Estevan

This photo was taken between Pincher Creek, Alberta and Waterton National Park. A severe thunderstorm had just passed through the area. It was still raining but the scene across the valley was amazing. We had been in the park and photographed several bears and were heading back for a break when we drove into the storm.

"Foothills of Alberta" is on display in my Gallery, in the Estevan Market Mall.

The Ministry of Agriculture's latest crop report shows that hot, dry weather has producers worried about their crops, particularly in the southern and western parts of the province.

The southeast has continued to experience hot, dry conditions, which have quickened crop development and resulted in deteriorating crop conditions, particularly where lower amounts of precipitation have been received.

Rain is needed to reduce the impact of the heat on crop yields, aid hayland regrowth, and improve pasture lands that support livestock.

With the summer still going strong any kids who want to set up a small summertime business should know how to stay safe.

This issue was highlighted earlier this week when a theft occurred from a lemonade stand operated by a child in Saskatoon. 

The Estevan Police Service's Deputy Chief Warren Morrical talks about some of the tips for parents who have a child running a summer business:

The U18 AAA Estevan Bears are gearing up for the upcoming season and are on the hunt for welcoming billet families to host their young hockey players. 

Leah Moriarty, the billet coordinator, said the boys will be between 15 and 18 years old. “A billet family takes in our hockey players to help them play higher caliber hockey. They’re moving away from home and just chasing their dreams of playing hockey.” 

The Regina Airport (YQR) recently partnered with WestJet to increase the number of domestic and international flight offerings, including regular winter service to Vancouver, Toronto, and Edmonton. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says up to half of the buildings in Jasper may have been burned after wildfires swept through the evacuated community.

Here are the latest developments on the wildfire situation in Alberta (all times are MT):

--

10:13 p.m.

Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.

A statement from the park Thursday night says up to 15 millimetres of rain has fallen in the area since midnight, leading to minimal fire spread.

The provincial government is providing Saskatchewan food banks with $2 million dollars to help Saskatchewan families.

The donation will go towards the Food Banks of Saskatchewan organization, which distributes funds to 36 food banks across the province.

The Saskota Baseball League will be holding its provincials this weekend at the Jack Harbourne Memorial Tournament, starting with games around the southeast on Friday.

The top four teams will be hosting their own games, with the games on Saturday and Sunday being hosted in Carnduff.

Vice President John Potapinski says that it'll be the first time Carnduff's hosted those.

Danny Kazam, the Saskatchewan magician renowned for his mesmerizing performances, was back in Estevan yesterday with his ever-popular magic show.

Over 125 captivated attendees filled the multipurpose room at the Leisure Centre, including the Estevan Literacy Group who joined in on the magical fun.

Kazam, a familiar face in Estevan, continues to cast his spell on local audiences. “The kids seem to enjoy it, it’s a good expense for the library, but you know the families and kids have fun with it,” explained Tracy Mathieson, Children’s Program Coordinator for the Library.

Southeast athletes have secured five medals heading into day 4 of Saskatchewan Summer Games

The Southeast boys’ soccer team won the bronze medal game 3-2 against Regina. The Southeast girls’ soccer team will take to the field in the second half of the games.

Archery recurve was another successful event, with Kenzie Bayliss bringing home a bronze in the female archery category and Hunter Kirby for the males.

Donna Sutherland, representing the Southeast and Estevan, received a bronze in bocce ball.