Estevan

The federal government is trying to secure extensions through to 2031 for its national $10-a-day child-care program ahead of an expected election, but is already facing a few snags.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday that 11 provinces and territories have agreed to extend the deals that give those jurisdictions billions of dollars to cut child-care fees for families.

Canada cannot go back to making families pay the equivalent of a mortgage payment for child care, he said.

With U.S. President Donald Trump implementing 25% widespread tariffs on Canadian products this last Tuesday, Canadian agriculture and the canola industry is preparing for the repercussions and weighing their options ahead of the 2025 growing year. The focus now shifts to not only restoring trade relations between Canada and the U.S. but also looking at ways to improve the industry both internationally and domestically.

The Benson 4-H Beef Club hosted the District 1 4-H Public Speaking competition on February 23, 2025, showcasing the talent and dedication of young speakers from across the region. A total of 28 speakers participated, representing several 4-H clubs: Cymri 4-H Beef Club, Browning 4-H Multiple Club, Outram-Madigan 4-H Beef Club, Benson 4-H Beef Club, Crossroads 4-H Multiple Club, and Steelman 4-H Beef Club.

Graduates of post-secondary programs in Saskatchewan are now eligible to receive up to $24,000 in tax credits through the Graduate Retention Program.

The lifetime maximum under the program has increased by 20 per cent for students who graduate on or after Oct. 1, 2024.

The program offers tuition rebates to graduates who live and file taxes in Saskatchewan after completing their post-secondary program. Graduates receive the tax credits over a seven-year period and have up to 10 years after graduation to claim the credits or apply any unused amounts.

With the weather warming, ice safety is critical for anglers looking to enjoy their last days of ice fishing. The season ends in the southeast on March 15th, and thanks to recent warm temperatures, it's unknown if the ice will be usable for much longer after that.

Although ice may seem safe while it's cold, Saskatchewan Conservation Officer Braden Chenruy says that even if there's a cold snap later in March, people still need to be cautious.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that pauses tariffs on some Canadian imports linked to the auto industry that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, and also lowers levies on potash to 10 per cent.

The order, read out in the Oval Office on Thursday, says the tariff relief is linked to maintaining the flow of parts to American car manufacturers and to helping farmers.

It was not clear exactly what would be included in the exemptions.

Estevan police responded to multiple incidents over the past few days, including a report of mischief at Estevan Comprehensive School, two impaired driving arrests, and several compliance checks on individuals bound by release conditions.

Estevan liquor stores are seeing a bit of change as the province will no longer be buying American liquor due to the recent tariffs. That means Saskatchewan liquor retailers won't be able to buy American products from the provincial distributor, effectively keeping those from being restocked.

Southern Plains Co-op Liquor Store Manager Brittany Zahn says that she wasn't surprised at the announcement and the response has been quick.

The US and Canada are now battling it out in a trade war with the States hitting us with 25 per cent broad tariffs, with the federal government responding with a targeted list. The provinces are also getting in on the action, with Saskatchewan announcing some of their own measures yesterday.

That included a stop on the provincial distributor for liquor buying US alcohol and a plan to study SaskBuilds projects and see where the province can buy more Canadian.

One day after he had what he describes as a "colourful call" with U.S.