Estevan

The government of Saskatchewan is proudly announcing that 2024 was another year where its waters were clear of major invasive species.

The province has had ongoing campaigns to remind people that they should watch for invasive species, such as invasive zebra or quagga mussels or spiny waterflea.

Estevan’s Robbie Burns Night celebration made a lively return Saturday, offering a vibrant tribute to Scottish heritage and the poetry of Robert Burns.

The event honours Scotland’s national poet, whose legacy is celebrated annually on Jan. 25. Ayrshire-born Burns, who died in 1796 at the age of 37, is renowned for his works in the Scots dialect and is regarded as one of the country’s most prominent literary figures.

As Chinese New Year approaches, Ohjay Javier, a Filipino settlement advisor with Southeast Advocates, reflects on his time in China and the challenges faced by newcomers adapting to life in Southeast Saskatchewan.

The Canadian Cattle Association has been looking for ways to keep Canadian beef producers going strong even as the U.S. is threatening a 25 per cent blanket tariff on the country.

That work has included speaking with American representatives and charting a course through new trade realities.

Nathan Phinney, the President of the CCA, says that having the time to discuss the tariff is one small positive in the situation.

The first quarter of 2025 has been one marked by no small measure of uncertainty. Threats of tariffs coming from our nation’s largest trading partner, and troubled waters on a federal level, are fueling doubts about how both nations will resolve the dispute. All the while citizens, on both sides of the border, brace themselves for the fallout. 

The Estevan community has shown incredible support for Elizabeth Trepanier, who is battling Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS). The dinner portion of this Saturday’s fundraising event has officially sold out, and organizers have expanded the event to accommodate the overwhelming demand.

“We weren’t anticipating that, so they worked really, really hard and we are going to be at the Wiley Mitchell Hall,” said Megan Schiestel, Elizabeth’s mother. “It definitely got a lot bigger than we anticipated.”

Southeast Saskatchewan artists are making waves on the provincial music scene, with three local acts earning nominations at the 2025 Sask Music Awards. Last Birds, Teagan Littlechief, and Winsome Kind represent a diverse range of musical styles, from intimate folk harmonies to country rock and uplifting acoustic melodies. Each artist brings a unique perspective to their craft while showcasing the rich talent found in small-town Saskatchewan.

The U18 South East Kinette Club Viragos are kicking off their season early with a focus on boosting participation in female football.

Head coach Matthew McGillivray said he was pleased with the turnout at the team’s first training session of the year.

“We had nine girls, five of which were new to football, so that was great to see,” McGillivray said. “We are very happy with the turnout and the effort put forward by the new players.”

The City of Estevan is seeking more funds to support its efforts in the Saskatchewan Urban Municipality Association (SUMA) regarding mental health and addictions.

With SUMA's annual convention approaching, the organization is seeking resolutions from local councils so that it can determine its focus for 2025.

To that end, a proposal was put forward to the council, with City Manager Jeff Ward talking about that.

Audrey Trombley, the South East Cornerstone Public School Division Board Chair, was recently recognized for her contributions when she was presented with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association’s Award of Distinction. The award is the highest recognition from the SSBA and is awarded every year to a school board member who demonstrates outstanding service and has made signification contributions to enhance education.