Estevan

After 27 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)—and a lifelong dedication to the cadet program—Connie Hagel is retiring with a heart full of gratitude and memories shaped by mentorship and leadership.

Her journey began not in uniform, but as a cadet. From 1977 to 1983, she was part of a pioneering generation of young women in Saskatchewan breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated program.

As the 2025 crop season begins, farmers across the prairies are already on high alert for potential insect damage. Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a research scientist in field crop entomology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, provides insights into what farmers might expect this year based on last year's conditions and winter observations.

Members of three prairie-based credit unions will get a chance to have their say as a major merger is currently getting underway. Conexus, Cornerstone, and Synergy Credit Unions announced their merger earlier this year, which would create the largest credit union in Saskatchewan and one of the largest in Canada.

Estevan Fire and Rescue crews have been busy over the past week, responding to a series of incidents ranging from false alarms to grass fires. 

On April 28, crews responded to a commercial fire alarm on the south side of the city. Upon investigation, it was determined to be a malfunction, and no assistance was required.

The following day, crews attended to a tractor fire near Hirsch. The blaze was quickly controlled, and no injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation.

Senior federal officials have been looking quietly for ways to bring together Canadians who don't see eye to eye on the economy, immigration and social issues.

With a general election looming, officials prepared to meet last November to brainstorm solutions to the problem of social fragmentation, according to an internal presentation drafted by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to brief Canada's premiers today following his seemingly successful first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

Carney and Trump spent about two hours together at the White House, including about half an hour in front of the cameras in the Oval Office, and a private luncheon.

Both leaders were accompanied by senior members of their cabinets and their chiefs of staff.

The Conservative caucus has tapped former leader Andrew Scheer to lead the party in the House of Commons when Parliament resumes on May 26 — a role that's needed because Pierre Poilievre lost his seat in last week's election.

"I'll be taking over the parliamentary leadership duties of the caucus until Mr. Poilievre rejoins us in the House," Scheer told reporters after emerging from an all-day caucus meeting on Parliament Hill Tuesday.

The Estevan Mermaids Artistic Swimming Club wrapped up their competitive season on a high note at the Canadian Prairie Championships, held May 2–4 at the Pan Am Pool in Winnipeg. The athletes delivered some of their best performances of the year, competing against high-calibre artistic swimming clubs from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

It was a strong showing for the Estevan Comprehensive School senior badminton team at Regionals this past weekend, with three teams earning podium finishes and securing their spots at provincials.

“We're pretty excited about our results,” said ECS senior badminton coach Sheena Summers. “Not that we weren’t expecting it — the kids have been working extremely hard. It’s just such a nice time for us, especially as hosts, to have athletes advancing to provincials.”

The Estevan Police Service was busy over the weekend, fielding 53 calls for service. That included responses to a number of disturbances, both at private residences and commercial properties.

EPS conducted three separate investigations over the weekend, which led to assault charges against 3 individuals. Two of those charges were as a result of altercations at local liquor establishments, while the third assault occurred during a domestic disturbance at a residential location.