WestCentral

Harvest is continuing to move along at a slow pace around West Central with only six per cent of the regional crop reported out of the ground.

That number might be among the lowest in the province, and a far cry from the nearby southwest who lead the province at 23 per cent of the crops off, but it does have to do with a lack of field activity. The only regions behind are the northeast at three per cent, and the northwest at two per cent, and then going up the list the east-central region is 11 per cent done, trailing the southeast at 14 per cent done.

West Central residents should know how to keep cool by now after a week of sweltering conditions around the region.

When we spoke with Environment Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke earlier in the week, he shared a fool proof way to beat the heat.

"If you are able to go for a quick jump in a lake, or a pool, that is always a fantastic way to cool off if you have that of access," said Luke, as a backyard pool would work too for anyone who hasn't taken it down.

You're advised not to swim at Clearwater Lake.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has put up a warning at the lake that there are high levels of harmful bacteria present in the water.

It says they may pose a risk to your health.

The advisory says the water is not suitable for swimming.

The Clearwater Lake park office noted to Swift Current Online that they were told the levels were only an issue at the main beach rather than the whole lake. 

Kyle RCMP responded to a series of calls over the past week, including a mischief complaint and a report of a suspicious person.

On Aug. 25, officers received a call about an individual acting suspiciously in Kyle. Police say it was later determined the person was attempting to locate someone in order to serve legal documents.

Two days later, on Aug. 27, RCMP were called to the RM of Monet for a report of mischief. Members spoke with all of the people involved and determined no further police action was needed.

New concrete barricades installed in the Kindersley Mall parking lot are causing confusion and frustration for drivers trying to access the McDonald’s drive-thru.

The barriers, placed at both the drive-thru entrance and exit, appeared late last week. Kindersley Mall management and property owner Lavad declined to comment on the installation despite requests from West Central Online.

Reaction from residents on social media has been swift and pointed.

A new poll indicates an overwhelming majority of Canadians are in favour of regulating artificial intelligence, and almost half are worried it will contribute to cognitive decline.

The Leger poll found 85 per cent of respondents believe governments should regulate AI tools to ensure ethical and safe use. More than half, 57 per cent, said they strongly agreed with that statement.

"It's very clear Canadians want government involved," said Jennifer McLeod Macey, senior vice-president at Leger.

A new national report on how abuse and maltreatment are handled in sport says "Canadian sport has lost its way" and the federal government must act to better protect athletes across the country. 

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday, saying it heard that there are "deeply ingrained" issues across the country, from a culture of silence that has led to abuse and maltreatment to underfunding and a lack of diversity. 

The Kindersley Jr. Klippers have been hard at work this week ahead of a pre-season road trip to Alberta this weekend. 

 If you’ve been eyeing the branches of your backyard elm, the wait to prune them is almost over.

The province’s annual ban on elm tree pruning, in place from April 1 to Aug. 31, lifts Sunday at midnight. The measure is designed to reduce the risk of spreading Dutch elm disease, a fatal fungus carried by elm bark beetles. Fresh pruning cuts made during the ban period can attract the insects and spread the disease to otherwise healthy trees.

Lloydminster and Maidstone RCMP are investigating a series of incidents involving counterfeit Canadian bills circulating in the area.

Since mid-August, police say they have received seven reports of counterfeit money being used at local businesses, primarily in $50 and $100 denominations.

Sgt. Christopher Byford of Lloydminster RCMP urged businesses and the public to remain vigilant. “Counterfeit money directly impacts businesses and the community as a whole,” he said. “We encourage vigilance and reporting to help us stop the circulation of these bills.”