Estevan

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Even with two of the rainiest days we've seen in a long time, nothing could dampen the excitement at Pleasantdale School as we surprised Mrs. Stefan’s Grade 4 class for our May Classroom of the Month delivery!

Delaney’s name was drawn, and it was perfect timing—just ahead of the May Long Weekend. The students were ready to kick off their Friday with a delicious feast from KFC Estevan and sweet treats from Southern Plains Co-op.

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

As people get ready to celebrate the long weekend, police are reminding the public to plan ahead and make smart decisions to avoid impaired driving.

"Sometimes weather deters walking, so those people just need to make sure to find a ride, find a driver, use the taxi cabs, whatever options you can. Just please don’t drive," said McMillen.

When it comes to driving, if a driver fails a roadside screening test, their licence will be suspended indefinitely and their vehicle seized. They will also face criminal consequences.

Over the past few weeks of seeding season, farmers have been keeping an eye on the sky as they were hoping it would stay clear, giving them time to get the majority of seeding done. An early rain could push back seeding for too many crops, but with no rain, they would miss out on a crucial boost for crop growth.

For better or worse, a large amount of rain has come down on the southeast, giving farmers all the moisture they asked for and more.

UPDATE:

The Saskatchewan RCMP cancelled their dangerous person alert after arresting 24-year-old Michael Bouvier near Loon Lake, Saskatchewan this afternoon.

RCMP also located a woman who was reported to have been with Bouvier against her will.

Police reported she is safe and being assessed by EMS.

The sexual assault case of five hockey players faced another major upheaval Friday, abruptly converting from a jury to a judge alone in order to avoid a mistrial that would have rebooted the proceedings for a second time in less than a month.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled to discharge the jury Friday over concerns about possible jury bias. The move came after a juror sent a note to the Carroccia indicating some members of the panel felt two of the defence lawyers were laughing at them as they came into court each day.

The Estevan Motor Speedway has cancelled their planned races for Saturday night, citing the persistent rain and the effects that the moisture has had on their track.

The weekend was set to have all classes of racing on May 17th, with a mac and cheese night at their confectionery.

We'll have any updates on whether those races will be pushed to another date as soon as they are available. Updates will also be posted on the Speedway's Facebook Page.

FAVA'S FRIDAY TRIVIA with Toe Bean Co: All cats are born with what colour eyes?

ANSWER: BLUE

The Estevan council was host to a number of proclamations earlier this week, one of which was the Estevan LGBTQ+ and Allies Social Gathering. They sought the council's proclamation for Pride Month, taking place this June. 

Stryx Dubowski, the co-founder of the group, says they were inspired to do more with the group following some activities put on by their sister group in a nearby city.