Feature

VIP reaching out to youth
Caption: Coralee Peterson is the coordinator of the Violence Intervention Program's Kidz Connection and Teen Connectionz programs.
By David Willberg
The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) has launched Kidz Connection and Teen Connectionz, two new programs for young people between the ages of five and 18 whose lives have been affected by violence.
Coordinator Coralee Peterson will be travelling to schools to meet with young victims of violence, and explain the impact of violence on young people.
"It's prevention and intervention," said Peterson. "I will be in the schools doing group work with students who fit into the mandates of this program, and that's any children who have been exposed to interpersonal violence."
Her work in the schools will begin March 10. She will also employ one-on-one counseling.
"It's hard to project what it's going to look like, because we haven't had anything like this here," said Peterson. "A lot of the existing programs that run are mostly groups, but if the need here in Estevan is mostly for individual counseling and some groups, then that's the way the program will be based."
Peterson has already been busy. She has met with principals, and she had talked with members of the Girl Guides about dating violence. She would like to meet social workers, teachers, police, physicians and Victim Services' staff and volunteers.
"Everybody is really embracing the program, and welcoming me into the schools with open arms," said Peterson. "And it's a valuable resource for them as well, and for the community, to have a program like this."
Peterson will explain the programs at a function March 12 at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum. It is being organized by the University Women's Club in honour of International Women's Day.
Funding for Kidz Connection and Teen Connectionz comes from Saskatchewan Justice. The department approached several community organizations last year to offer the programs. VIP was chosen.
Peterson, a staff member with VIP for a little more than a year, was named the coordinator.
"I think it's always exciting when you're starting a new program," said Peterson. "It's a challenge. And I always have enjoyed working with children and youth. I've done that work in the past.
"In previous work experience, I worked with children and youth who were at risk, in a shelter environment, as well as women."
VIP will receive ongoing core funding from Sask. Justice for the programs.
"A lot of times the funding might be a one-year term or a two-year term," said Peterson. "I think the projected funding proposal for this program is 10 years."
Studies show boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults, Peterson said. Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to have cognitive and physical health problems like depression, anxiety and violence towards peers.
Those children and youth are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, engage in teenage prostitution and commit sexual assault crimes.
"These children need services and interventions to address their experiences and prevent future violence and other social problems," said Peterson.
Children who go through the programs will be able to: express feelings in a healthy way, understand they are not responsible for the violence, develop a safety plan, identify support networks, recognize their strengths and increase their self-confidence, identify cycles of violence, explore myths about violence, improve school performance and social skills, and develop strong conflict resolution skills.
With the help of Kidz Connection and Teen Connectionz, Peterson is optimistic that children affected by the violence can enjoy a safe and bright future, and break the cycle of violence.
Kidz Connections members need parental consent. Referrals can come from parents, caregivers or professionals. Children will be instructed how to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment, and understand healthy ways of dealing with feelings.
Teenagers 16 and over can refer themselves for Teen Connectionz. Those under 15 still need parental consent. Topics covered will include: feelings, families, anger, safety, self-esteem and coping skills. Teen will be able to connect with peers, too.

News

Another successful Telemiracle
More than $3.6 million was raised during Telemiracle 32 March 1 and 2. Eighteen members of Estevan's Kinsmen and Kinettes Clubs helped out at the 20-hour fundraiser. Proceeds will go to the Telemiracle Foundation, which assists Saskatchewan people with their medical needs.

POLICE REPORT
*The Estevan Police Service did a joint seatbelt check with the Estevan RCMP and RCMP Traffic Services February 27. Forty-five tickets were issued under the traffic safety act to drivers and passengers who failed to comply.
*The Estevan Police Service and Estevan RCMP also held an impaired driving checkstop in Estevan February 29. A total of 175 vehicles were checked. Two people were charged for driving while over .08 - one of them was also charged with obstructing a police officer by giving false information. One person had a license suspended for 24 hours. Joint projects with the RCMP will continue through 2008, concentrating on intersection infractions, impaired driving and seatbelt use.
*A rear-end collision on Kensington Avenue sent two people to hospital with injuries. A 64-year-old man has been charged for driving without due care and attention, and failing to report an accident.
*Police were called to a disturbance at a residence in the south end of the city, after someone tried to forcibly enter. The suspect was found nearby. He was known to the occupant, and was involved in a dispute earlier. The matter is being looked into.
*A 19-year-old female and a 45-year-old female are facing impaired driving charges from separate incidents.
*A single vehicle accident was reported near Kohaly Avenue and King Street. The motorist lost control on the slippery roads and collided with a tree. No injuries were reported, but damage was extensive and the vehicle had to be towed.
*A 29-year-old female is facing charges of theft under $5,000 following an investigation into an internal theft at a local business. She was employed at the business when the thefts occurred.
*A laptop computer theft is under investigation. A Hillside resident chased the suspect who stole the laptop from the victim's vehicle. The victim, who was barefoot, gave up the chase when the computer was dropped.
*An intoxicated female entered a residence and took a set of keys. She was located nearby and arrested. The keys were recovered, and she spent the night in cells.

Improved water for Glen Ewen
Caption: Long-time Glen Ewen resident Jim Burnett.
The people of Glen Ewen are now experiencing the advantage of high-quality drinking water, flowing from the new biofiltration drinking water treatment plant that was recently installed by Mainstream Water Solutions, a Saskatchewan-based company.
The commissioning of the new system allows the village to meet regulatory requirements. The boil water advisory, which has been in place for many years, has now been removed. The previous water treatment system was installed in 1978.
Water quality has improved dramatically and the village now meets existing and future planned regulations for water quality. The new system could have a future expansion, if needed, by adding additional treatment modules.
"Working with Mainstream has made our job so much easier," said long-time resident Jim Burnett. "We appreciate the service and expertise that the Mainstream team provided through the whole process to the installation and implementation of the system and their ongoing support."
With the installation of this system, Mainstream now has eight municipal water treatment systems in full operation in Saskatchewan. Seven more systems will be installed in the coming months in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta.
Bruce Hanson, the vice-president of municipal biofiltration, said the company continues to see a strong interest in its water treatment systems.
"We have ongoing discussions with dozens of communities across Western Canada concerned with upgrading the quality of their drinking water and we expect to have many further announcements of this nature throughout the balance of this year," Hanson said.

Legislature sitting starts March 10
Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles is looking forward to the spring sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature, which starts March 10.
One of the highlights of this sitting will come March 19, when the party hands down its first provincial budget.
"The budget will be focused on keeping our promises that we made during the election campaign, and getting ready for growth in this province," said Eagles.
Saskatchewan is in an infrastructure deficit, Eagles said. Highways, schools and hospitals all need upgrades, Eagles said.
"We're fairly lucky in this part of the province," Eagles said. "The schools are in good condition, but there are some schools in the province that are in just horrible condition, and those issues have to be dealt with.
"Same with the highways," Eagles said. "Some people say that it's because of the heavy truck traffic on the roads. The elevators are closed and farmers are trucking their grain long distances. And yeah, that's true, but it's also because there was no action taken by the NDP for 16 years."
Estevan and area residents got great news even before the spring sitting with the announcement of a $1.4 billion retrofit of Boundary Dam Unit 3 into a clean coal demonstration project. Costs will be split by the federal and provincial governments, as well as industry.
Eagles said it was a "wonderful announcement."
The budget will also sustain Saskatchewan's economic momentum, and ensure that all Saskatchewan people benefit.
Eagles said a brief two-week sitting in December was a good learning experience for future sessions.
"But at the same time, it's very demanding," said Eagles. "It's harder, because we're the government now. So we have to take the heat, even though we're a new government."

Super Cities Walk is May 4
Estevan's Super Cities Walk for Multiple Sclerosis will be held on Sunday, May 4.
Registration is at noon at the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The walk starts at 1 p.m. Lunch will be served afterwards.
Coordinator Dave Seipp said plans are coming together well. He's looking for more teams and more walkers. Participants are invited to enter as an individual, with their family or as part of a team.
"We're trying to find a cure for MS, and trying to raise money for MS research," said Seipp.
Prizes will be handed out for best costume, team spirit, top rookie team, best team name, top fundraising team, top corporate team, and best friends and family team.
Teams that register before April 25 will be entered to be transported to and from the walk by Extreeeme Limousine.
Eighty-three participants were involved in Estevan's Super Cities Walk in 2007, raising about $24,000. More than $625,000 was raised across the province last year.

Annual meeting for merged organization
The Estevan and District Board of Tourism, Trade and Commerce will host their first annual general meeting March 25 at the Days Inn Plaza.
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan will be the guest speaker. McLellan, a life-long resident of Saskatchewan, has an extensive background in tourism and business.
Three bylaws will be presented at the meeting: one to reflect the name change to the Estevan and District Board of Tourism Trade and Commerce; a second to reflect changes to their board; and a third to determine what constitutes a quorum.
Cocktails will be served at 5 p.m. Supper is at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m.
The Estevan and District Board of Tourism, Trade and Commerce started this year, after a merger between the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, and Estevan Tourism.

SaskTel announces rate changes
SaskTel has announced further rate changes in light of continued competitive and regulatory pressures. SaskTel will introduce significant long distance rate decreases in three of its major Long Distance plans. The Anytime North America Unlimited Long Distance plan will have a $3 per month reduction.
The Evenings and Weekends North America Unlimited Long Distance plan will have a reduction from seven cents to five cents per minute outside plan hours; and the Straight Rate North America Savings Plan will have a reduction from seven cents to five cents per minute.
SaskTel will file an application to the CRTC to increase residential local telephone service rates in high cost serving areas in Saskatchewan by approximately 2 per cent, effective March 20, and by approximately 3 per cent effective June 2.
Payphone rates will increase to 50 cents for local calls paid for in cash effective June 2.
The CRTC's Price Cap decision, which establishes the regulatory framework under which all major incumbent telephone companies must operate, reduced the subsidy provided to high cost serving areas annually by the lesser of the rate of inflation, this year 2.14 per cent, or 5 per cent.
Incumbent telephone companies are forced to increase rates in rural and remote areas of the country.
"SaskTel's appeal of this CRTC decision was rejected and it leaves us with little choice but to proceed with the rate increases, however, we are introducing significant long distance rate decreases that more than offset the increases," said SaskTel president and CEO Robert Watson.
Effective March 20, residential local access customers in high cost serving areas will see a rate increase ranging from 41 cents to 67 cents per month and approximately a three per cent increase again on June 2.
Customers in high cost serving areas will continue to receive local telephone service for rates that remain among the lowest in Canada and are below the actual cost of providing the service.
Payphone rates will rise to $0.50 for local calls paid for in cash, but retain the rate of $0.25 per call for payphone calls using a prepaid payphone pass for the immediate future. SaskTel has not had a payphone rate increase since 1983.

Music Festival is underway
Caption: (L-R) Faith Haberstock, Emily Hanson, Jordyn Kukura, Abby Hanson, adjudicator David Dahlgren and Emily Hurren were involved in the junior piano solo, first-year keyboard instruction five-and-under class.
The 2008 Estevan and District Music Festival started March 4 with the junior piano division.
About 800 entries have been received for this year's festival, said co-president Anita Kuntz. It's down about 100 from last year. Kuntz attributed the decline to this year's festival having its earliest starting date ever.
Kuntz said they wanted to have all of the entries wrapped up before the Easter break, which runs from March 21 to 30. Last year's festival was interrupted by the Easter break, and organizers vowed that it wouldn't happen again.
"We found it quite difficult to split it up over the Easter break," said Kuntz. "We ran into a few problems that we weren't anticipating. So this year we decided to try to fit it all in before Easter. However, the catch-22 of that is our entries are down because the deadline had to be so early."
The festival highlights and awards program will be the only item to take care of after the Easter break. It will be Sunday, April 6, at the Estevan Comprehensive School.
Junior piano was from March 4 to 7. Senior piano is March 8 to 10. Violin and guitar will be on March 10. Band performances are slated for March 11 to 14. Vocal and speech arts are March 15 to 19, with the musical theatre March 16 and 17.
Kuntz said there will be some excellent talent in the festival this year. Community support for volunteers, awards and scholarships has been strong, too, she said.

Telemiracle raises $3.6 million
Caption: Estevan Kin members (L-R) Jacinda Drew, Susan Colbow, Mark Tribiger, Melanie Butler, Michelle Tribiger, Janelle Butler and Kristen Murphy answered phones at Telemiracle 32.
Eighteen members of Estevan's Kinsmen and Kinettes clubs were in Saskatoon March 1 and 2 for Telemiracle 32.
More than $3.6 million was raised during the event. Local Kin members had various duties. Some were messengers - transporting people, money and anything else that had to be delivered. Others answered phones, or coordinated the tote board.
The local Kin clubs presented a cheque worth about $5,000 during the telecast, said Estevan Kinsmen Club president James Lainton. Some of that money came through fundraising; other funds came from people in Estevan and area who gave them money to be included in the total.
Lainton was pleased with the response from the people of the province during Telemiracle.
"We always rely on Saskatchewan to pull through," said Lainton. "Estevan and area was good as well. Now we have the money to spend on the people that need it."
The funds will go to people who apply to the Telemiracle Foundation. Applicants are often seeking travel or hotel accommodations support, or equipment, such as scooters, wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts, Lainton said.

Local wins $100,000 on the Extra
Estevan's Leo Olheiser claimed a $100,000 prize during the February 23 Extra lottery draw.
Olheiser bought a LOTTO 6/49 and SUPER 7 $5 pack - which includes Extra tickets - from the Southern Plains Co-op on Fourth Street in Estevan. When he brought in the tickets to have them checked, the clerk informed Olheiser that he had a winning Extra ticket.
Olheiser was initially informed that he had won $1,000, but further verification found that Olheiser had won a $100,000 prize. He had the last six digits on the seven-digit winning number of 2361498.
Olheiser plans to pay bills, invest and possibly take a vacation.

Local students debate at provincials
Four Estevan Comprehensive School students travelled to Saskatoon March 1 for the E.C. Leslie Provincial Debate Championship.
Megan Dodds and Brendan Tide were entered as a team in Novice Tier 1. They didn't place, but they did well, said Lori Cline Flath, one of the coaches on the team.
Dodds and Matthew Walliser were the second-ranked novice team in the province during the year, but Walliser couldn't make it to provincials, so Tide took his place.
Adam George and Jordan Walliser were a team in Junior Tier 1. They finished fourth at provincials, and they have been invited to the national event in Newfoundland and Labrador in May, Cline Flath said.
The debate topic was if it is wise for a country to have defensive weapons in space. Debaters used the cross-examination style. It's the most common style in a courtroom setting, according to Cline Flath. Each team prepared an opening statement, cross-examined their witnesses and closed with rebuttals.
A total of 35 teams were at provincials this year.

Farmers appreciated at supper
Captions:
- (R-L) Stephanie Gress poured coffee into Arlene Jorgenson's pickle jar
for one of Jorgenson's demonstrations.
- (L-R) Chelsea Hookenson, Jordan Walter, Stephanie Gress, Alaura Gress and MacKenzie Craig were the 4H speakers.
Farmers in the Estevan area were recognized for their contributions to the community during the annual Farmer's Appreciation Evening February 28 at the Days Inn Plaza.
Wade and Heidi Fleck accepted the 2008 Farm Family of the Year Award. Wade's parents, Dennis and Sylvia, purchased a farm 10 kilometres south of Lampman in 1976. The farm has since grown to over 4,000 acres.
Five members of the Browning 4H Beef Club addressed the crowd of more than 300 people. Jordan Walter, Alaura Gress, MacKenzie Craig, Chelsea Hookenson and Stephanie Gress talked about issues related to youth and farming.
Gord Moker from Safe Saskatchewan stressed the importance of safety while on the farm. Eighteen people were killed in farming-related accidents in Saskatchewan last year, Moker said, and many more were injured. It is one of the most hazardous professions in North America.
Fatigue, frustration and complacency all lead to injuries, Moker said. He believes that injury prevention is one of the most prudent investments a farmer can make.
Motivational speaker Arlene Jorgenson gave the keynote address. Jorgenson, who comes from a farming background, had three main points: "adjust your attitude, bolster your beliefs and commit yourself to being an encourager."
A positive attitude is needed to succeed, she said. They also need to believe they can make things happen. And they need to come together as a community, or the community will fall apart.
Priorities also have to be right, Jorgenson said. Little things are important, but they can't come at the expense of priorities and passions.
The Farmer's Appreciation Evening is a project of the Estevan Exhibition Association, and the Estevan and District Board of Tourism, Trade and Commerce.

Ag minister speaks to producers
Caption: Bob Bjornerud
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud was one of the featured speakers at the annual Farmer's Appreciation Evening February 28 at the Days Inn Plaza.
Bjornerud updated the audience on the Saskatchewan Party government's contributions to agriculture. The Sask. Party will fully fund the Canadian Agriculture Income Stabilization (CAIS) program, something he said the NDP never did.
"We feel that if we had been doing that all the time, and gone to the table with the people who had designed these programs, they would be working far better for you, the Saskatchewan farm families out here, than they are today," said Bjornerud.
CAIS applications, and applications for other programs, need to be processed faster, he said. There are still outstanding applications from 2004 and 2005. CAIS administration needs to be in Saskatchewan, not Winnipeg, he said.
The farm land rebate for the educational portion of property tax will be increased from last year's 38 per cent to 46 per cent in 2008. It could be up to 80 per cent in 2011, Bjornerud said. Further reforms could occur if the Sask. Party wins another term in government.
Crop insurance will be reviewed this summer. Meetings will take place with producers around the province. Producers will be encouraged to offer input on the changes they would like to see.
The contract for the 2008 crop insurance program has been released. Premiums will be going up, Bjornerud said, but coverage will improve because of higher grain prices.
Bjornerud said everyone who now works at Agriculture and Food has worked at a farm.
"I think that's paying off," Bjornerud said. "If you call into our office, you may not always get what you want in there, but I tell you one thing, you are going to get sympathy and understanding of the issue you're calling in about."

Improving health through the feet
A new business is using foot treatments to improve the health of patients.
Sole Vibrations, owned by Mandy Rubiletz, uses techniques such as reflexology, which applies pressure to reflexes in the feet that correspond to every gland, organ and part of the body.
"The benefits of reflexology are it relieves tension, it improves circulation, and it helps the body to normalize itself naturally," said Rubiletz. "The person is the one making the changes and getting better, I'm just the facilitator or the tool used to get better."
Four treatments in a one-month are recommended at the start. If the patient responds well, the patient advances to more of a maintenance program. If they don't, additional treatments are employed.
People don't become ill in a day, Rubiletz said, and they won't get better in a day, either. Their health is an ongoing issue.
Rubiletz also employs abstract treatments such as reiki.
Rubiletz started taking holistic treatments three years ago to improve her health. She heard about a course in Saskatoon that taught treatments. Rubiletz is now a certified reflexologist, and a member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada.

Columnists

BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS
By Linda Wegner
I stepped out of the car one day last week and noticed something white lying at my feet. As I reached down to retrieve it, I realized it was the beginning of someone's creation. Delicately crocheted in a circular snowflake pattern, it was perfect and, surprisingly, still snowy white in spite of having lain on the winter-sloppy sidewalk.
I picked it up, turned it over and over, and marveled at the skill of whoever had crafted such a piece of beauty. "I wonder what it would have been," I mused, "A tablecloth? A doily? (In which case, the artisan was probably from my generation). An elaborate bedspread?" I'll probably never know but this one thing is clear: whatever the object was to have been, it had a wonderful beginning.
Just two days later I sat beside my stepfather and watched him struggle to distinguish between reality and his morphine-induced hallucinations. He knew me and in spite of his weakness we shared a few precious hours over the course of several days. It was hard to know what to say, as aware as I am that this once strong, duty-bound man now lies closer to death than life. For him, the last strands of life are being tied and pieced together in the pattern that inevitably culminates in separation.
Above all else, though, was the presence of God's love and the unshakeable conviction that cords of divine love and grace bind us together - now and forever.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
The hope of the Gospel is that life and death, like the intricately woven thread forming that delicate snowflake, have their beginnings and endings perfectly completed in Christ.

GARDEN NOTES
By Gerry Fichtemann
GARDEN TIPS - TRICKS - and QUOTES
* Slugs will avoid a garden ringed with mothball crystals (not mothballs). So will dogs, cats and raccoons.
* Cushion your knees as you work in the garden. Sew a half inch elastic to an old pair of potholders and slip them on or under your workpants.
* If you are planning on cutting some of your gladioli for cut-flowers, leave some of the foliage-to feed the bulb for next year.
* Did you know that it takes 625 gallons to provide an inch of water over 1000 sq. ft. (50 X 20) with your sprinkler.
* If you are growing dahlias, remember they are heavy feeders and like regular feedings. (Do not use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen).
* For aphids, June bugs, black spot, fungus diseases, steep six rhubarb leaves in two to three quarts of boiling water: spray on when cool.
* Crushed eggshells can be spread around plants that grow in the shade. The shade is usually where you'll find slugs and the ring of eggshells will deter the slugs because of the shells sharp edges. It also adds calcium to the soil.
* Petunias will thrive in dry conditions once the plant is established.
* Water lilies do not like moving water. When placing a pot of water lilies avoid placing them near a fountain or waterfall.
Place them at the opposite end of the pool where the water has less movement.
* To pray for a good crop is a good thing; to work for one doesn't do any harm either.
* After you have boiled eggs, save the water. It is good for your blooming plants as well as green foliage plants, and the boiling period makes the water softer. Let the water cool first.
* An old lady's advice on choosing a gardener. Look at his trousers. If they are patched in the knees, you want him; if they are patched in the seat, you don't!
* Where would we be if humanity had never known flowers? If they didn't exist or had been hidden from sight... would our character, our morals, our aptitude for beauty, our happiness be the same? Maurice Macter Linch.
Gerry Fichtemann is the owner of River Bend Nursery.

Sports

Record surplus for golf course
The Estevan Woodlawn Golf Course enjoyed its best financial year ever in 2007, according to financial statements released during the annual meeting February 26.
Christmas parties, wedding receptions and corporate dinners at the clubhouse boosted revenues. Net income was about $130,000, but president Jim Wilson said most of the surplus will go to capital expenditures.
"It's the benefits of the new clubhouse and a lack of staff," said Wilson. "Our staff basically did the job of many."
Highlights from 2007 included the provincial junior tournament and burning down the old clubhouse.
Tournaments will take place throughout the 2008 season, Wilson said, but they don't have any provincial championships booked.
Several upgrades have been planned for this year. The underground irrigation system on the front nine holes might be replaced, Wilson said, due to leaks and other problems. The project would cost about $300,000.
Part of the front nine cart paths will be paved. A total of $25,000 has been committed to the project for this year. Money will come from cart shed fees. A permanent bathroom will be installed on the front nine.
If funds are available, a new putting green will be constructed where the old clubhouse was located, Wilson said, but the irrigation system is their top priority.
Wilson is in his first year as president. Warren Waldegger, the president for the last three years, is now the past-president.
Other executive members are: vice-president Garth Hoffort, treasurer Evans Harper, secretary Diane Thul, greens chairman Jared Schlamp, junior representative Rick Rohatyn, pro shop chairman Ken McKellar, ladies representative Cheryl Kendall and club captain Derek Elash.

Atom Bruins out of playoffs
The Estevan Canetic Atom AA Bruins were eliminated from the league playoffs in a 7-6 loss to the Weyburn WIT Wings March 1 in Estevan.
Estevan dropped the best-of-three first round series in two straight.
The Bruins led 4-3 after 20 minutes on goals by Tyler Hengen, Kaelan Holt, Josh Giblett and Kyle Salaway. Weyburn scored three times in the second, and once early in the third for a 7-4 lead.
Talys Halabuza and Seth Horn scored for Estevan in the third period, but the Bruins couldn't get the tying goal.
The atom Bruins will travel to Grand Forks, N.D. for a tournament March 7 to 9.

Correction
In the February 29 edition of Lifestyles, a picture with a story on Saskatchewan Curling Association regionals identified the curlers as being members of the Kimberly Brasseur rink. The curlers were from Jillian Dukart rink. Lifestyles apologizes for any inconvenience this might have caused.

Rockets and Cougars win opening games
The Redvers Rockets and the Carlyle Cougars have the early upper hand in their Big Six Hockey League division finals.
The Rockets knocked off the Carnduff Red Devils 5-0 in Game 1 of their best-of-seven East Division final March 5. The next two games are in Carnduff: Game 2 is March 7 and Game 3 is March 9.
Carlyle defeated the Midale Mustangs 6-3 in Game 1 of the West Division final, also on the 5th. Game 2 is March 7 in Midale, and Game 3 is March 9 in Carlyle.
The Cougars reached the division final by defeating the Arcola-Kisbey Combines in three straight games in a best-of-five semi-final. Carlyle won Game 3 8-4 on March 1.

Bruins season finished
The Estevan Bruins 50th season ended the same way as the previous one - with a six-game loss to the Yorkton Terriers.
Yorkton rallied to defeat the Bruins 4-3 in Game 6 to win the best-of-seven Sherwood Conference series 4-2.
Brody Haygarth scored 20 seconds into Game 6, and Kyle Garagan scored four minutes later to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead. Yorkton scored late in the first period and early in the second to tie the game, but a goal by Liam Brennan gave the Bruins a 3-2 lead after 40 minutes.
The Terriers tied the game, again, early in the third period, and Cody Zubko scored the series-clincher with 10 minutes remaining in the third period.
The Bruins staved off elimination with a 4-1 win in Game 5 the night before. Kyle Stroh scored twice. Payden Benning and Brant Harris also scored for the Bruins. Karsten Felske made 38 saves.
Head coach/GM Karry Biette said the Bruins had a skilled team this year, while Yorkton had the tough team. The roles were reversed last year.
"I think if we made one mistake, we may have over-corrected last year's playoff loss by having too much skill (this year)," said Biette.
The loss to Yorkton reinforced Biette's belief that they need to bulk up in the off-season.
Estevan lost all three games in Yorkton, an ironic twist for a team that played so well on the road in the regular season.
"That was the difference in the series. We gave up home ice advantage by losing that first game, and we were never able to regain home ice advantage by winning one there," said Biette.
The playoff MVP will likely be Chad Filteau or Brant Harris, two 18-year-old forwards who played well on a line with Brennan Wrigley, Biette said.
Six 20-year-olds won't be back next year: goaltender David Ritz, defencemen Kealin Wong and Riley Hughes, and forwards Kyle Ermel, Payden Benning and Nick Colliton. Sixteen players are eligible to return next season, but Biette said two to four of those eligible to return won't be brought back.
Biette doesn't know if he'll be back next season, either. It's up to the executive, he said. Biette also has a young family and the job is time-consuming. But he knows there is unfinished business with his young squad.
"Two things will weigh on my decision if I do come back," said Biette. "No. 1 is we will have a good nucleus of players to build upon. And No. 2 is having some success in the post-season. If I left today, that's one thing that would haunt me is no success in the post-season.
"I think we've done a good job off the ice in building this organization. I think we've done a good job in the dressing room in rebuilding what the Bruins are meant to be, and what it means to be a Bruin."

More medals for track team
Four members of the Estevan Legion Track and Field team competed at the Boeing Indoor Classic February 27 to March 1 at the University of Manitoba's Max Bell Centre.
Shalane Haselhan finished first in the juvenile girls high jump with a leap of 1.55 metres. She was also third in the long jump (5.04 metres), fourth in the shot put (8.21 metres) and eighth in the 60-metre run (8.40 seconds).
James Chamney finished first in two midget boys events: high jump (1.70 metres) and long jump (5.39 metres). He was fourth in the 200-metre run (25.19 seconds).
Kristina Chamney finished eighth in the bantam girls' high jump (1.20 metres), 11th in the 200 metres (31.04 seconds) and the long jump (3.57 metres), and 16th in the 60 metres (9.34 seconds).
William Chamney was fourth in the pee wee boys long jump (3.30 metres), and fifth in the 60 metres (9.96 seconds) and the 150 metres (24.55 seconds).

From the
Sidelines
NHL Trades done
By Kyle Kapiczowski
The NHL's trade deadline has come and gone for another year. Some of the trades that happened were: the Montreal Canadians traded goalie Cristobal Huet to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a second round draft pick; the Ottawa Senators got Martin Lapointe from the Chicago Blackhawks; while the Toronto Maple leafs traded Hal Gill to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Wade Belak and Chad Kilger to the Florida Panthers in exchange for draft picks.
The Carolina Hurricanes traded Andrew Ladd to the Chicago Blackhawks and in return for Tuomo Ruutu. The two biggest trades were: the Dallas Stars got Brad Richards from the Tampa Bay Lightning and Lightning got Goalie Mike Smith, and the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Marin Hossa from the Atlanta Thrashers.
In the Arena Football League, the Philadelphia Soul beat the Orlando Predators 77-56. The Soul's record is 1-0 and their next game is against the Chicago Rush.
Other scores from Week 1 were: the Tampa Bay Storm got past the Kansas City Brigade 51-49; the Las Angeles Avengers beat the New Orleans Voodoo 59-42, the Colorado Crush edged the Columbus Destroyers 50-47 and the Arizona Rattlers squeaked past the Utah Blaze 63-62.
In the NFL, the Tampa Buccaneers have acquired quarterback Brian Griese from the Chicago Bears. The Buccaneers gave up a draft pick. The New England Patriots have re-signed wide receiver Randy Moss to a new three year deal.
In NCAA basketball, the Florida Gators lost 68-59 to Mississippi State. The Gators record is 21-8 overall and 8-6 in conference play.
Carl Edwards won NASCAR's UAW Dodge 400. There were 11 caution flags during the race. Bobby Labonte came in 17th after being in eighth place on Lap 30 when he had to pit for fresh tires. The next race is the Kobalt Tools 500 from Atlanta.
In the English Premier League, Manchester United beat Fulham 3-0. Man U's record is 20-4-4 and they are one point behind Arsenal for first.
That's all folks!

Viewpoints

Editorial
Tea Time
Youth Retreating Into The Hills
By Dani Stobbs
Last weekend I attended a youth retreat with my church. We ventured up into Cypress Hills to have time away to be with the youth and give them a space to seek out heart issues. It was incredible. I came back emotionally exhausted from the weekend, but more alive, because I was so proud of these youth as they stood up for what they felt and believed.
As well as the emotional side of the weekend, there was of course some fun to be had. During the Saturday we spent about half an hour, building as many snowmen as possible, and then our aim was to take down every snowman from the other teams.
Now you might think that sounds easy, but not when you have humans defending them, and when the some of the guys decided to build their snowmen on the top of log cabins - that one was a little hard to get down.
The running theme to the weekend seemed to be a continual launch of cards all over the resort. It seems that one of the fun things to do theses days is to flip cards at other people, and you end up with aces, queens and jacks floating over the floor - I have to admit though, even though I was terrible at flipping the cards, it was quite fun just trying - apart from when they came at me giving a paper cut on my thumb - thanks guys!
The weekend didn't stop there. With a room of girls with me, I wonder what could possibly go wrong - yes, that's right, initiating a pillow fight with three other girls who decide it would be funnier to group up on me, the leader. I was pretty much defeated, not by the pillows, but my sad yet true fitness level of zero.
I endured a six hour ride home, maybe longer on a big school bus with youth in too, and to my surprise, it was much fun - not the length of time, but the moments when a guy in the back would come out with this near perfect English accent every five minutes it made me laugh so much I nearly cried.
The moments like this, when you choose to invest in other peoples life, choose to just sit and listen to them, or to just have a pillow fight with them, are just as important as those times of deep intimate conversations. It is the simple act of loving someone with the choices you make and the actions that you choose to take.
One of the incredible things that was shown to me that weekend was that I need to learn to love the people that it is hard to love, and love the people that maybe in my mind I shouldn't love.
This weekend showed me that it doesn't matter what your past is - we all have one. It doesn't matter what your personality is - we all have one. It doesn't matter that you may make me feel a little jealous, or make me feel a little uneasy because of things you may represent, but I need to choose that that stuff is all relative.
In the grand scheme of my life - it shouldn't matter. If I choose to just love someone, to just act towards them in a loving way, nine times out of 10, I forget what it was that I didn't like in the first place, and I usually get a response of love back.
Try it - do something loving to someone that it is hard to love.

Editorial
Voter apathy strikes again
By David Willberg
Election apathy among Canadians reached a new low in Alberta's provincial election, when only 41 per cent of eligible voters felt it was important enough to cast a ballot.
And, to the surprise of nobody, Ed Stemlach and his Progressive Conservative government won another majority government, claiming 72 seats in Alberta's 83-seat legislature.
Alberta apathy shouldn't come as a surprise. The Tories have been in power, provincially, for nearly 40 years. Whether it's federal or provincial elections, it's a safe bet that Conservatives will be victorious in Alberta.
It doesn't hurt the Conservatives, or the cause for apathy, that Alberta doesn't have credible opposition parties. Leadership for the Liberals and the NDP is a revolving door. Leading those parties means a concession speech every four years, and declaring a moral victory with 10 seats.
Yet there seemed to be disillusion with the Conservatives entering this election. People were upset with the state of Alberta's schools and health care, and deteriorating highways. Oilfield companies are disappointed that the government boosted the royalties.
While a Conservative majority seemed inevitable, there was an opportunity for the opposition parties to make inroads, and win a few more seats. Polls indicated a lot of Alberta voters were still undecided.
Either they couldn't make a decision, and decided to abstain from voting, or most Alberta voters decided not to vote. And so they get another four years of the source of their frustration.
Maybe they thought their vote wasn't going to make a difference. One vote doesn't make a difference. Millions of votes do. If those upset with the government had voted for one of the opposition parties, then Alberta's legislature could have had a different look.
Nobody wins with voter apathy. Change is difficult when only 41 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot. It only paints people as lazy.
Voting isn't complicated. In provincial and federal elections, polling stations are abundant. Line-ups are short. Few things are easier than marking an "X" next to the name of the candidate who will do the best job of representing their constituents.
There are billions of people around the world who would relish the chance to vote in an election free of corruption, violence and intimidation. People in other countries die and kill for their right to vote. Alberta is the latest example in North America of people failing to understand the importance, and the privilege, of voting.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
The recent introduction of "The Public Service Essential Service Act" by the Saskatchewan Party Government does nothing to promote and attract workers to our Province.
As a health care worker in Rural Saskatchewan it makes me wonder, how we can attract new people to our communities, when our rights as working people are being stripped away? And now, this government, which ran on a promise of "hope beats fear" in the recent election, makes this move to take away our fundamental right to bargain collectively as unionized workers in this great province. I hope people are fearful now.
All that we have achieved in our prior struggles will now be lost in the passing of this very offensive Bill. I do not see any rational reason for this legislation. Never in the history of bargaining within our sector, have we failed to negotiate essential or emergency services. With this new legislation, I may be identified as 'essential' when my Union is bargaining on my behalf, yet there is no recognition of my value to health care delivery on any other day of the year. Where are the adequate resources to do my job such as adequate staffing, manageable workloads and safe working conditions?
It seems to me that the only people that will benefit from this new law will be Employers who wish to eliminate fair and balanced collective bargaining.
Lori Johb
LeRoy, SK

What's Happening

Thinking Day presentation
Estevan's Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides made their annual Thinking Day presentation February 29. The groups present gifts to the first girl born at St. Joseph's Hospital on or after Thinking Day February 22 - the birth date of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. Nevada Jolie Sernick was born at 11:29 a.m. on February 27. She weighed seven pounds, nine ounces, and measured 18 inches long. Participating in the presentation were: (Back row, L-R) Tricia Donald, Heather Woodhouse, Shandra Tocker and Sara Hollingshead. Front row: Paige Donald, Tammy Sernick, Nevada Sernick, Terry Sernick, Montana Sernick and Cassidy Clow.

Construction about to start
Construction will start soon on Estevan's Motel 6. The three-story, 68-room hotel will be located east of the King Street-Kensington Avenue intersection. It will be the first Motel 6 in North America to have only queen-sized beds. The hotel could be finished in October or November.

SADD message
The Estevan Comprehensive School's chapter of Students Against Drunk Drivers (SADD) spray painted a message on the snow in front of their school March 5 in honour of Impaired Driving Awareness Week. The blue and red message stated: "Drinking and driving. There are dumber things to do but….it's a very short list."