WestCentral

In a historic sentence, Richard Dyke was sentenced to 17 years in prison for multiple sexual offences against children in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Wednesday. 

The sentence was handed down by Judge Brian Hendrickson is the longest sentence ever handed out in Saskatchewan for sexual offences against children. 

Dyke, 48, was in the court and sat in the inmate’s box looking down for the majority of the proceedings. 

Seeding progress around west-central Saskatchewan is moving at a faster rate than anywhere around the province.

In the Ministry of Agriculture's latest local crop report released Thursday, it was shared that seeding in the region is 81 per cent complete. That represents a 38 per cent jump from one week ago and is well above the five-year-average of 60 per cent.

With nice weather expected this weekend, more people will likely be spending time outdoors.

It's the time of year where people need to be aware of ticks, most commonly found in areas with tall grass, brush, and wooded areas. Anyone who spends a considerable amount of time outdoors in these conditions is susceptible to ticks, and that goes for your pets too.

ROSETOWN, Sask. — A former Saskatchewan MLA grew visibly agitated on the stand Wednesday as the high-profile human trafficking and sexual assault trial of two rural restaurant owners continued in a Rosetown courtroom.

Hugh Nerlien, who represented Kelvington–Wadena from 2016 until 2024, was cross-examined by defense counsel about his involvement in the case. At one point, he accused the lawyer of seeking a “gotcha moment,” prompting multiple reminders from Judge Martinez to remain composed and respond directly.

The union representing about 55,000 Canada Post employees said the latest offers from the postal service "fall short" with hours to go until a looming strike deadline.

Canada Post meanwhile said Thursday it's already seeing mail volumes decline ahead of another possible labour disruption and is pushing for an urgent resolution.

Spokesperson Lisa Liu said Canada Post hasn't yet received a response from the union about its proposals issued a day earlier.

The postal service is ready to resume bargaining "as soon as possible" with a mediator at the table, she said.

Rainy skies have been hanging around since the long weekend, but don't worry, a jump to nicer weather is right around the corner.

Current gloomy skies are being caused by a stalled system along the southern edge of the province, making for isolated thunderstorms coming from the east, and even funnel cloud risk for parts of southwest Saskatchewan. West-central has been lucky enough to stay free from the brunt of the rain showers even though the storm has been working hard to move its way west.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health sent out an alert Tuesday evening about potential drug overdoses in Swift Current, including a fatal one.

According to the alert sent on the Alertable app, one death was a result of an overdose, while surviving cases have required hospitalization.

Hutch Ambulance received multiple suspected overdoses reported on Tuesday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

"Dangerous drugs are in the area: drug sold as 'molly' (MDMA or ecstasy) contains unknown opioid," the alert said.

More than 1,100 community organizations across Saskatchewan received a boost in the fourth quarter of 2024-25, as Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) distributed $2.1 million in charitable gaming grants.

WILKIE, Sask. — RCMP in the Wilkie area responded to a range of calls last week, including mental health concerns, trespassing, and a roadside suspension, according to the latest police report.

Wilkie RCMP say they received two separate complaints under the Mental Health Act between May 13 and 19. In one case, officers transported an individual to Battlefords Union Hospital for assessment. In the other, members spoke with the person involved but no further action was required.

In the heart of FOUR Saskatchewan communities – SPIRITWOOD, NORTH BATTLEFORD, UNITY and KINDERSLEY you will find a thriving, yet humble Family Owned & Operated Business – Guy’s Furniture & Appliances!

Founded in 1958 by Guy Houle, the Family business began in a modest space in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan. Today, the second generation of Houle’s Jerry & Larry continue to run thriving businesses in FOUR locations that proudly serves most of Central and Northern Saskatchewan