Estevan

Federated Co-operatives recently purchased the remaining shares in six agricultural retail outlets owned and operated by the Blair Family Group of Companies.

FCL Vice President of Energy & Ag Ron Healey, says the joint venture with the Blair family has been a positive, mutually beneficial partnership as Co-op continues to grow its ag retail footprint across Western Canada; now four local co-ops will take over the operation of the six Blair Crop Solution outlets.

Southeast College is looking ahead to a busy and exciting fall season, with new programs, community events, and unique learning opportunities for the region.

Executive Director of Innovation and Applied Research, Tania Andrist, says the college continues to grow its footprint in the energy and innovation space. Programs such as Power Engineering are already full with waitlists, while spots remain open in Industrial Mechanics and the Electrician program.

The ongoing wildfire situation in Northern Saskatchewan has seen some progress as rain has come down and fires are cooling off. As of Wednesday, the province's fire ban covering much of the northern part of the province has also been lifted.

Vice President of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) Steve Roberts says that what were once the three most intense fires in the province, the Wolf, Shoe, and Ditch fires, are now all considered contained. This means they aren’t expected to grow, but they aren’t necessarily out. 

The Federal Government's grain monitor, Quorum Corporation has released the stats for July 28-July 31, 2025 - the last week of the 2024-2025 crop year. 

According to the report, country stocks dropped to 2.31 million metric tonnes, utilizing 44 per cent of country elevator space. 

Total western port terminal stocks dropped to 1.1 million metric tonnes, using 57 per cent of the working capacity.

Tonight, the Estevan Motor Speedway is hosting races to make up for a cancellation last week. Last Saturday, the races were cancelled, which featured wingless sprint cars and races in all classes.

Unfortunately, one class won't be coming to the track tonight, says Board Member Aaron Turnbull.

"They have a race scheduled somewhere else this weekend, so we weren't able to reschedule them. But we thought we'd give all our regular racers that we race with us weekly a make-up date to give them another shot at the points races as we lead up to the end of the year."

Estevan Dairy Queen was bustling Thursday as the community came out in full force for the 23rd annual Miracle Treat Day in support of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

For franchise owners Louise Vandenhurk and Loret Zoner, the day holds special meaning.

“It’s our 23rd annual Miracle Treat Day, and actually, it’s our personally 21st, we missed the one year because of the fire. It’s a big day, and everything from every Blizzard goes to the Jim Pattison Hospital.”

The Estevan Mermaids are preparing for a busy season and are inviting swimmers of all ages and abilities to join the club. Registration is now open, with preliminary registration closing Sunday. Additional opportunities will be available during citywide registration, and all registration is completed online.

The Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre is celebrating a summer of fully booked programs aimed at building confidence, safety skills, and emotional awareness in local youth.

Program Coordinator Rochelle Curran says both the July and August sessions of their Home Alone and Babysitting courses were a hit, with each class filling all 10 available spots. “A favorite moment for me would probably be when the kids came out and they’re waving their certificates, showing their parents they passed,” said Curran. “It’s been wonderful to watch.”

Harvest time is just around the corner with some producers already started and there are many things to keep in mind before harvest to ensure your grain can be sold into any market. Before applying pesticides as a pre harvest application, always understand the label and be aware of any restrictions that may affect the marketability of your grain.

The Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Eleanor Olszewski was in Saskatchewan earlier this week for two key announcements, including $4.2 million for the province's ag sector. 

"By building on Saskatchewan’s many strengths and investing in them, we’re helping create good jobs and grow one strong Canadian economy."