WestCentral

Macklin RCMP responded to several criminal and public safety calls between April 1 and 14, including multiple ongoing investigations into vehicle thefts, property crime, and harassing communications.

RCMP are actively investigating two separate reports of stolen trucks, along with a reported theft from a motor vehicle. Officers also received a report of a break and enter at golf sheds at Macklin Lake Regional Park. That matter remains under investigation.

Saskatchewan communities can now begin applying for funding through the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), with the initial application window open until May 20.

The provincial government announced Monday that more than $23 million will be distributed in this first round through the Provincial-Territorial stream of CHIF. The fund is aimed at supporting municipal infrastructure projects tied to housing growth and community development.

As Canadian consumers grapple with rising grocery bills, new data from Statistics Canada shows food inflation remains a key pressure point, with tariffs compounding the issue across multiple categories.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.3 per cent in March, but food prices outpaced the general trend, climbing 3.2 per cent compared to the same time last year. Although the immediate impact of Canada's counter tariffs has been muted by existing inventory, retailers and industry experts warn that consumers will soon see the full cost at checkout.

Statistics Canada is forecasting 232,180 acres, a 20 per cent decrease from last year, but traders question the estimate’s accuracy

Canaryseed brokers and traders think acres this year will be larger than Statistics Canada is indicating.

“Definitely acres are going up, not down,” said David Nobbs, a trader with Bornhorst Seeds.

Statistics Canada is forecasting 232,180 acres of the crop, a 20 per cent decrease from last year.

“I don’t even know why they’re involved in this crop. The numbers that come out are just always wrong,” said Nobbs.

A 46-year-old man from Regina Beach is facing multiple firearms-related charges following a high-risk incident over the weekend that saw the theft of a motorhome and several weapons from a residence in Buena Vista.

Lumsden RCMP received a report of a stolen motorhome around 3 p.m. on April 19. According to police, the motorhome was taken without the owner's consent from a property on Highwood Avenue, along with a firearm and ammunition.

Another season of Kindersley Minor Hockey is complete after last week's annual Esso Awards. Players from U7 to U18 joined players from the youth recreational program for the two-part awards night, U7, U9, and Rec starting the night, U11, U13, U15, and U18 players having their awards held after. 

Awards for U7 and Rec included Most Team Spirited, Most Improved, and Most Dedicated. U9-U18 gave out those awards in addition to team MVP's, the U15 award named after Trent Kresse and the U18 award after Darren Uzelman, two past Kindersley hockey legends who are no longer with us.

The Kindersley Wildlife Federation’s annual banquet nearly sold out this year and surpassed its fundraising goals, according to Federation President Richard Bluett.

The banquet saw 142 tickets of 145 sold and was catered by Jackie’s Delicious Delights. “We did very good there,” Richard said. “As always, our special raffles, big ticket items like the firearms and the Traeger pellet grill with the meat package courtesy of Kindersley Packers, did really well.”

Wilkie RCMP responded to a variety of calls for service between April 1 and 14, ranging from thefts and assault to mental health concerns and public assistance.

RCMP are actively investigating several theft-related incidents and two complaints of criminal harassment. A complaint of a stolen truck was deemed unfounded following police investigation.

A youth has been charged with assault after officers responded to a complaint, while police also continue to investigate a report of uttering threats.

Quite the honour was bestowed upon Eatonia's Ted Douglas at the RM of Chesterfield's annual ratepayers' supper on April 17. 

Passing the century mark back on December 31, 2024, the 100-year-old Douglas was given a "Certificate of Recognition" for being the rural municipality's oldest ratepayer, still paying taxes on the Douglas family's homesteaded land south of Eyre.