The first week of August featured community, sport, and even politics dominating the top local stories for West Central Online.
Check out the West Central Week in Review for August 4-8 below:
Community rallies to fix hazardous Kindersley Health Centre parking lot
After years of dodging potholes and waiting on provincial support, the Kindersley Health Centre parking lot has finally been resurfaced — thanks entirely to a grassroots community effort. With no funds from the province, local RMs, the Town of Kindersley, Hutterite colonies, and private donors came together to get the job done.
From Matador to legend: Kyle’s Gary Rempel rides into retirement after 45-year rodeo career
From the wide-open range near Kyle to the grandstands of the National Finals Rodeo, Gary Rempel’s career as a pickup man spanned more than 45 years and earned him a place among rodeo’s elite. Raised on the historic Matador Ranch, Rempel’s deep Saskatchewan roots shaped a journey that took him to nine NFRs, 21 Canadian Finals Rodeos, and countless small-town arenas he still calls the heart of rodeo. Now retired, Rempel leaves behind a legacy of grit, grace, and prairie pride — a true legend who never forgot where he came from.
ICYMI: 214 candidates on the list for Battle River-Crowfoot
A record-breaking 214 candidates are officially in the running for the August 18 Battle River–Crowfoot by-election, with the vast majority — over 200 — running as independents under the same agent as part of the "Longest Ballot Committee." The ballot’s size has forced Elections Canada to shift to a write-in format, and with high-profile names like CPC Leader Pierre Poilievre involved, the race has drawn national attention. Advance voting begins Friday and runs through August 11.
Macklin completes Battle River Baseball League three-peat
The Macklin Lakers are once again Battle River Baseball League champions, topping the Veteran Bulls 4-2 Thursday night to complete the series comeback and claim their third straight title. Jared Hillis and Cody Gartner handled the pitching, while a strong home crowd watched Macklin bounce back from a Game 1 loss to win back-to-back must-wins. Next up: a long road trip to Tier 3 provincials this weekend in Carnduff.
Outlook Riverbank Rodeo set to be a weekend of fun
The Riverbank Rodeo returns to Outlook this weekend, August 8th and 9th, with a brand-new location just south of the Jim Kook Rec Complex. Expect rodeo favorites like bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton busting, plus live music from Lenny and the Gypsies and free public swims at the nearby pool. With evening shows starting at 7:00 PM and a special Saturday night announcement in store, it’s set to be a high-energy, family-friendly weekend.