Local News

U.S. federal prosecutors are seeking more than eight years in prison for a Saskatchewan man who pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing violent child sexual abuse material involving toddlers and young boys.

Matthew Norman Ballek, a Canadian national from Outlook, Sask., was working in Washington, D.C., as a financial risk specialist for the World Bank when he was arrested in February. Prosecutors allege he used encrypted platforms to share graphic videos with an undercover FBI agent and admitted to previously engaging in the sexual abuse of a toddler.

Frontier Days received some help wrapping up with a star-studded performance Saturday night.

Texas-born Drake Milligan took to the grandstand to kick off the Western Canadian leg of his self-titled tour, Drake Milligan in Concert, in front of ecstatic Swift Current fans. 

Hafford, Saskatchewan’s The Brothers G performed the opening set, before making way for the headliner, Milligan, who was thrilled to return to the province.

A settlement advisor who supported a woman at the centre of a human trafficking case testified this week that the woman disclosed details about her employment and living situation, including a lack of access to food, water and communication, as well as alleged coercion and sexual violence.

Kindersley Composite School's Law 30 class recently toured the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert, gaining a unique perspective on the workings inside the federal prison system. The visit, which lasted about three hours, was part of a class project designed to help students better understand the role and day-to-day operations of correctional facilities.

Eliana Helgason, one of the students on the tour, said the experience challenged some of her previous assumptions about prison life. “I think, in the end, it made me rethink a career choice of mine,” she said.

The annual Frontier Days Livestock Show & Sale brought out a whole herd of 4-H Club members from across Saskatchewan with their steers, heifers, and prized livestock.

As usual, the 4-H Steer Sale was a highlight of the event, auctioning off a total of 85 steers at an average price of $5.08 per pound.

The High Selling Steer came from Laramie Greenwood with the Wymark 4-H Club, who sold a steer for $10,850, or $7 per pound, to Sky Ag Services in Swift Current. 

UPDATE: At 1:15 p.m., Carlyle RCMP sent out a new message claiming to have charged a man with assault. 

As a result of their investigation, Carlyle RCMP charged 21-year-old Darias Obey from White Bear First Nation with one count of aggravated assault.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest, with Carlyle RCMP actively working to locate him. They describe Obey as around 6’4” and 210 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.

If a resident sees Obey, RCMP asks not to approach him and instead contact Carlyle RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP.

The Kyle RCMP detachment responded to a variety of calls between June 19 and 26, according to their latest report released Thursday.

On June 20 at 2:35 p.m., Rosetown/Kyle RCMP assisted a member of the public with a front-counter complaint. The matter remains under investigation.

A two-vehicle collision occurred on June 22 at 11:11 a.m. on Highway 42 near Lucky Lake. No injuries were reported.

Canada Day celebrations will be taking place across the country on Tuesday and the communities of Watrous and Manitou Beach will be teaming up for a series of activities and events for residents and visitors.  

To start the day, there will be a pancake breakfast at the Watrous Civic Centre from 8-10am.  

A watermain repair has prompted a temporary closure of 9th Street NW between Lorne Avenue and Fisher Avenue in Portage la Prairie.

The City is notifying residents that the closure and disruption to water services are effective immediately on Monday, June 30.

Officials say they intend to restore water services and reopen the road by the end of the day once repairs are complete.

Residents affected by the closure may experience water disruptions during the repair work.

Meeting new people can be tough, but the City of Red Deer is hoping to make it a little easier this summer with the return of a popular community program.

Meet Me at the Park is back with a wide range of fun-filled activities for residents of all ages, aiming to bring the community together and foster a sense of connection and belonging.