SwiftCurrent

The number of emergency department visits for pneumonia more than doubled last fall over the previous year, the Canadian Institute for Health Information says.    

The new data released Thursday said young people between five and 19 years old were the hardest hit. 

"This is actually the largest increase in pneumonia-related emergency department visits that we've seen post-COVID," said Tanya Khan, CIHI's manager of hospital data advancement and engagement, in an interview. 

Politicians in Canada are speaking out about political violence after Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event.

Prime Minister Mark Carney offered condolences to Kirk's family and friends.

"There is no justification for political violence and every act of it threatens democracy," he said on social media.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Kirk's shooting must be strongly denounced.

Two members of the Swift Current Broncos are off to get a taste of "the show." 

Defencemen Peyton Kettles and Josh McGregor are attending NHL rookie camps.

Kettles was picked by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2nd round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

He was a 1st round pick by Swift Current in the WHL Prospects Draft and is entering his third season in the league.

McGregor is a free agent invite to Carolina's camp.

When Travis Moen retired from the NHL he probably could have jumped right to a professional or junior coaching job.

Moen not only played 747 NHL games and won a Stanley Cup, but his two-way style of game often lends itself to success in the coaching ranks.

Instead, the Stewart Valley product opted to help guide his son, Carter, through minor hockey in Swift Current.

Now, as Carter climbs to the WHL, so does Travis.

Moen has signed up this season as an assistant on new Broncos Head Coach Dean DeSilva's staff.

The Local Legion Branch 56 is getting ready for the return of the Veteran of the Week Program. 

Beginning on September 28, friends, family, or interested individuals can submit a Veteran for the program. John Griffin, public relations officer for the Legion Branch 56, will then compile a write-up on the individuals who are selected, to be posted on the Legion Branch 56 website, as well as its Facebook Page. 

"In addition, the family of the veterans will receive a commemorative certificate recognizing the individual's service," added Griffin. 

UPDATE - September 11, 8:40 a.m.:

The City of Swift Current has confirmed that a second day will be needed for repairs of the watermain that broke on Wednesday evening.

Crews will be back at 16th Avenue Northeast off Chaplin Street East to finish the repairs. 

Motorists can expect a detour around the work, with that segment of road shut down for the duration of the work. 

Swift Current Online will continue to provide updates. 
 

ORIGINAL STORY - September 10, 5:35 p.m. :

The Saskatchewan Young Ag Entrepreneurs have hired Kaitlyn Kitzan as the organization's new general manager.

Kitzan, a grain and cattle producer with extensive experience in agriculture, business development, and leadership, moves into the role.

She comes in with a clear understanding of the organization and its goals, having previously served on the SYA Board of Directors.

As General Manager, she will oversee SYA's programming, partnerships, and member engagement.

Kitzan says she's honoured to step into this role with SYA.

Enrollment for the Chinook School Division this year is sitting at 6021 students.

Traffic is being slowed on the Trans-Canada Highway in Swift Current.

Crews are currently painting line work at the intersection of Highway 625 and the Trans-Canada Highway.

Speeds are being reduced to 60 kilometres per hour. Crews are occupying the north turning lane.

The Riverhurst Ferry crossing is currently closed.

The Lake Diefenbaker based ferry is currently undergoing repairs.

There is no ETA for the repairs.

People can check the Highway Hotline for updates.