Natasha Wiebe

The flea beetle is a common pest for farmers and gardeners alike in this corner of the province. However, there is more to the species than meets the eye. Provincial Insect and Vertebrate Pest Management Specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. James Tansey, says that the term “flea beetle” covers approximately 5,000 species worldwide, in a subfamily called the Alticinae.  

The Weyburn Field Office for Whitecap Resources Inc. hosted the provincial Minister of Energy and Resources Colleen Young Thursday morning, as she toured the facility and gleaned information about innovation in the oil and gas sector happening here in the Weyburn area.  

Employees of Whitecap Resources attended as well, alongside MLA for Weyburn Bengough Mike Weger and other representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Resources. The event began with a presentation outlining Whitecap Resources’ operations and their innovative use of CO2 and carbon capture in oil extraction.  

SaskPower’s is making improvements south of Midale through their Rural Rebuild Program. Work began three weeks ago to replace ten kilometres of line and around 130 power poles.  

Spokesperson for SaskPower, Joel Cherry, says this will improve service and reliability for customers in the area.  

School will soon be back in session, and this year's grade six and grade eight students will be eligible for routine immunizations. Doctor Stanley Enebeli, Medical Health Officer for the region, explains this is part of the province’s routine immunization schedule program.  

Grade six students will receive vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, while grade eight students receive vaccines for meningococcal meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A.  

Animal abuse charges were laid in Weyburn last week after members of the Weyburn Police Service noticed an animal in the care of a woman they had been in contact with was not being cared for properly. Deputy Chief Shane St. John says they then got Animal Protection involved who initiated an investigation. 

The outbreak of measles provincially and nationally has the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) issuing exposure alerts and taking measures to limit the spread. However, Medical Health officer for the region, Dr. Stanley Enebeli acknowledges the effective response observed in our communities, saying the region has seen little transmission. 

The outbreak of measles provincially and nationally has the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) issuing exposure alerts and taking measures to limit the spread. However, Medical Health Officer for the region, Dr. Stanley Enebeli, acknowledges the effective response observed in our communities, saying the region has seen little transmission. 

In Canada, there are currently over 1000 people waiting for a stem cell match. This is why Canadian Blood Services is urging Canadians to add their name to the Stem Cell registry, as it increases those individuals chance of finding a match. 

Aaron Barlow, Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services Saskatchewan, explains they're looking for people ages 17 to 35 to join the registry, especially those with diverse ethnic backgrounds. 

The provincial government recently announced a $1 million investment accessible to Saskatchewan’s Regional Parks for the creation of new seasonal campsites. 

In a release sent by the Government of Saskatchewan, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross highlights the importance of Regional Parks on the province and the communities within it.  

While summer is not over yet, a new season is beginning as local farmers prepare for the harvest. However, efforts may be delayed due to the cooler and wetter growing season. 

Dale Paslawski, who farms in the southeast, says crops are advancing well, but slightly behind in development. He has already begun swathing yellow peas but had to take a break due to the forecasted showers.