WestCentral

SaskAbilities has some exciting new technology being implemented.

In the modern age, the training of employees is something that continues to evolve. The same thing is happening at SaskAbilities, which has been utilizing Virtual Reality. 

During a presentation at Swift Current City Council on Sept. 30, 2024, Dillon Currie, community connector for SaskAbilities, was able to shed some light on how they are helping their clients find meaningful employment with training on these new devices. 

With flu season quickly approaching, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has begun accepting bookings for immunizations. Appointments can be booked through the SHA Patient Booking System at www.4flu.ca, or by calling 1-833-727-5829. 

The clinics will be starting the week of October 15th at multiple locations across the province. 

According to the mid-year farmland values review by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Canadian cultivated farmland values rose by an average of 5.5 percent in the first half of 2024. This increase reflects a 9.6 percent rise over the 12 months from July 2023 to June 2024, although it marks a slowdown compared to the previous year. J.P. Gervais, FCC's chief economist, remarked, “Farmland values increased at a slower rate, yet 5.5 percent growth in six months is still a very strong number.”

As temperatures begin to drop, it's time for Saskatchewan drivers to start thinking about switching to winter tires. While some Canadian provinces mandate winter tires by a specific date, Saskatchewan relies on its unpredictable weather to signal when it's time to gear up for winter driving.

As winter approaches, it's important to book your tire change early. Once the first frost hits, tire shops tend to get busy, and waiting too long could leave you unprepared for the inevitable winter weather.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was not allowed to speak in the House of Commons Tuesday as his public feud with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly spilled into a second day.

House Speaker Greg Fergus delivered the penalty to Poilievre in the morning, a day after he asked the leader of the opposition to withdraw a remark accusing Joly of pandering to supporters of the terrorist organization Hamas.

With the colder season on the horizon, making sure your car is ready to roll should be a top priority for drivers.

Christine Niemczyk, Director of Communications for CAA Saskatchewan, says there are plenty of considerations people should make before rolling onto winter roads.

On the evening of October 7th, 2024, the skies over Saskatchewan lit up with a stunning display of the northern lights (aurora borealis), creating a mesmerizing spectacle for skywatchers across the province. Initially expected to arrive over the weekend, the dazzling light show was delayed until Monday night, providing an unexpected treat to those who ventured outside.

Saskatchewan is celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) this October, as proclaimed by the Provincial Government. DEAM serves as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of individuals with disabilities and to highlight the importance of inclusivity in the workforce.

Saskatchewan residents can expect dry and pleasant weather this week as the province continues to experience above-average fall temperatures. However, while the forecast calls for some minor disturbances, these brief weather events are not expected to bring enough rain to improve soil moisture levels significantly.

As of October 1, 2024, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage rose to $15 per hour, the final step in a planned increase over the past several years. While the wage hike is being seen as a positive move for workers, the ripple effects are being felt across West Central Saskatchewan, particularly in industries that were already struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.