Marna McManus

After Colby and Tanya Henheffer lost their Radville home to a fire on October 20th, 2024, the supportive response from the community was overwhelming. 

Tanya said funds were being sent from all over, including from as far away as Calgary. However, one bit of particularly life-changing help came from her lifelong family dentist, Dr. Greg Konotopetz.

Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Tyler Smith gave a number of mental health talks around the southeast for students in Grades six through nine.

The presentation began with a video encapsulating his message of the impact of his tragic experience on and following April 6th, 2018, and his journey to realizing the steps necessary for healing, a big part of which is to share his story and connect with others.

Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Tyler Smith gave a number of mental health talks around the southeast for students in Grades six through nine.

The presentation began with a video encapsulating his message of the impact of his tragic experience on and following April 6th, 2018, and his journey to realizing the steps necessary for healing, a big part of which is to share his story and connect with others.

While rain showers are always needed at this time of year, with the risk of a thunderstorm in the forecast for this afternoon, Environment Canada has some timely safety reminders as with thunder comes lightning.

A slight cooling is expected today, with the daytime high a few degrees lower than earlier this week, before we get a warm-up in time for the weekend.

Meteorologist Danielle Desjardins offers some advice for staying safe throughout thunderstorm season.

The provincial budget, announced on March 19th, plans for some upgrades and developments at Moose Mountain Provincial Park. The park will soon feature back country camping sites as well as upgrades to the Visitor Centre.

Tanya Lawson, the acting Executive Director for Park Operations with the Ministry of Parks, Culture, and Sport, said the two new backcountry locations are within their existing trail system and will provide an 'off the beaten path' style of camping for those who prefer a more rustic experience. 

The Board of Directors for Envision Counselling & Support Centre are hoping to have some new members signed on before their Annual General Meeting, which is being held June 18th in Estevan.

Communications Coordinator Raven Daer said this is so they can be introduced at the AGM, and have what they need to be prepared.  

"To have all of our ducks in a row, so that moving forward into our new year, we are fresh and ready with a wonderful team to support us in everything we are looking at doing." 

The Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division has received mid-year funding from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education to support growing student enrollment. This was part of a $29.5 million addition to the total 2024-25 investment of $58 million to help alleviate space pressures in schools across the province.

With the cold weather experienced over the last couple of weeks, it’s a good time to brush up on bus cancellations procedures. 

According to Andre Verhage, transportation supervisor for SE Cornerstone Public School Division, several conditions can lead to bus cancellations.

“The first thing would be temperature,” he said. “If it’s below –40°C ambient or –45°C with the wind chill, we would be cancelling.”

Road conditions and visibility are also factors in the decision.

School divisions, schools, and school community councils are celebrating with activities throughout the week, as the Province of Saskatchewan proclaimed February 9th to 15th as Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week.

"From providing skills and knowledge in the classroom to supporting student activities, teachers and school staff provide the foundation for lifelong learning," said Education Minister Everett Hindley.

With a moose spotted in Midale on Thursday night, some may be wondering what they should do if they come across out-of-place wildlife.

Wildlife Ecologist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Leanne Heisler said it depends on whether the animal is a threat or needs help.
 
"You can report sick deer and wildlife that are becoming a nuisance,  to the general inquiry line for the Ministry of Environment. Any wildlife that is you think is a public safety concern, like cougars in town, or moose in urban centres, you can call the TIPP line."