This time of year is often associated with a decline in mental wellbeing. Lisa Hallberg is a manager with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Mental Health and Addiction Services team. She explains the way people respond to seasonal mental health challenges depends on personal stressors and coping mechanisms.  

“There's more hours of darkness right now and cold temperatures that can make it really difficult to get outside and be active, more so than other months of the year. And it can be more difficult to practice some strategies that may help us feel better and have better mental health. So things like getting outside, connecting with others, looking after our physical health, all those things can be a little more difficult at this time of year.” 

Despite the seasonal trend, there are still plenty of ways to bolster mental health this time of year. Hallberg notes trying to identify stressors and reduce them is a good place to start.

“Find some ways to relax, find ways to be creative, maybe learn something new, spend time outdoors when we can, connect with other people, our friends, our family, our community, maybe volunteer.” 

She continues, citing the importance of looking after physical health as well. 

“Try to be mindful of what we eat, make sure we get enough sleep, make time to exercise and develop some coping skills.” 

For those struggling with mental health challenges, seasonal or otherwise, there are a variety of resources available. Envision Counselling and Support Centre as well as the Canadian Mental Health Association have offices and programming in Weyburn. Hallberg encourages reaching out to a personal support as well. 

“If a person didn't think that they could reach out on their own, they could try to enlist the help of their family doctor or a supportive family member.” 

Students can access a school counsellor, as well as Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) which has call, text, and chat options.  

Other free resources include self-referring to the SHA mental health services at 306-842-8665, this can also be referred to by a family physician. The SHA can defer to programming at other local organizations as well.  

There are remote virtual services as well, including their online therapy unit out of the University of Regina (306-337-3331) and Counselling Connect Saskatchewan. 

The Suicide Crisis Line can be reached by dialling 9-8-8, and the Health Line can be reached at 8-1-1 for confidential health and mental health education and support.  

If you suspect someone is struggling, Hallberg suggests encouraging them to reach out to these community supports and resources. 

“Maybe it's even sitting down with them and making the phone call or connecting with some online or virtual services that are available. Sometimes people need that extra support and that nudge of a supportive person kind of taking those first steps with them as they reach out for help.” 

Find more information on the SHA’s Mental Health and Addictions page.

This story was originally published on January 21, 2025: SHA provides strategies for navigating winter mental health challenges

Saskatchewan residents and visitors can enjoy a weekend of fishing without a licence as part of the province’s annual Free Fishing Weekend, running Feb. 15-17.

The event applies to all provincial waterbodies that allow sport fishing, giving families and anglers the chance to get outside and enjoy the winter season. However, all other fishing regulations, including possession limits, remain in effect. A valid Saskatchewan angling licence is required to take fish out of the province.

“In Saskatchewan, we are blessed to have some of the best sportfishing anywhere, right here in our backyard,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. “Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity to discover—or rediscover—our beautiful province and the fun of angling with friends and family.”

The province is reminding anglers to follow safety precautions, including checking ice thickness before travelling on frozen waterbodies. Saskatchewan’s Winter Ice Safety Fact Sheet provides guidelines to ensure safe conditions.

Anglers are also encouraged to review the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide for lake-specific regulations and to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by cleaning, draining and drying their gear.

Participants are urged to respect the environment by removing all garbage from the ice and disposing of it properly.

For more information, including fishing regulations and safety tips, visit saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

The Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service, in collaboration with the RCMP and the families of the victims, has released the names of the four people killed in a shooting on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation on Feb. 4.

The deceased have been identified as:

• Tracey Hotomani, 34, of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation

• Sheldon Quewezance, 44, of Zagime Anishinabek

• Shauna Fay, 47, of Indian Head

• Terry Jack, 51, of Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation

The families of the victims have provided photographs. They have also requested privacy during this difficult time.

The RCMP Major Crimes Family Liaison team and Victim Services continue to support the victims' families.

RCMP investigators have determined that the victims died from gunshot wounds. Officers have conducted neighbourhood canvasses on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation and continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

No arrests have been made.

“We are actively investigating this tragedy to piece together the details of what happened—this takes time,” said Insp. Ashley St. Germaine, senior investigative officer with Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes.

“We must be mindful that releasing more specific details could impact the overall investigation. If you have information, please speak directly with police so it can be examined thoroughly.”

St. Germaine also cautioned against spreading misinformation, saying it could interfere with the investigation and cause additional distress to the victims' loved ones.

A separate investigation into a firearm incident on Zagime Anishinabek remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP by calling 911 in an emergency or 310-RCMP in non-emergencies. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

A Saskatchewan man convicted of child exploitation offences has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following a court decision by Justice Grant Currie.

The husband of a home-based daycare owner in Marshall, Saskatchewan, will spend the next 15 years in jail for sexually assaulting two boys under the age of three and using children entrusted into his wife’s care to make child pornography shared online.

Joseph Sproull was found guilty on all eight charges related to child exploitation, stemming from a 2021 investigation.

The investigation began when the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit and the Maidstone RCMP received a report from the online application Kik that child pornography videos were uploaded on their platform. A search warrant was executed on July 14th and the Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Education was alerted the same day after it was determined a home-based daycare was operating at the residence.

Investigators say the two cell phones and two laptops found at the home were provided to police. The forensic examination involved multiple specialized RCMP units and police say they located images of unknown children being sexually assaulted by a male. Investigators believe three children were being assaulted in these photographs. Nearly 500 images were found.

During pre-sentencing, the Crown had recommended an 18-and-a-half-year sentence, while the defence had sought six years. In delivering the 15-year sentence, Currie weighed both aggravating and mitigating factors in the case.

A victim’s mother delivered a powerful impact statement in court, stating that no sentence would ever be enough to account for the pain and trauma inflicted. "The pain and trauma go beyond physical and are immeasurable," she said.

Sproull, who was employed, had no prior criminal record and was a community volunteer, will face several restrictions upon his release. He will be placed on the sex offender registry for life and is required to provide a DNA sample. He is also subject to a 10-year weapons ban and is prohibited for life from attending parks, schools, and daycares—anywhere children under 16 may be present.

Saskatchewan’s Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding is doing a trade mission of his own in Vietnam and Singapore.

This comes days after Provincial Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison went on a trade mission to India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Premier Scott Moe traveled to Washington D.C. with other Premiers to try and de-escalate the rapidly evolving tariff situation with the U.S.

“Vietnam and Singapore are two vitally important markets for Saskatchewan as we continue to build relationships abroad,” Kaeding said. “The ASEAN region is an area where we’ve seen rapid growth, and we want to continue to build on that positive momentum. Strengthening international trade relationships and diversifying our export markets are more important than ever as we look to promote our sustainable food and energy security to the world.”

Kaeding is leading a delegation to those countries to maintain and grow trade opportunities as well as promote Saskatchewan as a major player in meeting food and energy security needs of the world. The province says a portion of the mission will also focus on labour and immigration recruitment efforts.

The group will be attending the Canada in Asia Conference, which brings together stakeholders and decision makers from Canada and Asia to discuss agri-food, food security, clean technology and energy transition.

Saskatchewan has trade offices in Vietnam and Singapore.

Provincial exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region totaled $1.5 billion in 2024. Of that total, $130.6 million worth of goods was exported to Vietnam and $10.3 million to Singapore.

History was made when Laurel Feltin became Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).

Feltin is the first woman in SARM’s history to hold the role of Executive Director. Her first day was December 2, replacing Jay Meyer who stepped down.

“I feel very proud,” she says, “it’s something I’ve looked forward to for a long time in my career.”

Feltin has worked at SARM for 20 years, taking on various roles from policy analyst to being a Director of SARM’s Communications and Program Branches.

“I’ve done everything in between except for become a lawyer, an engineer, or an accountant because I would need certifications to do that.” added Feltin.

She says the vision for her first year as Executive Director is simply listening to SARM members about the current issues they face, including tariffs from the U.S., taxes, municipal revenue sharing, and the Municipalities Act – the latter she says is open for feedback.

SARM’s Annual Convention is coming up next month and it will be Feltin’s first as Executive Director. She says it will feel different.

“My plan is to be walking around that Convention and talking to people versus delivering a Convention, which was my focus before, so I’m really looking forward to getting out there and talking to the folks.” she said.

Acting President of SARM Bill Huber notes he has worked alongside Feltin for nearly a decade and looks forward to “this next chapter.”

“Having worked with Laurel these last nine years, I know first-hand the magnitude of her leadership, expertise, and work ethic. It’s my absolute privilege to continue working with her as SARM steps into this province’s next chapter—one that rural Saskatchewan will significantly influence, structure, and write.”

Two drivers were taken to hospital after a serious road accident that occurred on Feb. 13 on Highway 39, Saskatchewan RCMP said in a media release on Fed. 14. 

At about 1:15 p.m., Estevan RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 39, approximately six kilometers southeast of Midale.

Officers immediately responded along with local fire department, EMS and STARS. Estevan and Weyburn RCMP Collision Reconstruction also attended.

Investigation determined a tow truck and semi trailer collided. The tow truck driver was transported to hospital by STARS with injuries described as serious in nature. The driver of the semi trailer was taken to Estevan hospital with injuries described as minor.

Both drivers were lone occupants of the vehicles.  

Highway 39 was temporarily closed, but has since reopened.

Investigation is ongoing.

The Chinook School Division and CUPE 4754 have ended a two-plus-year stalemate at the bargaining table.

Over 160 support staff within the division were without a current deal since August 31, 2022, but a new agreement was reached on November 15. The agreement has now recently been finalized putting it into action. 

Omar Murray, president of CUPE 4754, said they used a Freedom of Information Act to find out how much Chinook was paying non-organized workers to help with the bargaining process.

"We were looking to get the salary grids between what the other groups were making because we wanted to get some sort of parity," he said. "We were the last one, so we ended up getting closer to what they were, in fact, we're a little bit above most of the employee groups now."  

Annual raises in August run from 2 to 3 per cent from 2022 to 2026. This has created some sizeable backpay for the employees that range in roles from noon supervision, custodians, bus drivers, facility operators and journeyman mechanics.

"It always makes quite a difference when you have a chance to actually get parity and a little bit of stability in your life," he said. "There's other issues going on but at least we got to solve some of these things."   

CUPE 4754 said they also gained uniform and footwear allowances and increased shift differential by $0.25 per hour. Union recognition, seniority, and sick leave adjustments were also included in the deal.

Murray said the negotiations with Chinook were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the school division has deals with SEIU West and unrepresented groups.

The new contract expires on August 31, 2027. 

REGINA–The City of Regina, and Economic Development Regina have created a program called “The Regina 25” to showcase some of the amazing individuals who work hard to make the city a better place to live, work and play.

Introduced by Mayor Chad Bachynski during the “State of the City Address” this week, the program is meant to not only recognize some great people in our city, but also some of the positive things happening economically.

“We are so excited to celebrate 25 incredible individuals who embody the spirit of our city,” Mayor Chad Bachynski said. “The leadership and talent among us is inspiring. This initiative will shine a spotlight on these extraordinary individuals and share their stories with a local and global audience – highlighting the many opportunities that Regina offers.”

This is being organized by people in Regina, for people in Regina. Its a grassroots movement which will be divided into five categories: Growers, Game-changers, Grassroots, Quick Studies, and Mentors.

You can nominate anyone, including yourself by going to “TheRegina25.com”.

All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experts, and the honourees will be announced in April.

“Regina’s unique spirit is defined by its ambitious yet humble “get-it-done” attitude,” Economic Development Regina CEO Chris Lane said. “Regina 25 honours this spirit by recognizing individuals who have transformed the community and economy, making Regina a city where people and businesses thrive.”

The deadline for nominations is March 28th.

Southwestern Saskatchewan has selected its best rink burger.

Simmie is the inaugural winner of Southwest Rink Burger All-Stars presented by SWT as they garnered 846 of the 1,535 votes in the final against Cabri.

Volunteer at the Simmie Rink, Betty Rouse called it a surprise to emerge the victor. She said looking at the size of the two communities - Cabri 413 (2021 census) and Simmie 25 (2021 census) - she wasn't expecting that result.

"Probably our locals contacted all of their kids and that's how we ended up with that many votes," she said. 

Swift Current's Treen Packers is the source for the winning burger paired with fresh buns from the Grainery Bakery in Gull Lake.

"The bun is toasted on the grill, so that's probably one of the highlights," she said. "Your cheese goes on the patty before it hits the bun. It's fresh, we have fried onions and green peppers on the side."

Rouse said hockey players will travel up to an hour to play Wednesday night hockey in Simmie, but she thinks there's an added incentive.

"I'm wondering if it's to get the burger at 10:30 at night if that's a bonus," she said. "I think some guys, that's what they look for is to come out and play a little bit of hockey and have a burger in the end."

Swift Current's biggest producer of horror and film is partnering with its most iconic venue. 

Devon Oman announced that his film company, Dead Prairies Productions, has entered into a partnership with the Lyric Theatre for all future film debuts. This collaboration of homegrown talent comes with the secondary announcement that the newest Dead Prairies Production Film, The Silver Scream, will be debuting at The Lyric Theatre later this year. 

Oman, for his part, was thrilled to become part of the long history of the Lyric Theatre.

"The thing about the Lyric Theatre here is it's a great venue and I feel like there's so much potential with this building," said Oman.

Oman will be not only debuting his films at the Lyric Theatre but will also be working with them to bring in other productions. He hopes to show other horror films and host showings of his existing filmography. 

For everything he hosts with the Lyric Theatre, ticket sale proceeds will be going to the Swift Current SPCA. Every other cent of profit, from popcorn, drinks, auctions, and raffles, will be going back into the Lyric Theatre.

"We're going to help with the Lyric Theater as much as we can," said Oman.

Oman even floated the idea of utilizing the Lyric Theatre to host an escape room, similar to the one he hosted at the SWT Lyceum Theatre in Gull Lake. The event eventually formed the basis of The Silver Scream. 

"I know it'll be fun doing another escape room potentially at the Lyric Theater," said Oman. 

The Lyric Theatre has been undergoing renovations for quite some time now. The aging venue needs money to complete renovations and has been at risk of closing due to the severity of the issues found within. 

Bob Jamison, secretary with the Lyric Theatre Board, and part of the Entertainment Committee and Productions Committee, believes that this partnership with Dead Prairies Productions can ignite new revenue and spark interest from a whole new genre of clientele. 

"We want to diversify to a large degree," said Jamison. "So we've got the music element fairly well taken care of. The theatre part is a work in progress. Plays and that type of thing are coming along as well.

"We just thought film would be just ideal and especially a proven product like Devon's where there is a following and they are very active."

Dead Prairies Productions continues what has been a meteoric ascension in popularity. This is the latest bit of growth from Oman and crew, having recently begun showing films at international film festivals and touring Canadian festivals as well. The most recent international host of a Dead Prairies Productions film was The Backlot Theatre in Perth, Australia.  

Starting with a feast tonight, the Living Sky Casino is launching into a two-day-long Powwow this weekend. 

Folks will be able to enjoy traditional drums, dancing, and regalia on display at the stockade building, steeping Swift Current in a culture that forms the bedrock of Canadian society. 

Ashley Peterson, general manager of the Living Sky Casino, invites everyone to join them in the Stockade Building at Kinetic Park tomorrow, but not before hitting up the Living Sky Casino Events Centre tonight. 

"We'd love to take this opportunity to invite everybody out to come and check out the Living Sky Casino," said Peterson. "There's no admission free, and it's for all ages."

The feast will begin at 4 p.m., with the Powwow kicking off tomorrow morning and continuing until 6 p.m. Sunday will see another full day of action concluding at 8 p.m.

The drummers are coming from all across Canada. The dancers will be wearing their traditional regalia, which is the proper term as opposed to 'costume'. Robin Dueck, marketing coordinator for the Living Sky Casino, asks that everyone please be restful when they are at the Pow Wow. 

"We ask that everybody respect that term, please," said Dueck. "There are a few protocols you have to follow at Powwow, but as long as you listen to the MC, you're good to go. 

For more information, contact the Living Sky Casino. 

There is word of another Saskatchewan international trade mission happening in the wake of the Trump tariff threat.

Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding will be heading with a delegation to Vietnam and Singapore. According to the province’s news release it will focus on natural resources, agriculture, investment attracting, collaboration in higher education, and showcasing Saskatchewan’s ability to meet food and energy security needs around the world. Among the highlights will be attendance at the Canada in Asia conference where there will be discussions on agri-foods, food security and clean technology and energy transitions. There will also be portion of the mission focused on labour and immigration recruitment.

“Vietnam and Singapore are two vitally important markets for Saskatchewan as we continue to build relationships abroad,” Kaeding said in a news release. 

“The ASEAN region is an area where we’ve seen rapid growth, and we want to continue to build on that positive momentum. Strengthening international trade relationships and diversifying our export markets are more important than ever as we look to promote our sustainable food and energy security to the world.”

This is just one trade mission out of several either planned or currently under way. Earlier this week it was announced Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison would lead a trade mission to India and the United Arab Emirates Feb. 11-19. The plan was to meet business groups, buyers and investors, and attend the Pulses Conclave in Delhi, India, and the Gulfood Exhibition in Dubai.

This week Premier Scott Moe was in Washington D.C. as part of the delegation of Council of the Federation premiers, meeting and lobbying U.S. officials including those at the White House. The effort has been in response to the threat of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports to the US, as well as recently announced 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum. Following that trip, Moe was scheduled to head to Mexico for meetings with import-export partners and Mexican government officials.

In speaking to reporters in Regina last week, Moe had indicated his ministers would be going to “markets of interest,” and he identified those markets as including India, Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, as well as European markets such as Germany or the UK.

MOOSE JAW — On Feb. 13, the Moose Jaw Police Service executed a warrant at a residence within the Lakeview Trailer Court for the arrest of Frederick Hafner on outstanding warrants.

Hafner was wanted for:

• Assault (two)
• Uttering threats
• Pointing a firearm
• Careless use of a firearm
• Possession of a firearm without authorization
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
• Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order (two)
• Failure to comply with a probation order (three)
• Forcible confinement

With the help of the crisis negotiation team, tactical response capabilities, and other MJPS units, Hafner and two other individuals exited the residence and were arrested without incident. There were no injuries as a result of the warrant execution.

Hafner made his first appearance in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Feb. 14, and had been remanded to the Regina Correctional Centre. The other two individuals were released from police custody with no charges.

“Although the MJPS appreciates the value of the public sharing information through social media that may warn citizens about potential dangers, we encourage people posting to refrain from making assumptions surrounding the circumstances of an incident,” the police said. “We ask the public to report concerns directly to the police for follow-up and verification.”

UPDATE: Saskatchewan RCMP is asking for help in a kidnapping investigation after finding the suspect’s car in North Battleford.

The red 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix was located on St. Laurent Drive around 10:30 a.m., but neither Leanna Frenchman nor the suspect was inside. Police urge residents with home security cameras to check for footage of the car.

The suspect is a male with a round face, last seen in a red sweater and jeans. If you have any information, call RCMP at 310-RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

(original story)

Battlefords RCMP are asking for the public’s help in finding 33-year-old Leanna Frenchman, who went missing during an armed robbery in North Battleford. 

Around 5 a.m., a male suspect armed with a firearm approached a vehicle with two women inside on Railway Avenue East. He threatened them before stealing the car. 

One woman got out safely, but Frenchman was still inside. Investigators believe she may still be with the suspect, whom she does not know. They were last seen in a red 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with Saskatchewan license plate 186 NSA. 

Police are actively searching for Frenchman and the suspect. If you see them or have any information, call RCMP or Crime Stoppers immediately.

Saskatchewan RCMP are asking for help in locating a woman who may have been abducted in an early morning carjacking in the Battlefords.

Law enforcement in Minot, N.D., about 85 kilometres south of the U.S.-Canada border, say they're happy that Canada is ramping up security measures to limit the flow of drugs between the two countries.

Rosanne Romanow-Read of Daisy Rose Floral Design in Regina shares tips on how to care for cut flowers to keep them fresh and make them last longer.

Swift Current may be getting a new advantage for its hotels and tourism potential.

The forming of a new Hotel Association has begun circulating in talks between Tourism Swift Current and local hotel owners. The idea is that they could utilize such a partnership as leverage when it comes to hosting events, encouraging destination travellers, and promoting tourism in Swift Current in other communities. 

Denise Wall, board member with Tourism Swift Current and economic development and tourism officer for the City of Swift Current, brought the idea up at the Wednesday Governance and Priorities Committee meeting in Swift Current. 

"We have parties that are maybe interested, but we don't know what it would look like moving forward and there is no commitment at this time," clarrified Wall.

Wall went on to state that they are hoping to design and model the Hotel Association to resemble what can be found in centres like Medicine Hat. By analyzing their policies and how they pursue their goals, Wall believes they achieve similar or even greater results in Swift Current. 

"The initial stages of exploring that idea are here, but we hope to possibly move that forward in the next year," said Wall. 

The benefits of membership for hotels would be getting to engage in promotions with Tourism Swift Current. During major events that draw in visitors, the hotels would be included in the tourist packages many would be using during their stay. Also, Tourism Swift Current would collect a destination marketing fee, and use it to go out and attract events that would encourage people to come, participate, and stay at local hotels. 

Membership would be restricted to owners and managers of locations in Swift Current. 

"I don't foresee every hotel being involved, but some of them are interested in forming an organization," said Wall. 

This is not a city-led initiative, instead being led by the board for Tourism Swift Current and interested local hotels. 

REGINA – Mayor Chad Bachynski delivered an upbeat message in his first State of the City address since taking office.

“Our city’s strength is not measured by the heights of our buildings, but by the depth of our passion and the scale of our vision,” Bachynski told the audience at the event hosted by the Kiwanis Club at Conexus Arts Centre. 

“The state of our city is strong, and you being here today means you can only go on to get stronger. It was once said that the best way to predict our future is to create it. So let’s work together to create a future where Regina is the best place to call home. That is my goal.”

Bachynski pointed to a number of initiatives that have been under way, including the new Aquatic Centre, a new transit fare system, downtown initiatives such as revitalizing Scarth Street, and the permanent emergency shelter on Halifax Street.

Bachynski pointed to road construction projects such as the Dewdney Avenue revitalization. He also reiterated an election commitment, saying he was “working closely with administration to explore options to expedite some construction projects, looking at expanded hours and nighttime construction options where they exist.”

But he also acknowledged some challenges ahead, in particular the upcoming city budget deliberations in March where administration is recommending a whopping 8.5 per cent mill rate increase.

“it is going to be a tough one, as we all know,” said Bachynski. “We’re going to have to get creative, given the rising costs of everything. Administration has presented the proposed budget for 2025, and Council will consider this in March.

“What’s clear is our city is increasing in size and complexity, and we need to continue to meet the needs of our citizens. Over the last few years, the cost to deliver civic operations has fast outpaced the budget increases. There will no doubt be tough decisions to make and difficult conversations to have, as we juggle a number of priorities and ensure that taxpayers feel they are getting value for their dollars, while also ensuring we are delivering the programs and services that our residents expect and deserve.”

Two new initiatives announced 

Mayor Bachynski did take the opportunity to announce a couple of new initiatives. One is being put forward by Economic Development Regina and it is called Regina 25.

“Regina has always been a place for growers, and now is the time to celebrate the spirit and ambition that has made Regina such a special place for so many people,” said Bachynski. “Regina 25 is a new initiative that celebrates local leaders and recognizes people who have transformed Regina’s community and economy, making this a place where people and businesses thrive. This initiative honours those who dare to grow, inspire, and lay the foundation for our city’s future.”

He said the awards are created by Regina people, for Regina people, and “spotlight the leaders who have elevated our community and economy, making our city an amazing place for people and businesses alike.” They are looking for people in the categories of entrepreneurs, innovators, newcomers, mentors, and community leaders. From those, five winners will be selected within each category with 25 winners in all.

The nominations are now open and runs to late March. Winners will be announced at a gala on April 10th. 

The other initiative is also from Economic Development Regina and is aimed at the external audience who don’t yet live in Regina but who might be persuaded to move to the city. It is multiyear campaign aimed at urban residents who have to suffer through a higher cost of living, long commutes, and other headaches.

“That’s why we’re encouraging residents in those larger cities to break up with their cities and move to Regina,” said Bachynski.

“So, we’ve done our homework. We’ve identified regions like Vancouver, Toronto, and Atlantic Canada … where people are feeling the key pain points and where Regina can be positioned as the solution. We understand Regina’s value proposition. Our city offers a rare combination of affordability, quality of life, and opportunity that makes it attractive to potential residents. The government of Saskatchewan cites more than 135,000 job openings between 2022 and 2026. Almost 1 in 5 of those openings will be in skilled trades and transport.

“This is not simply an ad campaign. This is a multi-faceted, multi-year strategy to help address Regina’s labour market gap and grow the tax base. We’re reaching out to the right people, and the strategy is designed to help us connect with people who value the things Regina has to offer, and convince them to move and stay here.”

Southwest Saskatchewan isn't unique in that tariffs would have an impact, but it may have its own unique advantages.

With robust agricultural producers, local manufacturing, and a strong oil and natural gas sector, plenty of industries have thrived in and around Swift Current. In the face of economic pressures from American tariffs and retaliatory measures from the Canadian government, these industries are going to be forced to change, adapt, and grow in new ways.

Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley beleives that finding new trade avenues and partners globally will become crucial should the tariffs continue to land, seeing as how both steel and aluminum have already been implemented.

"We as a provincial government have enhanced our footprint across the globe," said Hindley. "Saskatchewan trades with dozens and dozens of countries across the world, and we have Saskatchewan trade offices that have a presence in a number of different countries 24/7, 365 days a year helping to sell our goods."

He cited how the Minister of Agriculture, Darryl Harrison, is currently on a trade mission in India and the United Arab Emirates. He continues to meet with leaders in both business and government in an attempt to secure trade relations for Saskatchewan producers. He is also attending a pulses conclave in Delhi, India, before heading to a second conference in Dubai.

Hindley also believes that, while trade relations may be diminished, the United States is and will be Canada's most important partner in many economic aspects.

On this front, he applauded the efforts of Premier Scott Moe, who alongside other provincial representatives and other premiers, has been in Washington D.C., meeting with President Donald Trump's administration regarding tariffs, trade, and the benefits of good economic ties with Canada.

"It's pretty significant, I think, that you had Canada's premiers down there in Washington this week having these meetings as part of a group of unified leaders from Canada, in a meeting with U.S. elected representatives, and industry organizations," said Hindley. "Our premier, Scott Moe, has been a staunch defender of this province of Saskatchewan."

The same day Moe and others from Canada arrived, Trump issued tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. When asked if the Americans meant any disrespect by doing this the day Canada's representatives arrived to negotiate those very issues, Hindley highlighted how fast these issues progressed.

"The President of the United States and his administration move fairly quickly on any number of issues, and this just happens to be one of them," said Hindley. "I know that this joint trip from Canada was planned, fairly quickly to be able to get down there to get in front of key decision-makers in the United States and the White House and elsewhere, also with industry representatives.

"I think that that (those tariffs) happen regardless. I don't know if the U.S. and the Americans were thinking about that, but they're obviously trying to do things and make decisions here and implement them fairly quickly."

Hindley noted that the premiers also went to Mexico to talk trade, as it’s also an important trade partner for Saskatchewan.

A beloved Saskatchewan teacher and coach is getting support from the many people he’s helped over the years after being paralyzed in a fluke accident.

The ball is already rolling for the second Big Flat Folk Fest coming up this summer, with the recent announcement of this year's lineup, and ticket sales begin today. 

The Eastend Arts Council is presenting the 2025 event, headlined by Corb Lund, as a two-day-long festival after the huge success last year with the day-long event.

Katherine Ruschensky, Big Flat Folk Fest coordinator, noted that Lund, a country musician with a ranching background, was chosen as the headliner from an audience vote from last year.

"We're almost doubling our attendance this year and have a great lineup of thirteen artists from across western Canada and into the U.S.," she shared. "It'll be fairly similar to last year but bigger and better with more stuff going on.

The lineup for the 2025 Big Flat Folk Fest includes Kyle McKearney, Kenny Feidler, The Local Honeys, Willy Tea Taylor, Ellen Froese, Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys, Bryce Lewis, The North Sound, Last Birds, Morgan Klaiber, Carter Felker, and Mary Liv.

"We have a really fabulous festival location, Eastend is down in the Frenchman Valley so beautiful hills all around us which makes it just a beautiful way to spend the day," said Ruchensky. "There's all sorts of camping around and tons of different local food vendors will be onsite."

Popular vendors including Shaunavon's Harvest Eatery and Rafter R Brewing Company from Maple Creek will be featured at this summer's Big Flat Folk Fest, along with other special features from around the southwest.

Tickets are $140 for adults, $75 for youth ages 6 - 18, and children ages five and under get in for free.

For more information and details about this year's musicians, check out the Big Flat Folk Fest on Instagram or Facebook.

Festival enthusiasts, music lovers, and southwest residents can head to bigflatfolkfest.ca to purchase tickets. 

Several southwest writers are gearing up to take centre stage at Write Out Loud's Local Writers Night coming up next week. 

The Lyric Theatre will host the event this coming Wednesday with Bonnie Allen, Doug Cameron, Keith Leonard, Olivia Brotzell, and Chris Beuhler.

Olivia Brotzell, aspiring author and public services manager for the Swift Current Branch Library and Chinook Regional Library, noted that she completed the first draft of a modern-fiction novel that she plans to share at Write Out Loud.

"I'm excited to be sharing just a piece of the work I'm hoping to continue refining," explained Brotzell. "I'll be reading a chapter where there's a lot of action, there'll be gun fights and helicopter chases, so it's very a thrilling section I'll be reading."

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the evening kicks off with musical entertainment at 7:00 p.m. before the writers showcase their works.

Well-known writer from Frontier, Chris Beuhler, is looking forward to interacting with other authors and showcasing Ayra, his third installment in a complex science fiction series. 

"It's a story about an android that escapes a facility in Area 51, Nevada," shared Beuhler. "To look at her, you can't tell that she's not human and her learning curve is so fast that she adapts to life among people very quickly and soon forges a life for herself in our society."

Keith Leonard, a writer and podcaster from Herbert, explained that Brewing Fiction Podcast is a podcast in which he interviews writers from around the world.

"I'm going to be sharing my short story, it's entitled Wish Train," said Leonard. "I wouldn't say horror but it's suspenseful and it is dark fiction for sure, it's one of the first stories I ever wrote and published publically through Medium.com."

Beuhler highlighted that he was featured at a Write Out Loud several years ago, while Brotzell and Leonard noted that they'll be attending the event for the first time.

Admission is $8 per person and everyone is welcome to stop by Write Out Loud and learn more about the five writers and their stories.

Anyone looking for more information can contact the Lyric Theatre in Swift Current or visit their website.

Hello, I'm Holly! I'm around 1- 2 years old and have been at the shelter for 80 days. I  get along great with other dogs and I love children. I don't have much experience with cats but would likely do well. I have a very laid-back personality and love to hang out with my humans. I'm looking for a home either indoor or outdoor and city or rural would be fine! I love to go on walks and be social. If I sound like the dog for you please reach out to the Shelter or fill out a canine application on our website.

The head coach of the U of S Huskies women's basketball team has made history. Lisa Thomaidis now holds the record for the most wins in Canada West history.

Saskatoon members of the World Sikh Organization of Canada were hard at work Thursday preparing care packages for women at local shelters to be distributed on Valentine's Day.