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Estevan Mercury Year in Review: August 2021

Estevan Mercury Year in Review: August
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Year in Review: August

ESTEVAN - One of the hottest months in a long time, August saw many events in the southeast, as well as a lot of action in the sports world. But grasshoppers were the most spoken about.

Midale celebrated its farming history during the August long weekend, thanks to the Souris Valley Antique Association's annual Pioneer Echoes weekend. Classic vehicles were on display in Midale on Aug. 1 as part of the annual Midale Classy Car Show. Thirty-three vehicles were entered.

The annual FrameTech Classic golf tournament saw three champions crowned in Daryl Donovan, a new course record set by Rick Hallberg and the return of big crowds for the annual Dave Price Memorial Horse Race.

For the fourth straight year, St. Joseph's Hospital joined the longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) program and brought in a couple of hopeful young physicians, Devynn McKenzie from Churchbridge and Murphy Walker from Comox Valley, B.C. Both are third-year students at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Medicine.

The Estevan U18 AA Brewers became the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League's AA league champions. The Brewers defeated the Unity Cardinals 9-8 in extra innings in Regina to win the title. Unity gained revenge later in the month, as they defeated Estevan in the provincial final.

St. Joseph's Hospital announced in early August that Dr. Sarah Tsoi, originally from Estevan, has joined the Primacy Medical Group. She is the daughter of long-time local physician Dr. Edward Tsoi. 

A local young racer contributed to the Capitan Insano colouring book. Eli Turnbull, 9, grew up being a race driver, and his picture was included in the book about races.

The 2021 Canadian Trapshooting Championships were held Aug. 6-8 in a satellite shoot format, with 400 shooters participating. Clarence Durr earned top honours, winning the prestigious 100 target Canadian Handicap Championship with a score of 99.

The sound of music and cheering spectators resonated throughout the Bow Valley south of Oxbow on Aug. 7 for the annual Bow Valley Jamboree. A large crowd turned out to enjoy the music festival, with about 400 people attending.

The Carlyle Fire Department was able to finally celebrate the grand opening of their new fire hall on Aug. 8.  

Estevan should develop as a "community rooted in energy, family and prosperity." Such a vision for the Energy City was presented by Doug Griffiths and Heather Thomson of 13 Ways through a draft strategic plan at the Estevan Economic Development Town Hall on Aug. 12.

The host teams at provincial baseball tournaments in Estevan had terrific showings. The Estevan under-11 (U11) Brewers finished second in the U11 AA Tier 4 tournament, dropping the gold medal game in an extra inning. The Estevan U15 AA Brewers, meanwhile, were defeated 12-11 in the semifinal round by the eventual provincial champions, the White Butte Broncos. Estevan Minor Baseball saluted long-time volunteer Kevin Culy during the opening ceremonies, as he joined their Wall of Fame.

For the second straight year, a crop was harvested to benefit the 2022 Centennial Cup national junior A hockey championship, presented by Tim Hortons, which will be hosted by the Estevan Bruins, and the Scotties-Tankard curling committee. Approximately 290 acres of hard red spring wheat were seeded and harvested near the Estevan Regional Airport.

The Carnduff RCMP was called to a fatal single-vehicle accident that occurred Aug. 19 north of Glen Ewen at an oil site. The man who was driving the truck was pronounced dead at the scene. An adult woman who was a passenger of the vehicle was transported to hospital with unknown injuries.

Dustin's Corner was unveilled for the St. Joseph's Hospital waiting room. A new version of the kid's room in the emergency waiting room became a reality thanks to the Dustin Pratt Memorial Fund.

Midale’s Keely Shaw won a bronze medal for Canada at the Paralympic Games on Aug. 24 in the women’s C4 3,000-metre individual pursuit. It was the first medal for Canada at this year’s Paralympics. Shaw praised the people of Midale for the support they showed, and for staying up late to watch her race, as the Paralympics were held in the Tokyo area. She just missed out on the podium with fourth place in the women's C4 category on Aug. 30. And in her final event, Shaw finished 13th in the women's C4 road race on Sept. 1.

Carlyle Mayor Jennifer Sedor said Carlyle Fun Dayz has become the "big little festival," one that people of all ages in the southeast region can enjoy. The fifth edition of the event was held on the town's Main Street with at least 3,000 people attending the bash.

Jason LeBlanc became the new reeve of the RM of Estevan. LeBlanc was acclaimed for the role after Janet Severson withdrew her nomination form.

Three of the five classes went down to the wire to crown track champions at the Estevan Motor Speedway this year. The champions were Kody Scholpp (modifieds), Gregg Mann (stock cars), Leevi Runge (sport mods), Ryder Raynard (sprint cars) and Landon Runge (hobby stocks).  

The Estevan U13 AAA Brewers wrapped up what was a pretty good season by making it to the Regina Baseball League final. The Brewers dropped a 5-4 decision in the final against the Swift Current 57s.