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.
November:
Estevan had plenty of activities to offer the community in November, ranging from remembrance to fundraisers, and the community started to get ready for the Christmas season.
The Estevan Chamber of Commerce's Coffee Talk on Nov. 1 was dedicated to discussing the Estevan Community Safety and Well-being pilot project and a community survey the committee held in the fall.
Mayor Roy Ludwig revealed at the Coffee Talk that the City of Estevan has received a federal grant for $750,000 to proceed with engineering work for downtown revitalization, which includes the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Fourth Street.
The ECS gave students and parents a look at the future during its biennial career fair on Nov. 2.
A 27-year-old man was killed in a rollover that occurred Nov. 3 on Highway 47 just south of Benson.
Last Birds – comprised of husband-and-wife Mike Davis and Lindsay Arnold – celebrated the release of their new album, Endless Turn of Day into Night, with a party at Art Concepts Framing on Nov. 4.
The Big Six Hockey League opened its milestone 65th season on Nov. 4 and 5 with five games.
Students from St. Mary's and Spruce Ridge Schools gathered at the Estevan City Cemetery on Nov. 6 to participate in the annual No Stone Left Alone remembrance ceremony, commemorating those who served Canada during different wars and military operations.
The fourth Innovation Conversation event, Energy and Innovation in Estevan, was held at the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast College on Nov. 7 and featured speeches from representatives of the Petroleum Technology Research Centre.
The EPS announced charges against four people in connection with an alleged home invasion, assault and forcible confinement incident that occurred early on Nov. 7. A fifth person was later charged. According to the EPS, two people suffered "significant" injuries.
The ECS revealed at a press conference on Nov. 8 that it was looking to bring Challenge Days back to the school in an effort to boost empathy among Grade 9 students.
A large crowd gathered at Affinity Place on Nov. 9 for a concert with headlining act Trooper, along with Sass Jordan and the Northern Pikes in a celebration of Canadian rock music.
The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held its annual Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11 at the ECS, with former Estevan and Bienfait resident Duane Gall, a 34-year member of the Royal Canadian Navy, serving as the guest speaker.
A new plaque on Estevan's cenotaph, which has 38 additional names, was dedicated following the Remembrance Day service.
Carlyle's Blaze Dunn was presented with the Youth Philanthropist of the Year Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Â鶹´«Ã½AV Saskatchewan Chapter on Nov. 14, after raising more than $50,000 for the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation.
The St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation's annual Festival of Trees on Nov. 18 and 19 raised approximately $150,000 for health care in the community, with highlights including a gala supper and a day filled with activities for the family.
The Lampman Grizzlies won the provincial 1A girls volleyball title on Nov. 18, defeating Rose Valley in the final.
The Estevan Bruins defeated the Notre Dame Hounds 8-5 on Nov. 22 during the first-ever Hooky for Hockey game. More than 1,000 school kids attended the game, which started in the early afternoon.
For the second consecutive year, the team of Audrey Trombley and Jim Vermeersch were acclaimed as chairwoman and vice-chairman, respectively, of the SECPSD's board at a meeting on Nov. 22.
Logan Stewart and Wyatt Thompson, two Grade 12 students at the Carnduff Education Complex, were selected as the winners at the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Techhub's pitch competition for their portable irrigation system, winning $22,500 in the process. Four entries were received.
The Estevan Fire Rescue Service had a busy day on Nov. 24, with two structure fires and a three-vehicle collision.
The Bienfait Lions Community Theatre returned Nov. 24 and 25 for the first time since 2019 with dinner and performances of Those Crazy Ladies in the House on the Corner.
The Estevan Mermaids synchronized swim club hosted competitors from around the province for the Marnie Eistetter Training Meet and Development Camp at the Estevan Leisure Centre on Nov. 25 and 26.
A reception was held at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum on Nov. 29 for its latest exhibits, including a display by the Estevan Photo Club, which meets on the last Wednesday of the month at the EAGM.