This week brings with it Part Two of our annual Year In Review, looking back on the second half of the year that was 2023 with all of the biggest headlines and stories coming from this unique part of the province! We hope you enjoy!
JULY
- He'd spent the past 28 years in the halls and classrooms of Outlook High School, but longtime educator Kim Sobkowicz was calling it a career with his plans to retire. Sitting down with The Outlook's Derek Ruttle, Kim talked about his time spent as a teacher over the years at the Home of the Blues and looked forward to discovering what the next phase of his life looked like.
- The Friggstad family of Outlook was well known in the community for their artistic endeavours, but writer Shelley Luedtke spoke with mother Kristen and daughters Annika and Birgitte about their love of singing, especially their recent forays into performing with the Saskatoon Children's Choir.
- Outlook rock group Bad Influence once again took to the stage at The Roxy venue in Saskatoon, performing a set that was part of the 2nd Place prize the group had won back in April in the Battle of the Bands competition.
- Dinsmore Composite School teacher and president of the West Central Athletic Association, Lance Morrison was recognized when he was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal at a ceremony held in Regina at Government House. Morrison accepted the medal from the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
- The town of Outlook rang in Canada Day in style as sweltering temperatures made for a very warm July 1. Still, that didn't stop people from the riverside community from enjoying all the festivities that the day had to offer, whether it was the morning parade that drew a massive crowd, events down in the regional park, or the fireworks that capped the day behind the Jim Kook Rec Plex.
- The Harbor Golf Community Center in the village of Elbow marked its grand opening with an event on July 7, welcoming invited guests and a sizable turnout. A number of people were enjoying their first visit to the new community venue, marveling at what they saw. A ceremonial ribbon cutting saw Mayor Colleen Hoppenreys officially mark the building's opening to a round of cheers from those gathered.
- A young man with deep roots in the town of Outlook was set for the West Coast as his career was taking him in a new direction. Cord Ivanco, whose parents are Garry and Nadine Ivanco of Outlook, had accepted a position as the new equipment manager of the Vancouver Giants in the upcoming WHL season.
- The Dino Hunters along with Dinosty Fossils put on a very attention-grabbing display show at the Heritage Centre in Outlook, exhibiting some eye-catching dinosaur bones and stones, as well as teeth from a megalodon, a colossal prehistoric shark.
- The town of Outlook dipped its toes back into the fast food business with the opening of the new Dairy Queen location. Owned and operated by Riverbend Co-op, a special invitation event that was held brought out a number of people, notably families with young kids. The addition of the DQ added to the restaurant offerings in the riverside community.
AUGUST
- With the unwavering heat that the summer had brought, swarms of hungry grasshoppers were eating virtually everything in sight, and with no signs of any substantial rainfall being called for, the local rural municipalities of Rudy and Fertile Valley declared an agricultural state of emergency. Trent Sim and Bill Thompson spoke to The Outlook about the state of current crops due to the harmful insects.
- The Outlook Riverhawks men's baseball team went the distance and found themselves winning the league title, capturing the 2023 Coteau Hills Baseball League championship back on July 25 after the Riverhawks defeated the Kyle Yellowjackets at home after a three-game series, taking the final win at a score of 15-5.
- The Stanley Cup was just mere inches away from a large, sprawling turnout of hockey fans, who came out to Davidson on August 2 when hometown boy Brayden McNabb arrived with the biggest prize in the sport as the community held a parade and festivities at the AGT Centre. McNabb, a defenceman for the Cup-winning Vegas Golden Knights, was given a hero's welcome.
- The fourth edition of the Outlook Riverbank Rodeo had a mixture of weather as it was held over two nights on August 11 and 12. Despite that, crowds had a great time watching bull riding, bronco busting and steer wrestling as the event was a fun way to enjoy some outdoor entertainment.
- Tragedy struck local waterways as two people lost their lives in the South Saskatchewan River and Lake Diefenbaker on back to back days over August 5 and 6. Both victims had unfortunately drowned in the river and lake, bringing with it bad memories for some of the similar tragedies that took place in the summer of 2017.
- Outlook businessman Logan Stephenson sat down with The Outlook to discuss he and his brother's plans for a new gym to be constructed on the grounds of the Irrigation Centre Motel. The work on the future space had already begun, and with the absence of such an amenity in town, readers agreed that the community needed a new workout space.
- The day belonged solely to the dogs as owners watched their four-legged friends enjoyed themselves out at the Companion In Pet Resort north of Outlook for a day being called a Doggy Pool Pawty. On the warm Saturday afternoon, the dogs looked like they were having a ball swimming in the pool and chewing on a cavalcade of different toys.
- A special dedication ceremony honoured the life and the memory of Captain Wally Niemi of Birsay, who was killed in a plane crash in January 1989. A sizable turnout of people in his home community came out for the event, where Niemi was remembered with stories and his uniform was on full display, standing beside a wing of the Starfighter jet that he once piloted.
SEPTEMBER
- With a head and heart full of wonderful memories and no regrets, Carolyn Koop of Outlook was ready for new adventures and opportunities as the longtime public health nurse was calling it a career after four decades of serving the community. Sitting down with The Outlook's Shelley Luedtke, Koop talked about her career and what was next for her.
- Local MLA Dana Skoropad, the representative for Outlook and the area east of the South Saskatchewan River, spoke with The Outlook's Derek Ruttle after he made the announcement of his political exit in late 2024. Skoropad was looking forward to spending a lot more time with his family while still finding ways to keep connected to the provincial political scene.
- An idea being floated around the community of Outlook was discussed at a meeting held at Outlook High School, as teacher Brent Larwood talked about his vision for a possible new skatepark to be constructed in town. Larwood's idea was to have it built in memory of Wynn Haapala, a former student who loved skateboarding.
- The Small Steps Early Learning Centre in Outlook, a daycare facility that opened its doors in 2015, was looking to expand as the need for more childcare spaces had only grown. A groundbreaking ceremony on September 6 brought out Mayor Maureen Weiterman, MLA Dana Skoropad, Andrei and Jari Warwaruk of River Grove Homes, as well as kids dressed as construction workers for a special photo op.
- Larry Mikulcik, a Glenside area resident who has been helping to spearhead the efforts to preserve the local area's Czech heritage, was recognized for such efforts as he spoke to The Outlook about receiving a medal from Ambassador Borek Lizec for his endeavours, and was also able to attend the Czechia 30 Celebration event in Ottawa at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
- A home in Outlook was found to be a total loss after a major fire broke out at the residence on Douglass Street on September 19. Damage to the property was extensive, seen on the front of the home as well as the south side and reaching the back of the property. A GoFundMe campaign was started and had raised more than $2,000 at the time of the issue.
- The final day of September marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, and in the town of Outlook, events that were held to mark the occasion helped those both young and adult learn more about what First Nations people have experienced in this country. A blanket exercise held at the Bounty Theatre hall produced a ton of emotion from those taking part.
OCTOBER
- Another open house event held in Outlook at the Civic Centre helped shed light on what's going on in the riverside community on October 4. Dozens of businesses, groups and non-profits came together to show visitors what they had to offer, highlighting the growth and upwards trend of the community's economic picture.
- The town of Outlook broke ground on a major seven-figure project that would set the stage for a sustainable water source to continue serving both the town and the local regional park. Officials with the Town and reps from the Calgary-based Strike Group met at the town's water treatment plant for the official announcement, with the upgrades hovering around the $7.3 million mark.
- A workshop centered on community safety and well-being in Outlook spurred up a number of thoughts among those taking part in the event held at the Civic Centre on October 3. The workshop was led by Toby Esterby of the Saskatoon Community Clinic and Colleen Christopherson-Cote of Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement.
- Both the students and staff of Lucky Lake School had reason to celebrate after the school learned that they were the recipients of a major financial grant in the form of a Biogenius grant awarded by Sanofi Canada in the amount of $50,000. Teacher Makayla Heslip spoke to Derek Ruttle about the small school winning such a monumental prize, which they intended to use by enhancing their science lab.
- An Outlook girl travelled more than 9,000 km to the Middle East where she shared in the food, language and the culture of a nation that stole her heart, as Shelley Luedtke spoke with her daughter Madalina about her monumental adventure to the Republic of Turkiye for months of outreach and ministry. The trip was a lifechanger for the younger Luedtke.
- For the past five months or so, both the residents of Outlook and motorists passing through the community had to deal with the rerouting measures related to the underground work being done in town. That week, this reporter was able to shoot a photo highlighting a clear Saskatchewan Avenue, showing that the work had wrapped for the year.
- A unique steps challenge that was undertaken at the Outlook & District Health Centre between staff saw many, many steps carried out by workers, with prizes awarded to the top walkers. The total number of steps walked by all of those taking part were an incredible 14,037,349.
- The Outlook Mainline Ice Hawks, one of the newest teams to hit the ice after the creation of the Saskatchewan Junior Female Hockey League, took to the ice at home in the Jim Kook Rec Plex on October 28 to host their home opener of the season. The team welcomed the Western Prairie Junior Klippers out of Kindersley and took the win at a score of 4-3.
NOVEMBER
- It was learned that the Scotiabank branch located in Outlook is slated to close its doors in October of 2024. Daniela Da Silva, a senior communications manager, told The Outlook that the banking giant had made the decision to consolidate a number of branches across Canada. One of those other branches set to close include the one in Rosetown, which will shutter its doors in March.
- Conquest native Gordon Joyes, now living in Lloydminster, spoke with Derek Ruttle about his dedication to Canada's veterans, sharing that despite a cancer diagnosis that has done a number to his own health, he'll continue helping the people of Canada's armed forces for as long as he can do it. Joyes had been honoured with a Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal that year for all of his work.
- A public hearing held in the court room of the Outlook town offices building gave a number of local residents an opportunity to pose questions and have their say on two of the town's updated bylaws that were introduced. Centered on bylaws related to Community Planning and Zoning, residents who had the chance to speak gave their views on both bylaws.
- Remembrance Day services in Outlook included the morning event organized by Branch #262 of the Royal Canadian Legion, as well as a special talk by Warrant Officer Cathan Perry, who spoke candidly about his experiences in serving the country, with time spent in Afghanistan. Cathan's talk was an eye-opening one for those gathered at the Outlook & District Heritage Museum.
- Hundreds of people over the course of four shows might have witnessed their favorite Equinox Theatre production in some time when the group put on their latest performance, Roald Dahl's classic 'Willy Wonka' at the Outlook Civic Centre. The costumes, the songs, and the performances helped make the show an unforgettable one for theatre goers.
- To help mark the changes and the advancements of the Outlook regional landfill, a grand reopening event was held on November 17 that offered free dumping of all materials, as well as free lunch. After landfill manager Dylan Herron cut the ceremonial ribbon, a demonstration of the site's impressive shredding machine was a sight to behold in itself.
- Santa Paws Day, held at the museum in Outlook, was a hit with both families and dogs, who came down to get a photo with Santa Claus, enjoy some holiday treats, and even take a ride on a horse-drawn wagon around the community. Clearly, this was a day that was geared more towards our furry four-legged friends.
- The Outlook-Rudy Fireflies support group, comprised of the wives and spouses of local firefighters, unveiled a new 2024 calendar that quickly became a hot-ticket item around town. The official launch of the calendar took place at the Jim Kook Rec Plex on November 25, where the Ice Hawks hosted the Delisle Bruins and were victorious at a score of 9-3.
DECEMBER
- Logan Stephenson and Amy Deibert of the Outlook Reel Theatre proudly showed off the new interior makeover of the longstanding cinema, including a revamp of the concession stand, new paint jobs, new flooring, and even a cool poster created to celebrate the renovations.
- The village of Elbow once again 'flipped the switch' on the Christmas season for the fourth year in a row, welcoming citizens to flip on their holiday lights and decorations and encouraging them to come on down to the Harbor Golf Club for hot chocolate and a photo with Santa Claus. A fireworks display to cap the night was the perfect conclusion to the evening for those who came out.
- There had been much discussion in the community surrounding the proposed bylaw brought forth by the Town of Outlook, Bylaw 10(2023) Animal Keeping. What started as a request from local residents Sandra and James Hofer to keep a number of chickens on their property turned into a need for the bylaw language to be updated, and at the December 20 meeting of town council, the bylaw was passed after the public was given ample opportunity to have their views heard.
- That year's Agribition International Stock Dog Trials marked the final competition of Bob before his well-earned retirement. Bob, a 12-year old cattle dog from Outlook and a four-time champion of the Stock Dog Event, had left behind a sizable legacy and inspired future generations of stock dog enthusiasts.
- Taking time out of his super-busy holiday schedule with Christmas just days away was Santa Claus himself, who along with his wife Mrs. Claus popped by the Outlook Community Library on December 16 to enjoy a holiday party, complete with goodies and activities before meeting local kids to learn what they were asking for for Christmas.
- The hard truths and sometimes even harsher realities of cyberbullying were laid out and explained to those who came to Outlook High School to listen to retired Sgt. Brian Trainor, who gave an earlier presentation to students during the day before speaking candidly with parents that evening, highlighting what they may be in store for as it related to what is routinely committed in the online world.
- A man wanted by the Canada Border Services Agency was arrested by Outlook RCMP. Bo Alstrup was charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault, choking, uttering threats, and failing to comply with a probation order. Alstrup was apprehended by police after a report came in of an assault at a home in the RM of Loreburn.
- The best and brightest Christmas lights and decorations were captured and shown in the pages of this newspaper, gathering the best snapshots captured by Derek Ruttle that showed homes in Outlook and Elbow, as well as the latest showing of exhibits in the Winter Wonderland drive-thru show down in the Outlook Regional Park.
