SwiftCurrent

A big shift in hours of operation for a southwestern Saskatchewan Canada-U.S. border crossing will come into effect early next year.

Yesterday the Canadian Border Services Agency announced a reduction of hours for 35 ports of entry, including six in Saskatchewan and two in the southwest, beginning on Jan. 6, 2025. 

Driving through Kyle, people might spot a very merry sight. 

The yard of Scott Rein, a local resident, has been decorated, lit up, and set to carrolling for the holidays. Characters from Peanuts, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Sesame Street can be seen, along with a classic nativity display, various reindeer, and even a mailbox for letters to Santa that is counting down the days till Christmas. 

All throughout, music plays softly to help set the Christmas mood. 

Swift Current business owners and chamber members are invited to the third session of Cops & Coffee where attendees will learn all about alternative measures.

The Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce will host the event beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Innovation Credit Union building this Thursday. 

Karla Wiens, chief executive officer for the Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce, noted that they're also seeking input on other issues that the RCMP can address.

Smile Cookies are back for the season, available at all Swift Current Tims locations for a limited time to support two local non-profits.

From November 18 to 24 Smile Cookies will be for sale and all proceeds will be split between Southwest Crisis Services and Tims Camps.

Caitlin Mann, president of Southwest Crisis Services, noted that board members and staff from the non-profit have been volunteering to decorate some of the smile cookies.

The Swift Current Fire Department is encouraging safety and caution now that the snow has arrived. 

Marlene Funk, administrative assistant for the Swift Current Fire Department and emergency management coordinator for the City of Swift Current, wants to remind people that even though it's only snow, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

Firstly, Funk encouraged people to check the forecast before they head out. 

"It's about being aware of your surroundings," said Funk. "If the weather says that it's going to be snowing and blowing snow, maybe stay home."

The Stars For Saskatchewan concert series will be presenting their next performance tonight as Ryan McMahon takes to the stage at the Events Center at the Living Sky Casino. 

McMahon has been creating music for the past 25 years and is sure to put on a fantastic show for everyone. In a press release from the Organization Of Saskatchewan Arts Councils it explains that McMahon "has toured with some of Canada’s greatest rock icons Burton Cummings and Tom Cochrane and received rave reviews from audiences". 

A semi has jackknifed, blocking the passing lane at Sask. Landing according to the Highway Hotline. 

Travellers will want to proceed down the south hill at Sask Landing with extreme caution, as the semi-truck has become stranded. 

People can check the Highway Hotline to see if and when the incident is cleared. 

No word of any injuries has been reported, and no cause of the crash has been confirmed. 

Health and Addictions Minister Ya'ara Saks is looking for pitches to help young Canadians who are struggling with their mental health.

The federal government plans to distribute $500 million for projects that help young people struggling to afford private mental health care services.

The funding comes from the five-year Youth Mental Health Fund announced in the spring federal budget to tackle the stress, anxiety and depression young people are facing amid a high cost of living and global uncertainty.

Farmers across Manitoba and the prairies can now access the results of the 2024 Canola Variety Evaluation Trials, a critical resource for making informed seed selection decisions. Spearheaded by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA), this program marks the first year of province-specific program following the discontinuation of the Prairie-wide Canola Performance Trials in 2022.