Larissa McEwen

Students heading to post-secondary institutions this fall can now apply for Saskatchewan Student Aid. The online application assesses eligibility for a range of provincial and federal support, including loans, grants, scholarships, bursaries, and loan forgiveness programs.

The Healthy Beaches program has restarted this week in Saskatchewan, with water sampling underway at select local beaches. Results are expected later this week, allowing residents to check water quality before heading out.

The program monitors water quality at recreational beaches across the province, providing accurate information to help protect beachgoers and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Growing conditions in southeast Saskatchewan remain stable, but producers are watching closely for rain as dry and windy weather threatens to stress crops, according to the latest crop report.

Farmers are hoping for precipitation to support further development and prevent crop deterioration. Areas that have seen little moisture so far say their crops are holding on for now; however, strong winds are quickly drying out the topsoil.

The Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) hit the highway to thank truck drivers with a free BBQ lunch in partnership with the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol.

At designated weigh stations, trucks are stopped under flashing patrol lights and drivers are welcomed with hot meals as a gesture of gratitude for their vital role in keeping the province’s supply chains moving.

The Saskatchewan Trucking Association is urging the provincial government to help reduce financial barriers for new drivers entering the trucking industry, as the average age of drivers continues to rise and fewer young people are taking the wheel.

The cost of obtaining a Class 1A driver’s license in Saskatchewan sits around $14,000. Students in 1A training programs are not eligible for student loans. A small tax rebate has been promised by the provincial government, but it has not yet been launched.

As spring turns into summer in Saskatchewan, it’s becoming increasingly common for residents to spot young animals alone in nature. But despite their apparent vulnerability, the best thing people can do is keep their distance, according to Conservation Officer Ted Glass. 

“The real short answer is just to leave it alone,” said Glass. “There’s reasons why that animal is there, and very likely mum has put that animal there and told her kid to stay there. Don’t move. And they’ll be back.” 

As spring turns into summer in Saskatchewan, it’s becoming increasingly common for residents to spot young animals alone in nature. But despite their apparent vulnerability, the best thing people can do is keep their distance, according to Conservation Officer Ted Glass. 

“The real short answer is just to leave it alone,” said Glass. “There’s reasons why that animal is there, and very likely mum has put that animal there and told her kid to stay there. Don’t move. And they’ll be back.” 

With recent black bear sightings making headlines, including one in Regina, Saskatchewan residents are reminded to stay vigilant and prepared when spending time outdoors.

“Really, Saskatchewan is bear country in many ways,” said Matthew Tokaruk, black bear biologist with the Ministry of Environment. “We have bears through much of the province—into the Parkland and even touching up against the grasslands sometimes.”

Faced with the risk of losing vital local health services, Oxbow town council is pushing for a more flexible approach to care at the Galloway Health Centre — one that keeps patients close to home and hospital beds in use.

After more than two years of negotiations, health-care workers represented by CUPE are taking their frustrations to the steps of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building.

Arlene Picard, general vice-president of CUPE’s Region Fuller, said the union is bargaining for a new collective agreement that prioritizes better wages, improved work-life balance, and stronger recruitment and retention strategies amid ongoing health-care staffing shortages.