Kirsty Hanson

An astounding 17 pounds of fentanyl were recently seized during a traffic stop turned drug bust on the Trans-Canada Highway near Swift Current.

Saskatchewan RCMP's Roving Traffic Unit and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol were collaborating in proactive patrols of the Swift Current area on January 28 when a traffic stop was performed on a vehicle with two adult occupants. 

A routine inspection of a Saskatchewan taxidermy business in 2023 sparked an investigation that more recently ended in heavy fines, criminal charges, and the seizure of over 140 wildlife exhibits. 

On September 23, 2024, the owner of Northern Reflections Taxidermy, Brandon McCrea from Mossbank, pleaded guilty to operating a taxidermy business without a licence and possessing wildlife illegally.

 Assiniboia conservation officers paid a visit to the business in Mossbank in February 2023, where they were met with a shop cluttered with animal trophies and antlers.

With New Year's Eve right around the corner, SGI is hoping to remind anyone heading out to celebrate and find a safe ride home.

Impaired driving can result in a plethora of consequences that can include suspensions or a driving prohibition, impoundment, fines, criminal charges, time in jail, and the most costly, a life. 

Jeremy Pilon, communications consultant at SGI, noted that this time of the year, similar to summer, the number of impaired drivers tends to go up. 

Saskatchewan's parks are glistening with snow and frost-covered flora this time of the year, making them an enchanting destination for many southwest residents, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.

From outdoor ice skating to a Festival of Lights or snowmobiling, the various parks offer something that's sure to pique everyone's interest.

Saskatchewan's Minister of Parks, Culture, and Sport, Alana Ross, noted that the wide array of unique experiences and outdoor adventures make Saskatchewan's provincial parks a thrilling winter destination. 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada's Green Gifts Program is back this season for the 29th year of offering alternative, impactful gifts in the form of conserving pieces of the prairies.

The Green Gifts program allows people to give the unique holiday gift of nature conservation while supporting a boots-on-the-ground charity, the purchaser will also receive a charitable tax receipt. 

Southwest residents are being advised to expect to see an increase in their federal carbon taxes soon. 

SaskPower announced the increase of a system-wide average of 2.9 per cent just yesterday, which will take effect on January 1, 2025. 

Joel Cherry, spokesperson for SaskPower, noted that the amount of the increase will vary depending on the rate class, which includes residential, farming, commercial, power, oil, and resellers.

The holiday season is back and so is SGI's Traffic Safety Spotlight, this month SGI is encouraging southwest motorists to stay safe and give the gift of a safe ride home.

With Christmas parties, family gatherings, and meetings of friends, it's a crucial time of year to ensure everyone can enjoy the holidays again. 

Jeremy Pilon, communications consultant at SGI, noted that one-third of all fatal collisions in Saskatchewan are the result of drug or alcohol impairment. 

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is emphasizing the importance of staying up to date on immunizations, particularly childhood vaccinations, to protect against a range of diseases and viruses.

Dr. David Torr, a medical health officer with the SHA and Area Department Lead for Public Health and Preventive Medicine in the Integrated Rural Area, explained that respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19 evolve each year, while diseases such as measles have remained largely unchanged over time.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hoping to inform residents and families about the importance of staying up-to-date on immunizations and childhood vaccinations. 

Dr. David Torr, medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Area Department Lead for the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine for the Integrated Rural Area, noted that respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19 are constantly evolving each year, while diseases such as measles haven't changed much over the years.

Last weekend, the Village of Abbey was bustling with the Harvest Bash, which raised nearly $40,000 for the Abbey Arena.

The Harvest Bash took place this past Saturday at the Abbey Business & Community Centre with happy hour and beverages beginning at 5:00 p.m. 

Justin Duncan, MC and co-organizer of the event noted that the funding will have a massive positive impact, as a plant went down last year which cost the arena around $20,000.