Feature

Fleck's win Farm Family of the Year
Captions:
- Harvest is always a busy time of year for the Fleck family, as they have
28 quarter sections of land to farm.
- Sylvia and Dennis Fleck purchased their farm in 1976, and are still active in the operation. The Fleck's have been named the 2008 Farm Family of the Year.
- (Back row) Heidi and Wade Fleck with their children, Jenna and Gavin, stand in front of one of their trucks.
By David Willberg
More than 30 years of commitment to farming and community have earned Lampman area farmers Dennis, Sylvia, Wade and Heidi Fleck the 2008 Farm Family of the Year Award.
The award was presented in front of more than 300 people at the Estevan Farmer's Appreciation Evening February 28 at the Days Inn Plaza. Dennis and Sylvia were vacationing in Texas the night the award was handed out. Their son, Wade, and Wade's wife, Heidi, accepted the award on behalf of the family.
Dennis Fleck purchased the farm, located 10 kilometres south of Lampman, in 1976. The farm has grown to include 28 quarter sections of land (nearly 4,500 acres) - 20 owned by the family and eight rented by the Fleck's.
Canola, wheat, durum and peas are grown on the land, and they had other crops previously, Wade said. In the early years, there were a few cows and chickens.
Dennis and Sylvia bought a house in Estevan in 2006. Wade and Heidi, and their children Gavin and Jenna, moved onto the farm. But the elder Fleck's have remained active in the farm's operations.
"Dad's out there every day during seeding and harvest," said Wade.
Wade - and his three sisters Lisa, Jan and Andrea - were active in the farm's operations as children.
"We were always helping with everything that needed to be done: cleaning bins and working summer fallow, packing, seeding, running meals, fixing parts and equipment, taking care of the yard," said Wade. "Everybody has to help, or it wouldn't work."
Wade knew from an early age he wanted to work on the farm. He obtained an agriculture degree from the University of Saskatoon. After working for a few years at agriculture-related businesses, he and Heidi returned to the farm in 2006.
The satisfaction of growing a decent crop is his greatest joy.
"There are so many things out of your control, but if certain things click, then you feel like you've accomplished something," said Wade. "And just being able to keep the whole family involved in what you're doing every day."
Last year was a good one for the Fleck's. It was a good crop, and they enjoyed excellent prices. Wade said they still have to sell their crops at the right time to ensure they get the best price.
But there were doubts when they returned to the farm. Some people thought they were "crazy," he said. Friends were working in the oilfield or moving to big cities. Current commodity prices have been a reward for staying with the farm.
Working with his parents is another benefit.
"It's nice to gain from Dad's experiences," said Wade. "There's a lot to learn, everyday there's something different that comes up. It's nice to see them slowing down a little bit more, and taking some time for themselves, too."
Wade said his father was one of the first in the area to use zero tilling and direct seeding.
"There are all the advantages that come along with direct seeding," Wade said. "There is better moisture retention, and the biggest thing is less time actually spent out there working the land."
When Dennis started zero tilling and direct seeding, he was farming on his own and working in the oil patch. He needed to find ways to save time, Wade said.
Wade was surprised when he found out his family was picked for the Farm Family of the Year Award. His parents were surprised, too, when he notified them, he said.
In the community, Dennis Fleck served on the RM of Browning council for about 20 years. He also served on the Southeast Transportation Committee. Sylvia has been active at Faith Lutheran Church.
Since Wade and Heidi returned to Lampman, they have been on the recreation board, the curling club board, and they volunteered with Lampman's Lobsters for Life cancer fundraiser last year. Heidi also sits on Faith Lutheran's board.

News

POLICE REPORT
*A 20-year-old Estevan male was taken into custody on a total of 13 outstanding warrants from the Estevan Police Service and other law enforcement agencies. He was released on bail conditions to attend court.
*A 30-year-old Estevan male was arrested for assault and public intoxication following a domestic dispute.
*Police have laid charges of theft under $5,000 following a complaint from a local business. Three SaskTel pre-paid cellular phone cards were stolen. Charges against the suspect are pending.
*A hit and run accident was reported. The vehicle was parked at a local lounge. When the owner returned the following day to pick up his vehicle, he noticed the damage. Anyone with information is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.
*Police were called to an accident at the intersection of 13th Avenue and Fourth Street. A northbound vehicle, passing through the intersection on a green light, was struck by a westbound vehicle which entered the intersection on a red light. Three people were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries. Charges for failing to stop at a red light are pending.
*Two thefts from vehicles were reported. A number of items were stolen, including wallets, ID, a cell phone and an iPod.
*Two reports of failing to remain at the scene of an accident are under investigation.
*An assault is under investigation.
*Police, Estevan Fire Services and Sun Country EMS responded to a vehicle fire in the Trojan subdivision. The fire was extinguished, and has been classified as suspicious.

Major plans for Boundary Dam Unit 3
Unit 3 at the Boundary Dam Power Station will undergo changes that will add 30 years to its lifespan, and make it more environmentally friendly.
A $1.4 billion, seven-year government-industry partnership will retrofit Unit 3 into a 100-megawatt clean coal/carbon capture demonstration project - one of the world's first. It would reduce SaskPower's greenhouse gas emissions by about one million tonnes per year - about 7.2 per cent from 2006.
The federal government announced a $240 million contribution in their budget February 26. SaskPower will spend approximately $758 million. The private sector would be responsible for the remaining $400 million.
"The plant itself will be about $1 billion, but the project would be in the $1.4 billion range," said Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff. "There would be about $400 million of infrastructure needed around the plant - pipelines for the carbon dioxide and the like."
The clean coal retrofit is slated to be fully operational in 2015. Unit 3 was in need of an upgrade in the next 10 years, or it would come off-line.
Units 1, 2 and 4 at Boundary Dam will also need upgrades in the next decade if they are to remain operational. SaskPower president Pat Youzwa said they will continue to evaluate those units, and if it makes sense to expand their lifespan.
"One of the factors is going to be the requirement that we'll have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and whether or not we can economically continue to run those units, and meet CO2 reductions," said Youzwa.
Cheveldayoff said Premier Brad Wall has been working with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to get the clean coal plant to move forward. Cheveldayoff also applauded Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles for her vocal support of clean coal in both caucus and cabinet.
Estevan's Shand Power Station was chosen to be the site of a 300-megawatt clean coal plant in November 2006. But the provincial government passed on the plant in favour of natural gas in September of 2007, citing the immediate need for a new power generating source, and the cost of the clean coal plant, which skyrocketed to $3.8 billion.
SaskPower will continue to evaluate the feasibility of a clean coal plant, Youzwa said, but she doesn't think it will move ahead until the Unit 3 retrofit is finished. Unit 3 is their first priority; a clean coal plant will remain an option.
"That way, we understand how the technology works, how the economics work, and how the CO2 market is developing," said Youzwa.
Souris-Moose Mountain MP Ed Komarnicki was pleased with the announcement. He said that visits to Estevan by Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn and the Environment Minister John Baird assisted in getting the funding to go ahead.
"I realize that projects like this have critical paths and a number of factors that need to fall into place for success," said Komarnicki. "The potential for such a project and its ultimate success has been made possible by the federal government stepping up to the plate and making a very substantial commitment in the budget."

Council amends snow clearing policy
Estevan City Council has made changes to their snow clearing policy - less than two weeks after a mid-February blizzard that blasted the city.
City staff will have greater freedom to remove snow from streets in the event of rapid accumulations, or if the snow is accompanied by high winds. Only 11 centimetres fell during the blizzard - the City has required 20 centimetres before a full-scale clearing effort started.
But the heavy winds whipped the snow around, creating high drifts and impassible streets in some areas.
Staff will now be encouraged to "err on the side of caution," and fiscal concerns shouldn't trump road conditions.
The Estevan Police Service will monitor street conditions after hours, and on weekends, and if warranted, will contact Public Works to recommend that action be taken.
The protocol for a minor and a major "snow event" will remain the same. Sanding and some clearing efforts, if necessary, will be completed for minor snow events. Work will be done during the day when possible.
A major snow event will see snow blown to the side of the street for Priority 1 and 2 routes, and windrowed for Priority 3 routes. Crews will work 12-hour days, and equipment will be contracted out. But there is no longer a definition for minor and major snow events.

COUNCIL NOTES
Highlights from the February 25 meeting of Estevan City Council:
*Estevan's Relay for Life committee will host their second annual Relay Day May 24 in downtown Estevan. The 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street will be shut down for the festivities, pending approval from the police board and the Ministry of Highways.
*Trees will be planted on King Street between Bannatyne Avenue and Spruce Drive in 2008.
*Naming rights sales for Estevan's new arena have topped the $5.3 million mark.
*The 2008 clean-up campaign will start April 14. The landfill will be open for free disposal from May 3 to 11.
*Nine laptops and two computers will be purchased from the House of Stationery for $8,727.22.
*Mid-West Surveys has raised their surveying services cost for new homes from $700 to $800. The cost is billed to the building permit applicant.
*Prairie Mud Services was awarded the 2008 calcium chloride flake tender, which is used in dust control, for $541 per metric tonne.
*Traffic marking paint will be purchased from General Paint for $6,689.
*Glen Peterson Construction will be paid $16.50 per yard for three-quarter minus base gravel.
*The rooftop unit at the Leisure Centre's squash court will be replaced for $6,100. The rooftop unit is suffering from a corroded and cracked heat exchanger. City staff will try to remove the old unit and install the new one.
*Peavey Mart in Estevan was awarded the 2008 flower tender for $6,659.76. Forty more flower pots will be planted around the city this year, with a greater variety in colours, too.
*A water main broke at the intersection of Fourth Street and 14th Avenue, beneath pavement that was resurfaced last year. Water mains beneath the western half of Fourth Street were not replaced last year, as they were believed to be in good shape.

Highways minister visits Estevan
Caption: Saskatchewan Highways Minister Wayne Elhard (L) spoke with local employees during a visit to Estevan.
Saskatchewan Highways Minister Wayne Elhard was in Estevan February 21 to meet with Highways staff and City of Estevan representatives.
Two issues were addressed with civic officials: the truck bypass and the Highway 39 east overpass.
Elhard said preliminary studies have been completed for the truck route. Detailed design work remains, and the provincial government is waiting to hear if there will be federal government support for the project, which Elhard said could be up to $15 million.
A start date for the project hasn't been finalized.
The Highway 39 east overpass was to be finished last year, but it was delayed to 2008. Elhard said the outstanding issue remains re-directing traffic.
"When that is sorted out between city official and the ministry (of Highways) officials, I think that project will get underway," Elhard said.
Elhard is also interested in twinning Highway 39 from Moose Jaw to the U.S. border. Two other twinning projects are getting priority: Highway 1 to the Manitoba border, and Highway 11 from Saskatoon to Prince Albert. Highway 1 could be finished this year, he said; Highway 11 will need another three years.
There is sufficient traffic on Highway 39 - up to 7,000 vehicles per day in some segments - to warrant twinning, he said.
"I think there's good arguments to be made for twinning this road, we just don't want to undertake something as important as that project, unless we're committed to doing it and have the funds and the plans in place," said Elhard.
Elhard travelled through Stoughton on his way to Estevan, and he said Highway 47 south of Stoughton will need repairs in the future.
"It's starting to show the impact of heavy hauls," said Elhard. "It's going to be okay for a while, but it's starting to be looked at as a project that is going to need some attention, so we want to keep that in mind. You don't want to let these roads go so long that they fail completely before you start repairing them."
As for Highway 47 from Estevan to the U.S. border, Highways spokesperson Kristen Leatherdale said settlement problems continue to prevent upgrades. Any problems that do occur this summer will be fixed.
The failures for Highway 47 south of Estevan have been less substantial each year, she said.

Mines host an open house
Caption: Environmental planner Blaine Renkas (R) showed future mine plans to Gerald Smith.
Prairie Mines and Royalty Ltd. shared their future mining plans with the public during an open house February 21 at the Estevan Royal Canadian Legion.
Prairie Mines and Royalty Ltd. is seeking an extension of its Boundary Dam mine operation. The Shand South extension is south of Estevan, to the east of Highway 47. The Section 7 is near the Estevan landfill.
Environmental planner Blaine Renkas said the open house is a requirement of the Environmental Impact assessment.
"We're looking at the future, and we have a mine plan set up until 2040," said Renkas.
Saskatchewan Environment and the affected RMs must give their approval before Prairie Mines and Royalty Ltd. move forward.
"Part of this open house is to show a lot of the environmental studies that have been done, and … they include everything from vegetation to soils to wildlife to historical resources to surface water," said Renkas.
The next steps will be to compile all of their information, complete the rest of the environmental assessment, and send in an application to the government.
"Mining on Shand South could start as early as 2009", Renkas said. Mine plans are ongoing for Section 7, and a potential start date hasn't been finalized.

Pharmacist Awareness Week is held from March 3 to 9, 2008
Pharmacists: Your Prescription for Care
If you're like millions of Canadians who've had a prescription filled this year, you've seen first hand just one of the many services your pharmacist provides. Your pharmacist can do much more for you than you've come to expect.
As the most accessible health care provider in the community, your pharmacist is often your first point of contact with the health care system and is an excellent source of information.
In addition to advice and information about the best way to take your medicine, your pharmacist can help you with a variety of other health concerns, including help with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. He or she can provide sound, up-to-date advice on staying well and preventing disease. Your pharmacist can also help with lifestyle changes…for example, quitting smoking.
Pharmacists work in many settings: in the community pharmacy, in hospitals, nursing homes or at the outpatient clinic. The Canadian Pharmacists Association reminds you that whenever you have questions about how to make the most of your medicine, or need help with your health care, talk to your pharmacist.

Pharmacists: Your Prescription for Care
The Canadian Pharmacists Association and your pharmacist remind you that there are important steps you can take together with your pharmacist to help you enjoy better health:
• Choose a pharmacy that meets your needs and continue to use only that pharmacy.
• Keep your pharmacist up to date on any prescription, nonprescription or herbal or natural health products
(NHPs) you are taking.
• Ask your pharmacist to help you select nonprescription medications or herbal and NHPs.
• Take your medications as directed.
• Talk to your pharmacist if you are unsure about how to take or store your medications or if you are having any problems with your medications.
• Never leave the pharmacy before you know the answers to all your questions.
The next time you come into the pharmacy to buy a cough syrup or cold remedy, something for a headache, or any over-the-counter medicine, take the time to talk to your pharmacist to make sure it's the best way to treat your symptoms.
Your pharmacist - the medication expert - can provide advice and information about choosing, taking and storing your medicine so you always get the best from it. He or she can also help you decide when not to take medications.

FACTS ABOUT PHARMACISTS
• Medicines today have great power to heal and to improve the quality of life for millions of people. But they also can do harm if not taken correctly. This is where the pharmacist comes in.
• Canada has 29,500 licensed pharmacists practicing in 7,785 community pharmacies, in 300 hospitals, and in consulting, government, academic and industry.
• Canadians fill (or refill) an average of 12 prescriptions a year. People under 30 fill five or less, while those in their 60's or 70's fill 22.
• Pharmacists are the drug experts. All licensed pharmacists have a four year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree. Those who work in research or teaching generally have a Masters or Doctorate in Pharmacy.

Guyana subject of World Day of Prayer
Guyana will be the focus of the World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 7 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's United Church in Estevan.
Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America. It is the only English-speaking country on the continent. Guyana, an Amerindian word which means Land of Many Waters, is home to the highest single-drop waterfall in the world, Kaieteur Falls, which is nearly five times as high as the Niagara Falls.
Poverty is one of the major issues affecting a significant portion of the Guyanese people. Floods in 2005 and 2006 had a devastating impact on numerous communities in the coastal areas. Since the 1960s, there has been a steady migration to other countries, resulting in a decreasing population.
There is also concern about the steady increase in the proportion of women infected by HIV/AIDS in Guyana. There is a strong link between violence against women and HIV/AIDS. Domestic violence remains at an alarming rate, and human trafficking has also been linked with this issue.
Government, church, faith-based communities, and civic and non-governmental organizations are working to improve social conditions.
The World Day of Prayer service will allow people to learn more about Guyana. Christians in more than 170 countries around the world, and 2,000 communities across Canada, will gather on the World Day of Prayer to pray for the country, and act in solidarity with Guyana's people.

Heads shaved for Telemiracle
Caption: Midale Central School students tote numbers that indicated the money raised for Telemiracle. Inset: Armond Hauglum was one of three people whose head was shaved.
Midale Central School raised $3,021.24 for Telemiracle 32. Three members of the community - Armond Hauglum, Ken Turner and Karl McKenzie - had their heads shaved. Each had a goal that had to be reached to lose their hair.
Telemiracle 32 is March 1 and 2 in Saskatoon.

Theatre hosting "The Fun Show"
The Souris Valley Theatre will host "The Fun Show," a fundraiser for the new floor at their building, on April 12 at the Royal Canadian Legion.
Double Vision, Warman-based twins who perform a magic and comedy act, will be the featured entertainment. Local acts Rita McWheel, Stompin' Tom Gonnor, St. Onge and Two Angels and the Dashing Duo will also be performing.
New seats are being installed at their building, Frehlick Hall, and manager Gwen Densley said now is the time to tackle the flooring.
"The slope on the floor was not what it should have been when it was put in, so it will be done properly this year before we put in the new seats," said Densley.
Cocktails will be served starting at 6 p.m. A pizza parade supper starts at 6:30 p.m. Double Vision begins at 8 p.m. There will also be a celebrity chef auction, a live auction and a silent auction.
The theatre has been selling sponsorships for the seats, Densley said. They have sold 79 of approximately 280 seats.
The two plays at Frehlick Hall for 2008 have also been announced. "Chaps!" a musical comedy, will run from July 2 to 20. The celebrity performers for a live radio broadcast fail to show up, forcing the radio station staff to fill in.
"Jasper Station" runs from July 23 to August 10. Six people are waiting for a train in Jasper, Alberta, and they share their dreams that wait at the other end of the line.

100 years for the library
(L-R) Staff members Sienna Johnson and Laurie Sokol, and head librarian Greg Salmers sported fashions from yesteryear as they cut cake, shaped like a book, during the Estevan Public Library's 100th birthday celebrations February 22. In addition to the cake and the period clothes, there were displays and memorabilia to mark the library's centennial year. The library's first board meeting was on February 13, 1908.

Freedom to Read Week
Caption: Estevan Area Literacy Group coordinator Pam Gunnlaugson with a couple of challenged materials that were donated to the community.
The Estevan Area Literacy Group has been providing "challenged" materials to local individuals and school libraries as part of Freedom to Read Week.
Literacy group coordinator Pam Gunnlaugson said they obtained and donated 25 books that generated controversy. Books include a Harry Potter novel, a Judy Bloom novel, and popular children's novels such as Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach.
"It promotes an awareness of censorship, and the fact that we are a free society," said Gunnlaugson. "You can decide what you want to read, when you want to read it."
"The biggest reason for a book to generate controversy is depiction of magic", Gunnlaugson said. Other reasons for controversy include violence, language, subject matter, defiance of authority and religious themes.
Each person who receives a book is asked to record a journal entry, and then pass the book on to someone else.
Freedom to Read Week is February 25 to March 1. It encourages Canadians to consider and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom.

Steam-Est supports Relay for Life
Caption: (L-R) Estevan Relay for Life co-chair Pat Steinke, Canadian Cancer Society support staff member Margaret Hill, Steam-Est Industries co-owner Lynn Trobert and Relay for Life sponsorship committee chair Heather Turnbull participated in the cheque presentation.
Local oilfield company Steam-Est Industries will be the title sponsor for Estevan's 2008 Relay for Life as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations.
Steam-Est has contributed $5,000 to the all-night Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser. When the company decided to make a donation to a community event or organization for their 30th anniversary, Steam-Est co-owner Lynn Trobert said the Relay for Life was at the top of their list.
"We all know cancer is everywhere," said Trobert. "Our families have been touched by it more than once, along with friends and friends and more friends."
Trobert commended the people involved with the Relay for Life for their efforts. It will be a lot of fun working with the Relay committee members, she said.
Estevan Relay for Life co-chair Pat Steinke said Steam-Est is the first-ever title sponsor for the Relay. Their support will cover a lot of significant expenses, she said.
"It really helps to give us a corporate boost money-wise, and it gives us a lot of bragging rights, because I think we're the only one in the area right now that has one," said Steinke. "It just gives us another dimension."
Steam-Est's logo will appear on all Relay banners and t-shirts. They will speak, as a sponsor, at Relay events.

Wildlife Federation hands out awards
Caption: Estevan Wildlife Federation junior trophy winners:
(Back row, L-R): Jennifer Leslie, Linden Lang, Eric Gedak and Cameron Donovan. Front row: Mckenna Van de Woestyne and Taylor Evans (accepting for Nathan Hanson).
The Estevan Wildlife Federation (EWF) hosted their annual awards night February 22.
Dozens of awards were handed out to young people, and adult women and men, for catches in fish, bird and big game categories. Awards were also handed out for outstanding field and wildlife photography in youth and adult divisions.
Most of the deer, elk and antelope heads were mounted and on display.
"As you can tell by the mounts on the walls, it's been a great season for those who enjoy the outdoors," said EWF president Mike Halirewich.
Long-time EWF member Frank Mosley was presented an award for leading the club in membership sales - the 19th time in 21 years that Mosley has sold the most memberships.
Awards chairman and EWF past-president Donald Holinaty provided a brief update from the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation convention. Sunday hunting should be legal in 2009, possibly even this year, Holinaty said.
"There was unanimous support for Sunday hunting at convention", he said, "and the provincial government is on board, too. For many people in the southeast, who are busy in the oilfield, Sunday is the only available day to hunt", Holinaty said.

Crop insurance details released
There will be a substantial increase in the coverage available for producers under the 2008 Saskatchewan Crop Insurance program.
"Forecast market prices have increased significantly for many crops this year, and Crop Insurance has adjusted its insured prices to reflect this increase," said Bob Bjornerud, Saskatchewan's Agriculture Minister and the Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation.
"Our dollar coverage is increasing from a provincial average of $86 per acre in 2007 to $128 per acre in 2008."
There is an overall four per cent reduction in premium rates (the amount farmers pay for each dollar of coverage). However, premiums paid by farmers overall will rise marginally as a result of the projected 46 per cent increase in the value of the 2008 crop.
The Saskatchewan government will commit an additional $25 million to the crop insurance program in 2008 to cover the province's share of the increased premium costs.
Along with providing yield-loss coverage for a large variety of crops, Crop Insurance's multi-peril program also includes coverage for establishment, unseeded acreage and a new feature, gopher damage.
Beginning in 2008, Crop insurance will also offer alfalfa seed yield-loss insurance based on a producer's individual experience with alfalfa seed production.
Crop insurance is also introducing a new Enhanced Irrigation Pilot to recognize the unique risks associated with irrigated crop production. This pilot allows a separate production guarantee for irrigated and dryland acres of the same crop.
The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to, or cancel their 2008 Crop Insurance contract is March 31, 2008. The 2008 endorsement packages containing complete program details will be mailed to Crop Insurance customers shortly.
The government will also launch a full review of the crop insurance program in the very near future. The results of this review will be considered in the development of the 2009 crop insurance program.

Columnists

GARDEN NOTES
By Gerry Fichtemann
POISONOUS PLANTS
It is very rare that you hear of a person being poisoned by a garden or houseplant, but for safety sake and for the curious, I thought it a good idea to list these plants which are poisonous; some being parts of the plant and some being the whole plant from the root right up to the top leaves. Space does not permit to classify, however these plants are the ones to be careful with.
Garden plants include ... Angel's Trumpet (Datura), Bleeding Heart (Dicentra), Castor Beans (Ricinus), Chokecherries (Prunus Virginiana), Daffodils (Narcissus), Delphiniums (Delphinium), Elderberry (Sambucus), Four O'Clocks (Miribilis), Iris (Iris), Lily family (Lilium),Lily of the Valley (Convallaria Majalis), Lipines (Lupinus), Monkshood (Aconitum), and Morning Glory (Ipoema).
The ones that are fatal are Bleeding Heart and Castor Beans. Only" the seeds (stone) of the chokecherries are poisonous. The list continues with certain mushrooms. Some are poisonous and some are very deadly. Do not eat any wild mushrooms until you have positively identified as being non-toxic.
Be careful with potatoes (Solanum) as the green seed balls are poisonous as well as any tubers that have a green colour on the skin.
Rhubarb (Rheum) leaves are also very toxic while the stem or petioles are non toxic. The seeds of the Sweet Pea are to be reckoned with, as well as the berries on the popular vine called the Virginia Creeper.
Common Houseplants, that are potentially poisonous are Cactus, English Ivy, Hydrangeas, Lilies, Philodendron and Rubber trees. I did not write this article to scare plant owners, but to make them aware of plants with characteristics of a poisonous nature. Keep the plants out of reach of youngsters. If the plant is
accidentally consumed, immediately call the Poison Control Centre at the 1-866-454-1212.
As far as animals and pets encountering these poisonous plants is probably no problem. When it comes to nature, I find that cats and dogs know better than humans and do not touch these plants. In the past many years, we have raised over 40 dogs and about 20 cats, and yet have to see any animal munch on any plant that was toxic.
Gerry Fichtemann is the owner of River Bend Nursery.

Worth a Thousand Words
When trying to understand a concept, sometimes a comparison or a visual can be very helpful. The inspired writers of the New Testament used that technique a great deal, especially when talking about the people of God.
For example, Paul says that we are the "family" or the "household of God" (1 Timothy 3:15). A household in those days included everyone; mother, father, children, aunts, uncles, cousins and even those who worked for the family. It was a broad and inclusive idea. Everyone had a place and everyone belonged.
Continuing that idea of belonging is the concept that we are "the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12-20). Just as in our physical bodies, each part contributes to the whole and makes things better. In God's kingdom, there are no unnecessary parts. Everyone has a place.
Other word pictures stress the closeness that we have with God and his son. Revelation 19:7-9 tells us that we are "the bride of Christ". Now that is something! God chooses the closest human relationship that we have, that of a husband and wife, to describe his relationship with us. Think about that for a while.
Other more common pictures are that of "Sheep with their shepherd" (John 10) or a "Father with his child" (Galatians 4:4-7). Both of those pictures are images of protection, provision and care.
We are also called "God's field, God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9). Fields are used to grow certain things. Buildings are built with a specific purpose in mind (you build barns differently than houses because they have a different job). This reminds us that we have certain things to contribute and certain purposes to live out. As Paul said, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).
These pictures remind us that we have a good message to share. They are positive and each of them speaks about how much God loves us.
Fortunately, the pictures say it all.
Tim Pippus, Estevan Church of Christ

WHAT'S REALLY THERE?
By Linda Wegner
Each morning I check various websites for Request for Proposal postings. While I'm primarily looking for projects that match my company's services and capabilities, I'm also keeping an eye out for something that might be of interest to my writing friends and colleagues. Recently a request for editing skills caught my eye. I forwarded the contact information to a friend then promptly forgot about it.
During an unrelated discussion yesterday this friend reminded me of the forwarded email. "Thanks for thinking of me," she said, then went on to tell me how she'd done a bit more research on the company and the nature of the job they were advertising. The part about editing a manual was true, as was the need for an experienced writer to produce an easy-to-follow set of instructions; what wasn't clearly set out was the nature of the content.
"It was actually an instructional guidebook on how to run a….operation," my friend continued. "Although I wasn't sure of the legal implications, I knew I didn't want to be part of something I consider completely unethical."
For the sake of her reputation (to say nothing of our continued friendship!), I'm relieved that she checked things out. The ad sounded so good but only a bit of digging revealed the whole truth.
There's a human side to that, too. How often have we (or I) judged someone on a superficial level only later to find that there are issues that made our assessment of that person unfair or inappropriate? It's easy to think of instances where scammers have defrauded innocent people; I find it harder to acknowledge the times I've formed an opinion about someone or some situation without knowing all the facts.
"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment," Jesus said. (John 7:24)
"God, give me wisdom…."

Sports

Estevan hosts broomball provincials
Caption: The Estevan Raiders (light jerseys) and the Balgonie Buzzards met three times
in the bantam boys division.
Broomball players from across the province took to the ice in Estevan February 23 to 25, as the Estevan Raiders broomball squad hosted a quartet of provincial tournaments at the Lignite Miners Centre.
Estevan competed in two tournaments, the bantam and juvenile boys. Bantam and juvenile girls tournaments were also contested.
Estevan and the Balgonie Buzzards were the two teams entered in the bantam division. They played a best-of-three, and Estevan went 1-2, yielding a silver medal. The Raiders lost the first two games 3-2 and 7-1, but rebounded to win the last game 4-3 in overtime.
"The bantam team, for never playing a game together, came together in a short amount of time and accomplished quite a bit," said coach Aaron Klyne. "This weekend was their first time together as a team."
The juvenile Raiders went 0-5. Round-robin losses were 5-2 to the Odessa Bandits, 7-1 to the Balgonie Clippers, and 4-2 to the Bruno Jr. Axemen. Estevan lost 3-0 to Bruno in the semi-final and 3-2 to Balgonie in the bronze medal game.
"What I saw, and what I liked out of my juvenile team, was that every game they got better and better," said Klyne.
In addition to Balgonie in bantam boys, provincial champions were the Odessa in juvenile boys, the Debden Roadrunners in juvenile girls, and the Big River Crusaders in bantam girls.
Klyne is optimistic that the weekend will lead to the formation of a girls' broomball program in Estevan.
"We want to get a bantam team going, and maybe even a midget team going, and maybe challenge these guys that have been provincial champs for all these years," said Klyne.
"I'd like to see Estevan come back on top again, and I'd like to see broomball come back to Estevan. At one time, it was a pretty popular sport in town ... and we were the most dominant team in Saskatchewan at one time, and I'd like to see all of the broomball teams get back to that status again."

Sears wins men's bonspiel
Caption: (L-R) Arol Phair, Glenn Willerth, Bill Kapiczowski and Derrell Sears won the
Estevan Curling Club's men's bonspiel.
The Derrell Sears rink scored four times in the first end and added three more in the third end to defeat Gary St. Onge's team 8-1 in the A final of the Estevan Curling Club's men's bonspiel.
Sears was the top team throughout the 14-team bonspiel, held February 23 to 25. They won all of their games during the round-robin. Points were awarded for games and ends won, and blank ends. The Sears team outscored their opponents 32-12 in the round-robin.
The top four teams in the round-robin advanced to the A playoffs. The fifth to eighth place teams went to the consolation bracket.
Sears jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the A final against St. Onge, and the three points in the third end gave Sears a 7-1 lead. St. Onge conceded the match after Sears stole one in the fourth.
Other members of Sears' team were lead Arol Phair, second Glenn Willerth and third Bill Kapiczowski.
Ken Bonokoski defeated Robert Keating 5-1 in four ends to win the consolation final.

Midale, Carnduff and Redvers move on
The Midale Mustangs, Carnduff Red Devils and Redvers Rockets have advanced to the Big Six Hockey League's division finals.
Midale swept the Wawota Flyers in three straight in their best-of-five West Division semi-final. Midale won Game 1 7-6 in overtime, Game 2 5-4, and Game 3 4-3.
Midale will face the Carlyle Cougars or the Arcola-Kisbey Combines in the West Division final. Carlyle leads the series 2-0. The Cougars won Game 1 6-3 and Game 2 3-0. Carlyle's next win will clinch the series.
The Carnduff Red Devils, in search of their second straight Big Six title, swept the Bienfait Coalers in three straight in their East Division semi-final. Carnduff won Game 1 13-7, Game 2 5-4, and Game 3 7-3.
Carnduff will face the Redvers Rockets in the East Division final. Redvers knocked off Oxbow in four games. Oxbow won Game 1 5-3, but the Rockets captured the next three: 3-2 in overtime in Game 2, 5-4 in Game 3 and 5-3 in Game 4.
Bruins down 2-1 to Yorkton
The Estevan Bruins closed the gap in their first round series against the Yorkton Terriers with a 9-2 drubbing February 27. Yorkton leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.
The Bruins scored twice in the first four minutes of the game and never looked back. Estevan led 3-0 after the first period, 5-2 after two, and they scored four times early in the third for the 9-2 win.
"The ironic thing is we created more chances to score in the first period of Game 1, than we did tonight, but we walked away (with a) 3-0 (lead)," said head coach/GM Karry Biette. "We did two things tonight: finished our chances and finished our checks."
Payden Benning, Kyle Ermel and Brant Harris had two goals each. Kealin Wong, Chad Filteau and Brennan Wrigley also scored.
The Terriers defeated the Bruins 7-1 in Game 1 February 22, and 4-2 in Game 2 on the 24th.
Yorkton scored four times in the final seven minutes of the second period in Game 1 to blow open a 1-1 game. The Terriers added two more early in the third. Brody Haygarth had the Bruins' lone goal.
"I thought we came out of the gate strong," Biette said. "We created 11 chances to score in the first period; they created two. Little by little, their confidence got eaten away, for whatever reason."
Yorkton jumped out to an early 2-0 in Game 2 on their way to the 4-2 win. Kyle Stroh and Chad Filteau scored for the Bruins.
Karsten Felske got the win in Game 3, after losing the first two games. Biette said he was tempted to start back-up David Ritz in Game 3.
"I thought Felske is a battler, he's strong mentally, and I felt he'd come out of this and have a good strong game for us," Biette said.
Game 4 was February 28 in Yorkton. (Results not available at press time).
In off-ice news, two Bruins have been named to SJHL all-star teams. Wong was voted to the SJHL's second all-star team. Wong was also a finalist for the league's top defenceman award. Haygarth was named the centre on the league's all-rookie team.

Brasseur wins youth regionals
Caption: The Kimberley Brasseur rink finished first at the youth regionals
in Estevan.
Midale's Kimberley Brasseur won the Saskatchewan Curling Association's youth regionals February 23 and 24 at the Estevan Curling Club.
Five teams entered the event. A four-game round-robin was used to determine top spot. Brasseur and Estevan's Colby Fessler finished in a tie at 3-1, but Brasseur was awarded first place because she beat Fessler in the round-robin.
The remaining members of Brasseur's team were: lead Britanee Fenwick, second Brooke Troendle and third Dakota Fenwick.
Other teams that entered were: Jillian Dukart of Lampman, Riley Gyorfi of Bienfait, and Shawna Seymour of Torquay.

From the Sidelines
Jones Wins Scotties
By Kyle Kapiczowski
Manitoba's Jennifer Jones won the 2008 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. She beat Alberta's Shannon Kleibrink 6-4 in the final. This is Jones' second title win. She will now represent Canada at the 2008 World Curling Championships, which are in Vernon B.C...I hope she does well and makes it to the final at the Worlds this year.
In the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche have signed Peter Forsberg to a one-year contract worth $5 million. Forsberg will play with the Avalanche for the rest of this season. He is a five-time all-star and has won two Stanley Cups with the Av's, in 1996 and 2001. Forsberg also helped team Sweden win a gold medal in men's hockey at the 2006 Olympic Games.
In other NHL news, Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Matt Sundin was not part of this year's NHL's trade deadline because he didn't wave his no-trade clause.
Carl Edwards won NASCAR's Auto Club 500. The race was rained out on February 24 and was subsequently finished on the 25th. Bobby Labonte finished the race in 25th place but in the early stages of the race he was in 11th place.
In the Craftsman Truck Series, Kyle Bush won the San Bernardino County 200. Mike Skinner finished in eighth place. The next race is the American Commercial Lines 200, which is on March 7.
In NCAA basketball, the Florida Gators beat the South Carolina Game Cocks 85-82. The Gators record is 20-7 overall and 7-5 in conference play.
In the National Lacrosse League, the Calgary Roughnecks lost 13-9 to Portland. Then they beat Colorado 12-9 in their next game. Calgary's record is 3-5. Their next game is against the Toronto Rock. The Roughnecks are currently in third place and are two-and-a-half games back of Colorado for first place.
In the English Premier league, Manchester United beat Newcastle United 5-1. Man U's record is 19-4-4 and their next game is against Fulham.
That's all folks!

Viewpoints

Editorial
Tea Time
Birthdays and Footprints
By Dani Stobbs
Last Sunday I turned 23 years old! This year has certainly flown by, and so much has happened - I can't even imagine what will happen in this next year of my life.
The boyfriend and I took a little road trip up to Medicine Hat for the weekend to visit my parents, and we enjoyed a day out snow-shoeing in the Cypress Hills. I had never heard of doing this as just a sport. I was imagining having two huge things that look like tennis rackets on my feet and trying to hike up mountains.
But I was rest assured when I realised that it had been updated some what. The snow shoes are now a lot more modern and the two hour hike consisted of many stops to look at animal tracks and to hear the noises of the forests and explore the woods around us. All in all it was a very awesome day and an experience that was very unique.
While I was in the bathroom, my parents must have told the guide that it was my birthday, because half way through the hike, we stop and did an activity and when we had finished, the guide pulled out a poppy-seed muffin with a candy cane on top, and the whole hiking group sang happy birthday. It was certainly the most unusual but fun birthday I have had.
Prior to the weekend in Medicine Hat, I had a mini party thrown for me by two children that I baby-sit for. It was possibly one of the best parties ever. They had surprised me with pink balloons, and pink tulips, with my favourite dessert, Strawberry shortcake - yummy! There were heart coloured paper plates and serviettes, with presents and giant balloons. We played birthday games all night, and I came away feeling so appreciated.
I was so proud of these two little girls. I get to watch them every Thursday night, and just have good play time and invest in these two. To have something like that thrown for you, with so much thought and appreciation, it makes you feel so wanted and needed, and that was the best present I could have got. Plus the great presents that Aider and Baby girl bought me - awesome fluffy socks, and a Celine Dion DVD - AWESOME!!
For Monday we threw a mocktail party for some couples from my church, and it was so much fun to have fancy drinks, to dress up and have the people that you love all in the same room.
Even though the parties and the presents, and the adventures were great times, it was the moments when I was reading cards from my friends, and reading messages that they had given me that I was truly blessed this birthday. I am someone that does not enjoy the number of my age getting bigger, but I was encouraged when I heard the thoughtful things that people wrote for me. It gives you a new lease of life, to know that who you are and what you are trying to do and be, is noticed and is appreciated.
All the presents in the world can not make up for just that moment when a nine year old decides to throw a party for you - that is when life truly blesses you. When you realise that the materialistic things that we think make us happy are so temporary, but the memory of my friends and the memories of how people have invested in my life and built extra-ordinary relationships with me, that's what counts. These are the moments that may not be in my photo album, but they are for certain etched like footprints into my heart.
I urge you to tell someone you appreciate them and leave your footprint of simply loving them on their lives.

Editorial
Welcome news
By David Willberg
Estevan has received some good news on the clean coal front. Maybe not the news local residents were hoping for, but it's good news.
The federal government has pledged $240 million for clean coal in Saskatchewan. It's not for the construction of a clean coal plant; it's for the retrofitting of Unit 3 at the Boundary Dam Power Station. The provincial government is calling it a "clean coal demonstration."
The total cost of the project will come to $1.4 billion - to be split by the federal and provincial governments, and the private sector. The price tag is dwarfed by the $3.8 billion that a clean coal plant was going to cost, but the Unit 3 retrofit will be one of the largest investments in Saskatchewan's history.
So what does this mean for Estevan? A unit at Boundary Dam, which could have been taken off-line within the next 10 years, will remain open. The project will be finished in 2015, and it will add 30 years to Unit 3. Jobs will be retained.
There will be the spin-off for the local coal and oilfield economies. And clean coal will have a foot in the door in Saskatchewan. The project will be one of the first of its kind in the world when it is finished.
Federal funding was a requisite for clean coal to move forward. Credit a warmer relationship between the federal and provincial governments. But the federal government will need to make a much larger contribution than $240 million for a clean coal plant to be constructed.
What does this mean for a clean coal plant? The concept isn't dead. But it's likely that the Unit 3 retrofit has created further delays.
Five months ago, when the province shelved clean coal, they said they would take another look at a clean coal plant in 2009. That would now seem unlikely.
A clean coal demonstration won't have the same capacity or size as a clean coal plant. It won't create a profile for Estevan and SaskPower like a plant would.
The change at Unit 3 is good news, but Estevan can't forget the ultimate prize: a clean coal plant.

What's Happening

Macoun supports Telemiracle
Macoun School hosted a fundraiser for Telemiracle February 20. The community turned out for a carnival, an airband concert, dessert and coffee. Proceeds will go to Telemiracle 32, which is March 1 and 2 in Saskatoon.

Free throw winners
(L-R) Knights of Columbus member Albert Petrash, 10-year-old winner Kylie Fallis, 11-year-old winner Molly Fogarty, 12-year-old winner Breanne Van de Woestyne, 13-year-old and overall winner Hien Le, 14-year-old winner Zoe Sereggela and Knights member Ernie Yanish participated in the awards presentation following the Knights of Columbus girls free throw contest February 21 at St. Mary's School in Estevan. Competitors were divided into their respective age groups and shot 25 free throws each. The winners from each age group advanced to the final, and each shot another 25 free throws. The person with the most successful attempts was named the overall win. Le won with 18 successful shots in the final.

Donation for playground equipment
(L-R) New Pure Energy Learning Centre and Estevan Day Care Co-operative director Karen Lingelbach accepted a $1,000 cheque from Rotary Club of Estevan president Reynold Bert. The money will be used for new playground equipment.