Reese Nelson

The City of Moose Jaw has announced five recipients for the 2022 Municipal Heritage Awards. 

The Collection of Distinction Award was given to the 1000 block of Connaught Avenue (East Side), also known as the Ten Commandments dwellings. Homeowners of each unit were commended for maintaining the same floor plan and front facades, while putting their own personal touches to their home through renovations and remodeling. 

The town of Assiniboia is excited to announce that they will be hosting the 34th annual Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) Awards. 

The awards show will take place Saturday, June 10 at the town's new Southland Co-op Centre arena. 

Local talent from all over Saskatchewan will be coming to participate in the festival. Well-known country artists, including The Washboard Union, will be making special appearances during the weekend.

Sharon Shauenberg, Mayor of Assiniboia, is overjoyed at the opportunity to host an event at this level. 

Moose Jaw was met with a big snowfall and winds blowing up to 67km/h last weekend. 

Brady Nelson, a local farmer based out of Mortlach, thought the snowfall could have been better. 

"[The snowfall] was okay, but there was a lot of wind. A lot of [the snow] blew into the tree lines, ditches, and yards."

Nelson compared this latest snowfall with the one that came in October.

"The snowfall we had last October was a lot better," commented Nelson. "It was heavy and wet, and it settled down nicely before the ground froze."

The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) was happy to see the big snowfall over the weekend.

Leah Switzer, executive director of the SSA, said the trails will stay open a couple weeks longer now thanks to the snowfall. 

"It really helped extend the season. We were getting to that time where if the weather continued warming up with no new snowfall, we would've started to see trails close, especially in the southern portion of the province."

The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) was happy to see the big snowfall over the weekend.

Leah Switzer, Executive Director of the SSA, said the trails will stay open a couple weeks longer now thanks to the snowfall. 

"It really helped extend the season. We were getting to that time where if the weather continued warming up with no new snowfall, we would've started to see trails close, especially in the southern portion of the province."

Moose Jaw Police Service recently released its Statistical Extract for February 2023. 

Sexual and common assaults both saw a decrease this year. Sexual assaults have gone down by 36.4%, while common assaults have decreased by 70.6%. 

However, assault with a weapon/causing bodily harm increased by 450%. There are 33 cases recorded for 2023, making a huge jump from the 6 cases reported in 2022. 

"We're not seeing an increase in assaults," remarks Police Chief Rick Bourassa. "What we're seeing is an increase in severity, which we have noted."

Moose Jaw's runoff levels are looking pretty sporadic this year, according to the new 2023 Spring Runoff Forecast. 

Moisture levels in the surrounding area range anywhere between 'well below normal' to 'above normal'. 

"It's kind of a mixed bag in Moose Jaw and area depending on where you are", commented Patrick Boyle from the Water Security Agency. 

Boyle said the South and West areas of Moose Jaw are looking drier this year, while the North and East areas are in 'normal' to 'above normal' categories. 

Moosic in the Park, sponsored by Visit Moose Jaw and Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival, is coming to Crescent Park this spring.

Bands from all over Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba will be given the opportunity to play for people in Moose Jaw. 

Ten bands will be featured in "Moosic in the Park". Each one will be performing for a half hour. 

Janie Fries, spokesperson of the festival committee, is encouraging people to come spend an afternoon in Crescent Park listening to the bands. 

The Town of Coronach has released an online learning hub for small businesses in Coronach and the surrounding area. 

The platform provides short business lessons that are accessible around the clock. 

Kelsey Manske, Community Development Officer, thought the development of an e-learning hub was the best way to support business owners in Coronach. 

"We decided to go with an e-learning platform just to make it easier for our businesses to access on their own time."

Big things are happening in Crescent Park during February Break!

The Downtown Moose Jaw Association is debuting their "Snowtorious Family Day" on Monday, February 20th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. 

Craig Hemingway, DMJA Marketing Coordinator, is excited to kick of this event. 

"We just really want everyone to spend some time with their family," Hemingway remarked. "and they can do it at no cost thanks to the Downtown Moose Jaw Association."