ESTEVAN — School was back in session in September, but there was still lots of fun to be had for Estevan-area residents.
The first day of school for students in southeast Saskatchewan was Sept. 1. And for the first time since 2019, the school year started without the shadow of COVID-19 uncertainty and restrictions hanging over students, teachers and staff.
Estevan was a busy place for the weekend of Sept. 9-11, thanks to Black and Gold days. It featured a barrel racing event at the Estevan Exhibition grounds that included motocross versus horse riders racing showdown, preseason hockey games at Affinity Place and several food trucks.
The Estevan Humane Society had a highly successful Duck Derby on Sept. 10 at Woodlawn Regional Park. All tickets were sold out this year.
Estevan's Aaron Turnbull finished fourth at the IMCA Super Nationals modified feature race in Boone, Iowa, on Sept. 10. Super Nationals brings together hundreds of the top modified drivers in the U.S., and Turnbull thrived against the top drivers.
The Hillcrest School Breakfast Program kicked off another year of serving hot daily breakfasts to students on Sept. 12. The program resumed despite budget cuts that resulted in job cuts and put the future of the breakfast program at risk.
Local hockey fans were treated to an entertaining Western Hockey League preseason game between the Regina Pats and the Swift Current Broncos on Sept. 13 at Affinity Place. Connor Bedard, who is projected to be the top pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, scored twice to lift the Pats to a 4-2 victory.
The Estevan Bruins unveiled their 2021-22 SJHL champions banner before the start of their regular season opener on Sept. 16 against the Yorkton Terriers. The Bruins started this season slowly at 1-6, but recovered and now lead the Viterra Division entering the Christmas break.
The annual Football Weekend in Estevan from Sept. 16-18 featured lots of gridiron action, with each of the five teams in the Estevan Football Family taking to the field at the Dana Quewezance Memorial Field at Woodlawn Athletic Park.
Riley Morgan Mills-Miller was sentenced to three years in a federal penitentiary after pleading guilty to numerous charges, stemming from an incident in May, in which he hired a taxi, then stole the cab at knifepoint. After a pursuit on Highway 39, he was later taken into custody in Weyburn.
The Homespun Craft Show and Sale made its return to Carlyle on Sept. 24 and 25. A popular annual event billed as the Biggest Little Craft Show in Saskatchewan, had plenty of exhibits and other activities to offer those who attended.
Estevan firefighters were called to a structural fire Sept. 24 in northeast Estevan. Due to the proximity of two neighbouring residences, the fire spread to a second structure. Crews were able to contain the fire to keep it from spreading further. No injuries were sustained.
The Estevan Police Service announced in late September that Craig Bird had been hired as a constable, a little more than two years after he announced his retirement from the force. His first day back was in mid-October.
Members of Estevan city council saw first-hand in late September how the Estevan Market Mall continues to make progress with its renovations and development plans. They witnessed what is happening on the interior and exterior of the building, what can be achieved in the future and how it can affect and benefit the community.
Sept. 30 was the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Estevan was part of the process of learning, honouring and rebuilding relationships. The Souris Valley Museum, in partnership with the Métis Nation Saskatchewan Estevan Local No. 25 and the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, hosted events to mark the day.
The South East Cornerstone Public School Division had 8,301 students as of Sept. 30, which is up by eight from the 8,293 they had for the same date a year ago. The Estevan Comprehensive School had 752 students, up one from the previous year. The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division had 1,317 students, which was consistent with the 2021-22 school year.
