Estevan

EPYC, the Estevan Public Youth Centre, is looking to launch a new program to give back to the community.

Merissa Scarlett, executive director of EPYC, said the idea was inspired by a desire to express gratitude for the community’s support.

“I know the youth and I am very thankful for the community support, and I was thinking we could start giving back,” Scarlett said.

The program would provide youth at EPYC an opportunity to show their appreciation.

The province has released its first-quarter report for 2024-2025, showing Saskatchewan's finances remain stable.

A $354 million deficit is projected for the first quarter, an increase of $80.6 million from the initial budget projection of $273.2 million.

Harvest in the southeast has been hit hard by storms, causing delays and damage. Despite these setbacks, producers have made progress, according to the Ministry of Agriculture’s latest crop report.

The storms have blown around swaths, lodged crops, and caused flooding and hail damage. So far, only 28 per cent of the crop has been harvested, up from 21 per cent last week, which is ahead of the five-year average.

Some southeast producers noted that their crops are not yet ready for harvest and hope they dry quickly to avoid issues moving into September.

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan is calling for an immediate review of the Canadian Grain Commission's bonding and licensing system to better safeguard producers.

At 11:59 on August 27, 2024 the Canadian Grain Commission revoked the grain dealer license for Purely Canada Foods and its grain operations in Saskatchewan. Farmers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta that may have unpaid deliveries with the company should contact the CGC immediately.

Fall grazing management can really ‘set the stage’ for next year’s perennial pastures. It is important to leave sufficient carry-over (litter) on pastures prior to the upcoming winter months. As much as it is tempting, overgrazing pastures in the fall period is not worth the loss of production in subsequent grazing seasons.

The federal and provincial governments have announced a combined investment of $71.3 million which will allocate over 5,000 child care spaces across the province over 2024-25.

This is part of the ongoing funding that has paid for child care spaces across the province, beginning in 2023.

The province says that so far 1,537 of these child care spaces have been allocated to new child care facilities or added to existing facilities in 27 Saskatchewan communities and 36 organizations.

A new school year is on the horizon with many opening their doors at the start of September.

The Estevan Comprehensive School is preparing for the new year with plenty of students coming back to their halls.

Principal James Jones says that he's ready to see them return to the school for the new academic year.

Saskatchewan RCMP made an arrest on Monday in connection to a series of hay bale and grass fires that occurred in the Unity/Macklin RCMP area. 

Cpl. Christopher Neufeld of Unity RCMP says they responded to over 15 reports of deliberately set hay bale and grass fires within the last month.

Unity RCMP and the Macklin Fire Department responded and worked together on the investigation.

Evidence and surveillance video from a bale fire resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Logan Sieben from Macklin on Monday.

City-wide registration brought people of all ages to Affinity Place last night, offering a chance to sign up for fall programs and get their questions answered.

As summer winds down and activities move indoors, the event serves as an opportunity to gear up for the upcoming season.

“It’s wonderful to see the kids staying active, and it’s equally important for parents to get involved, meet others, and help build our community,” said Erin Wilson, Leisure Services Manager.

"I think the league's wide open this year and, you know, we won't know until we start playing the regular season, and [it's] probably after Christmas until we know who's a real contender," noted Jason Tatarnic, head coach of the Estevan Bruins.