David Zammit

A sizeable spring runoff in West Central Saskatchewan has improved the outlook for Lake Diefenbaker this summer.

According to the Water Security Agency (WSA), when compared to last year at this time, the levels are up over a metre.

This is significant news as the water level during the spring of 2022 prevented boats from being launched and irrigation was unavailable for some producers in the area.

A sizeable spring runoff in southwestern Saskatchewan has improved the outlook for Lake Diefenbaker this summer.

According to the Water Security Agency (WSA), when compared to last year at this time, the levels are up over a metre.

This is significant news as the water level during the spring of 2022 prevented boats from being launched and irrigation was unavailable for some producers in the area.

A Swift Current non-profit will be left with a smile on its face after thousands of tasty treats are served up this week in support of them.

Smile Cookie's are back at Tim Hortons starting today with 100 per cent of the funds raised headed to the Kidsport Swift Current.

"Tim Hortons is always helping charities and programs just to give back to the community," Swift Current Tim Hortons employee JR said.

The campaign normally runs in September, however, the three locations in Swift Current have made a change this year.

A motion passed last week during the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) Convention could expand the usage of golf carts on roads.

The small four-wheel motorized vehicles are currently only permitted in municipalities with specific bylaws for transportation to and from golf courses during the daytime.

"Drivers must access the course using the most direct route and there are some other requirements as well," SGI Spokesperson Tyler McMurchy said.  

More funding for EMS staffing in southeastern Saskatchewan communities has been approved.

Carnduff and Wawota were among 27 centres named in the 2023-24 provincial budget for an uptick in staffing under the EMS stabilization funding. 

Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said the additional spending through the EMS stabilization fund is aimed at assisting rural and remote ground ambulance staff.

Research into chronic wasting disease (CWD) by the University of Saskatchewan has received financial backing from the provincial government.

Earlier this week the province elected to commit $90,000 for the project that will study the spread of CWD and meningeal worm in woodland caribou and other boreal species.

Dr. Phil McLoughlin and a team will head up the three-year analysis that's aimed at providing more insight into how dangerous the two diseases are for the at-risk species in the boreal forest.

UPDATE: Swift Current Rural RCMP has confirmed that Loralee Murrell was located safely.

The Swift Current Rural RCMP is searching for a Moose Jaw resident who was last seen in the southwest.

Loralee Murrell was reported missing this morning to the police and hasn't been seen since October 10 at 2 a.m. when she left Waldeck.

RCMP describes her as having red/brown shoulder-length hair and blue eyes. Murrell was last seen in a blue sweater, black capris, and blue sandals. She also has a heart tattoo on one of her ankles.

One of the longest radio careers in southwestern Saskatchewan's history came to an end last week.

After 43 years in the business, CJSN 1490's Penny Schreiner retired from Golden West Broadcasting.

"A person doesn't stay at a job unless they don't love it," she said. "If you love something, time isn't an issue as far as I'm concerned. Forty-three years went by very quickly." 

Schreiner began work at the Shaunavon radio station on August 1, 1979, for Frontier City Broadcasting. Her job entailed; reception work, commercial writing, and log producing. 

An early morning fire in Stewart Valley has devastated the village's school.

The village of Stewart Valley posted on Facebook Friday morning at 7:22 a.m. confirming the blaze at the Stewart Valley School and Community Centre.

Firefighters from the village, the RM of Saskatchewan Landing, Swift Current Fire Department, and the RM of Swift Current Fire Department are all at the scene battling the flames.

The unexpected death of a young male yesterday just hours after being released by the Morse RCMP is being investigated by the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes.

The 23-year-old from Edmonton was pulled over yesterday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. near Morse. Police located a small number of unknown pills during a search of the vehicle and arrested the male for possession of a controlled substance.

About an hour later the Morse RCMP released the male from custody without charges.