Weyburn

While farmers are out in the field harvesting this year's wheat crop, research scientists and breeders involved in the Canadian National Wheat Cluster are working on improving the crops' long-term sustainability in the cropping rotation.

Funding for the work being done by the Wheat Cluster comes through the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC).

The CWRC is a collaboration of the three producer wheat commissions across Western Canada, the Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and Manitoba Crop Alliance.

A book sale was held last week at the Weyburn Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, with books donated by Blue Earth Environmental.

The event raised $1143.25, all from donations from about 100 people who visited the branch for the sale. 

This week's crop report shows farmers have made good progress with the harvest despite scattered storm activity around the province.

Crop Extension Specialist Tyce Masich says the harvest is most advanced in the Southwest where 44 per cent of the crop is now in. That's followed by the southeast with 28 per cent, the east central with 25 per cent, the west-central with 15 per cent, the northeast with 12 per cent and the northwest with seven per cent. 

The search for a new Chief of Police in Weyburn is over. In a release issued Friday morning, the City of Weyburn confirmed interim Chief, Brent VanDeSype, will take step into the role effective September 1st. 

"We are thrilled to have Interim Police Chief VanDeSype step into the role of Police Chief," said Ron McCormick with the Weyburn Police Commission in the release. "His leadership during his time as Deputy Police Chief and Interim Police Chief has been outstanding, and we are confident that he will continue to strengthen the Weyburn Police Service."

Two men were arrested Wednesday after a search warrant was executed at a home in Stoughton by members of the RCMP from the Fillmore detachment, and the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team based in Yorkton. 

During the search, officers located a firearm, two airsoft firearms, ammunition, a small amount of cocaine, paraphernalia used in the trafficking of drugs, and cash.

Hunters in Saskatchewan since 2022 have been required to get permission to hunt on farmers' lands.

According to the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipality's Acting President, Bill Huber, this legislation was a much-needed change.

"It's unfortunate that you get just one or two people out of hundreds and some damage occurs on property, that's unnecessary and it spoils it for everyone, so SARM supported the legislations and the Trespass Act, and we supported it," he commented. 

While the calendar is heading into September soon, it won't feel like the end of summer here in the southeast just yet, with the long weekend ahead calling for nothing but sunshine and temperatures in the high 20s, and even hotter next week.

Southeast College will soon accept applications for their Primary Care Paramedic program running in 2025 being held here in Weyburn. Southeast College’s vice president of communications and strategic enrollment Sheena Onrait shared the details surrounding the applications for the program. 

Weyburn athlete Cooper Knox was selected to the 15U Team Saskatchewan. He’s back in town after competing in the Ray Carter Cup in Laval Quebec.  

“The experience was once in a lifetime not very many people get the chance to go and show off their showcase skills in a national wide tournament it was awesome.” 

A no hitter was thrown by Team Saskatchewan in the quarter finals against Ontario. In the end they fell 4-2 in the bronze medal game. 

The provincial ban on the pruning of elm trees ends this weekend.  

The ban goes into effect on April 1st of each year and ends on August 31st. Its purpose is to help reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease, which is spread by the elm bark beetle.  

The beetle is attracted to the fresh scent of cuts in elm trees and is most active from April to August. This is why the pruning ban is in place for that period.