Estevan

Saskatchewan coal power plants have their workers buzzing with excitement now that the province has confirmed they'll be extending the plants' lifetimes past 2030. Despite a federal initiative to close those by 2030, the provincial government stated in a letter to SaskPower employees that coal power would remain a segment of Saskatchewan's power production strategy into the future.

Ken Hoste, the assistant business manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2067, talks about his reaction to those power plants staying online.

The Canadian Meat Council is warning that the Liberal government’s legislation to ease the movement of goods and services within Canada could actually undermine red meat exports.

Lauren Martin, senior director of public affairs for the organization, says the bill is raising questions about whether it could lead the federal government to recognize provincial rules for inspecting meat processing facilities as equal to federal standards.

A stolen truck, a suspended driver, and an ongoing criminal harassment investigation are among the recent files handled by the Estevan Police Service yesterday. 

Three young children were observed locked in a vehicle in a parking lot. A parent was located and spoken to regarding concerns about leaving the children unattended.

Police provided an update on an ongoing criminal harassment complaint. The matter remains under investigation and criminal charges are pending.

Gas prices are expected to be volatile as the conflict with Iran is continuing, and oil supply issues may begin to crop up. That's being looked at because Iran itself is a major oil producer, and they have mentioned blocking the nearby Strait of Hormuz, from which 20 per cent of all oil exports run.

Such a move would lead to declines in oil and gas supply and a subsequent rise in prices.

Gas Buddy's Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan says that while the situation is currently looking concerning, it's not as bad as some social media posts make it out to be.

A top federal official said fixing the payroll problems caused by Phoenix cost taxpayers more than $5 billion — and they'll keep paying extra to run two public service payroll platforms at once as Ottawa weans itself off the problem-plagued system.

Alex Benay, associate deputy minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, said the alternative to running the Phoenix system in tandem with its replacement, Dayforce, would have been worse.

"The unfortunate situation is there's no easy path," he said. "This is the one that's going to impact employees the least."

Saskatchewan's Crown corporations are reporting consolidated net earnings of $510 million for this year, slightly lower than last year.

Among the province's largest money-makers was Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan, bringing in $223 million.

Saskatchewan's big four — SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy and SGI Canada — raised $291 million before adjustments.

Consolidated net earnings were $578 million last year.

This year, the corporations will pay $240 million in dividends to the province's general revenue fund.

A survivor of a rockfall last week in Banff National Park is remembering his 33-year-old roommate, who didn't make it out alive from under the rubble, as a kind and generous friend.

Khaled Elgamal says Hamza Benhilal of Surrey, B.C., was one of two people who died after a slab of mountain gave way Thursday, raining rock down on hikers at Bow Glacier Falls, about 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary.

The provincial government has staked its claim on its energy future, with a recent letter to SaskPower employees reiterating that it would continue to operate coal plants past 2030. The province announced additional support for coal power plants earlier this year, with promises to expand the coal-powered units past their current lifespan.

Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick has been fighting to keep coal power running for the province, and was excited to hear the news.

After a tornado last week and heavy rains over the weekend, the southeast isn't past some weather systems as some of those creep in this week. We'll have a bit of a break today, but soon enough, an unsettled system will sweep through.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist Matt Loney says it'll feel a bit closer to spring over the coming week.

Wheat producers are being advised that Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYVD) has been found in two wheat fields in Northwest Saskatchewan. 

Crop Extension Specialist Quinton Cubbins says they did a couple of tests for the virus, which was found in the Medstead area, as it's earlier than they might normally see it. 

BYD Virus is spread by aphids, so controlling their population in the field is important.

Once the wheat is infected, there are no effective treatments.