Weyburn

Three workers who were trapped in a remote northern British Columbia mine have been rescued after more than 60 hours underground.

Red Chris mine operator Newmont Corp. said the three men were safely bought to the surface at about 10:40 p.m. on Thursday.

It said Kevin Coumbs, Darien Maduke and Jesse Chubaty — contractors for B.C.-based Hy-Tech Drilling — were in good health and spirits after being trapped underground by two rockfalls on Tuesday morning.

"This was a carefully planned and meticulously executed rescue plan," the company said in a statement.

The month of July has brought cool, wet weather and smoke from forest fires to the majority of the Prairies.

Rain has been reported in some of the drier areas, but its coming too late for drought stressed crops and forage, with RM's across Manitoba, and Saskatchewan and  Alberta County's now declaring agricultural disaster areas.

Taking a regional look at what's happening:

Manitoba

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture & Food.

The agreement is designed to build stronger collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous agricultural producers.

Keith Currie, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture says by working together, we can amplify Indigenous voices, support agricultural entrepreneurs, and promote food production in ways that benefit all Canadians.

The provincial government recently announced two conservation programs: the Private Land Conservation Program and Ecosystems Grant Program 

The government of Alberta is investing $10 million to improve private land conservation, with the launch of two new and improved programs.

The enhanced Private Land Conservation Program and the new Ecosystems Grant Program will enable better protection of natural areas across the province, while allowing landowners to use their land for farming and ranching, the province has said.

An Ontario judge is delivering her ruling in the sexual assault trial for five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team.

Content warning: This live blog includes graphic descriptions of sexual acts and explicit testimony from a court proceeding that some readers may find disturbing or triggering. Reader discretion is advised.

The Perry Folk Award was presented on Thursday at the Weyburn Golf Club for 2024 and 2025 to two people whose names have been mentioned for the award over the years: Winston Bailey and Lyman Sergeant.

Kevin Folk explained the award isn't about how much volunteering the person does, or how many meetings they attend, but it's about their contributions to the social aspect of the clubhouse, all in line with the legacy of his late brother Perry.

Food, fun, and live entertainment well into the evening, there's something for everyone coming up on August 2nd at Nickle Lake Regional Park for Nickle Lake Day.

"We've got a very busy day, with lots of stuff to do, and we invite everybody to come out," Park Manager Darren Wheeler invited. 

"It starts at 8 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast, and that's sponsored by Prairie Sky Co-op, Miller Well Servicing, and Southern Range Well Servicing," he shared.

It is something that is happening across the prairies, and there is little anyone can do to stop it. The gopher (or ground squirrel) population is exploding. Paige Tenbult, the Communications Co-ordinator with the City of Weyburn, acknowledged the issue and noted, “Gophers are a part of our landscape in Saskatchewan, and we’re seeing an increase in their numbers, not just here in Weyburn but across the province.” 

A new healthcare pilot launched earlier this year is showing promising results, and Stoughton’s New Hope Pharmacy is among the select sites helping to lead the way.