WestCentral

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing over $53 million this year into southwest Saskatchewan’s highway infrastructure — a move aimed at keeping the province’s export-based economy on the move, with several projects set to benefit the Kindersley area.

The work includes paving, grading, culvert replacements and ongoing maintenance, with Education Minister and Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley saying the upgrades demonstrate the province’s ongoing commitment to supporting the transportation network that fuels the economy.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety agency held an update on the province’s wildfire situation and as of 1:30 p.m. on July 30, 2025, there are 57 active wildfires burning in the province. The year-to-date is 406 fires, well above the five-year average of 333 at this time.

Steve Roberts is the Vice President of Operations for the SPSA and says they are receiving wide support from local firefighters, 15 structural fire departments as well as support from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Mexico and Australia.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance is reminding residents that safe driving habits apply to more than just cars and trucks.

As summer adventures take people to lakes, trails and golf courses, SGI is urging the public to remain sober behind the wheel of any vehicle — including boats, ATVs, e-scooters and even golf carts.

“Impaired is impaired, and driving is driving. The two don’t mix, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re operating,” SGI said in a public advisory issued Tuesday.

Here are the top five most-read stories in West Central Saskatchewan from July 23 to 31, covering everything from local crime and court cases to government updates and community science initiatives. Highlights include a Saskatoon man’s arrest following a tip in Alberta, charges related to a drone drug drop near the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, a Kindersley court sentencing, new Crown corporation board appointments, and an invitation for residents to join the Big Backyard BioBlitz to help protect local biodiversity.

New legislation aimed at enhancing public safety by cracking down on street weapons and dangerous drugs has officially come into force in Saskatchewan.

As of Aug. 1, The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act regulates the possession, storage and transportation of potentially dangerous items, such as knives, machetes, bear spray and hypodermic needles, as well as substances like methamphetamine and fentanyl in public spaces.

Saskatchewan is updating its flood risk planning rules to help municipalities grow safely and sustainably.

The provincial government announced Tuesday it will adopt a 1-in-200-year flood elevation standard under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, aligning Saskatchewan’s rules with national flood planning benchmarks. The change brings the province in line with the Federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program.

The updated standard reflects a 0.5 per cent annual chance of significant flooding in any given area.

A southwest farm is one of nearly three dozen setting up to invite the public to immerse themselves in farming culture on the prairies.

The Hodgeville Colony, situated southwest of Hodgeville and southeast of Hallonquist, will participate in Saskatchewan Open Farm Days, taking place next weekend.

Eddie Hofer, a member of the Hodgeville Colony, shared that the Hodgeville Colony will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on August 9.

Ottawa's new trade minister says he's looking to sign deals in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond — and to convince businesses to actually use the trade agreements Canada has already signed.

"My primary role as Canada's top salesman is to be out there hustling, opening doors for businesses and accessing new markets," Maninder Sidhu told The Canadian Press.

"My phone has been ringing with opportunities because people want to deal with reliable, stable trading partners."

Saskatchewan RCMP say the number of residential break-ins across the province continues to decline, even as overall break and enter incidents have remained relatively stable year over year.

In its 2024 crime statistics and trends report released Tuesday, the RCMP said break and enters in RCMP jurisdiction rose two per cent from 2023 to 2024, largely due to a spike in incidents involving non-dwelling structures such as sheds, outbuildings and abandoned properties.

A homecoming in Elrose, a top NHL prospect from Macklin, a pet parade in Kerrobert, and dirt flinging east of Kindersley were just some of the things grabbing local headlines this past week.

Find those local stories below, in addition to even more photos, and also a more serious story regarding the by-election taking place later in August across the Alberta border.