SwiftCurrent

Southwest families, rural residents, and more are encouraged to take a moment next week to enjoy the outdoors or participate in one of several upcoming activities to embrace Saskatchewan's unique native prairies.

The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) has promoted the third week of June as Native Prairie Appreciation Week for more than a quarter of a century. 

Carolyn Gaudet, manager at PCAP, shared that Native Prairie Appreciation Week has been proclaimed by Saskatchewan's Ministers of Environment and Agriculture for the past 27 years.

A Swift Current man was sentenced last week on a trifecta of charges stemming from an assault that was reported a few months ago.

21-year-old Logan Giesbrecht appeared in Swift Current Provincial Court on June 4, where he pleaded guilty to three counts;

One count of assault and two counts of failure to comply with a condition not to communicate with the witness. 

Judge Jacobson granted a joint submission, and the accused was sentenced to 24 months of probation and was ordered to pay a $300 fine within the next three months. 

Hello everyone, my name is TJ. I am an approximately 8 year old Australian Shepherd mix. I am good with dogs and kids but don't do well with cats. I have a very nice demeanor and will be a great addition to most any family. I have been at the shelter for 20 days and I am just really excited to go home. If you are interested in me, please apply online or come by the Shelter to meet me.

A local non-profit is set to host a barbecue fundraiser this weekend to help fund the purchase of non-perishable food items for emergency hampers.

MyCityCare Swift Current will be set up in the Canadian Tire parking lot for the barbecue from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

A hamburger and drink will be available for $5 per person. 

For more information about MyCityCare, visit them on social media or head to mycitycare.ca.

Two years ago, more than 120,000 federal public servants went on strike after negotiations broke down.

Now, the union representing those workers is going back to the bargaining table with the government with the goal of securing greater job security and remote work options for its members.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says next week's initial meetings offer its first opportunity to present priorities identified by members, such as better wages, greater job security and stronger provisions for remote work.

This year's wildfire season in Canada is shaping up to be the second-worst on record and federal officials are warning of a dangerous summer in parts of British Columbia.

Officials with several government departments held a technical briefing Thursday in Ottawa with an update on the state of multiple wildfires and its forecast for the coming months.

That bats stayed hot, but the Swift Current 57's fell 17-8 to Medicine Hat in a high scoring game in the WCBL last night. 

Swift Current product Brody Alexandre went 3 for 4 with a run scored and 4 RBIs.

Donovan Borg scored 3 times for the 57's in the loss, while Braxton Vail went 2 for 4 and scored twice in the game.

The Mavericks built up a 9-1 lead before Swift Current's hitting made a bit more interesting in the later innings.

Saskatchewan's generosity was on full display Thursday for the Day of Caring radiothon in support of wildfire evacuees. 

The Canadian Red Cross reported receiving $643,156.30 by 5:50 p.m., with donations still flowing in and being accepted until Monday, when the final total will be revealed. The federal government's matching portion will then be added to the total.

Nutrien Ag Solutions matched donations up to $100,000 during the morning portion, and by the end of the day, up its support to $300,000.

Swift Current is far from the fire, but the wish to help is close.

In order to aid in the efforts both combatting the northern Saskatchewan wildfires and in helping those who have been affected, Swift Current is ready to not only send aid but also encourage those who need a place to stay to make use of the availability in the city. 

Swift Current Mayor, Al Bridal, confirmed that the Swift Current Fire Department still has plans to send equipment up north to aid in the firefighting relief efforts. 

People in the southwest are coming together to help fund an opportunity for a local soccer player.

10-year-old Tatenda Nyabadza has been invited to the SURF Tournament in Barcelona this fall. A family friend started a Go Fund Me for them to help with some of the costs associated with the trip.