Estevan

SASKATOON — Canada’s two national railways are about to enter a stretch of prolonged labour peace with the major unions representing their workers.

“It’s a period of calm,” said Mark Hemmes, president of Quorum Corp., which is Canada’s grain monitor.

“It’s satisfying to know that at least we’re going to have a couple of years of grace where we don’t have to worry about (work stoppages).”

In Estevan, a grassroots movement is reimagining the future of coal — not as just a fuel of the past, but as a material with new potential in battery technology and critical minerals. Through local innovation and community-driven efforts, there’s growing momentum to extend the life of coal in new, sustainable ways.

“Coal’s life is not over — it’s being added on to.”
— Gordon More, Executive Director, Southeast Techhub

Heavy rains in recent days have soaked the region, and Moose Mountain Provincial Park is feeling the effects.

“It's not ideal weather for camping,” said Ainsley Sauter, park manager at Moose Mountain. “It's really cold and very, very wet around here.”

Some campsites have taken on water, but crews are actively working to pump it out and assess any needed repairs.

We've had quite the lead-up to the long weekend, with torrential downpours hitting the southeast over the past couple of days, leaving behind plenty of moisture. But the weekend itself may not be all bad, despite what the rains leave behind.

That's the forecast from Scott Kehler, the Chief Scientist at Weatherlogics in Winnipeg.

Mental health took centre stage across the Holy Family School Division this month as students in Grades 6 to 9 took part in presentations aimed at breaking down stigma and encouraging early conversations. 

Tyler Smith, a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash and a vocal mental health advocate, delivered talks in Estevan and Weyburn that focused on connection, vulnerability and the importance of reaching out for help. 

Carlyle RCMP seized a significant quantity of cocaine and arrested two individuals following a recent investigation in Arcola.

On May 13, officers attended a residence on Souris Avenue to arrest a woman for breaching probation. While taking her into custody, police observed illicit drugs and trafficking paraphernalia in plain view. A subsequent search of the home led to the seizure of 155 grams of cocaine and additional drug-related items.

Both the woman and a man who was also at the residence were arrested.

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Even with two of the rainiest days we've seen in a long time, nothing could dampen the excitement at Pleasantdale School as we surprised Mrs. Stefan’s Grade 4 class for our May Classroom of the Month delivery!

Delaney’s name was drawn, and it was perfect timing—just ahead of the May Long Weekend. The students were ready to kick off their Friday with a delicious feast from KFC Estevan and sweet treats from Southern Plains Co-op.

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

As people get ready to celebrate the long weekend, police are reminding the public to plan ahead and make smart decisions to avoid impaired driving.

"Sometimes weather deters walking, so those people just need to make sure to find a ride, find a driver, use the taxi cabs, whatever options you can. Just please don’t drive," said McMillen.

When it comes to driving, if a driver fails a roadside screening test, their licence will be suspended indefinitely and their vehicle seized. They will also face criminal consequences.