Estevan

The provincial government is introducing amendments to add drugs and drug paraphernalia as street weapons. The amendment will apply to The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act, expanding it to include fentanyl, hypodermic needles, and methamphetamine.  

The province says making the change would help to recognize the risks these items present to public safety. These amendments are a part of the government's plan to protect communities from illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine production, transportation, trafficking, and street use in the province.

The Estevan Legion marked Vimy Ridge Day with a special event to honour the sacrifices made by soldiers in the Battle of Vimy Ridge and recognize the contributions of local volunteers.

The crew at Great Canadian Oil Change is celebrating after being named the very first recipient of the new Business of the Month honour.

The initiative, launched to recognize the hardworking teams that keep local businesses running strong, comes with some tasty perks—including a pizza party courtesy of Domino’s Pizza.

“It’s awesome, it’s great that somebody nominated us,” said the store’s manager, Dallas Hala. “We feel very, very honoured that we're the first ones to win and that somebody took the time to nominate us for it as well.”

The City of Estevan is getting ready for yet another Operation Clean Sweep this spring, with city crews targeting the end of May for that action.

Their full plan is laid out on the City of Estevan's website, with the start of the work on May 20th.

On the first day of work, crews will be cleaning the North, South, East, and West entrances to the city, along with any outlying areas.

The next day, May 21st, will see those crews move into the city and work on cleaning out city-owned properties and green spaces, such as boulevards, medians, parks, and natural areas.

After a long winter, many people look forward to the spring weather. However, the season can bring some adverse reactions, as many people experience seasonal allergies that develop at the same time every year. 

In a written response, Medical Health Officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Dr. Stanley Enebeli, explains that these symptoms are caused by exposure to pollens from trees, grasses, or weeds. The amount and type of pollen in the air can vary depending on the season, however, pollen count is typically higher in the warmer months. 

A Weyburn man, who has been at the centre of a growing discussion around access to long-term and respite care in Saskatchewan, is expected to be discharged today from the Weyburn Special Care Home. The Saskatchewan Health Authority has directed Fred Sandeski, who has been living at the facility under respite care, to return home, despite concerns raised by his wife and supporters about the level of care he will receive there. 

The Bank of Canada left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday as it waits to get a clearer picture of how global trade uncertainty is going to impact the Canadian economy.

The central bank held its policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent, the first time it has left the key rate unchanged following seven consecutive cuts since June.

That decision arrived in the midst of the United States' ever-shifting global trade war, and Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem made clear that the disruption from south of the border was the clear focus of Wednesday’s decision.

The stage will look different than originally planned Wednesday night, when Canada's major party leaders square off in the first of two nationally televised debates.

Instead of five podiums on the stage, there will now only be four.

The Green Party had its invitation rescinded less than 12 hours before the debate is set to start, with the Leaders' Debate Commission saying the party no longer met the criteria to be included.

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault called the "last minute decision" both "unfounded" and "undemocratic."

Update:

Mason Strutt appeared by video in Regina Provincial Court today and has been released from custody.

His matters have been adjourned to May 15 at 9:30 a.m.

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Original Story:

A former Estevan Bruins player is scheduled to appear in Regina Provincial Court tomorrow to face several charges.

Racers are gearing up as the Estevan Motor Speedway is setting up the start line ahead of their 2025 season. That's opening up on May 3rd, when the speedway will host their opening night, featuring races in all classes.

President Brad Pierson says they've got plenty of work to do before the season moves forward.