Estevan

Statistics Canada released new police-reported crime figures for 2023 yesterday. The data points to a 39 per cent increase in violent crime severity in Estevan, hitting a 10-year high. 

Estevan's violent crime severity index is 163.92, up from 117.69 in 2022. This shows a 10-year peak, with the previous high set at 156.51 in 2021. The overall crime severity index for the area is up 32 per cent, from 87.25 in 2022 to 115.48 last year. Raw data indicates that out of the 1161 crimes reported last year, 313 were classified as violent under the Criminal Code. 

Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.

The park posted a statement on X late Thursday night saying cooler temperatures and up to 15 millimetres of rain since midnight had led to minimal fire activity.

The park says due to the rainfall, fire behaviour is likely to calm over the next 72 hours.

While more rain is expected Friday, temperatures are supposed to return to the mid 20s by Saturday, which the park says will lead to an increase in fire activity.

Estevan is set for a busy weekend with three provincial baseball tournaments scheduled.

The U13 AA Brewers will compete at Cactus Park. The U18 AA Tier 5 and Tier 6 teams will play at Lynn Prime Park, with some games also held at Cactus Park.

Admission is $10 per day or $20 for the weekend, valid for all tournaments.

The U13 tournament starts at 1 p.m., with the Brewers facing the Gravelbourg Lightning at 6 p.m.

Elyse Mantei, coach of the U13 provincial team, said the team is optimistic.

This photo was taken between Pincher Creek, Alberta and Waterton National Park. A severe thunderstorm had just passed through the area. It was still raining but the scene across the valley was amazing. We had been in the park and photographed several bears and were heading back for a break when we drove into the storm.

"Foothills of Alberta" is on display in my Gallery, in the Estevan Market Mall.

The Ministry of Agriculture's latest crop report shows that hot, dry weather has producers worried about their crops, particularly in the southern and western parts of the province.

The southeast has continued to experience hot, dry conditions, which have quickened crop development and resulted in deteriorating crop conditions, particularly where lower amounts of precipitation have been received.

Rain is needed to reduce the impact of the heat on crop yields, aid hayland regrowth, and improve pasture lands that support livestock.

With the summer still going strong any kids who want to set up a small summertime business should know how to stay safe.

This issue was highlighted earlier this week when a theft occurred from a lemonade stand operated by a child in Saskatoon. 

The Estevan Police Service's Deputy Chief Warren Morrical talks about some of the tips for parents who have a child running a summer business:

The U18 AAA Estevan Bears are gearing up for the upcoming season and are on the hunt for welcoming billet families to host their young hockey players. 

Leah Moriarty, the billet coordinator, said the boys will be between 15 and 18 years old. “A billet family takes in our hockey players to help them play higher caliber hockey. They’re moving away from home and just chasing their dreams of playing hockey.” 

The Regina Airport (YQR) recently partnered with WestJet to increase the number of domestic and international flight offerings, including regular winter service to Vancouver, Toronto, and Edmonton. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says up to half of the buildings in Jasper may have been burned after wildfires swept through the evacuated community.

Here are the latest developments on the wildfire situation in Alberta (all times are MT):

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10:13 p.m.

Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.

A statement from the park Thursday night says up to 15 millimetres of rain has fallen in the area since midnight, leading to minimal fire spread.

The provincial government is providing Saskatchewan food banks with $2 million dollars to help Saskatchewan families.

The donation will go towards the Food Banks of Saskatchewan organization, which distributes funds to 36 food banks across the province.