Estevan

A prestigious award has been put forward for an Estevan hockey player following a strong season.

Defenceman Cameron Allard, a member of the U18 AAA Great North Bears, was awarded the Adam Herold Memorial Award which goes to the top blue-liner in the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League.

Allard is the first Bear to win the award and did so with a season that saw six goals and 30 assists in 44 games.

The Bears themselves had a middling season over 2024-25, securing a 22-19-3 record over 44 games played.

Saskatchewan’s government says it will ride a strong economy to a projected razor-thin surplus in next year’s budget, but turbulent headwinds of tariffs could ultimately blow a billion-dollar hole in the spending plan.

Finance Minister Jim Reiter tabled the 2025-26 budget on Wednesday. It projects a $12-million surplus this fiscal year and even larger surpluses in the years that follow.

However, it doesn't put aside money to offset potential massive losses, as Canada fights an ongoing trade war with the United States and faces one with China starting this week.

The Redvers Rockets capped off their season with a Big Six championship victory, securing the league title with a 6-2 win over the Moosomin Rangers.

Head coach Brian Magotiaux said it was exactly the kind of game they expected.

The federal government has announced that they will be repealing the consumer side of the federal carbon tax, with an Order In Council imposed to remove that starting March 31st. The move comes as another hike in the tax was expected to go through on April 1st.

While the change in prices may come once the month switches around, for now, GasBuddy Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices won't see drastic changes right away.

The Estevan Bruins celebrated the achievements of their players, staff, and volunteers during their annual awards night, recognizing standout performances throughout the season.

Ewan Rennie emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the Most Valuable Player award, the Top Scorer award, and the Iron Man Award for his durability and consistency.

Kaelen Whittingham was named Defenseman of the Year and also received the Abe Berday Memorial Scholarship, highlighting both his on-ice contributions and academic achievements.

As spring approaches and road conditions improve, police are reminding motorists to follow traffic laws—particularly when it comes to making complete stops at stop signs and traffic lights.

"Even though an intersection is controlled by traffic lights, you are required to make a full and complete stop and proceed only when it’s safe to do so," said Officer Craig Bird. "Rolling stops are illegal. Disobeying a stop sign or red light can cost you $250."

Saskatchewan is set to table its budget today outlining the province's plans to boost spending on health care, education and crime reduction. 

Premier Scott Moe has said increased investment in those areas is meant to reduce surgical wait times, improve Grade 3 reading levels and make communities safer. 

Moe has also pledged to freeze the education property tax while providing more money to municipalities. 

This is the Saskatchewan Party government's first budget since Moe was re-elected premier last fall.

Estevan Chamber of Commerce will host the 60th Farm Family of the Year Banquet on Friday, March 28th at the Beefeater Plaza. The evening starts at 5pm with supper at 6 and the rest of the full nights agenda to follow. Guest speakers will be in attendance and 4H speeches will be presented to the crowd as well. The Farm Family of the Year Award will be presented at 7pm.

Tickets are available to the public until 5pm Wednesday, March 19th. Register online of call the office 306-634-28-28.

Canada has a new Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister after Mark Carney took over as Prime Minister last week. Kody Blois, an MP from the Nova Scotia riding of Kings-Hants has been tapped for the role.

Blois says he has plenty of experience in the industry being raised in an area where agriculture is important.

Canada has a new Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister after Mark Carney took over as Prime Minister last week. Kody Blois, an MP from the Nova Scotia riding of Kings-Hants has been tapped for the role.

Blois says he has plenty of experience in the industry being raised in an area where agriculture is important.