WestCentral

Several rural municipalities in west-central Saskatchewan have issued fire bans ahead of the region’s first hot weekend of the year.

The RM of Buffalo was the first to declare a fire ban, putting it in place on April 28. The neighbouring RM of Round Valley followed suit on April 29.

Unity Fire & Rescue issued a broader alert on Thursday, announcing that full fire bans are now in effect for the RMs of Tramping Lake, Round Valley, Grass Lake, Buffalo and Senlac.

NDP Health Critic Meara Conway is sounding the alarm over what she calls an escalating healthcare crisis in rural Saskatchewan, pointing to new data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request that details thousands of days of service disruptions across the province.

Speaking during a media availability on her rural healthcare tour, Conway said the data confirms that Saskatchewan's healthcare system is in deeper crisis than many realize.

Two long-time volunteers from west central Saskatchewan were among 15 recipients awarded the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal during a ceremony at Government House this morning, as part of National Volunteer Week.

Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre presented the medals to honour individuals whose contributions have made lasting impacts in their communities.

Kerrobert Composite School is going to be celebrating one of their own Rebels teams next Wednesday.

It was announced to start the week that the Rebels senior girls' basketball team was awarded the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA)/Sask Milk Sportsmanship Award. To celebrate, the school will be raising the banner during a special "Rebel Pride" celebration on Wednesday, May 7 in the gymnasium.

The federal riding of Terrebonne in Quebec has gone from the Liberals' win column back to the Bloc Québécois after a postelection vote validation process.

Bloc candidate Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné, who had represented the riding since 2021, said in a social media post that she came out with a lead of 44 votes and that a judicial recount will take place.

"For someone to be officially elected, you have to wait until the end of this process," Sinclair-Desgagné wrote in French. "I hope to have the honour of representing Terrebonne again in the coming years."

SHSAA badminton regionals this weekend will decide who earns the right to play in provincials next weekend in Estevan. After a short season of competition, badminton athletes competed in conferences back in April for a chance to qualify for this weekend's regional round.

A food documentary featuring a restaurant nestled in Cypress Hills will be showcased provincially and nationally this week.

Flat Out Food's fifth season and fifth episode will spotlight Lakeview Grill on CityTV Saskatchewan, Wednesday at 10 p.m. and CityTV in Canada at 11:30 a.m. 

The episode marks the first time the TV series has visited Cypress Hills. The three-day visit was inspiring for Adrian Halter, the producer and director of Flat Out Food.

Alberta RCMP are reminding motorists to drive with caution this weekend as thousands of volunteers take to the province’s highways for an annual cleanup campaign.

The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. An alternate date of May 10 has been set in case of poor weather.

More than 12,000 people are expected to take part, including roughly 8,000 youth from 4-H clubs, Junior Forest Wardens and other youth organizations. Volunteers will wear safety vests, and warning signs will be placed near cleanup zones.

If you’re looking for a cat who brings both charm and comedy into your home, Dean is ready to be your guy. This one-year-old neutered male is currently available for adoption through KC Rescue in Unity, and he’s already winning hearts with his larger-than-life personality.

Conservative MP Damien Kurek is set to step aside to allow Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to run in a byelection in the Battle River—Crowfoot riding in Alberta.

Kurek says he is "temporarily" stepping aside as MP for the riding, which he has held since 2019.

The Conservative party confirms that Poilievre will run in the Battle River—Crowfoot byelection once it's called.