The most wonderful time of the year isn't so wonderful for those that struggle with alcohol

Christmas time and the festive season can be the most wonderful time of the year, but not so for everyone.

Alaine Kowal, with the Foothills Fetal Alcoholics Society based in High River, says with alcohol being commonplace during the holidays, it can be very hard for some people.

"You know, with FASD sometimes people who are affected by it can have a lot of trouble in the holidays dealing with the excitement or regulating their emotions during what can be a stressful time."

Salvation Army seeking Christmas kettle volunteers

The holiday season will quickly be upon us and the local Salvation Army are looking for volunteers to help make the season bright. 

Volunteers are being sought to fill a number of kettle shifts as Captain Ian Scott with the Salvation Army explains. 

"This is one of the times of the year that we get to engage with the community. So alot of folks enjoy coming out and taking a two-hour shift on the kettles and seeing friends, family and the other shoppers. So were just asking if people are interested in standing for two hours on a kettle shift."

STF reacts to Throne Speech and government's intent in upcoming sitting

Monday’s throne speech started an abbreviated session of the Legislature in Regina. As teachers continue to wait for the outcome of an arbitration report on their contract and key issues facing classrooms, the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation issued a statement saying they were encouraged by what they heard from the re-elected Moe government. 

Throne speech highlights support for municipal revenue sharing and community rinks

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) has expressed optimism following key announcements in the provincial Throne Speech on Monday. The speech outlined commitments to municipal revenue sharing, healthcare improvements, and enhanced funding for community rinks, addressing several long-standing concerns for Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities.

WPS seek public's assistance in local motorcycle theft

The Weyburn Police Service are investigating the theft of two motorcycles and over 90 metres of copper wire last Saturday. The two motorcycles are described as a blue 2014 Yamaha XT 250 and a red 1984 Honda 350 XR.  

Constable Dallas Austin says this kind of investigation can be a lengthy process and video surveillance often plays a significant role. 

A call for change in Saskatchewan surgery wait times

A Freedom of Information request to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health has revealed that 385 patients died while waiting for surgery during the 2023-24 period.

This figure represents a slight decrease of 17 deaths compared to the previous year, but SecondStreet.org’s communication director, Dom Lucyk, says it underscores deeper issues within the healthcare system that need urgent attention.

'We will have to continue to find efficiencies' SECPSD reports year-end financials

The Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) held a regular meeting of the Board of Education on November 20th. Chief Financial Officer Shelly Toth says the division ended the fiscal year with a $1.1 million deficit, just slightly below the budgeted deficit of $1.2 million.  

The division saw $3.5 million in unrestricted surplus, which Toth explains has decreased by $26 000 in the last year. She says they are fortunate to have surplus from prior years to draw from when there are deficits.