WestCentral

YORKTON, Sask. —Those affected by quarantines and eradication policies want more financial assistance from the federal government.

Efforts to trace the bovine tuberculosis case discovered last fall have put several farms in quarantine and under financial pressure.

The positive test found on a Saskatchewan cow at slaughter Nov. 29, 2024, brought with it numerous ramifications as a result of Canada’s tracing policies to ensure continued trade under international animal health rules.

Cenovus Energy is responding to a well release at the Rush Lake 2 thermal facility, about 80 kilometres south of Lloydminster.

Air quality is being monitored in the area and nearby residents are receiving updates about current conditions. One family has been evacuated from their home—Cenovus says it is a cautionary measure.
As part of the response to the incident, Cenovus is injecting water into the well. This is creating a visible plume near the injection site comprised mainly of dirt and water vapour. There is also an increased odour.

RCMP in Warman are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved in a disturbing sexual offence south of Saskatoon.

On May 9, at around 12:30 p.m., police received a report of an incident at a business located off Highway 762. Investigators say an unknown adult male lured a child under the age of six to a secluded area on the property and exposed himself.

The offence was interrupted by the child’s family, and the suspect fled into a nearby wooded area. Police say the child was not physically harmed.

Living in Saskatchewan, you've either been on the receiving end — or you've given — a wave to every passing car.

For those unfamiliar with the gesture, I asked the all-knowing internet to break down the meaning behind this simple but powerful action.

Purpose Behind the Farmer's Wave:

1. Community Acknowledgment: It’s a way to recognize fellow community members, showing that you see and respect them.

The Kindersley Wildlife Federation welcomed families to its Family Range Day on Saturday at the Kindersley Gun Range.

Visitors were invited to try out a variety of shooting ranges free of charge, including archery, trap shooting, rifle, and pistol stations. All equipment, including firearms, bows, and ammunition, was provided by the federation, and participants were supervised by licensed individuals, meaning no personal firearms licenses were required.

A distinguished professor emeritus in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba will be invested into the Order of Manitoba this summer.

Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, an engineer and agrologist, has received multiple awards for his 30-year research and teaching career. He conducts research related to drying, handling and storing of grains and oilseeds and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the Agri-Food industry.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his new cabinet today.

One of the new faces at the cabinet table will be 59 year old Heath MacDonald an MP from Prince Edward Island, as he takes on the role of Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister.

MacDonald was first elected as an MP in 2021 after previously serving in the Provincial Legislature

Kody Blois, who was appointed ag minister in early March following Carney's leadership win i
 was left out of cabinet.

Other key ministers of note relating to the ag industry :

A black bear spotted Monday morning in a tree in Regina has been euthanized. 

The Public Safety Ministry, which now oversees conservation officers, said the decision was made because of complications.

"The officers attempted to immobilize," the ministry said in a statement. "However, due to complications, the officers had to make the difficult decision to take it to a safe location outside the city where it could be humanely euthanized."

Prime Minister Mark Carney is giving his cabinet a major shakeup, moving several key players involved in Canada-U.S. relations into new positions and promoting 24 new faces to the front bench.

Carney's cabinet — 28 full ministers and 10 secretaries of state — retains prominent figures from former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government, including Dominic LeBlanc, Mélanie Joly, Chrystia Freeland and François-Philippe Champagne.

A Saskatchewan court heard sharply divided final arguments Monday morning as the defence and Crown traded blame for delays in a human trafficking trial now approaching the Jordan ceiling for unreasonable delay.

The accused, Mohammad Masum and Sohel Haider, were arrested in June 2023 and are charged with human trafficking, while Masum faces additional charges of sexual assault. The trial, which began with expectations it would be completed in five days, has now stretched well beyond that estimate, triggering a Jordan application by the defence to stay the charges.