Estevan

They have a bad reputation thanks to carrying 'weapons' on their bums — but wasps are doing more for the prairie ecosystem than most people realize. Dr. James Tansey, an entomologist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, says stinging wasps like yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets are actually important contributors to biodiversity.

Estevan will host an NHL player and Stanley Cup champion this weekend, with the Estevan-born skater stepping onto the ice at Affinity Place for a free skate. Brayden Pachal, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023 with the Vegas Golden Knights and currently plays with the Calgary Flames, grew up playing hockey in the city.

Coming back to be a part of the hockey community, even for one day, is a big deal for him, as his mother helped set up the skate.

Crops in southeast Saskatchewan are progressing well, according to the latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture, but rain is needed over the next couple of weeks to support seed development.

Harvest is top of mind for producers, with many preparing equipment and grain storage for the incoming crop.

Last week was a dry one, with only a few areas receiving notable amounts of rain. The Big Beaver area recorded the most with 21 millimetres, followed by the Radville area with 14 millimetres. The rest of the region received very little precipitation.

Métis leaders left a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday saying they're confident they will be included in talks about major projects Ottawa hopes to use to bolster the economy in the face of a trade war with the United States.

"When things really matter, Métis governments come together and we get the work done," said Métis Nation of Ontario president Margaret Froh.

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs says it's time for Ottawa to stop studying the idea of a national forest fire co-ordination agency and take action.

The organization's president wants the federal government to take inspiration from the U.S. Fire Administration to establish a similar office in Canada.

The U.S. office is part of Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, but Ken McMullen says a Canadian version could be simpler and less costly.

Gary Katrusik
1942 - 2025

Janet Fay Ehrmantraut
(née Holowaty)
1944 – 2025

Janet Fay Ehrmantraut (née Holowaty) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on August 4, 2025, at the age of 80.
A prayer service will be held on Friday, August 8 at 7:00 pm at Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9 at 10:30 am at Holy Spirit Parish, Saskatoon. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow in the welcome area of the church. Interment will take place in Torquay at a later date.

Rain in the forecast in the coming days will assist in the battle against wildfires in northwest Saskatchewan.

Steve Roberts with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) says a decision will be made in the next day or two on whether to maintain the current fire ban.

Last month, on July 26, Weyburn RCMP received several reports of thefts in the Midale area.

Upon investigation, police found that multiple vehicles and/or garages were entered and rummaged through at six different locations in Midale. Items, including electronics, tools, cigarettes, and change, were reported as stolen to the police.

A string of incidents kept Estevan police officers on alert over the past few days, including a residential break and enter, an assault investigation, and several public safety calls.

On Aug. 4, EPS received a report of a break and enter to a residence in the central part of the city. Members attended, but the individual had left prior to police arrival. Statements have been obtained and the matter remains under investigation.