Estevan

Protests during the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alta., may be starkly different than demonstrations happening this week against immigration crackdowns in the United States.

A University of Toronto research group that has been monitoring the meetings of world leaders since 1998 says its analysis shows Canadian protests are more peaceful and smaller.

But similar to the recent demonstrations in Los Angeles, they're likely to be against the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Updated story 11 a.m.

Financial support for the Canadian Red Cross and wildfire evacuees in Saskatchewan is pouring in.

By 9:50 a.m., $86,880.20 has been donated during the Saskatchewan Day of Caring radiothon. That mark includes a $25,000 donation from Saskatoon Co-op.

Nutrien Ag has pledged to match up to $100,000 in donations - this hasn't been included in the 9:50 a.m. total update. The federal government's matching donation for the final total isn't included in the $86,880.20 raised either. 

The Canadian Institute for Health Information says more surgeries are being performed than before the pandemic — but wait times have still grown longer. 

The report released Thursday looked at wait times for hip and knee replacements, cataract procedures, cancer surgeries, MRIs and CT scans in 2019 and in 2024.

Building permits saw another strong period of growth in Saskatchewan as the latest Statistics Canada figures indicate a 31.5 per cent increase from April 2024 to April 2025. The total value of those building permits reached $290 million in April 2025.

"The continued rise in building permits demonstrates how our strong economy is delivering for Saskatchewan people," said Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding. "Our stable business environment and competitive incentives are bringing jobs, investments and opportunities to everyone who calls this province home." 

In the wake of sharp criticism from Saskatchewan’s Ombudsman about delays and deficiencies in the government’s wildfire evacuation response, Premier Scott Moe announced new supports for displaced residents on Wednesday, while acknowledging the province must do more to help affected families. 

Leo J. Olheiser
1940 -2025

Assaults nearly tripled in Estevan last month, prompting police to monitor a broader rise in crimes against persons, which are up 13 per cent compared to the five-year average.

So far in 2025, there have been 73 reported crimes against persons, compared to the five-year average of 64.

Estevan Police Chief Jamie Blunden said the spike is largely driven by a rise in assault cases, which increased from eight in May 2024 to 21 in May 2025.

Stacy Kelly Severight Kakakaway
1985 - 2025

Stacy passed away in Regina, Sask. on May 30, 2025 at the age of 39.

The Wake will commence at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025 at the White Bear Community Hall, White Bear First Nations, Sask. The Traditional Feast will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the same location, followed by the Funeral Service. Burial will take place at Kakakaway Cemetery.

It was a strong showing for Estevan hockey programs during this year’s Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Draft, with several local players hearing their names called and the Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins adding a number of promising young prospects to their organization.

The Bruins made five selections in the 2009-born draft. With the fifth overall pick, they selected forward Ramy Borowsky from the Tisdale Trojans. At 18th overall, they chose defenceman Orsen Poll from the Yorkton U18 AAA Maulers.

US-produced alcohol is making its way back into Saskatchewan stores as the province has rescinded the earlier ban on beer and liquor products. The ban was put in place as a response to a 25 per cent steel and aluminum tariff on Canadian imports.

Now the ban is coming off, and the provincial government is sending out a statement to explain the decision: