Kirsty Hanson

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. 

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.

Southwest residents and visitors of Cypress Hills are advised that the park will be closing their hot tub and sauna for the winter.

Royce Pettyjohn, park manager for Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, noted that after much consideration, the hot tub and sauna will be closed for the season to focus more on other services.

Last week, Swift Current Rural RCMP responded to reports of a break-and-enter in the Rural Municipality of the Saskatchewan Landing.

It was determined that an unidentified individual or group of individuals entered a worksite sometime between October 10 and 14, stealing high-value Milwaukee tools and multiple rolls of braided copper,

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Swift Current Rural RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at +1 (800) 222 - 8477, the with valid information may be eligible for a cash reward.

As the winter season rolls around, so does cold and flu season.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is encouraging residents, families, and everyone else to stay safe, take the necessary precautions, and receive their vaccines.

Dr. David Torr, medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Area Department Lead for the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, noted that infections and viruses like the flu spread much easier in colder temperatures.