 7. Successful incumbents were Larry Hill in District 3, Allen Oberg in District 5 and Bill Nicholson in Dictrict 9.
The results were announced December 10.
Voter turnout was 51.5 per cent. Approximately 31,000 producers in total were eligible to vote.
"Farmers have spoken through this democratic process," said Ken Ritter, chair of the farmer-controlled board of directors.
"All candidates should be congratulated for the time and effort they devoted to this important campaign. I look forward to working with the successful candidates in the best interests of the farmers we all represent."
Since 1998, western Canadian farmers have controlled the CWB through the election of 10 representatives to its 15-member governing board, which oversees the organization and sets its policies and direction.
Directors are elected for four-year terms, with elections alternating between odd- and even-numbered districts every two years.
The new board of directors, which officially takes office on December 31, 2006, will assemble in Winnipeg February 5 to 7, 2007, for a regularly scheduled board meeting and strategic planning session.
Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. One of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based organization sells grain to over 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.

Columnists

The first rule of the Internet is, "Do not believe everything that you read". With that in mind, I want to pass on a story that I received via email last week. While the "facts" may not be completely true, it makes an excellent point.
"Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage? His dad takes him into the forest, blindfolded, and leaves him there alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not take off the blindfold until the ray of sun shines through it. He is all by himself. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night - he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood.
"The boy was terrified! He could hear all kinds of noise. Beasts were all around him. Maybe even some human would hurt him. The wind blew the grass and it shook his stump. Nevertheless, he sat stoically - never removing the blindfold.
"Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he saw his father...sitting on the stump next to him, at watch, the entire night" (author unknown).
Jesus promised, "I will be with you always, to very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds Christians that "…your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you".
Paul reminds his listeners that, "God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being'" (Acts 17:27-28).
The Good News is that Christians are never alone. Even when we do not know it, our Father is with us, protecting us and helping us.
In fact, he is sitting on the stump beside us.
Tim Pippus
Estevan Church of Christ

LIGHT THE CHRISTMAS TREE!
By Linda Wegner
This afternoon we put up the Christmas tree, the first time in six years. We have no objections to making a tree part of our Advent celebration; it's just that I didn't have the "oomph" to make it happen. During those first three years we'd lived three provinces away from our children and putting up the tree evoked far too many memories of Christmases spent alone. I didn't need to be reminded.
Putting up the tree these last three years should have been automatic. After all, we now lived within minutes of both sons and their families and we were no longer alone during the season. But still I found myself asking, why bother with a tree? The kids had theirs, I was busy with my job, and hubbie isn't exactly what you'd call a Christmas buff. Justifiably or not, the "Boxing Day special, marked down in price, artificial tree" stayed in the box along with the ornaments for far too long (those baubles hadn't seen daylight since 1999).
It was the prospect of spending an entire morning away from my office and the realization that I was allowing an important part of my life to slip away under the guise of "it's not worth the effort" that made me open those boxes this morning. "Come on over," I invited the granddaughter, "I need help to trim the tree."
We had a marvelous time sorting ornaments and creating displays in the front verandah, on the old stereo cabinet and on a low table beside the piano. They sipped hot chocolate and hung decorations. I re-warmed my tea and thought, this time with joy, of our holiday plans. In the process lethargy yielded to the excitement of the season. Of course it was worth it!
All heaven rejoiced at His birth - then why shouldn't we!

GARDEN NOTES
By Gerry Fichtemann
A Gardener's Christmas
You probably don't think of your garden at this time of the year but if your husband or one of your friends or relatives have gardening as a pastime or hobby, it is a smart idea to present him or her with a garden related gift or tools that will be greatly appreciated this coming spring. Maybe the wife is an avid gardener and cannot wait for spring to arrive so she can get out and get
that fresh spring air that does wonders for the human body.
A gift that would be much appreciated is a good garden book to read over the winter months. A word of caution those books written in England or the US that are on the bookshelves are of little use in our Canadian gardens. Any publication for the prairies(and there are not many)would be a great buy if gardening information is to be applied here for our climate.
A subscription to a gardening magazine is also a good idea. A good one is 'Gardening for the Prairies' which is printed right here at the University of Saskatchewan. If anyone is interested in a subscription, I do have the address handy so phone me and I will give you the particulars.
The gardening books by Sara Williams is also a good buy. She is a horticulturist that lives just south of Saskatoon. The books I do not care for are the books by Lois Hole as I find many errors which leaves me a little cold in suggesting those.
The stores have starter bulbs for indoor growing such as the exotic blooming Amaryllis. These are very simple to grow and have some of the most beautiful blooms. The price range is usually around $7 - $9. They can be kept in the same pot and grown again next year for repeat blooms.
Lee Valley tools in Winnipeg have beautiful stainless steel shovels and spades. They sell for around $37.50. These spades are narrow and ideal for transplanting work. Best of all, they weigh only four pounds and they are forever rust free.
Last but not least, if you want something quick and easy, get them a tree or shrub or perennial gift certificate from your garden centre or nursery. They come in any denomination and great idea for a stocking stuffer. For as little as $6 you can get a couple of perennials for a garden addition. A nice apple tree or ornamental flowering crab might just fit the bill!
Next week I will write about those Christmas Poinsettias.
Gerry Fichtemann is the owner of River Bend Nursery.

Sports

Drag racing gets a permanent home
After four seasons and 10 race programs at the Estevan Airport, the Estevan Drag Racing Association (EDRA) has secured the land for a permanent facility.
Prairie Mines and Royalty helped the EDRA acquire 32 hectares southeast of Estevan, near the Estevan Motor Speedway.
"We're really excited," EDRA president Remington Walker told Lifestyles. "It kind of gives you that driving force to go 'all right, now we've got this much, we can just keep going ahead.'"
Walker said a permanent facility will have many benefits. They will be able to host more events, including some two-day competitions. Walker doesn't know how many events they would have in a year. The EDRA would work closely with Speedway officials to avoid scheduling conflicts.
The track will have about 60 feet of concrete and then pavement. The pavement will be smoother and thus more conducive to drag racing, than the airport's current surface.
Walker said they could also host Friday night specials, in which drivers could bring their cars, pay a drop-in fee and challenge their friends to race.
"It's a good, safe environment for people to race their cars and see how quick they actually are," said Walker.
A timeline hasn't been established for the start or the completion of the permanent track. Walker said they'll have to complete some fundraising.
A one-eighth-mile facility would cost about $400,000, which would include the track, pavement, cement, guard rails, seating and other amenities. It will be a one-eighth of a mile long for starters, but the EDRA hopes to double it to a quarter-mile in the future.
He knows of only one other permanent drag racing track in the province: Saskatchewan International Raceway in Saskatoon.
The EDRA has longed for a permanent track since the club was established in the summer of 2002. Discussions for the permanent facility started a few months ago, he said.
Walker noted that a lot of people from the EDRA and the mines worked hard to finalize the deal for the land.
Fan and driver support from the Estevan area has been strong, he said. They have also had good driver turnout from other parts of the province and North Dakota. Walker is confident that a permanent facility will be a success.
"It's not just the Estevan area, it's people from the States, in places like Minot, as well as Regina and Yorkton," said Walker. "When I look at towns like Yorkton and other small towns, they have a very large turnout of cars and fans for the races, and I do believe we will be able to have a large turnout and make this facility worthwhile."

Five wins in six for Bruins
Caption: Estevan native Payden Benning (11) sneaks behind two Yorkton defenders during the Bruins 5-1 win over Yorkton. Benning had two goals and an assist in the game.
By David Willberg
A strong showing during a northern road swing and a home ice victory over the Yorkton Terriers have left the Estevan Bruins within striking distance of first place in the Sherwood Conference.
Estevan garnered four of a possible six points during three games in a three nights northern road trip. They defeated the Kindersley Klippers 4-3 in overtime December 8, beat the Battlefords North Stars 3-2 on the 9th, but lost 4-3 to the Humboldt Broncos on the 10th.
Estevan rallied from a two-goal deficit in all three games. They trailed 3-1 against Kindersley and 2-0 against the Battlefords and still managed to win. They also tied the game after trailing Humboldt 3-1, but they surrendered the winning goal late in the third.
"I think they started to believe in themselves, and that's a big thing," said head coach/GM Karry Biette. "They won two at home before they went on the road - we lost three in a row before - but they played well, they played hard, and it was just a matter of time."
The Black and Gold continued their momentum with a 5-1 home ice win over Yorkton December 13 - their first win over the Terriers in five meetings this year. Forward Payden Benning of Estevan continued his strong play on the top line with two first period goals and an assist.
Braden Olszewski, Darnell Glass and Michael McKinna also scored.
"We've had four tough ones against these guys, and we have three games in hand on them right now," said Benning. "If we would have played well in those other four games, we'd be way up on these guys. But we're battling for second and it's nice to get the two points tonight."
Goaltender Guillaume Perusse had 31 saves. The Bruins killed off all 11 Yorkton power plays, including three two-man advantages.
"Once you've seen a team four times, you can make adjustments," said Biette. "You can do certain things. We got four game tapes because they're on CTV, so you're able to draw a better conclusion and do some things against a team you've seen quite a bit, and it worked tonight."
Benning said they benefited from a few good bounces, but it was a strong 60-minute effort, with contributions from everybody in the line-up.
Estevan is second in the Sherwood Conference with a 19-14-1-1 record and 40 points. They are one point behind Weyburn for first, but Estevan has four games in hand.
The Bruins will conclude the pre-Christmas portion of their schedule with home games December 15 against the Melfort Mustangs and the 16th against the Nipawin Hawks.

Red Devils remain unbeaten
The Carnduff Red Devils remain on top of the Big Six Hockey League at the quarter point in the season.
Carnduff defeated the Oxbow Huskies 8-3 December 12 in Carnduff. The Red Devils upped their record to 6-0, and they own top spot in the South Division. They also defeated the Bienfait Coalers 4-3 December 10.
The game against Carnduff was the only one of the week for the Coalers. Their record fell to 2-3-0-2.
Oxbow had won their last two games, 8-5 over Midale December 3 and 3-2 over Wawota December 9. The Huskies are 3-3.
The Midale Mustangs ended a three-game losing streak with an 8-4 road win against the Carlyle Cougars December 8. Midale is fourth in the south at 2-3, but they have games in hand on Oxbow and Bienfait.
The loss to Midale was the first of the season for Carlyle. But they rebounded with an 8-3 win over the Redvers Rockets on December 9, to move into first place in the North Division with a 4-1 record.
Redvers is second at 3-2-1.
The Wawota Flyers split their last two games, beating Arcola-Kisbey 7-2 but losing to Oxbow. They are 2-4 and third in the North Division.
Arcola-Kisbey is fourth in the North Division at 1-4-1. They dropped their last two games to Oxbow and Wawota.

Strippers to sell calendars for anniversary
The Estevan Strippers hockey club will sell 18-month calendars to celebrate the 25th edition of their Spring Bust tournament in 2007.
Eleven months will feature tasteful pictures of Strippers' players in various stages of undress. The other seven months have team pictures from last year's Spring Bust tournament. The calendars will be launched during the tournament.
Veteran player Frank John said some players were initially hesitant to participate, but once some pictures were taken, they warmed to the concept.
"We never really had any trouble getting volunteers," said John. "I have one guy that wants to be on it and I haven't found a place for him yet."
John said similar calendar promotions have worked in other parts of the province. One in Eston sold 2,000 copies.
The calendar stretches from July 2007 to December 2008.
"It's 18 months, so we have a long period to sell it, which is going to be nice," said Rick Rohatyn, another player on the team. "Three months before it starts (it'll be on sale)."
Proceeds from calendar sales will go to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation to purchase new x-ray equipment. The Strippers are also seeking sponsors for the calendars.
The 2007 Spring Bust tournament, to be held March 28 to April 1, will feature 28 teams competing in seven divisions. Each player will receive a free deck of cards in honour of the 25th anniversary.

Atom Elks win in Alameda
Caption: Members of the Estevan Atom Elks that won a tournament in Alameda. Back row (L-R): coaches Rob Rogers and Jamie Mohr and trainer Tim Seipp. Middle row: Talys Halabuza, Kyle Seipp, Tanner Tytlandsvik, Isaiah Geisel, Shayla Mosley and Brendan Rogers. Front row: Riley Mohr, Taylor Tait, Seth Horn, Tanner Mantei, Ryan Stovin and Cameron Biette.
The Estevan Atom Elks captured a five-team tournament held in Alameda on December 8 and 9.
Estevan tied Oxbow 8-8 on the 8th, and defeated Wawota 9-2 on the 9th. Estevan scored six times in the first period against Wawota. Estevan finished with a 1-0-1 record in the round robin.
The Elks advanced to the A final, where they played the host Alameda Avalanche. Estevan scored three times in the first period and three more in the second period to defeat Alameda 6-0. Kyle Seipp and Cameron Biette each had two goals, and Tanner Tytlandsvik had the shutout in the victory.

From the Sidelines
By Kyle Kapiczowski
Austin returns
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have hired former quarterback Kent Austin as the new head coach for the 2007 season. He was previously the offensive coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts. He also led the Roughriders to the 1989 Grey Cup as their quarterback. I think it was a good move, because the Roughriders need a coach who can get some wins.
In the NFL, the Chicago Bears wasted the St. Louis Rams 42-27 on "Monday Night Football." The Bears needed this win because Rex Grossman was struggling. Devin Hester returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.
NCAA Bowl season is coming. Some of the games are: The MPC Computers Bowl between the Miami Hurricanes and Nevada; the Emerald Bowl between the UCLA Bruins and Florida State; the Capital One Bowl between No. 12 Arkansas and No. 6 Wisconsin; and the International Bowl in Toronto between Western Michigan and Cincinnati.
The BCS Championship is No. 1 Ohio State and the No. 2 Florida Gators. I think the Gators are going to win by three and they will capture the national championship. Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith won the Heisman Trophy.
Pitcher Ted Lilly is no longer with the Toronto Blue Jays. He is now a member of the Chicago Cubs. Barry Bonds re-signed with the San Francisco Giants. The New York Yankees brought back pitcher Andy Pettitte. I'm surprised about that.
In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers are second in the division with a 12-8 record. They are fourth in the conference. They lost 95-89 to the New Orleans Hornets.
In the WHL, the Regina Pats are fourth in the East Division with a 13-17-1-2 record. They lost 8-5 to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The Pats exchanged forwards Justin Bernhardt, Jason MacDonald, and prospect Kyle St. Denis with the Kelowna Rockets, in exchange for forwards Troy Ofukany, Kaspars Saulietis, and Kirt Hill. I think it will make the Pats a lot better.
That's all, folks!

Viewpoints

DROP the GLOVES
By David Willberg
For the person who has everything...
Is it me, or does Christmas shopping become more difficult every year?
When I was young, Christmas shopping was easy: I let my parents do it for me. I couldn't afford a Christmas gift on my allowance, let alone gifts for my parents, my sister, my grandparents, and other members of my extended family.
Now I'm older, and I can afford gifts. I'm not going to purchase sparkling jewelry, or a fast car, or tailored suits or gowns for my family and friends. But I can purchase something nice.
But everybody is at that stage where they don't need anything. Trying to obtain a Christmas wish list is like pulling teeth. And the longer they wait, the longer the line-ups become at the stores.
And I'm not any easier to shop for. People ask me what I need. Silence ensues. My mind goes blank. The only time I'm ever at a loss for words is when somebody asks me what I want for Christmas. I even struggle to find a present during the office gift exchange.
This is one of those times when I wish I was a creative shopper. The person who knows exactly what to purchase, or create, for every person they know. They don't need a wish list - they've had a gift list ready since July.
If they didn't buy it, they made it. Unfortunately, I won't be making anything. I failed sewing in high school, and I'm the last person in the world who should be operating woodwork or metalwork machinery.
There's one more option: a charitable donation. Christmas is about giving, not receiving. It took a while to sink in; when I was eight, my Christmas wish list had as many pages as this week's edition of Lifestyles.
So if someone is holding out on the Christmas wish list, make a donation to a charitable organization on their behalf. (And no, I don't mean George Costanza's Human Fund from "Seinfeld.") But there are many wonderful charitable organizations in Estevan and area worthy of support. It sure beats buying another repetitive gift.

What's Happening

Going to "Garfield"
(L-R) Lucas Capelle, Angelle Avery and Logan Capelle were among the many youth who attended the Estevan Chamber of Commerce's free matinee December 9 at the Orpheum Theatre. "Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties" was shown.

121 units collected
Tom More gave blood during a Canadian Blood Services donor clinic December 11 in Estevan. A total of 121 units were collected, and another 17 clients were deferred. The goal was 146 units.

Real Estate Board sworn in
The Estevan Real Estate Board held their annual Christmas party December 14. The 2007 board were sworn in, with colleagues, clients and friends in attendance. Officers of the 2007 board are (L-R): past-president Cathy Morrell, treasurer Roni Sue Coulter, secretary Lorna Pylychaty and member-at-large Darcy Calder. Missing: president Diane Jocelyn.

Spruce Ridge sings
Spruce Ridge School's Grade 3 to 6 choir sang a couple of selections at the Estevan Rotary Club's annual Carol Festival December 10 at St. Paul's United Church. The students performed actions to go with their music. The Carol Festival featured 10 groups and soloists, with a variety of seasonal music.

Bright decorations
Many homes across Estevan have been well decorated as Christmas approaches, including this house on First Street in Estevan. The house features an abundance of bright lights, and many Christmas and winter-related figures.