Local News

Several communities in southeastern Manitoba experienced stormy weather on Saturday, with hail, heavy rain and weather warnings issued in parts of the region.

Environment Canada issued weather watches and warnings throughout the day, with scattered storms developing in the afternoon and evening. Dominion City was among the areas affected by hail and rainfall.

Motorists are by advised of an incident near Rush Lake.

A motorvehicle collision has occurred in the westbound lane of the Trans-Canada Highway, two kilometres passed Rush Lake, closing down the lane.

This incident was reported on the Highway Hotline at 7:30 a.m.

Traffic is reduced to one lane, with no passing allowed.

Swift Current Online will provide more details as they become available.

As escalating gopher populations are causing increasing concern for Saskatchewan landowners, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is teaming up with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) to offer practical assistance.

Darrell Crabbe, SWF's executive director, says the partnership was born from landowners needing help with the pests.

A professional fireworks show will light up the night at Mitford Park this Canada Day.

The display is scheduled for 10:45 p.m. and is the only fireworks event approved within town limits.

Cochrane Fire Chief Shawn Polley is reminding residents that personal fireworks are not permitted in Cochrane.

“No fireworks without a permit, no discharge of fireworks without a permit within the town of Cochrane,” he says.

Permits are only issued when federal safety standards and professional discharge protocols are met.

With the summer season having officially begun and Canada Day festivities upcoming, many people will be making their way to local lakes and launching their boats to enjoy the sunshine on the water. However, there are a few rules and regulations boat operators should keep in mind.  

The Saskatchewan RCMP issued a release yesterday reminding boaters that impaired boating is punishable under the Criminal Code of Canada and carry the same penalties as impaired drivers. This includes loss of license, hefty fines, and even jail time.  

Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding the public that boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can come with the same serious consequences as impaired driving on the road.

“Boat operators found to be impaired can face the same penalties as impaired drivers,” said Cpl. Jamie Diemert, coordinator of the RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team. “Whether you’re sailing on Last Mountain Lake, pontooning on Lake Diefenbaker, or paddling the Churchill River, we want all boat operators and passengers to stay safe and sober.”

Most cars are built for either looks or power, sometimes with a job in mind. Rarely is that job to smash, bash, and crush other cars. 

That's exactly what is going on with this build. Dakota Lange's 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is barely recognizable as such anymore, after being overhauled into a smashing, crashing, thrashing machine. This custom demolition derby car is rigged up to best survive the madness in the pits, while both delivering its own heavy hits and protecting the driver.

More than half of Saskatchewan’s semi-truck drivers are over the age of 45.

That number was shared by the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) courtesy of a government database; and it's prompting renewed calls for government support to help train the next generation of drivers.

Maple Creek is in mourning after a house fire led to a tragic loss of life early on Wednesday morning. 

The Maple Creek and Community Fire Department responded to the call at 4:30 a.m. Fire Chief Blaine Becker and his crew arrived to find the house already engulfed in flames. 

"The roof was fully in flames, and it was spread right through the whole house," said Becker.

While they engaged in the fire, the crew was informed that one occupant of the home was missing. A search ended up locating a body in the home, confirming that the occupant was deceased. 

The first long weekend of the summer is coming up for Canada Day, and many anglers may have their sights set on the lake. Senior Conservation Officer Lindsey Leko reminds fishermen of some regulations to be aware of.  

Leko begins with a licensing reminder, as everyone over the age of 16 must have a fishing license to be able to fish, with the exception of free fishing weekends. He says they are running into many people fishing without their license on hand.