Estevan

Saskatchewan's Crown corporations are reporting consolidated net earnings of $510 million for this year, slightly lower than last year.

Among the province's largest money-makers was Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan, bringing in $223 million.

Saskatchewan's big four — SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy and SGI Canada — raised $291 million before adjustments.

Consolidated net earnings were $578 million last year.

This year, the corporations will pay $240 million in dividends to the province's general revenue fund.

A survivor of a rockfall last week in Banff National Park is remembering his 33-year-old roommate, who didn't make it out alive from under the rubble, as a kind and generous friend.

Khaled Elgamal says Hamza Benhilal of Surrey, B.C., was one of two people who died after a slab of mountain gave way Thursday, raining rock down on hikers at Bow Glacier Falls, about 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary.

The provincial government has staked its claim on its energy future, with a recent letter to SaskPower employees reiterating that it would continue to operate coal plants past 2030. The province announced additional support for coal power plants earlier this year, with promises to expand the coal-powered units past their current lifespan.

Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick has been fighting to keep coal power running for the province, and was excited to hear the news.

After a tornado last week and heavy rains over the weekend, the southeast isn't past some weather systems as some of those creep in this week. We'll have a bit of a break today, but soon enough, an unsettled system will sweep through.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist Matt Loney says it'll feel a bit closer to spring over the coming week.

Wheat producers are being advised that Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYVD) has been found in two wheat fields in Northwest Saskatchewan. 

Crop Extension Specialist Quinton Cubbins says they did a couple of tests for the virus, which was found in the Medstead area, as it's earlier than they might normally see it. 

BYD Virus is spread by aphids, so controlling their population in the field is important.

Once the wheat is infected, there are no effective treatments.

Protein Industries Canada says a new soybean breeding program will open new opportunities for producers and processors.

The new $4.3 million initiative for Canada's identity-preserved non-GMO soybean is being led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd. 

The project, involves the launch of a new breeding program to develop early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties suited to Canada’s northern climates, including Manitoba and northern Ontario.

🎉After nearly four decades behind the mic, Lyle McGillivray is signing off, and the community is invited to help celebrate! 🎉

Everyone is welcome to stop by, share a memory, and wish Lyle well as he wraps up his incredible broadcasting career.

📍 Estevan Market Mall
📅Thursday, June 26
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) took some time during their latest meeting to discuss school buses in the southeast and how they can meet transportation needs. At the meeting, the division saw Jesse Forsyth, the west area transportation foreman, give some of the details and data around school buses for the division.

Forsyth laid out that the SECPSD has seen a slight increase this year to 4,680 compared with the 4,593 that were riding the buses in June of 2024. The figure covers around 55 to 60 per cent of the division’s approximately 8,100 students.

Estevan Police Service responded to 38 calls for service over the weekend. Eight charges were laid under the Traffic Safety Act, and several disturbances were mediated.

On June 20, police were called to the central part of the city after receiving reports of an intoxicated woman yelling at passersby. She was not located during patrols. A suspicious vehicle was also reported, but officers were unable to locate it due to limited information.

Barry Ross Olson
1941-2025

Barry Ross Olson was born in Estevan, SK, on August 27, 1941. He passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the Regina General Hospital on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at the age of 83.

A Celebration of Barry’s Life will be held at Hall Funeral Services, Estevan, SK on Monday, June 30th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with Richard Olson presiding. Following the memorial service a luncheon will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion – Estevan branch.