ESTEVAN — The past year brought ups and downs for Estevan, with major projects progressing and topics that affect everyone continuing to be discussed. The community has seen a return of major events, the start of new activities and big sports competitions.
The Estevan Mercury's Year in Review will walk you through all major southeast happening of 2023.
February:
February started off with a big curling event, followed by a lot of hockey action and many off-ice events and happenings.
Affinity Place remained busy with curling, thanks to the SaskTel Tankard men's provincial tournament from Feb. 1-5. The contributions of Bill Kapiczowski to the sport of curling in Estevan and elsewhere were recognized as he was inducted into the CurlSask Legends of Curling Honour Roll during the tournament. The Kelly Knapp rink won the title.
An Estevan man, Alexander Li, was charged with 12 counts of unsafe storage of a firearm, eight counts of possessing a restricted weapon in a place other than where entitled, and eight counts of unlicensed possession of a restricted firearm with readily-available ammunition after the Saskatchewan RCMP's Moose Jaw Crime Reduction Team (CRT) executed two search warrants at residences in Estevan as part of an ongoing investigation. The matter remains before the court.
The Estevan Salvation Army started hosting church services in Estevan once again.
The Warm Welcome Kitchen started serving meals again after they hired Donna McGillicky as its new kitchen co-ordinator.
The Estevan Wildlife Federation handed out trophies and certificates during the organization's annual awards night Feb. 4.
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ East Cornerstone Public School Division notified parents about a hacking incident that occurred on Feb. 8, in which an unauthorized third party gained access to the network.
Local producers and others had the opportunity to hear about the economic benefits of irrigation during a meeting organized by the Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association and the Â鶹ÊÓƵeast Sask. Economic Partnership, which is trying to further diversify the economy of the region.
A number of fundraisers happening in southeast Saskatchewan for Kyla Dyer, a 15-year-old girl from the Glen Ewen area diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a condition that affects bone marrow.
The Estevan Humane Society was thrilled with the response from the community for its annual Whiskers and Wine Gala, hosted on Feb. 11.
Louise BigEagle was at the Estevan Public Library for Aboriginal Storyteller Month.
The EAGM introduced two new exhibitions. Gallery 1 featured art by Jess Richter, and Gallery 2 displayed creations by Phyllis Poitras-Jarrett.
Nearly 400 riders braved the cold for the Arcola Optimist Club's 30th Snowmobile Rally.
The Estevan U18 AAA Bears set a franchise record for goals in a game Feb. 12 against the Battlefords Stars in a 9-3 win.
Estevan city council approved a new policy at the Feb. 13 meeting that governed the walking track at Affinity Place. The policy was soon repealed due to the response from the community and concern with some of the clauses.
Oxbow hosted its second annual Family Day Winter Festival on Feb. 20.
The auction for the retail liquor store permit in Estevan and five other communities began on Feb. 8 and wrapped up Feb. 16. It wound up selling for $1,407,500 to a bidder under the name of Liquormerchants. A total of 128 bids were received.
A week before the annual Pink Shirt Day in Canada, students at St. Mary's School took a stand against bullying. Students and staff donned pink shirts and other attire on Feb. 15 to promote kindness and a positive attitude around the school.
Seventeen doubles bowling teams were entered in a 10-pin tournament at Estevan Bowl on Feb. 19.
About 175 delegates from across the province were in Estevan from Feb. 23-25 for the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation's convention to discuss fish and wildlife issues impacting the province.
Estevan Kinettes contributed over $10,000 to Telemiracle 47's $5.5 million total.
Choose Life Ministry, which operates a program in southeast Saskatchewan for women with life-controlling issues, hosted a Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk on Feb. 25.
The Estevan Bruins clinched a playoff spot Feb. 25 by defeating the Yorkton Terriers 4-2.
The first-ever season for the Estevan IG Wealth Management U13 AA Bearcats came to an end Feb. 26.
The accomplishments of Shanelle Rioux, one of Estevan's long-time football players and contributors, were saluted as she was inducted into the Estevan Football Family Wall of Fame.
A couple of Estevan athletes were in Charlottetown, P.E.I., for the 2023 Canada Winter Games Feb. 18 to March 5. Kaylee Carlson of Estevan was entered in archery and Sebastian Murphy was competing in snowboarding. Former Lampman resident Robin Ulrich was a coach of the female hockey team.
The last week of February was successful for many Estevan-area athletes during the 2023 Saskatchewan Winter Games.
The ECS Elecs cheerleaders brought home a bronze medal from the annual Best of the West competition in Regina.
Dr. Mehdi Horri's licence was reinstated, starting Feb. 27 but with new restrictions, after nearly seven weeks of suspension.
