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Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it’s not there.

“Sun safety still matters on cloudy days,” explains Karen Faurschou, an educator with Central Plains Cancer Services. “Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so even when it feels cool or overcast you can still get sunburned.”

Manitoba has so far had a mostly hot, sunny summer season. People of all ages are enjoying the outdoors, but the fun of beach days, bike rides and picnics should not distract from the importance of UV protection.

After years of planning and construction, the Southeast Event Centre (SEC) in Steinbach is preparing to welcome the community for its much-anticipated grand opening on Thursday, August 21. 

"This has been decades in the making," says Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk. "Back in the late '80s, City Council began purchasing land downtown knowing that one day, we would need more space for recreation and community events. That vision is finally coming to life." 

If the Bella Vista is inseparable from Humboldt, then Judy Plag was inseparable from the Bella Vista.

“My mom started working at the business one month after it opened in 1979,” recalls Judy daughter Vanessa Ollerich. “She worked at the front desk for a number of years, and then eventually worked in bookkeeping before taking over as general manager.”

Judy passed away in July of 2024, and as she remembers her mother a year later, Vanessa is hoping to honour that legacy while continuing to serve the Humboldt community – now, and into the future.

What’s the best thing about watching a great moment of exciting rodeo? Watching it again!

For 2025, the Herbert Stampede is bringing back video replay, allowing fans to re-watch every bull ride, team roping run, and saddle bronc ride at the annual event, set to take place from August 1 to 3.

“Our big screen will have both live action and replay video,” says Levi Speir, president of the Herbert Stampede. He adds that around 2,000 people will go through the gates at what is the southwest Saskatchewan community’s biggest local and tourist draw.

Indigeno Travel is not your typical travel agency. Majority Indigenous-owned, and operating from their Portage Ave. office, the company views its part in the travel industry as one of a higher, relationship-building purpose. 

“We’re mission-based,” says Pearl McCallum, Indigeno’s CEO. “We’re not like any travel agency down the street. Our goal is to accomplish Reconciliation through travel.” 

Since opening its doors on August 28, 2012, TLC Pharmacy has become a staple in the Town 'n' Country Mall community. But for many of their customers, the trust and relationships go back even further. Dustin and Theresa Funk, both experienced pharmacists, brought with them years of local experience and familiar faces from their time at Zellers. “We had a whole load of customers come the very first day,” he says. “There was no slow start. People knew us, and they followed us here.”

More than just prescriptions

Indigeno Travel is not your typical travel agency. Majority Indigenous-owned, and operating from their Portage Ave. office, the company views its part in the travel industry as one of a higher, relationship-building purpose. 

“We’re mission-based,” says Pearl McCallum, Indigeno’s CEO. “We’re not like any travel agency down the street. Our goal is to accomplish Reconciliation through travel.” 

It’s always grilling season. And, like Century 21 Accord Realty Associate Broker Darla Robins says, it’s always a good time to buy a house!!!!”

“You can’t ever get back the money that you put into rent, so investing in a home is never a bad idea,” she says. “The only bad idea is not to do it.”

“Nobody wants to see a vehicle repair shop. It’s messy. It’s dirty. It’s loud,” said Forman Collision Centre Manager, Mike Tuttle.

At Forman Collision Centre, though, that’s not quite the truth.

“When you walk into our facility,” said Tuttle, “it’s inviting. You see your vehicle being worked on in front of your eyes while you’re having a coffee in our lounge area. It’s clean. It’s organized. It’s something worth seeing.”

The truth is that Forman Collision Centre isn’t like any repair shop you’ve been to before.

Miles Petersen knows these hot, dry weeks of summer can take a toll on Saskatchewan’s ag sector.

“It’s a very stressful time of year,” he says. “I want to help out with farmers and ranchers who are lacking water in their dugouts for their cattle.”

Miles Petersen, the owner-operator of MJ Petersen Transport based in Mortlach and Kindersley , has largely built his business by hauling water for oilfield service providers. The energy industry remains key to his operation, though he sees expansion potential – and a noticeable need – for his services among area producers.