Feature

Proud to be a Lion
By David Willberg
Caption: John Fowler has been a member of the Estevan Lions Club for 47 years.

The Estevan Lions Club will celebrate 50 years in the city this year. John Fowler has been part of the club for 47 of those years.
Fowler said he initially joined the club to improve his speaking skills. He was promoted from a salesperson to a manager for Investors Group, and he realized he needed to improve his public speaking abilities.
"It was awful hard for me to do that," said Fowler. "I'd never had that experience. So I thought 'If I go to the Lions club, I'll be able to stand up and speak.' So I did it to try to improve myself. And it worked."
Once he joined the Lions, Fowler realized he had the opportunity to help others. That opportunity to give back has kept him with the Lions for 47 years. He's a big believer in the Lions Club motto: "We serve."
"When you go through life, at the end you'll find out that the things you did for others for free are as much, if not more rewarding, than the money you make," Fowler told Lifestyles.
"You have to have money to live the way you want to live - buy your groceries and cover expenses and that sort of thing, I understand that," he added later. "But actually doing something for somebody else - what they can't do for themselves, for free - is far more rewarding."
Fowler has done just about everything possible within the Lions Club. He is a past-president. He was the tail twister - administering small fines to members who break protocol, and ensuring that the meetings run smoothly.
"All I was interested in was doing volunteer work for the community I live in," said Fowler. "I can't imagine a community without volunteer workers, and particularly the ones that are organized."
He attended district convention for many years. And last year, he was presented with a Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship pin - one of the top honours available for a Lion.
One thing that Fowler said has been a constant for the Lions is their commitment to vision-related agencies. They actively support organizations like CNIB, which promotes vision health and assists people who have suffered vision loss or blindness. The Lions also support the Canadian Diabetes Association, since many diabetics suffer sight impairments.
Fowler remembers a guest speaker out of Regina who said that without the Lions, there probably wouldn't be a CNIB.
The Lions club became more meaningful to Fowler after he retired in 1996, he said. He has volunteered to head up special events, such as a raffle and a Fantasy Fiddlers concert. He would like to see the club do more to promote itself, even if it is simple measures such as club hats.
"A club should have small little projects that you could take part in. And we'd get to know each other better, and the public can see the club is doing something," said Fowler.
Anyone interested in giving back to their community would make a good Lion, Fowler said, but he believes prospective members also have to be willing to attend meetings and work on projects. Those who join the Lions get to meet new friends, too.
"I like to go to the Lions meetings and see what the club is doing, and have a little fellowship," said Fowler.

News

SaskPower responds to oil leak
An estimated 300 to 400 gallons of turbine oil seeped into the Boundary Dam Reservoir, due to a leak from the Unit 6 turbine oil cooler at the Boundary Dam Power station March 30.
Plant manager Mike Zeleny said oil was noticed in the cooling water flow from the power station return to the reservoir. There was also some oil found on the surface of the water surrounding the area where the cooling water flows into the reservoir.
"It was likely either a tube rupture or we had a gasket leak," said Zeleny.
"We can't disassemble the cooler at this time because the unit is still on-line, and we can't take the unit off to investigate the unit that caused us the problem until the unit comes off for overhaul in about three weeks.
System requirements at this time preclude us from removing the unit from service."
The oil cooler is one of two at Unit 6. The oil cooler has been taken out of service and the oil leak has been plugged. The cooler is original equipment and was not part of the upgrades at Unit 6 in 2003. It was last inspected in 2003.
About 20 people worked into the night on the 30th to install contaminant booms in the cooling water outlet channel, and oil absorbent pads along the west reservoir shoreline near the cooling water outlet.
The reservoir shoreline was thoroughly inspected on the morning of March 31.
Very faint traces of oil were found on the west shoreline of the reservoir between the cooling water outlet and the power station.
Additional absorbent pads were laid down. The pads were removed April 2, when there wasn't any more oil to catch.
"We didn't want them to stay there in case the wind or the waves come up, and they start floating away on you," Zeleny said.
Oil wasn't found at any other part of the reservoir, including the Estevan Water Treatment Plant intake area, the boat dock and the beach on the east side of the reservoir.
Water samples at different points around the shoreline were taken before and after clean-up, and sent for analysis. The reservoir was inspected daily for several days to ensure there weren't any unidentified problem areas.
Minor oil leaks have occurred before, Zeleny said, but no oil ever wound up in the return canal. He doubts that enough oil escaped to cause environmental damage.
SaskPower has started their own investigation. They have informed the City of Estevan's Water Treatment Plant, Saskatchewan Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
The cost of the leak has been minimal, but long-term costs could escalate if they decide to change the cooling units or the equipment on the coolers.
"We won't know that until we finish up our investigation," said Zeleny.

Police report
*At around 7 p.m. on March 28, a male exposed himself to an employee of a business in the area of 13th Avenue and Seventh Street in Estevan. The victim was not harmed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Estevan Police Service at 634-4767.
*A hit-and-run was reported after a legally parked vehicle was struck by another vehicle. Investigation is ongoing.
*Police tended to a domestic dispute in northern Estevan over possessions. Upon police arrival, both parties were calm and one left without any further problems.
*Police were dispatched to a local business because an intoxicated person was possibly causing a disturbance outside. Members arrived and spoke to several individuals who were waiting for a cab. No further action was required.
*One person was charged with a noise violation for a party at the Willow Park Greens.
*Police tended to a domestic in the southeast area of the city. One person left the residence for the night.
*Police are investigating a theft from a local business.
*The Estevan RCMP is seeking the public's assistance with two incidents:
-A fire in the RM of Coalfields on March 24. The fire destroyed approximately two-and-a-half sections of pasture land.
-The theft of a 2005 grey GMC Colorado pick-up truck in the Macoun area in the evening of March 19 or the early morning of March 20. The truck has red, silver and black pinstripes on both sides. The Saskatchewan licence plate is 679 CZY.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Estevan RCMP at 637-4400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Provincial award for Shirley
Caption: Gail Shirley was presented with the SEPA individual achievement award.
Estevan's Gail Shirley has been recognized for her contributions to the Saskatchewan Emergency Planners Association (SEPA).
Shirley, an alternate director of the emergency social services department for Estevan Emergency Planning, was presented with the individual achievement award during the SEPA convention in March. The award was "totally unexpected," she said, since the individual award has usually gone to a board member.
In addition to her local efforts, Shirley has assisted with emergency planning groups in Midale, Weyburn, Yorkton, Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Regina. Those communities have used Estevan's plan as an outline, and Shirley has helped communities set up, execute and critique mock disasters.
Shirley has travelled to New York City, New Orleans and Puerto Rico for disaster relief through the Red Cross, and she has assisted with local relief efforts following fires and other incidents.
"Every disaster you go to, you gain experience, and then you bring that experience back to your community," said Shirley, who has shared her experiences at past SEPA conferences.
Shirley said she shares the award with the other members of Estevan Emergency Planning.
"Winning this award, even though it was given to me, it was still given to Estevan," said Shirley. "I don't look at this as a me thing. Anytime I do anything, it's through teamwork."
Estevan received the community award in its first year in 2004.

Creating a confident Estevan
Caption: Roy Prevost offered tips on retaining young people in Estevan.
Retaining young people is the key to building a strong community, according to business consultant Roy Prevost.
Prevost spoke to about 35 people at a "Building Better Communities" seminar March 29 in Estevan. He believes community and business leaders need to visit schools, meet with young people, make them feel part of the community and involve them in projects.
The "old boys club" mentality must be eliminated if Estevan is to grow, Prevost said.
"The old boys club tends to exclude almost everybody, and it creates a power structure in a town," said Prevost. "That is probably one of the serious impediments to young people coming up and feeling part in parcel of the community."
If youth are allowed to be active in Estevan, Prevost said they will be more likely to live in the city after they finish post-secondary studies.
Estevan also needs clear goals, an action plan, leaders and a community champion to promote the city.
Prevost called Saskatchewan the "best-kept secret in the world." He said he didn't realize the diverse nature of the province. But Prevost said Saskatchewan still needs to promote itself to its young people.
Prevost emphasized community involvement throughout his speech, but he also stressed the importance of a positive attitude. Those who are giving back shouldn't be critical of Estevan.
"If you're bad-mouthing your community, stop it," said Prevost. "If you hear others bad-mouthing the community, stop them."

Ban on elm tree pruning
To reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease (DED), a provincial elm tree ban will be enforced from April 1 to August 31.
Fresh cuts from pruning attract the beetles that can spread the disease and increase the chance of infection.
Pruning of dead and dying elm branches is encouraged before April 1 and after August 31. This helps to reduce beetle breeding habitat and control the beetle population. Prompt and proper disposal of the pruned wood is also essential to keep the disease from spreading.
"The ban period is intended to coincide with the period during which elm bark beetles are most active," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "Complying with the pruning ban is a simple thing we can all do to protect the elms in our communities."
Provincial regulations also require commercial elm trees pruners to take a recognized training program or be under the supervision of someone who has. Improper pruning techniques can contribute to the spread of many tree diseases, including DED.

Nifty Fifties in Torquay
Caption: The residents of Livermore were delighted when rock icon (R) Ziggy Springer (Bernie Bjorndalen) appeared in the community.

Torquay went 50 years back in time March 30 and 31, thanks to the "Nifty Fifties," a dessert theatre performed at the village's community centre.
More than 400 people attended the two presentations of the musical comedy. The acting and singing talents of more than 20 people were showcased.
The majority of the play was set in Louise's Luncheonette, a teenage hangout in the fictional community of Livermore. The cast sported 50s fashion, hair, accessories and, in the case of the women, make-up.
"Nifty Fifties" tells the story of local high school students trying to piece together the school dance. Securing the luncheonette as the site, as well as the services of rock-and-roll star Ziggy Springer as the entertainment, prove to be challenges.
All proceeds will go to the Torquay Community Club, which operates the community centre and the arena.

United Way reflects on 2006
Caption: (L-R) President Mark Pettitt accepts the gavel from past-president Gwen Densley.
The United Way of Estevan reflected on a record-setting year, and looked ahead to 2007, during their annual general meeting March 30.
Total revenue last year was slightly over $300,000, including $262,250 from their 30th annual Marathon, and a $23,348 estate donation. They turned over $271,520 in payments to their 17 member agencies.
Estevan was the first United Way in Canada to reach their goal for the 29th time in 30 years, and last year marked the first time that all pledges were collected.
The 2007-08 executive was sworn in. Mark Pettitt is the president, Gwen Densley is the past-president, and Alan Hamann and James Lainton are the first and second vice-presidents, respectively. Sheila Guenther is the treasurer, and Debbie Swain is the secretary.
Densley said the hard work and dedication of the board of directors and the volunteers made her job as president easy and the Marathon a lot of fun.
Pettitt said eight years on the board prepared him to become president. He has learned what a great community Estevan is, the amazing work that member agencies do in the community, and the strength of the United Way's local board.
"Every year you learn something new, you get involved in a little different aspect, and you actually start understanding what member agencies do in the community and their impact on the people they serve in the community," said Pettitt.
The 2007 Marathon is slated for October 19 and 20. Pettitt said they also want to have a day of caring this year, in which people would come together to work on a project.
"We don't have any project in mind right now, we're just starting to talk about it and the idea of getting the community together to help on one specific day," said Pettitt. "It's been done in other communities, it's been done across Canada, and I think it's a really good thing to bring to Estevan."

ECS collects food
Caption: (L-R) Katie Salmers and Andrew Shirley were two of the volunteers who gathered food.
Students Against Drunk Drivers and the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Estevan Comprehensive School participated in a food drive March 30.
Eighteen students circulated the city and gathered food for the Salvation Army's food bank. Additional food was brought to the school the following day.
A total of 565 canned products and 316 boxes of dry goods were collected.

Musical Ride coming to Estevan
One of Canada's most recognized institutions will visit Estevan for the first time since 2002.
The RCMP Musical Ride will perform at the Estevan Exhibition arena on Tuesday, May 15, starting at 7 p.m. The Rotary Club of Estevan and the Exhibition Association are bringing the Musical Ride to Estevan, and they will split the proceeds.
The Musical Ride features 32 horses and riders performing a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music. It was developed in 1876 by early members of the North West Mounted Police to display riding ability and entertain the local community.
Members of the Musical Ride are RCMP police officers. They all have at least two years of policing experience. Most have no prior riding experience.
The Musical Ride will also perform for elementary school students of Estevan and area at 10:15 a.m.
Tyler Lewis will be the pre-show entertainment. A Rockglen native, Lewis finished third in the 2005 edition of "Canadian Idol."

Music festival underway
Caption: Chef Kayden Tonita was one of the entries in the musical theatre competition.
More than 900 entries were received for the Estevan and District Music Festival, which started April 1.
Vocal sessions and musical theatre ran at St. Paul's United Church from April 1 to 3. Speech arts were held at the Estevan Alliance Church and Trinity Lutheran Church from April 3 to 5.
The music festival will break during the Good Friday long weekend and week-long spring break for the schools. Upcoming classes include junior piano April 17 to 19 at Trinity Lutheran, intermediate and senior piano April 17 to 23 at St. Paul's, and string sessions April 23.
Woodwind, percussion and brass band classes are at the Estevan Comprehensive School from April 23 to 26, and jazz bands are scheduled for April 24.
The annual festival highlights and awards ceremony is Sunday, April 29 at the Estevan Comprehensive School, beginning at 2 p.m.

Tea and trefoil
Caption: (L-R) Anna de Bussac and Isabel Marcotte took admission for the Tea and Trefoil Sale.
Estevan's Girl Guide groups held their annual tea and trefoil sale March 31 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides served tea, coffee and snacks, and sold baking, crafts and other products. There was also a fishing tank and raffles.

MS Walk is May 6
Estevan is one of several Saskatchewan communities that will participate in the SuperCities Walk for MS on Sunday, May 6.
The Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre will be the start-finish line. Check-in time is at 12 p.m. and the walk starts at 1 p.m. Finger foods will be provided after the walk's completion.
Participants can register as an individual or in teams. A team consists of a captain and three or more people. Teams are encouraged to create their own name.
Prizes will be awarded for: top fundraising friends and family team, top fundraising corporate team, top fundraising rookie team, top fundraising youth and the best team spirit.
Local coordinator Dave Seipp said they have about 30 people registered. Between 50 and 60 people participated last year, raising about $11,000. An additional $4,100 came in through corporate donations.
"MS is well-known in Estevan, and a lot of people have it in Estevan and surrounding areas," said Seipp. "Everybody is affected in this corner of Saskatchewan."

Torquay CU holds annual meeting
Caption: (L-R) Steven Berg presented a $1,500 cheque to Matthew Marcotte of the Torquay First Responders during the Torquay Credit Union's annual meeting.
The Torquay Credit Union celebrated their accomplishments from the last 12 months during the annual general meeting March 23.
Net income was $80,000. Manager Ann Favreau said they used the surplus to bolster reserves and set up a large provision in case of future losses.
They have about 1,300 active members, and $31 million in assets.
During the meeting, the Torquay Credit Union donated $1,500 to the Torquay First Responders for the purchase of a defribulator.
A new high interest savings account, called CUSave, was introduced last year, and went over very well, said Favreau.
They plan to continue their current programs in 2007, and they are preparing for the implementation of a new banking system.
"It'll give us a lot more capacity," said Favreau. "We'll be able to bring on more products and services that the members are demanding. The old banking system is obsolete, it was built on an obsolete banking platform. It served us well for the last 15 years, but technology is changing very quickly, and so must we."

Lions enjoying a busy year
Caption: (L-R) Estevan Lions Club incoming president Ron Senchuk and president Kevin Mortenson.
The Estevan Lions Club is in the midst of a very busy 2007.
The Lions meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at the Nicholson Centre, located at the north end of the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Meetings start at 7 p.m., except for supper meetings, which start at 6:30 or 7 p.m.
The Nicholson Centre is owned and operated by the Lions, and can be rented for events.
Already this year, the Lions have hosted their Rock and Roar cabaret in February and a Rory Allen Tribute to the King concert in March.
The Lions will celebrate 50 years in Estevan on May 26. Activities include a Loonie lunch for the public at the Rusty Duce Playpark in Pleasantdale, and a dance for past and present Lions members and their families.
The 14th annual CNIB Golf Classic is July 5. The tournament has raised more than $113,000.
The 2007 district convention will be in Estevan from October 19 to 21. Between 150 and 220 delegates from clubs in southeast Saskatchewan will participate in various activities.
They will be cleaning up Highway 39 from Estevan to the weigh station during the spring.
The Estevan Lions also have a lottery each year, with funds directed to community projects. They help with maintenance at the Rusty Duce Playpark, and they constructed the Roy Butler Memorial Building at the park. They co-sponsor the Estevan Showcase business expo during the fall.
The Lions are strong supporters of programs such as CNIB and the Canadian Diabetes Foundation.
President Kevin Mortenson said they have 23 members, and they are always looking for more.
"It's good for the community," said Mortenson. "It gives you a better feeling about the community, I find. We're always trying to overlap projects."
"A lot of people will see work that the Lions do and realize that maybe some of their family members have benefited from the service of the Lions, and usually it'll be with visually impaired people," added incoming president Ron Senchuk.

Estevan named top library
Estevan Public Library staff (L-R) Laurie Sokol, James Skelton, Greg Salmers,
Katina Chapman and Bard Dodd.
The Estevan Public Library has been named the Southeast Regional Library's Branch of the Year.
Promotional efforts were among the reasons for the honour. The library's relationship with the local media was noted, and their Books for Babies program, barbecues and book sales were lauded.
"I think it's a great credit to the library staff and the board who worked hard to improve the range and the variety of our programming, improve our collections and increase our promotions," said head librarian Greg Salmers.
The library has also sought to involve Aboriginal people. An Aboriginal storyteller visited several branches in the region. The Estevan Public Library is issuing library cards to Aboriginals, visiting reserves, meeting councils, Salmers said, and they celebrate National Aboriginal Day and National Aboriginal Storytelling Week.
First Nations populations are on the rise, Salmers said, while many southeast Saskatchewan communities are suffering population drops.
"If you project that over a longer period of time, it'll be more and more important every day to have excellent service for First Nations people," said Salmers. "They are a growing population, they have a lot of young people and they have a lot of needs that we can serve."
Estevan was also a finalist for the branch programming award. Estevan had nearly 200 story hour and toddler time sessions, as well as book clubs for children and adults, coffee houses, author readings and a summer reading program.
The Southeast Regional Library has 49 branch libraries, nine community delivery locations and one special agreement.
AGRICULTURE
Farm safety promoted
Caption: Katlin Tedford was one of the speakers during a farm safety seminar
About 55 people listened to messages on the importance of safety in agriculture during a Safe Saskatchewan seminar March 29 in Estevan.
Safe Saskatchewan spokesman Gord Moker said there is an unintentional injury epidemic in the province. While Saskatchewan has about three per cent of the country's population, it has seven per cent of the unintentional injuries. Moker said many of those injuries take place on farms.
Moker began the evening by offering background information on Safe Saskatchewan, its goals, and the number of unintentional injuries in the province.
Doug Caswell and Murray Badel spoke on behalf of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. Both suffered permanent injuries in farming accidents, but continued to farm.
"They are farmers, and they can identify with the risks around farming, and they relayed a very nice message," said Moker.
Katlin Tedford from the Benson 4-H Club shared the loss of a family pet to a farming accident. Karen Hammond from SaskPower explained the dangers of overhead power lines.
Shannon LaRoque concluded the evening with the story of how her son was killed in a farming accident eight years ago.
Moker said that they are working with the Saskatchewan Alliance for Safety and Health in Agriculture to develop a provincial agriculture injury prevention strategy. He said they don't have any results on whether their message is working, but many people have said they will be more safety-conscious.
"We have an evaluation form that we pass around and we ask all the participants to complete, and from early indications, we're getting some really good positive remarks on the presentations that we've done," said Moker.

Columnists

THE GOD OF EVERYDAY THINGS
By Linda Wegner
Did you ever notice that most of life is fairly hum-drum? Now don't mistake me, that's not saying it can't be rich and fulfilling but for most of the people I know (myself included), the days are pretty routine. There are home responsibilities, the job, ever increasing commitments and activities, shopping for groceries...the list goes on and on. I'm not sure about yours but my 24/7 schedule makes for some repetitious reading. That makes it especially meaningful to me when readers tell me they are impressed at how common things can become the subject of these articles.
I use common events because I've learned that it isn't the spectacular events that set the course of our lives. Most of us will never become world-famous nor will we be presented with opportunities to impact huge segments of society by our humanitarian projects. In fact, no one I know escapes a life of "here we go again."
So, what do you do when the routine gets to you? Other than the occasional trip out of town, I simply keep on doing what I'm scheduled to do. After all, there are bills to be paid, essentials to be looked after, and people I love to be cared for.
I've also discovered that's how it is in my walk with the Lord. Years ago I gave up on the notion of being the epitome of what godliness is supposed to look like. I've learned that life is most blessed and, I believe, God is most pleased when I choose to give thanks for all that comes into my days, when I extract richness from every day that I am given life, and when I lean ever more heavily on divine grace.
"Give us this day our daily bread…" (Matthew 6:11)
Not much more ordinary - or blessed - than that!

TALK TO THE ANIMALSWith Dawn Klassen
I have spent all of my living memory either talking to or trying to talk to animals. I do not know many that wouldn't give just about anything to have even a moment of conversation with the animal of their choice. We love them, we adore them, and we would do anything for them. But what on earth are they thinking? Why did Fluffy chew up my new glasses? Is it normal when Fido does that? Please, please tell me how to get Fifi to stop peeing on my bed.
Inside this column in the months to come, you will find tips on looking for the best pet for your family, common concerns about your new puppy, commands every dog should know. Communication; what is your dog trying to tell you? Overcoming obstacles that many encounter when sharing their life with animals.
Looking for inspiration? Profiles on amazing animals and the people that love them. Working animals and those that just won't work no matter what. What to do when the latter lives with you.
Primarily a canine behavior specialist, I have worked with many animals over the years. Raised in rural Saskatchewan, I have traveled throughout North America working with dogs. I believe it is our responsibility to provide good stewardship to all of the animals we are lucky enough to encounter. I know dogs are an extraordinary gift to mankind, I want to help you get the most out of your dog. There is no such thing as a dumb dog. You can be your dog's best friend and leader. You can communicate with your best friend. Along the way I hope to debunk a few myths regarding behavior and training.
Animals can and do learn from a very early age. Just what they learn and how they learn it depends a great deal on how we live our lives with them.
Myth # I " I can't train my puppy until he is months old."
You are free to fill in the blank here. I have heard every age imaginable from well intentioned puppy owners waiting to train their puppy. Meanwhile the cutest puppy in the world is turning into a ruling dictator.
The neurological development of puppies is rapid and ongoing. There is ample research pointing to the benefits of early training. Playtime is our primary teaching time. Your puppy can learn early on that games have rules and training is a fun game. Remember to expose your puppy to new stimuli on a regular basis. We have all heard of socialization and it's importance. This is a process and needs to be kept up.
Recently a client wanted to take a class to "socialize" his two-year-old dog to other dogs before company came on the weekend with their two dogs. This is a learning process and can't just happen in one class. Needless to say, he was somewhat annoyed when I could not magically fix his dog for the weekend. Three months later he is well on his way to teaching his dog what appropriate behavior is and when it is expected.
Physical training should be approached with caution. You can overwork and strain very young dogs. Remember that even in play young puppies can overestimate their super powers. Games and social interaction are all opportunities for your puppy to learn.
One important point to cover is that your young puppy's vaccines must be kept current and to date to protect them. Many plan on avoiding contact with other dogs as a safety measure from disease. This is not practical or often even achievable. It is impossible to avoid contact with other animals completely, baring social isolation. This is not a healthy option for mental development. So get out and enjoy your puppy and his unique view of the world. Take charge and teach him because he is paying attention even when you are not.
Dawn Klassen owns and operates "All Creatures" a training, rescue and boarding facility in Estevan, Saskatchewan. She can be reached through this paper or at dawn@all-creatures.ca

Sports

25th Spring Bust tournament
Caption: (L-R) Frank John and Dale Fox with the banner welcoming players to the 25th annual Estevan Strippers Spring Bust tournament.
The Estevan Strippers hosted their 25th annual Spring Bust hockey tournament from March 28 to April 1. Twenty-eight teams competed in seven divisions.
The Brandon North 40 won the Preston Meyer Memorial Division. Brandon and the Estevan Viking 45s finished tied for first at 2-0-1, but Brandon won the goals for-goals against tie-breaker. The Indian Head Saints were third and the Estevan Tower Wolves 45s were fourth.
The Regina Slow Shots won the Ray Frehlick Division with a 3-0 record. The Estevan Ikon Capitals were second, followed by the Yorkton Old Relics and the Carson Wings.
The Estevan Eclipse won the Days Inn Division with a 7-3 win over the Woodley Whites. The Regina Blackouts finished third with a 9-8 shoot-out win over the Oxbow Coyotes.
The Estevan Oilers defeated the Estevan Tower Wolves 10-1 to win the Tap House Division. The Estevan Ceda Sharks beat the Estevan Baxter Cougars 9-4 in the third place game.
The Weyburn Ambassadors beat the Langenberg Ice Hawgs 7-1 in the Bill Dutton Division final. The Weyburn Prairie Land Thrashers defeated the Avonlea Antiques 7-5 for third.
The TS&M Hurricanes won the Einar Fagerheim Memorial Division with an 8-6 decision over the Estevan Red Eyes. The Estevan Flyers shut out the Roche Percee Stars 6-0 in the third place contest.
The Estevan Rookies won 8-5 over the Estevan Vikings in the Prairie Mines and Royalty final. The Moose Jaw Mid-West Warriors beat the Alameda Red Army 9-3 for third.
Dale Fox, a 62-year-old member of the Estevan Viking 45s, was the tournament's oldest player. The Yorkton Old Relics and the Regina Slow Shots shared the Tap House Sportsmanship Award for the over-45 divisions, and the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Oxbow Coyotes shared the James Schroeder Memorial Sportsmanship Award for the Over-30 divisions.
The Strippers also launched their new calendar. The 18-month calendar stretches from July 2007 to December 2008, and features members of the Strippers in tasteful stages of undress. Proceeds from the calendar will go to the St. Joseph's Hospital.

Midget A Bruins win provincials
A fortuitous bounce early in overtime lifted the Estevan Prairie Mines and Royalty Midget A Bruins to the provincial Tier II championship.
Captain Joel Moriarty's dump-in 24 seconds into overtime bounced off the glass and slipped past a startled Meadow Lake Aces goaltender, lifting Estevan to a 10-9 win in the two-game, total-goal series.
"We were watching the line change, and I think it might have hit a glass stantion or something, and the goalie got caught on the play, and the puck was in," said Puffalt.
Meadow Lake won Game 1 4-3 and Estevan won Game 2 5-4. Keegan Malaryk's goal with about two minutes remaining in the third period gave Estevan the lead in the game, and tied the two-game series 9-9. That forced overtime in the series, and set the stage for Moriarty's heroics.
Meadow Lake led 2-0 after the first period of Game 2, and 6-3 overall. Estevan responded with four goals in the opening six minutes of the second to take a 4-2 lead in the game and a 7-6 lead in the series.
Meadow Lake tied the series early in the third, and appeared to take the series lead a few minutes later on a long shot from the neutral zone, but the goal was waived off due to an offside. The Aces did score midway through the period, but their lead was negated by Malaryk's late goal.
Nine players and two coaches on the Bruins won the provincial bantam A title two years ago. Puffalt said the experience was invaluable when Estevan was trailing in the series.
"We had the 17-year-olds, who were all good players, and they were all calm and they were telling guys to calm down," said Puffalt. "It was the guys who had won once before that said 'you have to step it up in the last game to win it all.'"

Provincial title for peewee Bruins
Caption: The Estevan Prairie PetroChem Peewee A Bruins captured the provincial championship by defeating Nipawin.
The Estevan Prairie PetroChem Peewee A Bruins capped their 2006-07 season with a provincial championship.
Estevan defeated the Nipawin Hawks 6-2 at the Civic Auditorium on April 1 to win the two-goal, total-goal series 16-8. The peewee Bruins had already claimed the South Central Minor Hockey League title. They also won several tournaments during the year.
“It feels unbelievable,” said coach Dan Pratt. “I can’t even describe it. It’s awesome.”
A provincial championship was their goal from the start of the season, Pratt said.
Estevan won the league title last year, but none of those players returned this year. Pratt said this year’s team didn’t have any problems gelling.
“The kids were just unreal,” said Pratt. “The first-year peewees that came up were really mature, and the second year peewees had great experience and it meshed well from the start. From the get-go, it was awesome.”
Eight players are eligible to return next year.
Estevan defeated the Hawks 10-6 in Game 1 in Nipawin. Game 2 was scoreless after 20 minutes. Pratt attributed that to defensive play from both teams and some bad bounces.
The Bruins outscored the Hawks 4-1 in the second period to take a 14-7 lead in the series.
“They were actually surprisingly very calm,” said Pratt. “Before I even got in the dressing room, they were already saying that it’s not over yet. They handled it very maturely for young kids, and I was very impressed with how maturely they handled everything.”
Two of the Bruins’ second period goals were short-handed efforts, including one while Estevan was two men short.
Estevan outscored Nipawin 2-1 in the third period to round out the game’s scoring.

Midget AA Bruins win league
Caption: The Estevan BlackMax Midget AA Bruins defeated Caronport in overtime to win the league title.
The Estevan BlackMax Midget AA Bruins are on top of the South Saskatchewan Minor Hockey League for the first time since 2003.
Estevan defeated the Caronport Cougars 3-2 in overtime April 3 to win the best-of-three league final 2-1. Brody Haygarth's breakaway goal 36 seconds into overtime was the series clincher.
Caronport led 2-0 by the midway point of the second period. Estevan scored late in the second to reduce the deficit to one.
"I didn't think we deserved to be down two goals, I thought we played a pretty well-rounded game from start to finish, and just weren't getting the bounces," said coach Brad Pierson.
Caronport had a penalty shot 30 seconds into the third, but missed the net.
"There were some screams down the bench just to stay with it, and hope the goalie makes the big saves, and he forced the guy to miss the net," said Pierson.
Tyler Spencer scored the tying goal for Estevan a few minutes later
Both teams had chances to win the game in the third period, but couldn't convert.
Estevan won Game 1 5-2 March 24 in Estevan. Caronport won Game 2 5-3 two nights later.
More than 1,000 fans attended Game 3. Pierson said he has never seen a crowd that energetic for a midget game. He said the crowd was particularly loud in the third period and prior to the start of overtime, noting boisterous "Go Bruins Go!" chants.
Pierson commended his staff for their excellent work throughout the season, especially while he was serving a two-month suspension late in the regular season and early in the league playoffs, following an incident during provincials.
"I can't thank (assistant coach) Chris Hammett enough for his contributions in the two months that I was away from the line-up," said Pierson. "He stepped up and did a great job, along with everyone else."

From the Sidelines
Gators repeat
as champions
By Kyle Kapiczowski
The Florida Gators are national champions of NCAA men's basketball. They beat Ohio State 84-75 in the championship game. The Gators finished their season on a nine-game winning streak. Their final record was 35-5. The Gators swept the season series with Ohio State 2-0. This is the first time that there has been a repeat champion since Duke did it in 1991-92.
In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers have clinched a playoff spot. The Cavs' record is 44-30. They are second in the Central Division and three-and-a-half games behind the Detroit Pistons. Cleveland lost 98-96 to Boston.
In the WHL, the Regina Pats are off to the second round of the playoffs. They beat the Swift Current Broncos in six games. The Pats will play the Brandon Wheat Kings, the Medicine Hat Tigers or the Calgary Hitmen in the next round. I hope the pats play Brandon because the Pats won the season series over the Wheat Kings.
In the Arena Football League, the Philadelphia Soul beat the New York Dragons 65-60. The Soul's record is 4-0 and 1-0 in conference play. The Soul's next game is against the Georgia Force. Soul defensive back Eddie Moten was named the ADT defensive player of the week.
The 2007 NFL Europe football season will begin April 14. The final roster cuts have taken place. I think the Berlin Thunder are going to win the World Bowl championship. They will beat the defending champions, the Frankfurt Galaxy. Frankfurt will host the World Bowl this year.
The Thunder have a new coach in John Allen.
In the CFL, quarterback Danny McManus has called it a career after 14 seasons. He will join the TSN broadcasting team. He won two Grey Cups: 1994 with the B.C. Lions and 1999 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
In the Craftsman Truck Series, Mike Skinner won his third race in a row at the Martinsville Speedway.
That's all, folks!

Viewpoints

Tea Time
The 'Right' Side of the Road
By Dani Stobbs
I did not think that coming to a country where they drive on the opposite side of the road was going to pose too much of a challenge. But it has become clear that through my hopefulness I was very wrong! I make sure that I refer to it as the 'opposite' side of the road, (after several debates with friends, when I refer to it as the 'wrong' side of the road).
After several mishaps and near misses, namely me sitting in the driver's seat (I cannot drive) and Dad standing at the car window with the look of 'you've done it again' pasted on his face, I think I may have finally got it.
Thankfully for me (I think), my sister can drive, but she's a new driver and so I'm still a little dubious. I cling for dear life to the handle every time we go out. She tells me I should relax, as Canada is a lot less fraught than England, thanks to straight roads, a lot less traffic and no roundabouts. England is much, MUCH different. Roads bend and wind, and the solution to any traffic problem is to just plonk a roundabout there. Traffic lights are everywhere, and of course they always change to red every time you approach them. Although that seems to be a consistent theme in Estevan too.
The stereotype of the 'prim and proper' Englishman is certainly not at its best when on the roads in Britain. The reality of road rage is prevalent, with lots of screwed up red faces, and a vivid array of words that really are not suitable for print.
So, all this said, it was apparent from day one that Mum, the nervous driver that she is, was going to encounter some problems. Yet she appeared fine with handling all the potential problems an English person would have in a foreign country, but pulling out of a typical garage proved too much. Dad was not best pleased to come home, to find that the essential big truck he had bought, now sat with one less wing mirror.
My sister and I, were determined that we could get the whole driving thing in Canada down right. Turns out we were too enthused for our own good. As we pull out of a junction, my sister could not remember which side she was meant to be on. She turns hysterical and starts to yell "What side of the road am I meant to be on?" In my sheer panic and confusion I couldn't remember either until I noticed a 'monster' truck driving towards us. WRONG SIDE! It appears that we as English do in fact drive on the wrong side of the road!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
An open letter to Premier Calvert and his cabinet regarding the shameful underfunding of rural and small community K-12 education
Mr. Calvert,
I find it very ironic that you would cry so loudly when the federal government did not give Saskatchewan the equalization dollars you feel we should get. Your government wants our resource revenues to stay in our province to benefit our people. How is that any different from the taxpayers in Richmound, Saskatchewan wanting to have their school tax dollars stay in our community to fund our school? If the federal government used your minister's argument (speaking of Hon. Deb Higgins), they would say "The money follows the population" and Saskatchewan would lose all of our revenues, sharing it out with the bigger provinces because we do not have the people! But the Richmound community only wants as many tax dollars as we contribute that are necessary to run our school. The rest can be used to fund 150 or more students elsewhere.
You say your government has put $200 million into education in the last four years, but be honest. Most of that money has gone to city schools. I think it would be more accurate if your learning minister said "The funding follows the votes for the NDP" because that is what the evidence shows.
Stop the school reviews, drop your inadequate Foundation Operating Grant structure and roll up your sleeves to make a truly fair and equitable distribution of school funding!
Linda Anderst,
concerned parent from Richmound School (under review by the Chinook School Division Board)

What's Happening

Spring fun at the library
The Estevan Public Library celebrated the start of spring with a spring fun day March 31. Children participated in a variety of activities, including several crafts, a story time and snacks.

Hillcrest Hurricane
Hillcrest School in Estevan held their annual Hurricane drama presentation April 3. Grade 6 to 8 students showcased their dancing, singing and acting abilities. This year's Hurricane play was about a young man trying out for "Canadian Idol."

Legion donates to Minor Baseball
Estevan Royal Canadian Legion president David Laing (L) and Legion Ladies Auxiliary president Dorothy Bridges (R) presented a $1,000 cheque to Estevan Minor Baseball president Mel Murray. The funds represent an annual donation, and they will be used for upkeep of the Legion Diamond at Luscar Cactus Park.

Easter egg hunt
Estevan's Beavers participated in an Easter egg hunt April 2. Beavers searched Torgeson Park for eggs containing candy. They also participated in several games, and visited with the Easter Bunny.