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.
August:
August kept the summer fun going, with many communities hosting events and festivals that attracted large crowds.
The August long weekend was once again a memorable one in Midale, with several popular events including the Bull Bash and Cabaret bull riding, the Souris Valley Antique Association's Pioneer Echoes celebration of old-fashioned agriculture, the Classy Car Show and a street dance.
The Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast A's, who play most of their home games out of Alameda, defeated the Regina Athletics 13-1 on Aug. 6 in Moose Jaw to win the Baseball Saskatchewan U15 AAA Tier 2 title.
The TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course held its annual FrameTech Classic from Aug. 5-7, with Jace Carlisle winning the men's division, Paige Wheeler the women's competition and Rick Hallberg the senior men's event. Carson Harcourt won the annual horse race elimination event featuring golfers from the men's championship flight.
Estevan Fire Rescue Service members were dispatched for a mutual aid call to assist the Bienfait Fire Department with a structure fire occurring in the town early on Aug. 7.
Local Facebook users found they could no longer access news stories on the Mercury's Facebook page while in Canada, although they can still do so when outside the country. Despite Facebook's blackout of Canadian news, the Mercury generated greater traffic on the Â鶹´«Ã½AV website in October and November.
Tye Dandridge-Evancio began working as the new director and curator of the EAGM on Aug. 9.
The Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast College announced on Aug. 9 it had created a new program that will encourage entrepreneurship among those in the trades through a four-course program.
More than 800 people attended the Bow Valley Jamboree in Oxbow on Aug. 12. They enjoyed music by talented performers throughout the afternoon and evening.
Agriculture history was celebrated in Frobisher on Aug. 13, with an antique tractor parade and threshing demonstrations as part of the village's annual Thresherman's Reunion.
Caitlin Maxie of the White Bear First Nations went missing on Aug. 18 and then was located deceased at White Bear on Aug. 20.
The Estevan Downtown Business Association held its annual Street Fair on Aug. 19, attracting many people to local businesses.
The Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Steelers, a women's fast-pitch team based out of Carnduff, captured their first-ever Softball Canada national title in Quebec from Aug. 16-20. The Steelers went 8-0 against Canada's best.
Estevan city council approved naming sections of pathways after Craig Bird, Gale Tytlandsvik, Mike Csada and the Estevan Brick Wildlife Park at the Aug. 21 meeting.
Council awarded Tytlandsvik with $10,000 for a big mural to be added to the west wall of the Kessel Run Games store, located at the intersection of Fourth Street and 13th Avenue.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe was in Estevan on Aug. 23 for a meet-and-greet barbecue. A large crowd met with him at the Dennis Moore Centennial Park to ask questions and discuss the direction of the province.
Acclaimed pianists Audrey and Rachel Andrist returned to their hometown of Estevan on Aug. 24 to perform at Hill View Manor and Creighton Lodge.
North Portal-based folk and American duo Last Birds – comprised of Lindsay Arnold and Mike Davis – released a new single, Give it to Me, on Aug. 25. It was the first song from their new album Endless Turn of Day into Night.
Former Estevan resident Kim Barnstable was among those affected by the forest fires that struck Kelowna, B.C. in August. He was out of town when the fire struck, but his wife had to evacuate on a moment's notice. Their home was spared from the fire.
The Roche Percee Recreation Site and Campground hosted its second annual Commemorative Family Fun Day on Aug. 26, and many people turned out to enjoy various activities offered.
Lori Carr shifted from the Ministry of Social Services back to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure as part of a cabinet shuffle that occurred on Aug. 29. She was in charge of highways in 2018 and 2019.
