WestCentral

Low water levels and high sediment flow on the South Saskatchewan River are prompting ferry closures, altering Canada Day plans in Saskatoon, and raising new concerns about the health of one of the province’s most important water sources.

The Water Security Agency (WSA) confirmed this week that inflows from Alberta into Lake Diefenbaker, which feeds the South Saskatchewan River, are currently about half of the seasonal norm. While the reservoir remains above average for this time of year, mountain runoff is well below expected levels, and spring precipitation has been limited.

RCMP in Warman are hoping to reunite a collection of unique jewellery and coins with their rightful owner after the items were seized during a drug investigation in December 2023.

The collection, which includes antique coins, rings, and a gold pocket watch, was recovered alongside drug paraphernalia. Despite efforts to identify the owner, police say the items remain unclaimed.

“These could be souvenirs from someone’s travels, family heirlooms, or part of a cherished collection,” said S/Sgt. Jason Teniuk. “Whatever the case, they clearly hold personal value.”

Wildfire evacuees continued to make their way home in some Manitoba communities Tuesday, but there were hurdles.

Tataskweyak Cree Nation lifted its evacuation order Monday evening, then told the community's 2,400 residents Tuesday morning the return was being delayed due to problems with the water system.

"Water tests came back (with) high aluminum. The pipes and reservoir will need to be cleaned and samples taken after the cleaning," said a message posted on the chief and council's Facebook page.

Saskatchewan's Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) projects, and Strategic Field Program (SFP) benefit from Federal-Provincial Sustainable CAP funding.

Farmers benefit from the practical, short-term research projects conducted through the ADOPT, which they can then use on their own operation.

For the 2024-25 fiscal year, more than $1.4 million was invested in six SFP and 32 ADOPT projects.

Producers are doing their best to gauge the progress of their crops judging by the latest local crop report. With seeds in the ground the focus has turned to crop development, and the fact that growing conditions have deteriorated rapidly over the past few weeks severely affecting topsoil moisture levels.

Two days of sales and networking took place last week in Kindersley with the 2025 Trade Show and Exhibition. It was the second straight year for the trade show after a short hiatus following the pandemic, the 35+ year tradition now fully back up and running in its annual nature.

Executive Director with the Kindersley and District Chamber of Commerce Kevin Martin joined us in studio for a recap.

The Saskatoon Berries have been an instant hit ever since they sprouted onto the Western Canadian Baseball League scene in 2024.

After recent rains the Town of Kerrobert joined Kindersley and other communities in lifting their fire bans within town limits. Kerrobert's rescinded ban came on Monday, after Kindersley to the south lifted their ban before the weekend.

A judge in Unity Provincial Court found Jessica Heitt not guilty of assault following a September 2024 confrontation with co-worker Alice Deveaux at a Subway restaurant in Saskatchewan.

The court heard conflicting testimony from the three key witnesses: Deveaux, who alleged Hyde assaulted her twice during a heated argument over unfinished job duties; Heitt, who denied any physical assault and said she acted in self-defence; and Bernice Schneider, owner of the store, who witnessed parts of the incident but could not clearly determine how Deveaux fell.

A man from Landis has been sentenced to nine months of probation after pleading guilty to breaking into a home and causing mischief during a heated confrontation last June.

Derek Reginald Hazelton admitted to kicking in the door of a woman’s home on June 12, 2024, following what the complainant described as a period of ongoing harassment and unwanted contact. According to facts presented in court, Hazelton had shown up at the residence late at night, demanding a response to messages and forcing the door open while the woman stood behind it.