“Estevan’s Most Discussed Topics: Fatal Incidents, MRI Donation, Champion’s Homecoming & Power Generation’s Future”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The year 2023 in Estevan, Saskatchewan was marked by several significant events and discussions that captivated the community. The Estevan Mercury, a local news outlet, has chosen four topics that stood out the most and garnered widespread attention. These topics include fatal incidents, the quest to bring an MRI machine to Estevan, the homecoming celebration of Estevan’s own Stanley Cup champion, and the future of power generation in the area.

The first topic that shook the entire city was two fatal incidents that occurred on November 1. A woman named Karie Ann Guillas was seriously injured and later pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Her son, Justice Guillas, was arrested as a suspect and during the process of photographing him, a confrontation took place where he gained control of a firearm and shot Sgt. Braden Lonsberry, a police officer. The injured men were transported to the hospital, and Justice Guillas was later pronounced dead. The incident raised concerns about potential systematic gaps, and investigations by Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team and the Estevan Police Service are ongoing.

The second topic revolves around the efforts to bring an MRI machine to Estevan. Elaine Walkom, a resident of Estevan, pledged $2 million as a legacy project in memory of her late husband Grant Walkom to support the purchase of an MRI machine and the training of specialists to operate it. Initially denied by the Ministry of Health, the offer gained traction after public pressure. Discussions with local and provincial authorities highlighted the benefits of having an MRI in Estevan, including reduced travel time for residents in the southeast and shorter waiting times across Saskatchewan. The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation committed to raising the remaining funds, and the business case has been taken to the provincial government for approval.

The third topic celebrates the homecoming of Estevan’s own Braden Pachal, a defenceman with the 2023 Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights. Pachal brought the Stanley Cup to the Energy City for the first time since 2003, attracting a large crowd of adoring fans. He paraded the trophy, signed autographs, and posed for pictures with the public. The event evoked nostalgia and pride in the community, as Pachal reflected on his roots in Estevan and the love of the game.

Lastly, discussions about the future of power generation in Estevan took center stage. SaskPower explored various options, including small modular reactors (SMRs), geothermal power, solar power, and carbon capture and storage. The possibility of building an SMR in Estevan or Elbow was raised, with a decision expected in 2024 and operation projected for 2034. Deep Earth Energy Production Corp. confirmed the presence of geothermal resources in southeast Saskatchewan, while a proposed solar power plant southwest of Estevan was also discussed. Premier Scott Moe and Rupen Pandya, the president and CEO of SaskPower, engaged in conversations about these topics during their visits to Estevan.

The year 2023 in Estevan was filled with impactful events and discussions that shaped the community. The Estevan Mercury’s selection of these four topics reflects their significance and the attention they garnered. As the city moves forward, ongoing investigations, fundraising efforts, and future developments in power generation will continue to shape the narrative of Estevan..