Estevan

The five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial can return to the NHL when their suspensions end "no sooner" than Dec. 1, the NHL announced Thursday.

The players, who are all unrestricted free agents, can sign with a team on Oct. 15 as they wait for full reinstatement.

Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Carter Hart were all charged with one count of sexual assault stemming from an encounter with a woman after a 2018 gala celebrating the world junior team's gold medal. All five pleaded not guilty when the trial opened in April.

The Estevan Kinette Club is gearing up for a busy fall and winter season with a variety of fundraisers leading into TeleMiracle. Krissy Wallman, the club’s TeleMiracle representative, joined the station to share details of upcoming events and initiatives.

The club’s cash calendar is now on sale for $20 each, marking its seventh year. Starting November 1, participants have the chance to win a variety of cash prizes. Wallman said, “You can contact our page or else one of our Connects” to purchase a calendar.

Farmers in the region have made significant harvest gains over the past week, but persistent rain and frost are keeping overall progress behind the 10-year average, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Harvest is currently estimated at 50 per cent complete, up 33 percentage points from the previous week.

This remains behind the five-year average of 62 per cent and the 10-year average of 60 per cent.

Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada has updated its National Drought Monitor Map now that the stats are in from August (2025).

Trevor Hadwen, an agroclimate specialist with AAFC says drought conditions improved throughout western Canada; however, eastern Canada saw conditions deteriorate significantly. 

Despite a strong bid, Estevan will not host the 2026 TELUS Cup West Regionals, with hosting rights awarded to the Regina Pat Canadians.

The Innovex Estevan Bears U18AAA Hockey Club said it is proud of the submission, which received praise throughout the selection process.

The flea beetle is a common pest for farmers and gardeners alike in this corner of the province. However, there is more to the species than meets the eye. Provincial Insect and Vertebrate Pest Management Specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. James Tansey, says that the term “flea beetle” covers approximately 5,000 species worldwide, in a subfamily called the Alticinae.  

SaskPower and the Estevan United Way marked a day of celebration as the community came together to highlight their longstanding partnership and the impact of local fundraising efforts.

The NextAcre Real Estate Grain Rush is rolling through Southeast Saskatchewan, delivering meals and thanks to the farmers who help keep the region fed. This week, the crew stopped near Macoun to visit Kory Pick, the latest Grain Rush winner.

Pick says harvest is going well this year, with strong yields and good progress. “Ah, pretty good. Good yields and we're making progress,” he shared. The warm, dry weather has helped the family push through their crops, particularly durum. “Absolutely, it has. It's let us get through a whole slack load of Durham,” he added.

It was a strong night on the ice for Estevan hockey clubs, as both the SJHL’s Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins and the U18AAA Innovex Estevan Bears picked up preseason wins on Wednesday.

Saskatchewan schools and parent groups can now apply for funding to create safe, accessible playgrounds, with up to $50,000 in matching grants available per project.

The School Playground Equipment Grant Program supports school-operated properties across the province and can be used to build new playgrounds, add equipment, or replace components on existing structures. Applications opened yesterday and will remain open until Feb. 25, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is administered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA).