ESTEVAN — Winter rolled into Estevan with snowstorms and frigid temperatures, but also with many long-awaited events, festivities and some unexpected happenings.
Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football handed out awards and saluted leaders during their annual general meeting Dec. 1. Dave and Wanda Harron, and Bill and Val Paulson, were inducted into their Wall of Fame, and many great local players of different ages were recognized with awards.
The town of Carlyle hosted its 19th annual Dickens Village Festival with good attendance despite the cold weather. Festivities began on Dec. 2 with a high tea at the Carlyle United Church and continued through the first weekend of December.
The Estevan Police Service conducted a drug trafficking investigation that resulted in a search warrant at a residence in Estevan on Dec. 2. Officers seized an estimated $45,000 in illicit drugs and $9,000 in Canadian currency. Connor Rod was arrested without incident and has been charged under the Criminal Code. He was later released with conditions.
December turned out busy for Estevan firefighters. On Dec. 4, crews were alerted to a fire in east Estevan, where a plant/storage warehouse at a business caught fire. The structure was a total loss, and firefighters spent approximately 10 hours at the scene.
More than 50 talented performers from both sides of the border were part of the Southeast and Northwest Choruses' 50th Celebration of Christmas Music on Dec. 3-4. The first performance was held in Estevan, and the second was the following afternoon in Crosby, N.D.
Estevan city council and department heads dedicated 5 1/2 hours to discussing the budget for 2023 on Dec. 5. As of the beginning of December, the budget did not include an increase to the municipal portion of property tax or a utility rate increase, but that could change by January when the document is expected to receive final approval.
Former Estevan resident Tate Wrubelski was recognized with a Premier's Award for Excellence in the Public Service. He was saluted in the emerging leader category for his work with the Ministry of Agriculture, where he is a multimedia communications specialist.
The coroner's inquest into the 2020 death of Kalin Dean Holonics wrapped up Dec. 7 after three days of proceedings. The jury determined that Holonics' death in July 2020 was accidental due to a combined drug toxicity, and jurors gave numerous recommendations.
An Alameda man was charged with two counts of attempted murder and four counts of failing to comply with a probation order. Carnduff RCMP responded to the man's house following a report of a breach of probation order, but the man didn't comply, went into the house and retrieved a firearm. An altercation occurred which included the discharge of a firearm by the responding police officers. No physical injuries were reported.
Estevan's downtown indulged in Christmas atmosphere on Dec. 10. The second edition of the Miracle on Fourth, presented by the Estevan Downtown Business Association, re-energized the city and provided many entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Estevan first responders, including firefighters, police and RCMP, along with local businesses and organizations hosted toy drives all over the community, helping the Angel Tree project accumulate children's gifts for families that might have had a difficult year.
The Rotary Club of Estevan hosted their 68th annual Christmas Carol Festival on Dec. 11 at St. Paul's United Church. The church was filled with spectators and many performers of all ages.
For the second straight year, the City of Estevan delivered added Christmas cheer to local residents in the form of a towering, brightly-decorated Christmas tree installed at the intersection of King Street, 13th Avenue and Souris Avenue North. The tree was lit up for the first time Dec. 12.
Hundreds of children's gifts and pyjamas were distributed to Estevan families that might need a bit of extra support this year on Dec. 14-15. The Community Hamper Association’s Angel Tree opened the Toy Store for people who were on their list to come and pick the gifts they'd like to have under the tree for their kids this holiday season. They could also get pyjamas through the Estevan Kinette Club’s PJ Project.
The CP Rail Holiday Train rolled into North Portal and Estevan on Dec. 18. for the first time since 2019. The initiative raised money, food and awareness for local food banks.
Woodlawn Regional Park invited residents to join them for Christmas in the Park festive event on Dec. 18. Many fun activities culminated with fireworks, after which the Festival of Lights displays came live for the holiday season.
People were invited to come to pick up their Christmas hampers during the week of Dec. 19. Families received everything they'd need for a festive Christmas supper and a nice breakfast afterward, thanks to the efforts of the Estevan Community Hamper initiative and the generosity of the Estevan community.
