SwiftCurrent

Southwest motorists are being cautioned to take necessary steps to stay safe and be prepared when heading out on the highway, not only this Christmas season but throughout the winter season.

SGI is hoping to ensure all drivers get to their destinations and are able to celebrate another holiday by giving their customers a few tips about winter travel. 

Jeremy Pilon, communications consultant with SGI, noted that the two main things he tells people are to prepare themselves and prepare their vehicles.

The provincial Ministry of Social Services will again have clients who receive benefits by cheque pick up their payments at a local service centre. Social Services instituted the process last month due to the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and while the labour disruption is now over, they are opting to handle the payments in the same way due to potential mail backlogs.  

Teachers in the province are awaiting the decision of the Arbitration Board tasked to come up with the award that forms the basis of a new teachers’ contract.  

A release from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation states that he binding arbitration hearing between the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee and Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee concluded just after 6 pm on Wednesday, December 18.   

Update at 3 p.m.

According to the Highway Hotline, the Trans-Canada Highway west of Swift Current has re-opened about an hour after being closed by the RCMP.

Original story at 2:07 p.m.

You might not know him now, but that probably won't be the case for long. 

Beechy area musician Evan Baxter has big plans for the new year, which include releasing his new EP 'My Waste of Time', a release party at the Coors Event Centre in Saskatoon, and possibly pulling together his first-ever full album.

Originally born and raised in Swift Current, Baxter has been a rural kid in Beechy since he was 11 years old, he was taught that he would have to pick a trade in order to succeed in life. 

A pickup truck has just rolled on the Trans-Canada Highway in the westbound lane, near the weigh scales. 

The truck rolled in front of travellers at around 1 p.m. today. 

According to eyewitnesses at the scene, no one was injured in the incident, with RCMP and other first responders attending. 

The roads are reportedly glare ice in the area. Currently, the Trans-Canada Highway west of Swift Current is travel not recommended on the Highway Hotline. 

A semi-truck has jack-knifed in the westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway in Swift Current. 

Near the Regier Honda dealership, observers report that a second truck may be involved, as it is in the ditch. 

Travellers are asked to please proceed through the area with caution while the incident is still in place. 

Roads and highways today are travel not recommended across much of southwestern Saskatchewan. People can check the Highway Hotline to get a preview of road conditions before leaving for their destinations. 

South Sask Bus Lines is offering Twinkle Tours while supporting a local organization.

While enjoying the best Christmas decorations and lights in town, you can give back by making a cash donation, which will directly support local families in need. South Sask Bus Lines will match all donations received and provide all funds to the Salvation Army Swift Current Food Bank.

Call (306)691-2871 or visit South Sask Bus Lines to book your spot.

Pickup Location:

IPlex North Parking Lot

This weekend on the Canadian Country Showcase, we have a special holiday edition of the show! Courtney Fielder catches up with many of your favourite artists this holiday season to talk about all things Christmas, from their favourite holiday movies to how many trees they have in their homes—and so much more.

Tune in to the Canadian Country Showcase every Saturday at 12 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m., exclusively on the Golden West Country Network.

The City of Swift Current has an early Christmas gift for its residents.

Recent cooler temperatures will allow the City to open its outdoor rinks Friday afternoon for the season.

Swift Current's Parks Manager Michael Newall said they've been trying to prepare the rinks for weeks but Mother Nature had been working against them.