SwiftCurrent

June was another tough one for rain in 2025.

Swift Current had its 11th driest June on record, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada. In total, only 24.1 millimetres of the annual regular 91.7 millimetres fell. That means the region only got 24 per cent of its usual precipitation. 

According to Brian Proctor, a meteorologist with ECCC, the lack of precipitation comes amid lower temperatures for much of the month. 

A new set of wheels will be helping save lives in Herbert and area. 

The RM of Herbert Fire Department has a new medical support vehicle, which looks very similar to an ambulance. While this unit does carry life-saving equipment, it is not kitted to transport individuals. 

Brad Cornelson, fire chief for Herbert Fire and Rescue, says the 2018 GMC was originally a retired ambulance they brought back online. 

"We got it converted into the first responder rescue van," said Cornelson. "We got it two months ago."

One of two local men charged in a drug and weapons bust that took place this past winter was sentenced earlier this week on duo of charges.

Swift Current's Anthony Clark appeared personally in Swift Current Provincial Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty on two of three counts;

One count of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and
One count of possession of a weapon in the form of a replica Beretta airsoft gun.

Company works with the Farming Smarter Association as it searches for options other than the century-old Russet Burbank variety

Russet Burbank has been the go to potato variety for Canadian farmers and consumers.

This year, McCain Foods in Chin, Alta., has entered a corporate partnership with the Farming Smarter Association to explore the viability of other varieties in its food processing plant for farmers to consider.

Farming Smarter is using one of its commercial plots to do a research trial growing four varieties using six treatments.

One-time grant from Alberta government to help applied research associations upgrade equipment, facilities and infrastructure

Alberta’s government has provided a one-time grant of $3.2 million to 12 applied research associations across the province.

This capital funding will enable the research associations to upgrade equipment, facilities and infrastructure.

With the additional funding, the research associations will be able to address pressing capital equipment issues.

A large contingent of RCMP vehicles and emergency services has swarmed a rest stop area along the Trans-Canada Highway Thursday morning in southwestern Saskatchewan.

At least half a dozen RCMP vehicles and two fire trucks are on the scene about seven kilometres east of Piapot.

Police have blocked off the rest stop to the public and appear to be surrounding an RV.

Swift Current Online has reached out to the RCMP for comment on the incident. 

A reminder to be monitoring water sources on a regular basis right now.

With temperatures increasing across the prairies livestock producers should be on the lookout for blue-green algae in dugouts, lakes, and reservoirs. 

Blue-green algae are naturally occurring bacteria that can be present in water bodies and commonly occur during calm, hot weather in water bodies with shallow, slow-moving, or still water that has sufficient nutrients. 

The proposed merger between Bunge and Viterra was finalized on July 2nd.  

According to the company's website, the new company marks the creation of a premier global agribusiness solutions company for food, feed and fuel. 

Bunge’s Chief Executive Officer Greg Heckman says it’s a defining moment for our company and our global team as we complete this transformative business combination.

Airports were returning to normal operations Thursday after Canada's air traffic control service said some received bomb threats early in the morning.

Nav Canada said the early morning threats affected airports in Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver.

RCMP in Richmond, B.C., said they received a report of a threat at the Vancouver airport's Nav Canada control tower around 2 a.m. local time. The tower was evacuated and no threats were found after a search, the force said in a press release.

The Wild West Mud Bog roared to life near Leader last Saturday, after being initially postponed.

Austin Dillman, one of the organizers of the mud bog was happy to see a decent turnout.

"Probably had about 20 trucks, so it was a fun filled afternoon," says Dillman. "Probably around 300 people [attended] this year."

Dillman also said that pictures from this year's event will be posted on the Wild West Mud Bog Facebook page.

The organizing committee is already planning the next event for the summer of 2026.