Estevan

The Estevan Curling Club held some of the last matches of the Great Western Recreation League last night, settling the score for the teams.

Some of last night's games include Shelley Miller-Herts securing a win over Amanda Wilson, Lawrence Hansen losing to Brandon Barker, Tyler Greenwald getting a victory over Dr. Unks, Royal LePage getting a win against Selena Debryune, and Devon Fornwald winning against Larrisa Mohrbutter.

Concluding the season, Amanda Wilson won first place in the league, with Royal LePage getting second and Tyler Greenwald coming in third.

March 20th is the spring equinox, which marks the halfway point between the winter and summer equinoxes, when the sun comes out at the latest and earliest, respectively. It's a good date to signal the start of spring, although meteorological spring starts March 1st, and some cold and snow could still fall over the next month.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Danielle Desjardins says that the southeast is feeling some better conditions as we're getting a bit of warmth.

Saskatchewan's new budget has come out with provincial priorities being laid out for education, healthcare, and more for the year ahead. In total the budget is forecasting a $12 million surplus off of $21 billion in spending.

Estevan MLA and Deputy House Leader Lori Carr says that the province will work towards helping people out with affordability, healthcare, education, safer communities and fiscal responsibility.

Southern Plains Co-op is once again rallying the community to support STARS Air Ambulance. From March 17 to 31, the co-op will be raising funds through cookie sales, donation cards, and a special Fuel Up Day—all to help keep STARS in the sky for those who need it most.

Spring is a wonderful time of year, I have to admit, I'm looking forward to some warmer temperatures and some color. Right now, for a photographer you might as well shoot in black and white. Everything is the same color, the road, the ditch, the field it all blends together.

I remember watching this family munching on some green trees and enjoying their day. What a beautiful sight to just sit back and watch the three of them go about their business. I was the least thing that they were worried about. The young ones kept a closer eye on me than the mom.

"Excuse Me Kids"

The Estevan Chamber of Commerce welcomed new leadership and reflected on a year of milestones at its annual general meeting Wednesday afternoon. Outgoing president Denise Taylor led the proceedings, which highlighted the chamber’s 120th anniversary, financial stability, and key organizational changes.

Executive director Marissa Scarlett delivered the State of the Chamber address, highlighting a year of transition and success for the organization. She noted that the chamber celebrated its 120th anniversary, hosted major events, and maintained a 96 per cent member retention rate.

Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark visited Estevan, sharing her music, stories, and message of resilience with the community. Through a blend of song and conversation, she captivated audiences while shedding light on the cultural and historical experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Aglukark, originally from Nunavut, is known for hits like O Siem and Hina Na Ho (Celebration). She has long used her music to bridge gaps between cultures, drawing from her Inuit heritage to inspire dialogue and healing.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a federal election on Sunday for a vote as early as April 28.

Sources would not confirm the specific date of the vote, but federal campaigns must run at least 37 days.

This will be Canada's 45th federal election.

Canada's political parties have been mobilizing campaigns by nominating candidates and organizing leaders' tours.

Carney was elected as Liberal leader to succeed Justin Trudeau on March 9 and was sworn in as prime minister along with his new cabinet on March 14.

With the provincial budget released, education is one of the sectors focused on, with some support coming from a source that's been vocal about better education funding in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Teacher's Federation gave their take on the budget, saying that they were encouraged by the spending.

STF President Samantha Becotte says that the province's proposal is what they expected following the throne speech, with some gains for restoring student-based funding.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Wednesday that China has executed four Canadians in recent months.

The minister said all four were "dual citizens" and were all "facing charges linked to criminal activities according to China, linked to drugs."

"This is an issue that I've been following very, very closely, personally, for months, and I've asked personally also (for) leniency," Joly said, adding former prime minister Justin Trudeau also urged China not to execute the Canadians.