Feature

German and Canadian Christmas meet
Caption: Uwe Lindar and Katharina Ulbrich pose with a schwibbogen, a German Christmas decoration. The bulb-shaped decoration includes a nutcracker and a smoking man.
By David Willberg
Katharina Ulbrich and Uwe Lindar, along with other Germans who have moved to Estevan, have brought a little Weihnacht - the German word for Christmas - to the city this year.
Ulbrich and Lindar are two of the workers who have moved from Germany to Canada, as businesses look overseas to find employees. Both are from southeast Germany, and they work at Waterflood.
Ulbrich will be spending Christmas with her family in Estevan. The Ulbrich's will blend German and Canadian Christmas traditions. Lindar is in Canada on his own, and he will fly back to Germany on December 25 and 26.
Lindar has brought some Weihnacht to Estevan. A handmade German Christmas decoration, called a schwibbogen, is at Waterflood's front entrance. It's bulb-shaped, with white lights, two cut-out houses, a church and people. Lindar's decoration also has a nutcracker and a smoking man.
"The tradition comes from the underground miners," said Lindar. "On the 24th, which is Christmas Eve, they go into the mine, take the headlights, and put it (the schwibbogen) … at the entrance of the mine, and it acts like a bulb."
Christmas celebrations are spread out over three days in Germany, from December 24 to 26.
"The biggest difference is that the children in Germany get the presents on Christmas Eve," said Ulbrich. "The presents are under the tree, or Santa Claus himself brings the presents. You can see him. If you have children, you can tell Santa Claus to come, and he has presents in his bag."
In other parts of the country, a Christmas angel brings gifts to the children.
Ulbrich said her family will hand out gifts on Christmas Eve.
Lindar will be back in Germany in time to spend one day of Christmas with his family, since the celebrations are spread out until the 26th. None of the stores are open on the 26th, they said. It's a stark contrast from North America, where Boxing Day December 26 has become the biggest shopping day of the year.
But there are similarities between Christmas in Canada and Germany. Many families go to church on Christmas Eve to hear the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Eve supper differs from family to family. Ulbrich's family eats bratwurst. Lindar's had wieners. There's a big supper on December 25, and lots of time for eating and relaxing Ulbrich said.
"It's a big family day," said Lindar. "You stay together, and have a big supper with duck or with goose, and red kraut."
Germans sing many of the same Christmas carols as Canadians, although they don't have "Jingle Bells."
"'Silent Night' is a song that we have in Germany, too," said Ulbrich. "And 'Oh Christmas Tree' and 'Good King Wenceslas.' These songs are very common."
Most decorations, such as the schwibbogen, are skinny, so they can hang in a window.
"In our area, you can do trips to see the lighted windows, and it looks very nice … especially in our region," said Ulbrich. "We don't have many outside decorations like Canada, maybe it's a few lights. Most of the decorations are in the windows."
Big cities have daily markets for three or four weeks prior to Christmas. People can complete their shopping. Smaller communities might have a market once a week. Little wooden houses, up to 200, are decorated, and there is a big Christmas tree in the centre.
"All of the shops, all the stores, and some community organizations or sports groups, have their own little house and they sell something. You have a Christmas program on stage, maybe different choirs from the town are singing, and children are singing."
Temperatures hover around five and 10 C at Christmas time, Ulbrich said. Germans hope to have a little bit of snow for Christmas, but it's a green Christmas, with rain, three out of every four years. Snow usually comes after Christmas in Germany.

News

Toy store helps youth
(L-R) Marilyn Klatt, Barb Doole, Marilyn Olson, Sheryl Fedyk, Leona Martens and Shirley Brandon volunteered to stock the toy store in the basement of St. Giles' Anglican Church in Estevan. The toy store was open December 19 and 20. Hamper recipients with children were able to drop by and pick up a toy to round out their hamper. People in the community purchased the toys during the Angel Tree campaign in late November and early December. The toy store and the Angel Tree are projects of the Community Hamper Association.

Police report
*A 39-year-old male was charged with driving while suspended. He and his female partner had outstanding warrants.
*Police have a suspect in a theft of gas complaint at a local gas bar. The motorist fueled up the vehicle and left without paying.
*A motorist was charged for failing to immediately notify the other vehicle's owner, following a police investigation into a hit-and-run.
*Several hit-and-run accidents are being investigated.
*Police were called to an accident in a parking lot. A young male was changed with failing to yield right-of-way. Extensive damage occurred.
*Members of the Estevan Police Service, Estevan RCMP and Traffic Services from Weyburn conducted a check stop in and around Estevan. Eighty-seven vehicles were checked. Two impaired drivers and a prohibited driver were charged. Nineteen tickets were issued for traffic and alcohol-related offences. Five 24-hour suspensions were handed out. Two vehicles were seized.
*A 22-year-old male who instigated a fight at a local nightclub was charged under the city's fighting bylaw.
*Wilful damage was inflicted at a local lounge. Police have a suspect.
*A television was stolen from an apartment in the north end of the city. The matter is under investigation.
*A vehicle was vandalized while parked in front of a local lounge. There were scratches along both sides. Anyone with information is asked to call the Estevan Police Service or Crime Stoppers.
*An assault was reported in the hallway of a downtown apartment building. As police arrived, the suspect, who is known to police, was seen leaving the area. He was apprehended.
*Police assisted an Estevan woman, who may have been suffering from mental health issues, in getting to St. Joseph's Hospital and seeking care.
*A stolen vehicle was reported. The owner tracked the vehicle through the GPS, and it was recovered with the assistance of the Prince Albert Police Service and the Prince Albert and Melfort RCMP.
*A female youth attempted to steal money from a local business, but was spotted in the act.
*Police assisted the Estevan RCMP after receiving a report of a vehicle fire in Bienfait.

CUPE and City reach an agreement
The City of Estevan and its staff, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, have reached a new three-year agreement which includes wage increases and benefits improvements.
The pact is retroactive to January 1 and it expires December 31, 2009. City workers will receive a four per cent wage increase for 2007, which come in retroactive pay. Wages will increase five per cent in 2008 and 2009.
CUPE local president Pam Currie said about 95 per cent of the membership supported the new deal. Four negotiating sessions were needed for the agreement.
"I think they knew that they had to come up with something more than the provincial average for the retention and recruitment of employees because Estevan is booming right now," said Currie. "Everybody can have their pick of jobs, so they realized if they wanted to keep the employees they had, they had to come up with some substantial monies for the contract."
City workers received improvements to their vacation time. Previously they had to work 20 years to get five weeks paid vacation. Now they need 15 years. Staff will receive three extra days off each year instead of two.
Dirty work, boot and meal allowances increased, and dental, optical and life insurance plans improved.
Roy Ludwig, the negotiations chair for the City, said it took a while to reach a new agreement because it's difficult to arrange bargaining sessions.
"Getting the scheduling together is very tough. When you have four or five people sitting on either side, you have to work around their work schedules, and the time off that is available," said Ludwig.
The Estevan Police Service has been without a contract since June 30. Negotiations have yet to begin between officers and the police board.

Canetic Resources donates to Salvation Army
(L-R) Estevan Canetic Resources donation committee members Gwen Donais, Linda Weiss, Amanda Pukas, Vaila Lindenbach, Kristin Dupuis and Kelvin Luedtke presented $2,313.40 to Estevan Salvation Army Captain Heather Fudge. A corporate donation represented $2,000; the rest came from Canetic Resources' Christmas Party.

Locals win with YouthBiz
Sunrise Community Futures has announced the winners of their YouthBiz E-Show.
In the Grade 10 to 12 category, first place and $500 in prize money went to Justin Marcotte from Torquay for his business Organic Farmer Boy, a supplier of organically grown flowers and vegetables.
In the Grade 6 to 9 category, second place and $300 went to Rhett Handley from Estevan for Drinkapalooza, a cookie and drink vendor. Third place and $150 was awarded to Tehlar Schilling from Estevan for Tehlar's Dance Lessons for Kids, a unique exercise and dance studio.
"This project was designed to encourage youth entrepreneurship," said Sunrise general manager Chantelle Ernst. "When students started sending in their submissions, we were amazed at the quality and creativity displayed by these young people.
"All students participating in the YouthBiz E-Show should be congratulated for their hard work and great ideas. Youth entrepreneurship really is alive and growing in southeast Saskatchewan."
Special Achievement Awards were also handed out. Most Innovative Idea and $50 was awarded to Alexandria Newman from Estevan for Alex's Amazing Green Bags, an environmentally-aware company.
Most Enthusiastic Greeting and $50 went to Britney Ruzesky from Estevan for Suds and Bubbles, a cleaning service
A total of $2,050 in prize money was handed out. Seventy-four students participated.
The public can view the YouthBiz E-Show entries until December 28 at the Sunrise website.
"Everyone is invited to visit the students' booths and really experience youth entrepreneurship at it's finest," urges Ernst.

Country Christmas concert
Estevan native Chris Henderson performed during Estevan's stop on the Canadian Country Music Tour December 13 at the Orpheum Theatre. Henderson was one of several country singers to perform. Others included: Sean Hogan, Julian Austin, Duane Steele, Samantha King and Greg Hanna. $2 from each ticket sold was donated to the Salvation Army. Audience members were encouraged to bring a donation for the food bank. Proceeds from a cash bar will go to the Estevan Humane Society.

Sobey's donation to Salvation Army
Caption: (L-R) Estevan Salvation Army Captain Heather Fudge accepted $3,200 in gift cards from Estevan Sobey's Ready to Serve manager Joanne Schulte.
Sobey's Ready to Serve in Estevan is helping out the Estevan Salvation Army during the Christmas season.
Sobey's presented gift cards worth a total of $3,200. Funds were raised through Sobey's Time for Sharing program. The money will be used to purchase food for the food bank.
Sobey's is also selling Hampers for Hope, worth $5 and $10, until December 24. The food from the sale of Hampers for Hope will go to the food bank as well. Sobey's wants to sell $5,000 in Hampers for Hope in December, and they are over halfway to their goal.

Moonlight madness
Caption: (L-R) New Image Electronics owner Mary Lou Rosengren assists customer
Kory Clearwater during Moonlight Madness December 13.
Downtown merchants in Estevan had sales and specials for customers during Moonlight Madness December 13. Shoppers flocked to the businesses to take advantage of the savings, and to shop locally. Stores were open until midnight, ensuring the public was able to visit all of the businesses.

Christmas...a message of hope, love, and unity
On behalf of all the churches of the Estevan Ministerial Association we wish everyone a blessed and Christ-filled Christmas.
The message of Christmas is a message of hope, love, and unity.
It is at this time of the year especially that we reflect on the many blessings that we have received throughout this year. With the birth of Christ came the death of hopelessness. Those who turn to Christ find hope and strength that they never thought possible, because God is not a distant God. He came to earth and became one of us, experiencing everything that we felt, including our suffering and our pain.
It is at this time of the year especially that we reflect on the fact that even through tragedy, we can find people banding together in love to help those who have become victims of a tragic event.
It is at this time of the year especially that we, as a ministerial reflect on the unity that we share in our Christian community, a unity that is uncommon in other communities. Many people from other towns and cities have testified to the fact that the people of the churches of Estevan and area share a bond that seems to be unique to this area. This is a testimony of the people of this area who truly celebrate the unity that Christ gives to each one of us. While we may express our faith beliefs in different ways, we are drawn and united together in the bonding belief that Jesus truly is the Saviour of the world.
May you be blessed with the hope, the love, and the unity that only Jesus Christ can bring.
Merry Christmas from the Estevan Ministerial Association.

Harrison travels to Cuba
Scott Harrison, the senior pastor at Living Hope Community Church in Estevan, sought potential ministry opportunities in Cuba for his church and spoke at a pastor's conference during a visit to the Caribbean nation in early December.
Harrison said Cuba is of interest to Living Hope because the country doesn't have a strong American missionary presence, and Cuba is fairly close to Canada.
"We have missions that we support in the Philippines, and we have missions that we support in Africa," said Harrison. "Those are great, but those are also hard to get to. They're very expensive if you want to take a team of people there."
Harrison contacted a Canadian-born pastor who was hosting the pastor's conference. Harrison taught a couple of sessions on intimacy with God. The rest of his time was spent meeting with church leaders.
He visited two churches - two in Matanzas and one in Sedra - where he built some good relationships. One of the churches is undergoing a building project that Harrison would like to support.
"I'm hoping that we'll help it financially, but also be able to take some workers down for some demolition work or some construction work or something," Harrison said.
They could go to Cuba as soon as 2008.
Cuba's government has oppressed the church in the past, Harrison said, but now they're more open towards Christian missionaries.
Cuba is an impoverished nation, Harrison said. Many people only see the beauty of its beaches and tourist destinations. But the average salary, among those who have a job, is $20 per month, he said. Goods cost almost the same as in Canada, unless they are purchased on the black market.

Banner presented to Murray GM
Players, coaches and volunteers from the Estevan Minor Hockey Association presented a signed banner to Murray GM Estevan general manager Herb Padwick (back row right) December 17. Murray GM sponsored a Chevrolet Safe and Fun Hockey jamboree in November. Young players honed basics of the game and learned off-ice conditioning techniques at the jamboree, while their parents learned about positive reinforcement for young hockey players.

Bright decorations
This house on the 600 block of Henry Street in Estevan is one of many brightly decorated
homes in the city.
Among the decorations are an inflatable snowman and reindeer on the front law, a Santa Claus with another reindeer on the roof, and hundreds of Christmas lights.

Holiday Train lights up Estevan
CP Rail's Holiday Train rolled into Estevan December 17, lighting up the early evening sky with thousands of Christmas decorations.
Hundreds of people turned out to view the Holiday Train. They huddled around one of the rail cars to enjoy music from several entertainers: Maritime folk group the Ennis sisters, country music hall of fame inductee Tracey Brown, and Saskatchewan blues rock guitarist Jack Semple.
Each performed several Christmas carols and some of their own selections.
CP Rail made a $2,000 presentation to the Estevan Salvation Army's food bank. Many people in attendance donated a non-perishable item for the food bank.
"By being here tonight shows your support for your food bank, and everything that's raised here, stays here," CP Rail spokesperson Rick Poznikoff told the audience.
Several people rode the Holiday Train from Estevan to Weyburn.
Estevan was the second-last stop for the train, which started its tour of the U.S. mid-west and concluded its journey on the 17th in Weyburn.
A total of 1.6 million pounds of food and $3 million in cash has been collected for North American food banks during the Holiday Train's nine-year history.

Health care auxiliary makes donation
St. Joseph's health care auxiliary president Eva Hagel and auxiliary member Beatrice Johnstone presented a $10,000 donation to St. Joseph's Hospital executive director Norman Poirier December 17. The money will go towards the installment of an infant care package at the hospital.

Identify the Santas winner
Bev Haukeness of Estevan was the winner of Lifestyles annual Identify these Santas contest.
Haukeness correctly identified the Santa's in this year's contest. She won $200 in Pure Energy Bucks.
Six employees from businesses donned Santa suits, hats and beards for the contest. The public had to match the Santa with the ad.
Lifestyles would like to thank the businesspeople that participated in the contest, and the readers who dropped off their entries.

Support for livestock producers
Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud has announced additional assistance to livestock producers within the Livestock Loan Guarantee (LLG) program.
"The livestock industry is currently dealing with a number of challenges that are affecting its profitability," Bjornerud said. "Providing extensions for producers within breeder associations of the LLG program will provide some additional cash flow flexibility for those producers."
Producers who have breeder loans through a breeder association can apply to have the principle payment extended for one year. The producer will be required to pay the interest due on the breeder loan.
"Our government recognizes the immediate challenges facing livestock producers, and we are committed to helping our industry find solutions," Bjornerud said. "This includes working with the federal government and other provinces on a strategic national approach to challenges facing all livestock producers."
The LLG program is made up of 101 producer formed associations throughout the province that access funding for the purchase of livestock and the construction of feedlot facilities. The LLG program has provided in excess of $1.5 billion in financing for producers since the program was introduced in 1984.
Applications for extensions will be available shortly from the breeder associations.
Bjornerud has also signed an agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to access the benefit of the interest-free Advance Payments Program (APP) in the LLG program.
LLG will be administering the program for members of feeder associations in Saskatchewan. Producers who have feeder cattle loans through a feeder association can apply for an APP interest rebate. The rebate is calculated from the date of application to the date the loan is paid in full.
APP applications are available from feeder associations across the province, or on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture web site.

Columnists

Encouraging Encouragement
I like it when I find little tools that make life better. For example, have you seen those new LED flashlights that work by turning a crank to create the electricity to run it? I love those flashlights! I keep one in the glove compartment of my truck and I never have to worry about dead batteries. The thing can sit there for six months and it is ready to go when I need it. That little gadget makes my life easier.
That got me thinking: Wouldn't it be great if we could find some simple, little, spiritual thing that we could use to make life better?
Well, I have found one: it is called "encouragement".
"Encourage", or some variation of that word, is used 66 times in the Bible and, in the book of Acts, it the word that is most often associated with God's people. The church gathered to encourage one another (Acts 18:27). The Holy Spirit encouraged the believers (9:31). The missionaries visited people to encourage them (14:22). One of the first leaders in the church was even nicknamed "Barnabas" which means "Son of Encouragement" (4:36). Encouragement was a huge part of the life of the early church.
Encouragement is powerful because everyone responds to it. Everyone likes to hear that they are doing something well. Generally speaking, people will rise to the expectations placed on them. If you want to see improvement in someone else, start pointing out the good things that they are doing.
The only requirement is that we have to choose to be encouraging. We have to choose what we will focus on. Job is a good example of this. After his friends point out all the things they think he has done wrong, Job says, "I also could speak like you… I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief" (Job 16:4-5).
Our words are powerful. They can either hurt or heal. They can build people up or tear them down.
In this New Year, resolve to build people up. Be an encourager.
Tim Pippus, Estevan Church of Christ

TO ALL THE REST
By Linda Wegner
Sometime in the middle of last night's sleep I realized I'd neglected to offer gifts to some mighty important people.
First, to all the politicians in our nation: I give you my appreciation for your contribution to our country. Obviously I don't agree with everyone and, at times, with no one, but I applaud you for being willing to stick out your neck in the name of democracy. You've got to be pretty gutsy to keep going in the face of opposition and scandal, temptation and tedium. May God direct, encourage and lead you in the ways of wisdom.
To every police officer and member of the Canadian military forces: I can't find a box big enough to contain my thanks for what you do for me and for the world. Lately you've been battered by damning conclusions of investigative reports and accusations of abuse and neglect but although such things are inexcusable, I will continue to support and thank you for all you do. I despise broken trust but that will not stop me from honouring those who serve with integrity. Because of your willingness to put your lives on the line, people here and around the world slept easier last night.
And then to the medical professionals whose lives are the epitome of giving: I can think of nothing that would come close to displaying my gratitude for your services. You've provided compassionate (albeit sometimes mighty uncomfortable) medical care and you've given me the will to live when dying seemed much easier.
And finally, to my readers: thanks for taking time to share my thoughts each week; my daily prayer is that you would be blessed by these words. Want to share a gift with me - why not write and let me know how you've been challenged or encouraged. (contactus@wordsofworth.ca).
Merry Christmas!

A GARDENER'S CHRISTMAS
You 'probably don't think of the garden at this time of the year but if you husband, wife or friends have gardening as a hobby, it is a smart idea to present them with a garden related gift or tools that will be greatly appreciated, this coming spring.
Maybe the person is an avid gardener and cannot wait for spring to arrive, so she can get that fresh 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 there are a lot of books out there and those written in England and the USA that are on the bookshelves are of little use in Canadian gardens. If the person enjoys reading about plants and gardens in other parts of the world, then it is all well to pick up a book that does not apply to our area. Any publications for the prairies (and there are not many) would be a great buy if gardening information that is to be applied here to our climate.
A magazine subscription is also a good idea. A very good choice is 'Canadian Gardener' which is good for most of Canada. Another great magazine is 'Gardener for the Prairies', which is printed right here at the University of Saskatchewan. If anyone is interested in a subscription, please phone me and I will give you the particulars.
I do not care for Lois Hole books as I find too many errors in her books which leaves me a little cold in suggesting those.
There are many starter bulbs in the stores which can be started as soon as you purchase them and get them home. One of the most exotic and easiest is the Amaryllis. They come pre-potted in a box with a coloured picture on the outside that is the colour of bloom. The only thing you have to do is give them water and light. They are very easy and the plant will reward you with huge tropical blooms in vibrant colours. The price range is usually around 8-10 dollars.
I do not suggest poinsettias for one reason only the big box stores don't take care of them when they arrive and most of them are in very bad condition. If you purchase one from a Florist shop or greenhouse you will get a choice quality plant.
There are many more garden gift ideas such as tools, hand 15. lotion, gloves, and knee pads only to name a very few. Whatever you choose, it will be a welcomed gift for the oncoming spring season.
Merry Christmas to all my readers
Gerry Fichtemann is the owner of River Bend Nursery.

Sports

Midale remains undefeated
The Midale Mustangs are still undefeated in the Big Six Hockey League.
Midale defeated the defending league champions, the Carnduff Red Devils, 9-4 December 14, and beat the Arcola-Kisbey Combines 7-3 on the 15th. Midale's record is 8-0, and they continue to lead the Carlyle Cougars (6-1-1) by one point in the West Division. The Wawota Flyers moved into third place in the West with a 3-6 record. They're tied with the Arcola-Kisbey Combines (2-4-1-1), but Wawota the tie-breaker - more wins. Arcola's recent games included the loss to Midale and a 5-4 loss to the Redvers Rockets.
The White Bear Redhawks (0-9) are still winless.
The Oxbow Huskies (6-1-1) continue to pace the East Division with 13 points, even though they haven't played since December 7. The Bienfait Coalers (4-4-1-2) are second with 11 points, but Oxbow has three games in hand. Bienfait's last game was a 6-0 loss to Carlyle.
The Redvers Rockets (5-4) are third in the division. Carnduff (4-3) is fourth. They rebounded from the loss to Midale by beating the Pierson Bruins 6-5 on the 15th. Pierson (1-5) is last in the east.

More activity on Bruins defence
The Estevan Bruins lost their final two games prior to the Christmas break, and watched several changes occur to their blue-line.
Estevan lost to the league-leading Humboldt Broncos 7-3 December 14, and 4-2 to the La Ronge Ice Wolves on the 18th. Estevan enters the Christmas break fourth in the Sherwood Conference with a 19-17-2-1 record and 41 points. As of December 14, the top five teams in the Sherwood were separated by seven points.
Kyle Stroh scored twice, and Riley Hughes had the other goal in the loss to Humboldt. Humboldt scored twice early in the second to break open a close 1-0 game, and four times early in the third to blow out the Bruins.
Estevan led La Ronge 1-0 after the first period, and 2-1 late in the second, but La Ronge scored with less than two minutes remaining in the second period to tie the game. La Ronge scored the winner with six minutes remaining in the third, and added an empty-netter. Stroh and Brant Harris scored for the Bruins.
The Bruins did receive a boost to their blue-line when defenceman Colton MacPherson was reassigned from the WHL's Saskatoon Blades to the Bruins in time for the Humboldt game. MacPherson was one of the Bruins' most physical players last year when he played 41 games with the club as a 17-year-old.
He played in 25 games with Saskatoon, but only had a few shifts per game.
"I wasn't playing much in Saskatoon, and I wasn't getting the opportunity," said MacPherson. "Coming back here, and playing lots, and getting my confidence back up, it sure helped me out a lot."
MacPherson had three assists in his first two games with the Bruins.
Biette is pleased to have MacPherson back in the line-up.
"I don't know if we could have added anyone better," said Biette. "He knows the guys. I know him, he knows me. We work well together as far as a coach and a player. He listens well and I think he'll get better and he'll be one of our top d-men."
Defenceman Gabriel Carle has left the Bruins to join Drummondville of the Quebec major junior league. Carle had two goals and 16 assists in 35 games.
The Bruins also shipped the playing rights of defenceman Dmitri Levin to Woodstock in Ontario for future considerations. The Bruins had been waiting for Levin to be released by Oshawa of the Ontario major junior league.
The Bruins first game after the Christmas break is December 29 in Weyburn against the Red Wings. Weyburn visits Estevan January 1. Game time is at 2 p.m.

Big horns at Big Buck show
Southeast deer hunters flocked to Macoun December 15 for the annual Big Buck Show - the largest deer hunting show in the province.
The featured exhibitor was Jack Lubachowski, who brought nearly a dozen deer heads and dozens of antlers to Macoun.
Included in his display was a non-typical white-tail deer head whose horns measured 220 and five-eight inches on the Boone and Crocket measuring system. The animal had the second-highest score in Saskatchewan in 2006, and the ninth-highest score in North America.
"For me, that's probably a once-in-a-lifetime type deer," said Lubachowski.
Lubachowski met the people from Macoun White-Tail Adventures last year at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation's convention. He was raving about the Big Buck Show once he arrived.
"It's an excellent show," said Lubachowski, "It's fantastic. The guys do a really good show."
Lubachowski has been hunting for 39 years, the last 15 of them with his sons. It's the camaraderie of hunting with his boys that he enjoys the most.
Macoun White-Tails Adventures - the group that hosts the Big Buck Show - also had many deer heads and horns from their collection on display.
Deer hunting awards were handed out during the Big Buck Show. Duane Kyrylchuk won the Allan Steinke Memorial Award for the largest deer, a non-typical mule deer with horns that measured a 217 and two-eighth inches.
Megan Riege won the Willard Eagles Memorial Award for the top deer shot by a woman, as well as a youth 15-and-under award, with a 161 and sixth-eighths typical mule deer.
Other winners were: Ryan Labatte, youth, 139 typical white-tail deer; Jody Schmidt, muzzleloader, 150 and seventh-eighths white-tail typical; Kevin Pastachak, archery mule deer, 183 and four-eighths; Tom Keeler, typical mule deer, 184 and one eighths; Dave Oldhaver, non-typical white-tail, 184 and seventh-eighths; and Bill Niles, typical white-tail, 167 and one-eighths .
A total of 60 sets of antlers were entered into the Big Buck's scoring competition.

Estevan dominates novice tournament
Caption: (L-R) Kale Martens, Tanner and Hayden Meyer, and Shae Little participated in the opening puck drop for the Preston Meyer Memorial Novice tournament.
Local teams were dominant at the Estevan Minor Hockey Association's Preston Meyer Memorial Novice Tournament December 13 to 16 in Estevan.
Local squads won all four pools: Estevan Dayman Trucking won the A pool, Estevan Canadian Tire won the B pool, Estevan Royal Bank won the C pool, and Estevan Schlumberger won the D pool. Round robins were used to determine the order of finish in each pool.
Canadian Tire beat Dayman Trucking 7-5 in a match-up between the A and B pool winners, and Royal Bank beat Schlumberger 12-5 in a game between C and D pool winners. A total of 17 teams entered.
The tournament is held each year in memory of Preston Meyer, who played in Estevan's novice leagues.

From the Sidelines
The 2007 Kapiczowski awards
By Kyle Kapiczowski
This week I will be handing out my awards for 2007.
The award for best team of the year goes to: the Saskatchewan Roughriders for winning the 2007 Grey Cup. Runner-up goes to: the Ottawa Senators for making it to the Stanley Cup final.
The worst team of the year goes to: the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who went 3-15 this season. Runner-up goes to: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish college football team, who went 3-9 this year.
The upset of the year goes to: the Appalachian State Mountaineers, who beat Michigan 34-32 in Week 1 of college football. Runner-up goes to: the Illinois Fighting Illini who beat Ohio State 28-21.
The best jersey goes to: the Saskatchewan Roughriders for their retro jersey. Runner-up goes to: the Detroit Lions for their royal blue Jerseys.
The worst jersey goes to: the Philadelphia Eagles for their yellow and powder blue 75th anniversary jersey. Runners-up went to: the Miami Hurricanes for their new jerseys and the New York Jets for their throwback jerseys that resemble the New York Titans.
The best logo goes to: the Ottawa Senators because they gave it a new mean look. Runner-up goes to: the Regina Pats because it is their 90th anniversary.
The worst logo goes to: the Green Bay Packers because their logo is big "G". Runner-up goes to: the Cleveland Browns because they don't use one.
Player of the year goes to: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady because he is on the verge of a record season. Runner-up goes to: Minnesota Vikings Running back Adrian Peterson, who is having a good season and may be named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Dipstick of the year goes to: former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who is going to jail for his role in a dog fighting ring. Runner-up goes to San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds, who lied about using steroids.
That's all folks!

Viewpoints

Tea Time
Walking in the Shoes of… a Homeless Woman
By Dani Stobbs
Christmas from the outside is different from the Christmas you may have.
The tree is not where we put our presents but where I hide to take shelter from the wind.
The lights are not for decoration but where I huddled on the off chance that an ounce of heat might seep out.
This cardboard box beside me is not filled with gifts for my children but it is filled with my frozen sleeping bag that I pray will keep me warm tonight.
The Christmas carol sheets that lay beside me are not for Christmas carolling on the streets, but are there to stuff my sleeping bag to keep me from the cold.
I'm not searching round the shopping centre for gifts and pretty candy, but I am ravaging the dumpsters to find something that I can eat.
The lights in each little window are just a reminder of what I don't have.
And hearing the children laughing through the town is just a piercing reminder of my children's tears.
When I wake up tomorrow morning there will be a quiet chill, it will sweep across the city and only the outsiders will know, that this is just another day - no special day here. It's a day of holding on to what is more that Christmas cheer.
Christmas for me is the same as yesterday, today and tomorrow. Its holds nothing special. If anything I just feel heartache that I'm in this cardboard box.
No cards filling my living room. No Christmas balls glistening in the light. No tree to put the presents under, and no bed for the night.
Then somebody passes and they slow down as they approach, he bends down slowly and places a $5 bill in my pot. To you that may not be much, and will not make a Christmas great. But just in that one gift he made my Christmas more than what it was.
It's not about the five dollar bill or what I can buy, it's what it represents. The spirit of Christmas was just brought upon me by someone who had no obligation.
So if you pass me in the street, and there are lots of me, please take the time to slow down, and hand out some Christmas love.
I know that Christmas is a beautiful time to come together and be happy, and I didn't write this to be negative - but it was on my heart that at this time we have so much. Christmas gets so lost in the commercial side of things. The presents and the decorations, and the food. I wanted to just remind ourselves that there are people that actually can only appreciate Christmas for what it actually is. That's just the simple action of loving someone, whether they are a stranger or a friend.
Merry Christmas from your English friend.

What's Happening

Foundation donation
(L-R) Sandra Holtz from Investors Group presented a cheque worth $500 to Darlene King from the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation. Funds came from Investors Group's community relations program. The money will go towards the purchase of diagnostic imaging x-ray equipment at the hospital.

Help for the food bank
Midale Central School Grade 5 student Rylan Kolke and his classmates brought donations to the Estevan Salvation Army's Food Bank December 17. Midale students bring donations to the food bank each year prior to Christmas.

Polar Express at the library
(L-R) Taryn Stovin and Katie Milbrandt created reindeer decorations at the Estevan Public Library December 17. The library held a Polar Express Day prior to the arrival of CP Rail's Holiday Train. Crafts, storytelling and a visit from Santa Claus were included in the activities.

Once Upon a Starry Night
Westview School's Kindergarten to Grade 5 classes presented their Christmas pageant, "Once Upon a Starry Night," December 19. A dress rehearsal and grandparent's tea took place on the 18th. Students served tea to their grandparents and other seniors in the community after the dress rehearsal.