WestCentral

Canada's fentanyl czar says the fight against the deadly opioid would get a boost from proposed new tools for law enforcement in the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill.

Kevin Brosseau, the federal point person on fentanyl, welcomes provisions in the Strong Borders Act to increase inspection powers, give police easier access to information, crack down on money laundering and improve control of chemicals used to make the drug.

A series of severe thunderstorms moved through West Central Saskatchewan Friday evening, prompting tornado warnings and reports of damaging hail and lightning.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued two tornado warnings during the evening — one for the Coleville area shortly before 6 p.m., and another north of Luseland later in the evening. A rotating storm near Coleville raised concerns, though a tornado has not yet been confirmed picture were captured of the funnel. 

A new scam is targeting people forced to evacuate due to wildfires in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, prompting a warning from the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan.

The scam claims to be from the Canadian Red Cross and asks for personal and banking information to process payments.

The Red Cross has issued a fraud alert for both provinces, saying eligible recipients of financial assistance will not be asked to provide details such as social insurance numbers, bank account information or credit card numbers.

The deals are on and the driveways are full — Kindersley’s annual Town-Wide Garage Sale officially kicks off today, and residents are invited to pick up a map of participating locations at the Kindersley Museum & Tourism Centre.

The maps are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., helping treasure hunters plan their route through the community.

In addition to second-hand scores and local bargains, young entrepreneurs are invited to set up lemonade stands along garage sale routes, offering refreshment and charm to weekend shoppers.

Emergency services have resumed at the La Ronge Health Centre after the facility was temporarily closed due to a mandatory evacuation prompted by nearby wildfires.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) confirmed the emergency department reopened at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 12. Other services, including acute and long-term care, are expected to return in the coming days.

The Town of Kindersley has officially rescinded the municipal fire ban that was issued earlier this month.

Effective June 13, 2025, the ban, originally implemented on June 4, has been lifted following a period of recent rainfall that significantly reduced fire risk in the area.

Residents are now permitted to resume open-air fires and the use of outdoor appliances in accordance with the Town of Kindersley Fire Bylaw. This includes chimeneas, propane or natural gas-fueled fire pits, solid fuel barbeques, candles, and torches.

Residents across west-central Saskatchewan are being urged to keep an eye on the skies Friday, as forecasters warn of a potential for severe thunderstorms heading into the evening.

A developing low-pressure system over central Alberta is fuelling storm activity across the Prairies. Southern winds are pushing in heat and modest moisture, creating the conditions needed for thunderstorms to form late this afternoon.

After a 31-26 win over Ottawa in the CFL season opener last Thursday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will be looking to improve their record to 2-0 when they visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday.

The Roughriders offense exploded in the middle quarters of their season opener, scoring all 31 points between the second and third frames to build a strong lead over Ottawa. Despite a late push from the Redblacks, Saskatchewan's defense held strong with key sakcs to close out the four-point win.

ROSETOWN, Sask. — RCMP in the Rosetown and Kyle regions responded to a wide range of calls during the week of June 6 to 12, including collisions with wildlife, suspicious activity, and reports of fraudulent phone calls targeting residents.

WILKIE, Sask. — RCMP in Wilkie are investigating several incidents reported between June 4 and June 9, including a theft and multiple assault-related matters.

Police say a 41-year-old woman from Wilkie has been charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest after officers responded to an assault complaint. A separate investigation into a theft remains ongoing.

RCMP also conducted a wellbeing check at the request of an employer and mediated a dispute between a landlord and tenant.