Seasonal depression a concern as seasons get colder in Saskatchewan

With leaves changing color and the temperature dropping, fall is creeping closer to the southeast.

Among the changes will be shorter daylight hours, which can affect people's mental health as the long days of summer slip away.

Envision Counseling and Support's FIRST counselor Elizabeth Lambe said it affects a lot of people, even if they don't realize it.

Provincial government announces shuffle of cabinet positions

The province's cabinet will look a bit different following the recently announced shuffle.

Premier Scott Moe made the announcement, saying the new positions reflect their mandate.

"The mandate of our new cabinet is to build and protect Saskatchewan - to continue building a strong economy, strong communities, and strong families, and to protect all that we have built together from threats like federal intrusion and economic challenges like inflation"

The six ministers changing positions are as follows:

Smoky conditions continue for another day

- with files from Discover Humboldt Staff

Smoke persists across east central Saskatchewan once again as north and west winds drag an air mass across the central and southeast portions of the province. On Monday, Environment Canada once again issued an air quality statement, noting index had entered the high-risk category, saying that the smoke was not likely to clear until late into Tuesday or early Wednesday.  

Smoke is expected to persist over the next couple of days, entering the high-risk category

Today's smoky conditions are looking like they'll be around for a bit, with a weather statement from Environment Canada confirming that.

At 2:48 PM, that statement was sent out after the air quality index had entered the high-risk category, saying that the smoke was not likely to clear until late into Tuesday.

Anglers looking to adapt as fishing season moves to cooler waters

As the weather is beginning to cool, the province's lakes and rivers are cooling along with it, changing the fishing situation for many anglers.

Being ahead of that changes and knowing how to react to them is crucial to ensure a good catch heading into the cooler months.

Ralph Smart, the owner and operator of Prairie Pro Outfitters, says he's keeping an eye on the waters around the Rafferty Reservoir as the mercury drops.

He gives a few tips for anglers to find those fish that he's found has worked over the summer.

Be informed as hunting seasons approach

With fall just around the corner, hunters are getting ready to head out into the wilderness to find some game.

Part of that preparation is knowing just what they are and aren't allowed to do according to the province.

As well, the province tends to give an overview ahead of the hunting seasons on what hunters might expect to find.

Travis Williams, Wildlife Allocation Specialist with the Ministry of Environment, says the season will look pretty similar to the past few years.

SaskPower asks farmers to watch out for power infrastructure as they're farming

SaskPower is encouraging farmers to make safety a priority this harvest season.

This year, SaskPower has observed 187 incidents involving farm equipment as of August 8, which is up from 169 on the same day last year.

They say it's likely due to seeding and harvest beginning earlier. 2022 had a total of 248 farm-related incidents.

How to be informed as hunting seasons approach

With fall just around the corner, hunters are getting ready to head out into the wilderness to find some game.

Part of that preparation is knowing just what they are and aren't allowed to do according to the province.

As well, the province tends to give an overview ahead of the hunting seasons on what hunters might expect to find.

Travis Williams, Wildlife Allocation Specialist with the Ministry of Environment, says the season will look pretty similar to the past few years.

Province says federal funding announcement not enough for current SMR plans

The federal government announced that it would be supporting Saskatchewan's plans for a small modular reactor, but the province says it's not enough.

The federal minister of energy and resources announced on Saturday that $74 million would be invested into the current SMR plan.

When asked for their response, SaskPower returned the following statement:

Farmers asked to stay cautious of fire risks as harvest season continues

With crops dried out for harvest, that can also pose a decent fire risk that farmers in their combines should be ready for.

Whether through a mechanical breakdown, the machinery running too hot, or just a freak accident, fires should be something every farmer is prepared for.

Mike Kwasnica, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs, details some of those tips.