As we look back on the year that was, these were some of the headlines that defined 2018 in Estevan. If you would like to re-live the memories in more detail, you can peruse our news archives. 2018 was a memorable year, with tragedy and loss to record funds raised throughout the Energy City.

1.  Humboldt Broncos Bus Crash

Exactly one week to the day of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that claimed the lives of 16 people, the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins made a stop on their way to Nipawin on Friday night, to pay their respects at the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 335. Not only did the Bruins pay their respects to some of their close friends and opponents who were lost in the accident, but they also took the time to honor the first responders who played a major role in saving lives on the night of April 6, 2018.

https://discoverestevan.com/local-sports/bruins-pay-tributes-at-broncos-crash-site-ahead-of-game-one-in-nipawin

2. Demolition Of The Civic Auditorium

The Civic Auditorium was officially opened on September 26th, 1957. It was home to the Estevan Bruins for 54 years before they moved their home over to Affinity Place in 2011. It was also home to the Estevan Figure Skating Club and was home to many large events in the community. History was made at the Civic; Jim Harrison holds the WHL record for the fastest natural hat trick, having scored 3 goals in 24 seconds for the Estevan Bruins during a 6-5 win over the Regina Pats in December 1966. For more details on the event, you can look back here.

https://discoverestevan.com/local/city-bids-farewell-to-historic-civic-auditorium

3. Yellow Vest Movement

The Yellow Vest movement has found it's way to the Energy City. A rally continues to be held each Saturday in front of the city hall building with many individuals from Estevan and the surrounding area showing up.

https://www.discoverestevan.com/local/convoy-for-the-yellow-vests

4.. Ruby Barnes Goes Missing And Is Found

After several months of searching for Ruby Barnes, the RCMP confirmed that the remains found in October were those of Ruby Barnes, the woman who vanished from the Carlyle area on June 18th, 2018. She left behind a family who never gave up in the search.

https://discoverestevan.com/local/we-miss-her-terribly-ruby-barnes-family-is-far-from-giving-up

5. Estevan Hosts The Tankard

The city of Estevan will not soon forget the buzz in our community during the 2018 SaskTel Tankard Men's Provincial Curling Championship which wrapped up on February 4th inside Affinity Place. The conversion of the stunning hockey arena to a curling venue brought out fans just to experience the unique setting for Saskatchewan's best curlers. But the week was so much more than just tournament action, with an energetic atmosphere and fun times surrounding the five-day event in Estevan. 

https://www.discoverestevan.com/local-sports/logos-in-dividers-being-installed-day-3-of-affinity-place-transition-continues

6. Mike Sarada Memorial Day

Crowds swarmed Affinity Place to pay their respects to the beloved minor hockey coach and mentor, who passed away tragically on January 8th. Sunday was emotional for many in the Energy City and the surrounding region, as the community came out in full force to celebrate Mike Sarada Memorial Day. The events started with a pair of memorial games, with the rosters comprising of former teammates, and family and friends. Not only did Sarada's attitude and personality help mold the young minds of hockey players in southeast Saskatchewan, but his presence could also be felt in the business community with his work through the Richardson Foundation.

https://www.discoverestevan.com/local/community-celebrates-memory-of-mike-sarada-coach-and-mentor

7. Energy City Hosted Canada Cup Of Curling

The southeast should be very proud of the efforts they put into the Canada Cup. The curlers even said that the volunteers were the friendliest and most helpful. This was the second curling event of the calendar year as Estevan hosted the 2018 Tankard at the beginning of February. Both Culing Canada and Curl Sask has approached the committee about future events but so far, nothing has been scheduled. 

https://www.discoverestevan.com/local-sports/estevan-curling-club-pleased-with-canada-cup-support-looking-to-future-ventures

8. Frost Causes December Power Outage

Frosty weather is the culprit being blamed for the wide-spread power outage in Saskatchewan. SaskPower estimated between 175,000-200,000 customers lost power earlier this week after some infrastructure was damaged in southeastern Saskatchewan. The damage to the transmission lines was due to several days of frosty, misty, and foggy conditions throughout the province, but more specifically in the southeast.

https://www.discoverestevan.com/local/power-knocked-out-across-saskatchewan

9. Energy City Hosted Alice Cooper and John Mellencamp

The City of Estevan has counted the cash and realized a loss in revenue from the Alice Cooper concert held in August in Affinity Place.  Those in attendance raved about the show's entertainment and the sound quality, but only 1876 tickets were sold of 2066 required to break even. Expenses reached over $188,500, while income from ticket and drink sales only totaled around $170,800, a $17,700 loss.

The City of Estevan saw a profit from October's John Mellencamp concert. "The John Mellencamp show on October 26th was well received by Estevan," stated Jeff Ward in a release. "Over 2,400 tickets were sold, netting a profit of $21,000." 

https://www.discoverestevan.com/local/city-putting-positive-face-on-alice-cooper-concert-despite-revenue-loss

https://www.discoverestevan.com/local/city-releases-numbers-from-john-mellencamp-concert

10. Radiothon For Life

To end the top 10 list on a high note, the radio station hosted the Radiothon for Life. Just when you think that southeast Saskatchewan couldn't possibly raise any more money for another worthwhile cause, residents stand up and show the world what it means to help our their neighbors.  Over $104,000 was raised at the 7th Annual Radiothon for Life. All of that money will stay right here and help out the St. Joseph's Hospital and the patients they serve.

https://www.discoverestevan.com/local/radiothon-for-life-raises