PHOTOS: Carbon tax protest bridges provincial border

The carbon tax protest at the border yesterday hopes to change the game for those more affected by the carbon tax.

On Monday, the federal government enacted a $15 a tonne jump on the tax, which has had a ripple effect across the southwest Saskatchewan population.

Some residents feel like this change in taxation is uncalled for, and unwanted. This unified a group of individuals to come together and protest the carbon tax increase, parking for kilometres along the side of the Trans-Canada Highway at the Saskatchewan-Alberta Border. 

RCMP provide details on wanted Swift Current man

Swift Current City RCMP has shared some additional information and insights on Lane Anthony Purves. 

Purves was issued an arrest warrant yesterday. The RCMP is charging him with 10 offences, and are actively searching for him.

As it turns out, Purves is also wanted by Assiniboia RCMP. He is known to frequent both there and Swift Current, along with Maple Creek, Regina, and Moose Jaw.

"Freedom Convoy" support event sees over 600 contributors

Original story by Hayden Micheals can be found here.

Hundreds of people came out in support of Swift Current’s Chris Barber over the weekend.

The Stockade Building in Kinetic Park was filled to bursting as over 650 people came and went throughout the evening. All of them paid $50 for their ticket, which bought them a meal, live entertainment, and a chance to support the man they were gathered for.

SGI reminds that roadside breathalyzer tests are not optional

While most may already know it, police do have the right to ask for a roadside breathalyzer test.

Not only do they have a right to ask, an individual must comply. This has been the case since federal legislation made it the law in 2018.

However, some people mistakenly believe that they have to consent to the test. This is a mistaken assumption, which can incur some major penalties.

Tyler McMurchy, spokesperson for SGI, encourages people to cooperate before things escalate to the point of those penalties.

Saskatchewan man charged for child pornography and luring

A Saskatchewan man has been charged by the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit. 

Derrick Heebner was charged on Feb. 13 after an online investigation led to the execution of a search warrant for his home. 

The charges are for luring a child by means of telecommunication to commit an invitation to sexual touching, and for possession of child pornography.

The 56-year-old has appeared in Swift Current Provincial Court and has been released on conditions. His next court date is set for March 13, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in Swift Current. 

Scam hits SaskPower customers with fake charges and links

SaskPower is issuing a heads-up about a new text message scam circulating. 

The scam is a text claiming to be from SaskPower, saying that a portion of a recent bill is unpaid. It then asks you to remedy the owing amount, with a provided link.

A spokesperson for SaskPower, Scott McGregor, advises caution should you see one of these texts, discouraging any engagement with the links. 

"Under no circumstances should anybody click the link or provide any sort of financial or personal information," said McGregor. 

Expansion of Cystic Fibrosis medication for Saskatchewan 2-5 year olds

Those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis in Saskatchewan may be open to some expanded drug access.

Recently, the government of Saskatchewan saw fit to provide a wider range of access to Trikafta. The medication is well proven to provide improved lung function and is being made available today to CF two to five years of age.

These children will need to meet specific medical criteria before being approved, but for those who do, it's expected to make a huge difference. Currently, there are only around five children in the province in that age range suffering from CF.

Expansion of Cystic Fibrosis medication for Saskatchewan 2-5 year olds

Those suffering from Cystic Fibrosis in Saskatchewan may be open to some expanded drug access.

Recently, the government of Saskatchewan saw fit to provide a wider range of access to Trikafta. The medication is well proven to provide improved lung function and is being made available today to CF two to five years of age.

These children will need to meet specific medical criteria before being approved, but for those who do, it's expected to make a huge difference. Currently, there are only around five children in the province in that age range suffering from CF.

Year in review #1: City crews build barriers to contain Swift Current Creek

The flooding around Swift Current Creek has yet to ebb its overflow.

Yesterday, City crews could be seen filling sandbag barriers along the creek near Lee Lam Bridge by Riverside Park and by Ashley Park Hall on Connaught Drive. 

The flood waters are quickly encroaching on homes near the creek's edge, which prompted the City to set up the barriers sooner rather than later. 

The flooding has already submerged other large swaths of parkland.

Year in review #2: Southwest village feeling harassed by self-proclaimed 'Queen of Canada'

The following story is the 2nd top article published to Swift Current Online in 2023; keep coming back as we unveil the rest of the lineup over the next week.

The Village of Richmound has been home to a host of unwanted guests as of late. 

Romana Didulo, an individual who self-proclaims themself to be the "Queen of Canada", has been staying at the former Richmound School, at the invitation of the property owner.