ESTEVAN — May 2024 was another eventful month, brimming with celebrations, achievements and community spirit. The city's residents came together to honour exceptional individuals, support meaningful causes and enjoy cultural and athletic events.
The Southeast Women of Distinction Awards kicked off the month, celebrating 26 extraordinary nominees across five categories. The winners included Sasha Mantei for the Young Visionary Award, Michelle Beaulieu for Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace, Daniyale Woolsey for Outstanding Contribution to the Community, Vi Day for Innovative Leadership Award, and Pam Gunnlaugson for Equity & Inclusion. The late Gertie Lev was inducted into the Trailblazer Memorial Walk.
The Estevan Oilfield Technical Society hosted its fourth annual Top Gun trap shooting event, which drew over 120 participants.
Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys delivered a sold-out performance at the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, delighting an audience of around 250 attendees.
Athletics took centre stage throughout May. The Estevan Extreme's U15 male volleyball team claimed their third consecutive provincial championship. In badminton, the Estevan Comprehensive School's Dongjun Won finished fourth in the provincial championships. Additionally, four Estevan Minor Hockey Association female players contributed to the Saskatchewan Grrrowl's victory in a major Calgary tournament, defeating Team Minnesota in the final.
Boston Tait of Estevan was selected in the first round, 12th overall, by the Wenatchee Wild in the Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft.
Mid-May was particularly busy, featuring several notable events, including the Estevan Wildlife Federation's Walleye Classic, which brought over 30 fishing teams to Boundary Dam to celebrate the start of the fishing season. Estevan Taekwon-do Club members also shone, bringing home 22 medals from an inter-provincial tournament in Osler. The Estevan Humane Society hosted its first-ever Masquerade Ladies Night Out, drawing nearly 190 participants to support the local animal shelter. Meanwhile, the Southeast TechHub marked its second anniversary, highlighting technological growth in the region.
The Estevan Motor Speedway hosted its opening night on May 18. It also served as a fundraiser for Alicia Mann, a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Speedway, who has been battling cancer.
Estevan's generosity and dedication were further evident as residents purchased over 25,000 Smile Cookies in a week, raising funds for the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre celebrated its 30th anniversary with open houses across the southeast, coinciding with Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.
On May 15, the Midale Public Library unveiled its new space at 203 Main Street.
The Estevan Mercury continued to set the standard for weekly newspapers in Saskatchewan, earning the Best Overall Paper award in its category at the SWNA Awards.
The Estevan Gymnastics Club's inaugural awards night celebrated the accomplishments of young athletes and honoured significant donors.
The Drewitz School of Dance presented its 41st annual Spotlight on the Stars recital, showcasing students' artistic talents and captivating audiences.
Estevan's No. 30 Wylie-Mitchell Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron wrapped up another year by hosting its 83rd annual ceremonial review and awards parade at the Wylie-Mitchell Hall.
The South East Sport, Culture & Recreation District Inc. hosted its first-ever South East Summit on May 23 at the Southeast College's Estevan campus.
The Estevan Chamber of Commerce commemorated its 120th anniversary with a day-long celebration on May 30. The Southeast Success Summit featured informative sessions at Southeast College, followed by an anniversary banquet at Beefeater Plaza, which included speeches by Premier Scott Moe and other dignitaries.
Estevan's financial health was also in focus, with audited statements revealing a continued reduction in the city's long-term debt.
The Government of Saskatchewan announced in late May the appointment of Mitch Miller as the judge for the Provincial Court in Estevan to fill a vacancy left by Judge Michelle R. Brass, who transferred to Regina.
Outdoor events and charitable initiatives added further vibrancy to the month. The annual Coal Country Run on May 25 drew a large turnout, raising funds for the Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym. The 10th annual Walk to End Cystic Fibrosis at Woodlawn Regional Park saw strong participation, supporting the fight against the disease.
Elsewhere, Estevan's connection to global events was highlighted by Lloyd and Roanna Sehn's completion of the gruelling Marathon des Sables, a 252.8-kilometre race across the Sahara Desert.
Estevan came together in the spirit of volunteerism and community support at the end of May for the annual Day of Caring, organized by the United Way Estevan
