Feature

An exciting time to be in Estevan
Caption: A new strip mall in northeast Estevan is one of several construction projects underway in the city. Additional projects have started in the RM of Estevan.
By David Willberg
New businesses opening, new home construction, a booming oil patch, a growing population and tax base - it's an exciting time to be in Estevan, and southeast Saskatchewan.
It's not likely going to slow down soon, either.
Estevan Mayor Gary St. Onge said the residential and commercial sectors are booming. And he believes the best is yet to come in residential building. He pointed to a new subdivision for the former Hillside School property that will add condominiums and 15 new homes.
"Although we have a couple of subdivisions (being developed), those are for homes that are quite pricey," said St. Onge. "The proposed development in the Hillside area will try to address some of the more affordable homes. And there are other developments that are happening that we will try to address as well."
A lack of manpower and housing are challenges. Estevan has a lot of job openings, he said, but the city lacks the rental properties and housing for workers who move to the city.
He believes one of the best examples of the growth is longer line-ups for traffic lights, stop signs and even lunch at restaurants.
The clean coal retrofit of Unit 4 at the Boundary Dam Power Station, announced earlier this year, has brought stability to the future of Estevan' power generation, St. Onge said.
RM of Estevan administrator Greg Hoffort has been employed by the RM for 12 years. He said that 2007 was the busiest year during his tenure, and 2008 has been even more active.
"Whether it's the mining industry, the oil industry or the power generation, everything seems to be going at a good clip right now," said Hoffort. "There are a lot of new businesses moving to town, new people moving to town, and all those things combined have generated a lot of growth in the RM."
The hot spots are commercial developments along Highway 39. In the east of the RM, several buildings are being constructed at the intersection of Highway 39 and the Shand Access Road. To the west, new businesses are opening along Malmgren Drive.
The biggest challenge facing the RM, Hoffort said, is providing a quick response to businesses that want to be in the RM.
"We do the best we can to make sure things go as smoothly and as quickly as we can put them through, while making sure everything is done properly," said Hoffort.
Lynn Chipley, the president of the Estevan and District Tourism, Trade and Commerce, believes that the growth will not only benefit Estevan, but the entire southeast corner.
"Some of it will be in the RM, some of it will be in Oxbow, some of it will be in Carnduff, some of it will be in Weyburn," said Chipley. "I think it will encompass the whole region, so everybody will be impacted, and I think that will help the pressure for growth."
Businesses that move into Estevan view the city as a "sure thing," Chipley said.
Tourism has the potential for growth, she said. Chipley believes that people sometimes underestimate all that Estevan has to offer for culture, sports, mine and power plant tours, and events.
"We're going to work very, very hard at creating a destination package to sell to Western Canada, and North and South Dakota, and our neighbours close by, and telling them why they should come here," said Chipley.
Carl Henneberg, the president of the Small Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, said the oil patch is even busier than it was at this time last year.
"The number of rigs is up," said Henneberg. "Judging by the activity, and the prices paid at land sales the last couple of months, it looks like we'll be in for a very busy summer."
Oil prices have been a driving force behind patch activity in the last couple of years. But the new top contributor is the Bakken oil play - the massive formation that covers southeast Saskatchewan and neighbouring states and provinces.
"Exactly what areas would be economic, and could produce oil to justify drilling, is something that will be discovered over the next couple years, as people start out and drill in the Benson-Stoughton area, which is sort of the hot spot at this point in time," said Henneberg.
Henneberg said the Bakken play could run for several years, depending on how much of the oil can be tapped.

News

Relay for Life launched
Captions:
1) Estevan's 2008 Relay for Life was officially launched April 26. Participants braved high winds and cool temperatures to walk several blocks on 13th Avenue from the post office to the Days Inn. A reception was held at the Days Inn once everybody arrived.
2) (L-R) Char Seeman and Heather Turnbull from the Race Chix accepted the top fundraising team award from team recruitment co-chair Laurie Holzer.
Estevan's Relay for Life was launched April 26 with a walk and a reception at the Days Inn.
Dozens of people braved the cool, windy weather to walk several blocks from the Canada Post outlet to the Days Inn. Once at the hotel, several committee chairs updated the audience on the progress for this year's Relay.
Honourary co-chair Mel Pierson, a two-time survivor of breast cancer, said the fight against cancer has come a long way since she was first diagnosed in 1979. Nobody talked about cancer back then. But there's a long way to go, and cancer continues to affect everybody.
A luminary was lit in honour of Pierson and her successful battles with cancer.
Team recruitment co-chair Laurie Holzer said 17 teams are registered, and 28 more team captain's packages are circulating the community. Holzer said they want to have at least 75 teams in this year's Relay. There were 51 last year.
Holzer also presented an award to the Race Chix team members Char Seeman and Heather Turnbull for being the top fundraising team in 2007. The Race Chix collected more than $10,000 last year.
Youth recruitment chair Amber Dukart said she would like to see the number of teams from the Estevan Comprehensive School swell from six last year to 15 in 2008.
Margaret Hill, the southeast coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society, reminded the audience of why the Relay takes place - to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life for people with cancer.
"And we can't do it alone," said Hill. "Every hour you volunteer, and every dollar you donate, is a means to an end. And we are making progress."
Proceeds from the Relay will go to prevention, advocacy, research, information and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society. The goal for this year is $123,000.
Estevan's 2008 Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 at the Estevan Comprehensive School's track.

Luminaries an important part of Relay
Caption: Luminary committee co-chairs Kyla Deitz and Larissa Padayachee.
Luminaries are an important way for people to pay tribute to those who have had cancer, said luminary committee co-chairs Kyla Deitz and Larissa Padayachee.
A luminary is a white, flame-proof bag with a candle inside, said Deitz.
"On the outside, there is a tag with a message written 'in honour of or in memory of' someone battling cancer," said Deitz.
As luminary co-chairs, Deitz and Padayachee are responsible for obtaining and selling luminaries, and setting them up around the inside and outside perimeters of the track. The luminaries will be lit at dusk, and they will remain lit throughout the night. Luminaries will also spell out the word "hope" on the Estevan Comprehensive School's hill.
Deitz and Padayachee are also responsible for the luminary ceremony that starts at 11 p.m.
"The luminary ceremony is the most moving and emotional part of the entire Relay," said Padayachee. "It is where we remember those we have lost, and hope for a better future."
They want to sell 2,000 luminaries this year. A few have been sold so far, and many luminary forms are out in the community, they said. Each Relay participant must sell or purchase at least two luminaries. Individuals not participating in the Relay can purchase luminaries, too, they said.
A little more than 1,700 luminaries were sold last year.
Padayachee said people who purchase a luminary can pick it up at the end of the Relay and take it home.
Estevan's Relay for Life is June 14 and 15.

POLICE REPORT
*Police received a report of a stolen 1991 Ford Tempo in the Hillcrest area on April 24. The red, four-door vehicle has the license plate 616 ELX. Anyone with information is asked to call the Estevan Police Service.
*A 48-year-old male is facing assault charges following an incident with his common-law spouse. The couple was travelling in the victim's vehicle when they had a disagreement. The accused assaulted the victim while she was driving. She spotted police, who were in the area at the time, and got them to help. The suspect was arrested. Alcohol was a factor. The matter remains under investigation.
*A 21-year-old male is facing charges of possessing a controlled substance. Police stopped the vehicle he was operating and located a small amount of marijuana.
*Theft of gas was reported from a local gas station.
*A 43-year-old Estevan male, arrested for being intoxicated, was also found to be in possession of marijuana. He was charged.
*A female was arrested on outstanding warrants. She was charged with driving an unregistered motor vehicle, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver's licence. The vehicle was seized.
*A break-and-enter was reported in the 400 block of First Street. The matter remains under investigation.

Saskatchewan population continues to grow
There are nearly 6,000 more people living in Saskatchewan than previously thought, according to a preliminary census adjustment by Statistics Canada.
Statistics Canada has now estimated the number of people it believes were missed in the 2006 census, and as a result, the province's population as of January 1 is now pegged at 1,012,547. That's 5,903 more than the previous estimate of 1,006,644 released last month.
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said the growing population is good news and is helping to attract even more people to the province.
"More and more people are looking at moving to Saskatchewan from other parts of Canada and from all over the world," Norris said. "People are getting the message - Saskatchewan is not only a great place to make a living, it's a great place to make a life."
More people also means more federal dollars flowing into the province. The Canada Health Transfer and the Canada Social Transfer will increase by about $700 and $300 per person respectively, which will result in close to $6 million a year in additional federal funding to Saskatchewan.
"A growing population is a sign of a thriving province," Norris said. "The task of our government is to ensure this growth continues for many years to come."

Council compromises on garbage issue
Mayor Gary St. Onge believes Estevan City Council has found a fair compromise on the ongoing garbage pick-up issue.
Residents with backyard pick-up will retain the service. Front yard pick-up will continue in other parts of the city. New residential properties will also be subject to front yard pick-up.
Council has faced a barrage of criticism since last month, when they announced a switch to automated, front yard service for most of the city. St. Onge admitted he "underestimated the convenience factor" of backyard service.
The cost will remain the same. Residents will still be provided with a 95 cubic gallon garbage cart. Garbage will be picked up with an automated system, instead of manually.
St. Onge said Prince Albert also has a blend of front yard and backyard pick-up.
The average resident currently pays $11.14 every two months for waste collection, St. Onge said. The cost will rise to $13.06 every two months in the first year of the deal, St. Onge said. That equates to $12 per year.
St. Onge said the biggest reason for the increase is the purchase of the garbage carts, which cost $50 to $100 each.
Earlier in the meeting, a concerned citizen, Natalie Kleinser, presented a petition with 2,539 signatures, asking for a referendum on garbage pick-up. Kleinser said the number of signatures "speaks loud and clear" about how people feel about the change.
She noted they collected that many signatures even though they didn't approach apartment, condominium or trailer park dwellers, or anybody under 18.
She suggested a two-week cooling down period so that city clerk Lyndon Stachoski can evaluate the petition.
Kleinser said she will be following through with the petition even though Council has changed their position on the garbage issue.
Under the Cities Act, if Council receives a petition signed by at least 10 per cent of the population, a referendum could take place. Stachoski will have 30 days to review the validity of the petition to ensure that at least 10 per cent of people who signed are over 18 and either residing or owning land in the city.

Day of Mourning
Caption: Deanna and Jim Ganje laid a wreath during the Day of Mourning service in Estevan.
The Estevan and District Labour Council hosted a memorial service April 28 to mark the International Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job.
About 15 people attended the service at the Coal Car, located at the intersection of Fourth Street and Souris Avenue in Estevan. A candle was lit for each of the 24 people killed on the job last year, and for the 13 workers who died from diseases related to their jobs.
A wreath was laid at the coal car for those who passed away.
Causes of death included motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks, workplace accidents and long-term exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Master of ceremonies Sam Dryden said Canada has one of the highest rates of workplace death and injury in the world, and Saskatchewan has the second-worst rate in the country. The government needs to enforce legislation for there to be a reduction in the number of workplace accidents.
A safe and healthy workplace is not an option, Dryden said.

Council notes
Highlights from the April 28 meeting of Estevan City Council:
*The Ministry of Corrections and Public Safety has matched the City's contribution of $17,821.86 to purchase Jaws of Life equipment.
*The mill rate for the Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division will be 21.85 this year. It was 21 in 2007.
*Heavy trucks will be allowed to use Fourth Street from Kensington Avenue to Souris Avenue for at least the next month. They had been using Sixth Street since late last year. Trucks will still have to use Sixth Street from Souris Avenue to 14th Avenue. The change was necessary due to frost boils appearing on Sixth Street, and work on the Kensington Avenue south railway crossing.
*The establishment of the City's 2008 mill rate has been delayed due to a revenue sharing increase from the provincial government. The City will receive an additional $70,000, to go with the $67,000 increase announced in March.
*The "Welcome to Estevan" sign and city map, located west of the city, will be moved closer to city limits.
*Council moved forward with the eighth phase of the Trojan subdivision, which includes two apartment buildings and 12 residential lots. Utilities will be installed; and earthworks, waterworks, and sanitary and storm sewer works will be tendered out.
*Four Leisure Services tenders were approved: weight room flooring for $10,450; garbage pick-up at the Leisure Centre, Civic Auditorium and Estevan Curling Club for $3,354.12; an aerator for $1,999.50; and a half-ton four-by-four crew cab for $25,215.
*Two half-ton extended cab trucks will be purchased for Public Works for $24,425 each.
*Council gave first reading to a bylaw to rezone an area in east Estevan for the new Glen Peterson Industrial Park. The 20.68-hectare industrial park will be east of Kensington Avenue, and it will have 13 parcels of land.
*First reading was also given to a bylaw to rezone the former Hillside School site to accommodate new housing and condominium projects. The development would include 15 single detached low-cost housing lots; 20 semi-detached, row-style condominium units, and two apartment-style condominium projects with 18 suites each.

St. Joseph's auxiliary meets
The St. Joseph's Health Care Auxiliary recently held their April meeting, with 39 people in attendance.
Past-president Nola Joseph presented Verna Cook with her 25-year pin and a life membership. Cook has held many offices through the years, including president, secretary and treasurer. She worked in the gift shop and the canteen, and helped at the spring and winter teas.
The auxiliary will host their annual spring tea and bake sale and raffle on Wednesday, May 7 at the hospital's auditorium.
President Eva Hagel and secretary Audrey Loustel will attend the district convention May 8 in Oxbow, and the national convention later this year in Regina.
The auxiliary will participate in a cookie day May 14. Cookies, coffee and tea will be served to staff and patients at the hospital.

No. 2 poster in Canada
Caption: Wanda Stang (L) and Sharren Dukart (R) presented several certificates to Taylor Wheeler for her award-winning poster.
Taylor Wheeler, a Grade 6 student at St. Mary's School in Estevan, finished second in the national junior colour poster category of the Royal Canadian Legion's annual Remembrance Day poster, poem and essay contest.
Taylor's poster has a big poppy in the middle, with the words "Lest We Forget" inscribed inside the poppy. A poppy is in each corner of the poster. A heart is in the background of the centre poppy.
Her poster will be published in the national Legion magazine, and displayed on Parliament Hill as Remembrance Day approaches.
Taylor's entry was sent to nationals after it finished first at the zone, district and provincial competitions.
Other categories included essay, poetry and black and white poster, in junior, intermediate and senior age groups. There was also a special education group.
The Estevan Royal Canadian Legion received more than 300 entries this year. Forty-three certificates were handed out for first, second and third place finishers, as well as honourable mentions.
Haley Ronyk finished first at zone and district, and second in provincials, in junior poem. Torilee Scharnatta was first at zone and district, and third at provincials, for junior black-and-white poster.
Miranda Ivanochko was first in the zone, and second in districts, for intermediate essay. Alyssa Tromblay was first in the zone, and third in the district, for senior poem. Austin Steffensen was third in the zone for intermediate black-and-white poster.

A day of dance
Macoun School recently held a day of dance. Daryle and Sharon Sears from Estevan went to the school and taught students how to do mambo line and swing dances.

Ruttan performs in Estevan
Caption: Deric Ruttan performed at the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan April 27.
Award-winning Canadian country music singer and songwriter Deric Ruttan performed at the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan April 27.
Ruttan sang several selections from his latest album, "First Time in a Long Time," and songs from previous releases. The winner of the 2007 Canadian Country Music Association's top songwriter award, he also performed several songs that he has written for other artists.
The Estevan stop was one of the last in a cross country tour to promote "First Time in a Long Time."
Ruttan also signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans after the show. Nearly 200 people were in attendance.

Lots for sale in Macoun
A new 19-lot subdivision in the northwest corner of Macoun will help grow the community, said developer Kelly Foord.
Two of the 19 lots have already been sold. Lots are 80 feet wide, and 100 feet deep, and completely serviced with gas, power, sewer and water, and telephone. Foord installed the water and sewer himself.
"I feel the economy is right," said Foord. "Macoun, Estevan and Midale should be growing centres. They seem to be growing, with lots of oil activity and lots of activity at the power plants. I think it would be a good opportunity to bring people into the village of Macoun."
Interest is strong, he said. Foord gets a phone call about the lots at least every second day.
Very little land has been available in Macoun, Foord said. He believes there is enough demand for 19 lots.
"After I sell 10 or 12 of these, I think I'm going to start another one," said Foord. "I think there is going to be great growth in our small community."
A new residential subdivision in Midale, which sold out within a month, is proof that people want to be in small communities, Foord said.
Foord said the lot sizes are comparable to new subdivision in Midale and Estevan.

Cabaret supports Doug Perry
A benefit cabaret for Estevan resident Doug Perry April 26 likely topped its goal of $40,000, said Crystal Wilson, one of the organizers for the event.
Close to 500 people attended the cabaret. Many of the people in attendance were family and friends who wanted to support Perry's upcoming trip to China to receive stem cell treatments for progressive multiple sclerosis.
Odd Man Out was the band for the evening. There was also a silent auction.
Wilson was impressed with the support shown for Perry. She said it's another example of the generous nature of the community, since there are so many other fundraisers in the city right now.
Perry will travel to the Zhejiang Xiao Shan Hospital in Hangzhou, China, from May 15 to June 16, to receive the stem cell treatments. During that time, he will receive five stem cell injections and one bone marrow transplant, plus acupuncture and other treatments.
Between 10 million and 15 million stem cells will be inserted into his spine during each treatment. The stem cells come from the umbilical chords of newborn babies.
He will be accompanied by his partner, Darlene Duce.
His trips to China comes five months after a friend of his, Estevan's Becky Kelly, travelled to China to receive stem cell treatments for progressive MS. The success of Kelly's treatments inspired Perry to travel to China.
The Doug Perry Donation Fund has been set up at the Spectra Credit Union.

Hair cut for cancer
Caption: Hailee Persson had her hair cut for cancer by Shelly Mack.
Hailee Persson, a nine-year-old Bienfait resident, recently had her hair cut to support children with cancer.
Hailee has been growing her hair out for the past year, said her mother, Carrie Poole. Once Hailee's hair reached 10 inches in length, it was long enough to be used for a wig.
The hair will be sent to the Angel Hair for Kids Foundation in Toronto, an organization dedicated to creating wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer radiation treatments.
Poole said there has been cancer in their family before, and Hailee understands what can happen to hair during radiation therapy.
The haircut was performed by Shelly Mack of Mack's Reflections.

SaskPower releases annual report
SaskPower today announced a 2007 net income of $138 million and dividend to Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan of $97 million - both increases over prior-year results.
Operationally, SaskPower completed a major supply decision at a time that it also experienced increases in service demand that reflect Saskatchewan's recent extraordinary economic growth. In particular, three new marks were set: record peak load, record customer connects and record new service applications.
"SaskPower is an integral component of our province's economic engine and will continue to play an important role in securing long-term prosperity," Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said.
"In order to help sustain Saskatchewan's economic momentum, the Corporation will continue to replace aging electrical generating equipment and add new equipment to its already diverse generation fleet, which includes coal, natural gas, and hydro generation, as well as an ongoing commitment to wind power generation."
Key highlights from 2007 include:
*A record 13,071 new service applications.
*A record peak load of 2,969 megawatts (MW).
*New supply decision outlines SaskPower's plan to meet the province's growing electricity needs from 2010 to 2014.
*SaskPower becomes first utility in the world to complete workable design for a large scale near-zero emissions pulverized coal plant.
*Process of acquiring up to 400 MW of simple cycle natural gas turbines begins.
*Net Metering Program allows for the development of partnerships with customers who generate electricity using wind, solar, low impact hydroelectric, biomass, flare gas and heat recovery.
*$21.6-million major overhauls completed on Boundary Dam Power Station 139-MW Unit #3 and 62-MW Unit #1.
*More than $900 million contributed to the provincial economy, including the procurement of over 85 per cent of goods and services from Saskatchewan suppliers.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
An Understanding Alzheimer's Disease session will take place on Tuesday, May 13 at the Nicholson Centre in Estevan.
Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Bobbi Krushkowski, the public education coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, will be the guest speaker.
Krushkowski will provide information on the warning signs, diagnosis and treatment of the condition, as well as how to cope with Alzheimer's and communicate with Alzheimer's patients. Krushkowski will also offer information on Alzheimer Society programs and services, and tips on how to keep the brain healthy.

Topsoil conditions improve
Topsoil moisture conditions on crop, hay and pasture land improved during the past week, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture's weekly crop report.
Areas with surplus topsoil moisture are located primarily in the northern regions. Areas in the southern grainbelt extending into the central regions of the province, reported short and very short topsoil moisture.
Provincially, one per cent of the 2008 crop is planted. While a number of individual rural municipalities reported seeding of up to 20 per cent or more, many areas haven't started seeding due to wet and/or cold field conditions. This is essentially unchanged from the previous week as seeding was delayed because of the spring storm and additional snowfall.
Crop reporters indicated that pasture conditions are generally fair to very poor in many areas of the province, due to lack of heat and moisture. Northern pastures are largely covered in snow. Many southern areas and some central areas have inadequate livestock water supplies.
Poor weather conditions delayed fieldwork over the past week.

Columnists

WHEN THINGS GO BOOM
By Linda Wegner
In what is probably the greatest understatement I've ever heard, Russian author, Yevgeny Zamyatin, wrote,"Explosions are not comfortable." Just ask anyone who's had the misfortune of being near or in one!
2008 is already proving to be an explosive year in Canada. Take for example the recent tragic loss of lives and destruction of three important businesses in the small town of Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Then in February, residents of BC's Lower Mainland were shocked by the bombing of a restaurant and coffee shop in downtown Vancouver. Fortunately for the neighbours, yesterday's total destruction of a vacant house in another part of the Lower Mainland didn't kill anyone but the blast shattered glass in five houses and pretty much destroyed a nearby home. That news came just hours after the collapse of a portion of the floor in an Abbotsford church. Although approximately forty people were injured in that event, thankfully no one has died of injuries. Those instances are terrible but it's indescribably traumatic when your personal world blows apart.
My goal in writing these articles is to provide some light inspiration for each week's journey. Sometimes, though, circumstances demand a slightly different approach. I haven't figured out how to pronounce the Russian author's name but his observation is right: explosions aren't comfortable. Knowing how to ease the pain that comes when a world explodes defies human wisdom. There simply are no easy answers for questions that rock the heart and haunt the mind.
"For You have been a stronghold for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the ruthless ones is like a rainstorm against a wall," Isaiah 25:4 (Amplified)
When life blows to bits, God longs to pick them up and put us back together.

Time To Jump
My oldest daughter was just finishing swimming lessons when I walked up to the windows at the pool. Out on the diving board was a little boy, maybe 5 years old, and he looked nervous. His instructor was in the water below the diving board encouraging him to jump. The long line of kids who were waiting for their turn on the diving board were telling him to jump. However, the little boy just stood there shaking.
Over the years, I have seen many people in the same position in regards to their faith. They have read and studied themselves into the position where they have a decision to make. They have to decide whether to "jump" or not.
Part of the problem here is that logic can only take you so far. I can argue for God's existence from lots of different things, but I cannot prove that he exists. At least not in terms of being able to show him to you right now. At some point, the message of the gospel requires a leap of faith.
The Apostle Paul says it this way, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Note that while Paul admits that the message may sound strange to those on the outside, he also states that the same message is the power of God to those who believe! In other words, once you take the leap of faith, you find out how good it is. You find the power of God.
I am not sure what you have been thinking about lately. Maybe you are wondering if you should be following God. Maybe you are thinking that you need to start doing a specific thing, or maybe stop doing something. Whatever the case, may I encourage you to take the leap of faith and see what God can do? You may find his power and his life.
Back to the little boy on the diving board: he finally did jump in and after that they could not get him off the diving board! He found out it was fun!
Sometimes you do not know what things are like until you try them!
Tim Pippus, Estevan Church of Christ

GARDEN NOTES
By Gerry Fichtemann, Horticulturist
WilDFLOWERS AND MULCH
By Gerry Fichtemann,
Extreme care must be taken in buying packets of wild flower seeds.
It seems to be worse when certain organizations and so called 'environmentalists' are giving away seeds packets and asking for a donation.
These people were sending out letters some time ago which a packet of wildflower seeds was enclosed. The seed packet contained very little seed and the balance was weed seeds. To make matters worse there were weed seeds that were noxious! Nothing could be worse for the environment. It makes a person's blood boil!
Most wildflowers seed packages contain weedy looking plants and the back yard takes on a 'wild, unkept look'. In the future my suggestion is to leave them on the shelf, and burn any packets you get as a 'come-On' in the mail.
WINTER MULCH- For people who are real gardeners and were smart enough to cover their perennials with a mulch just in case we didn't get snow plus too warm temperatures, must be thankful this year. They can be rewarded with no signs of winterkill, instead they will have lovely plants this summer.
For the 'mulchers', a word of caution ... do not remove the mulch too early and get caught with a heavy late frost. The trick is now to keep the mulch on, which will keep the ground frozen. Personally, I wouldn't remove any of the mulch until the first or second week of May. When the mulch is removed, plants will grow very fast because they haven't been hit with spring frosts.
I usually raise a few annuals for my own use. Spring can not be to far away, as I have my seed trays showing signs of life. The seeds now up and showing good signs of life are parsley, tomatoes, peppers and the new variety of four o'clocks. A person can start
Zinnias directly into the ground, however I prefer a head start and my Zinnia' are sprouting well.
For the beginners, putting seed directly into the ground, be sure to wait and give it some time. Do not let the warm day temperatures fool you as your plants can come up and then get hit by a good frost that will finish them. Wait at least until the 24th of May weekend ... Garden safe!

Sports

Auction raised money for Bienfait rink
Caption: Brielle Armbruster liked the landscape edger that was available at the Bienfait Rink auction.
About $6,500 was raised for the Bienfait Memorial Arena during a furniture, appliance and electronics auction April 26.
Hundreds of new but discontinued products were sold during the six-hour auction. About 150 people registered to bid on items.
Gross sales were about $33,000. Moose Mountain Auction Services, who conducted the sale, guaranteed $2,000 to the arena, and half of any proceeds once they topped $27,000 in gross sales. Another $1,500 was raised through concession sales.
Proceeds will go to paying down the arena's debt. The arena owes $120,000 to its creditors, and about the same amount to the Town of Bienfait.

Mermaids compete at provincials
Caption: (L-R) Dezirae Franke, Tess Rensby, Mackenzie Dahl, Alyssa Gibson and Brittany Gervais won gold in the Tier 2 team event.
The Estevan Mermaids Synchronized Swimming Club attended the 2008 Tier 1 to 5 provincials April 26 and 27 in Saskatoon.
Swimmers performed their individual figures on the 26th. In the Pre-Tier division, composed of rookie swimmers, Chanel Thievin finished first, Lauren King was second, Maysun Peters was fifth, Destiny Schmidt was eighth and Anna Rose Lawrence was 15th.
In Tier 2, which is for swimmers 12-and-under, Tess Rensby was third and Mackenzie Dahl was fourth.
The Mermaids competed in solo, duets and team events on the 27th. Thievin won another gold medal in the pre-tier solo. Thievin, King, Peters, Schmidt and Lawrence won gold in pre-tier team. Eden Palmer and Alyssa Wieting won silver in Tier 1 duet.
Also earning Gold was the Tier 2 team made up of Rensby, Dahl, Brittany Gervais, Alyssa Wieting and Dezirae Franke.

Fishing season starts May 3
Local anglers are preparing for the opening day of fishing season May 3, according to conservation officer Mick Bakke.
Many people have been getting their boats, fishing rods and tackle ready, Bakke said. It's better to do it before opening day, in case there is a dead battery or another mechanical problem.
There won't be any changes to regulations or catch limits in the southeast corner of the province this year, Bakke said.
"It makes it easier for the anglers," Bakke said.
Fish populations are tough to gauge, he said. The only way to determine the number of fish in the reservoirs is when the local Fisheries and Oceans branch measures the numbers.
"It's a little bit more difficult compared to doing a game survey, where you can actually physically see the game," said Bakke.
Based on success rates from last year, especially in Rafferty and Alameda reservoirs, populations should be very good, Bakke said.
Bakke noted that there are spawn camps set up on the north end of Rafferty to trap walleye collect eggs. Anglers are asked to avoid the nets, and allow workers to do their job.
He also reminded anglers that lake levels are down from a lack of precipitation, so the shoreline will be larger.
The annual free fishing weekend will be July 12 and 13.

Baseball season underway
Caption: Colton Gingras pitched for the McDonald's team in a mosquito level game.
Another season for Estevan Minor Baseball is underway. Games were played under clear skies April 28 and 29 at Luscar Park. About 315 youth are registered in Estevan Minor Baseball's six different leagues this year.

Speedway season starts May 3
The Estevan Motor Speedway's 2008 schedule is slated to begin Saturday, May 3.
Twelve races will take place from May 3 until the end of the season. Classes include: IMCA modifieds and stock cars, mini-sprints and the entry level pure stocks.
Estevan Motor Speedway president Dave Mack said there should be more pure stocks and stock cars. The number of modifieds should remain steady at 24 to 28 cars. The local car count for the mini-sprints is down, and they want to attract mini-sprint drivers from Williston, N.D.
Hobby stocks won't be raced in 2008.
"Quite a few of them (hobby stock drivers) have moved up to stock cars," said Mack. "Some of them are going to take a season off, or else run their hobby stocks somewhere else. Some have moved up to the modified division as well."
Highlights for this year include the Dakota Modified Tour stop on Monday, July 7, the first-ever visit from the World of Outlaws late models July 12, the Northern Late Model Racing Association (NLRA) late models July 26, and the NOSA sprint cars August 6.
Mack said the World of Outlaw late models are more powerful than the NLRA late models. The World of Outlaw late model drivers are also full-time drivers.
"This is all they do," said Mack. "They start racing in February and they race right until November. The NLRA, for the most part, these guys are like our drivers - they have a full-time job and they go racing on the weekend."
The track's capacity will be expanded to about 3,000 for the Dakota Modified tour and the World of Outlaw races.
The NLRA late models have been raced in Estevan since 2003.
The track championship for the IMCA modifieds and the IMCA stock cars will be August 22. The program on the 22nd will also feature the second annual Fastor Pastor exhibition.
The mini-sprint and pure stock divisions will be decided September 6.
An Enduro race will conclude the season September 21.

From the Sidelines
The Dolphins Select?
By Kyle Kapiczowski
The NFL held their college draft this past weekend and there were some interesting picks. The first pick went to the Miami Dolphins who chose offensive tackle Jake long from Michigan. The next pick went to the St. Louis Rams and they picked defensive end Chris Long from Virginia. The Atlanta Falcons took quarterback Matt Ryan from Boston College. The New England Patriots selected lineman Jerod Mayo from Tennessee; the Minnesota Vikings took quarterback John David Booty from Southern California; the San Francisco 49ers selected defensive back Reggie Smith from Oklahoma; and the Arizona Cardinals chose cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from Tennessee State.
In the Arena Football League, the Cleveland Gladiators lost 56-39 to the New York Dragons. The Gladiators record is 4-4 overall and 2-2 in Divisional play.
Other scores from Week 9 were: the San Jose Sabercats beat the Los Angeles Avengers 70-42, the Arizona Rattlers got past the Georgia Force 66-61, the New Orleans Voodoo beat the Utah Blaze 70-56, the Grand Rapids Rampage hammered the Kansas City Brigade 70-38 and the Tampa Bay Storm squeaked by the Orlando Predators 48-41.
In NASCAR, Kyle Bush won the Aaron's 499 and Bobby Labonte came finished the race in 34th. The next race is the Crown Royal presents the Dan Lowry 400.
In the Craftsman Truck Series, Ron Hornaday Jr. won the O' Reilly Auto Parts 250. Mike Skinner finished the race in fifth place. The next race is the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
In the National Lacrosse League, the Calgary Roughnecks closed out their season with a 12-8 win over the Edmonton Rush. The Roughnecks final record is 7-9. Calgary will face the Colorado Mammoth in the playoffs.
In the English Premier League, Manchester United lost 2-1 to Chelsea. Man U's record is 25-5-6 and they are tied for first place.
That's all folks!

Viewpoints

Tea Time
Counting my Blessings
By Dani Stobbs
I am, after much travelling, back in Estevan, and it feels good to be home I have to say. I think this is the worst I have ever had jet lag. Waking up at four in the morning wide awake is not my preference at all. But after a couple of days of early mornings, my awake time seems to have settled for 7 a.m. - although I'm sure that is subject to change.
Even though it feels great to be back in Estevan, I have been feeling a little like a lost soul. While being in England, I felt homesick for Estevan, and was looking forward to coming back to Estevan to my own apartment and to at least be walking distance from 'the fiancé'
Yet when I got back into town, even though I was relieved to be back, I am now facing my homesickness from England.
In the week and a half that I was there, I got used to having my Grandma in the same house, being able to hang out with my sister every day, or going over to my friend's house, rather than a once in a three month phone call.
Sometimes I wish that I could merge the two worlds together. Then I wouldn't have to have a feeling of no belonging at times, or the feeling of being all over the place, because both have their ways of feeling like home.
I have done two major moves in my life, which meant a complete transition of friends, schools and cultures. So they all, at one stage, felt like home.
I was born in the South of England, where everything in life was a rush. No-one seemed to have time to slow down and enjoy life. Everyone was here, there and everywhere. So when we moved to the North of England, where the pace of life was much slower, that was an adjustment in itself. We were dealing with having to leave old schools behind, and the comfort of knowing where you fit in; and now having to walk what seemed like the longest hallway in your new school, with people looking at you, especially when I spoke in my southern accent. I stood out like a sore thumb. A lot like I do now actually.
After 6 years of living there and finally being settled, and thinking that this is probably where I would like to live for the rest of my life, we moved again - not that I'm complaining at all.
Moving to Canada was a bit more of a confused transition than the move from South to North. We had the bigger cultural difference to contend with, as well as the easily detected English accent. Even the way we dressed was so much different, and the things we liked to eat were no longer accessible.
But despite the feeling of homesickness, and that it doesn't always feel good to feel sad or to miss people, I do have to admit that I should count myself very blessed to have all these different homes that am able to miss.
That I can go back home to three places in England and know that there are people there that I love, and that love me.
I'm just counting my blessings today, I hope you are too, Estevan!

Editorial
Olympic protests not a surprise
By David Willberg
The road to this summer's Beijing Olympics has not been an easy one.
Problems started during China's clash with Tibetan protesters. Protests were peaceful at first, led by some Tibetan monks, but escalated into violence. Tibetans were killed, and China was left with another human rights black eye.
China's handling of Tibet spurred many protests during the Olympic torch journey. Thousands of protesters have used the Olympic torch's travels as a platform to criticize China's communist government.
Everybody should have seen this coming when Beijing was awarded the Olympics seven years ago.
China's human rights record is appalling. But the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in their never-ending quest to win the Nobel Peace Prize, overlooked incidents such as the Tiananmen Square Massacre of 1989, and award the Olympics to China.
It didn't hurt Beijing's cause that the mayor of Toronto - Beijing's top rival for the 08 Olympics - made some flippant remark about skipping a pivotal meeting in Africa. But that's another rant for another time.
The IOC hoped that the Olympics would foster better relations with China and the rest of the world. Many nations are friendlier with China than in the past, but that's because they want China as an economic partner, and not because China will host the Olympics.
China's handling of the Tibet situation has created questions on whether the Olympics will be boycotted. France has openly discussed it. Other national leaders have said they won't attend the opening ceremonies.
Canada will not boycott the Olympics. Athletes have trained hard for the last four years. Why should they be punished for the policies and tactics of the host nation? The athletes deserve better than a repeat of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, when many nations withdrew after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.
But the IOC should be more cautious in handing out future Olympics, and they shouldn't reward nations that have frequently shown disregard for human rights.

What's Happening

New condo development begins
Only three units are still available at the ECI Estates, a 22-condominium development on the site of the former Estevan Collegiate Institute/Estevan Junior High. The first units should be ready for occupancy late this year, and the rest will be finished in early 2009.

Donation for literacy
(L-R) TD Canada Trust financial advisor Sheila Squires made a $1,000 donation to Estevan Literacy Group chair Greg Salmers and coordinator Pam Gunnlaugson.
The funds came from the Community Giving program, and the money will be used for reading programs.

Math estimations
Pleasantdale School in Estevan held a math estimation activity day April 29. Students estimated such things as height, distance, capacity and perimeter. They also worked on several food-related tests, such as the number of licks needed to devour a popsicle.