Economic Development Regina is also launching The Regina 25, a program meant to highlight 25 people laying the foundation for the city's future.

In the modern Canadian classroom, many tools, resources and products are sourced from the United States. 

One of the biggest, literally, is school buses. Minister of Education, Everett Hindley, highlighted the fact that the price of the big yellow transports has been going up since the pandemic. 

"I did meet with the Chinook School Division back in late January, and one of the items we did talk about was the renewal of the school bus fleets and how the cost of those, even pre all the conversation around tariffs and what's going on with the United States right now, has gone up substantially."

One of the biggest problems with approaching tariffs is that they will immediately ratchet up the cost of the buses. Hindley beleives that the budget will not withstand that particular blow. 

The main issue, according to Hindley, is that there is no Canadian manufacturer of school buses. All the major brands, Blue Bird, International, and Thomas Built Buses are United States-based brands. Micro Bird is a Canadian subsidiary of Blue Bird and is the closest thing to a truly native manufacturing company.

"There's the potential impact that it might have on us and on local school divisions," said Hindley. "That's just one example that can have a negative impact on our dollars, and them not being able to be stretched as far in the education system."

Even the notion of using the existing budget, which is under strain not only from bus prices but a host of other monetary entanglements, to buy up a stockpile before the tariffs increase the price is not feasible on a production scale. 

"I think there's a bit of a lead time that needs to be needs to be factored into it to order the buses," said Hindley. "In addition to that, I know when they do get school buses here they're not ready to hit the road right away. Sometimes these buses are built more for city routes. They are not outfitted to be travelling down grid roads."

For now, Hindley and the rest of Canada will wait and see how things play out between the federal government and the Donald Trump-led U.S. administration. 

Nearly three years after the murder of Leslie Victor John Whitebear, a suspect is in custody.

Edmonton police arrested 27-year-old Amiir Abdullahi Hussen today in connection with the case. 

Whitebear was found critically injured outside a home on Davidson Crescent in Regina on March 15, 2022, and later died in the hospital. Regina Police Service’s Major Crimes Unit investigated, leading to a second-degree murder charge against Hussen. 

He remains in custody in Edmonton but will be sent to Regina to appear in court. Regina police thank the Edmonton Police Service for their assistance in the arrest.

Concerns about the need for a new overpass did not go under the radar at Wednesday's Governance and Priorities Committee.

Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal spoke to the concerns being raised locally about the Highway 4 railway crossing in Swift Current. He acknowledged that the January 23rd delays caused by a train that broke down were unfortunate, but that ultimately the City has not altered its stance on the matter. 

In a later interview, Bridal explained that when it comes down to it, the rail companies own their tracks and yards since they built the tracks in the 1800s.

"They got special permission when they decided to put the rail line across Canada," explained Bridal. "They own the rail lines, and they make it quite clear that they did not build through the City of Swift Current, but that the City of Swift Current built around them." 

Furthermore to that point, Bridal highlighted how when they built the new bunkhouse, visible just off North Railway Street East, they didn't even need to get a permit. 

"They don't have to have a building permit because CPKC has special rules and regulations for what they can do on their land," said Bridal.

Bridal admitted that early on in his first term as Mayor, CPKC, Canadian Pacific at the time, had expressed they would be willing to cover part of the cost for an overpass.

"CP had talked to me a few years back and said they would be interested for a certain amount," said Bridal. "But the amount wasn't anywhere near what it would take to build the overpass." 

Bridal estimates the cost of the overpass to be $50 million, based on the recent tendering of a similar overpass project on Regina's Ring Road. 

As it stands, there is no interest from the provincial government, municipal government, or CPKC to get the Highway 4 overpass built. Bridal encourages everyone to use the 2nd Avenue Northeast overpass.

He went on to express that concerns about fire trucks or other emergency vehicles being unable to use the overpass are untrue and that it is rated for the fully loaded fire trucks to utilize. 

"I hear the things about the ambulance, and the fire trucks, coming from the South," said Bridal. "They know when those crossings are blocked, and so all they have to do is just make adjustments and drive over the overpass."

Swift Current city councillor Courtney Stewart highlighted that since the delay received so much attention, the delays have been notably lessened.

The future of the Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. (REAL) is up in the air after the Regina city council passed a motion to consider options for the corporation’s future.

The motion was brought forward by Ward 3 Coun. David Froh. He mentioned during the city council meeting that REAL remains one of the city’s biggest civic assets. Froh also noted, “we can’t simply understate how critical it is to have a community hub that welcomes over 3 million visitors annually.”

By most measures, REAL still remains one of the best sport-complexes in Canada, said Froh.

However, the municipal corporation has experienced challenging financial situations over the past number of years.

A 2024 report from MNP outlined that REAL is not meeting the requisite contribution margin of nearly 44 per cent to operationally breakeven.

Additionally, the report found that REAL’s operational centre has incurred over $18 million in negative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization are factored in.

Because of these negative earnings, the city has had to increase funding towards REAL to cover its debt, cashflow challenges and operating deficit.

In Dec. 2023, the city gave REAL $5.7 million to help with these challenges. Then, in Sept. 2024, the city gave REAL an additional $4 million.

While it’s not official yet, it’s estimated REAL is expected to ask for a 2.21 per cent mill rate increase in the 2025 budget, which would be over $12 million for this year.

Froh believes that the pandemic did not cause this situation, but rather, “a symptom of a challenging business model and a corporation that has relied on multiple councils for corporate investment.”

During his presentation, Froh said he and his fellow councillors “can’t in good faith or conscious[ly] ignore the challenge in particular [with] the rising, escalating financial requests.”

Froh later said, “money is tight at the household level in Regina. He added REAL’s ask from city council has gone from $400,000 in the past few years to now asking for over $12 million.

So, the request from the motion is that city administration come up with several options regarding the future of REAL within 18 months. City administration will work with REAL’s board of directors on the options, where REAL will provide financial reporting and its milestones to the city.

Part of that ask from REAL is to provide monthly financial updates instead of quarterly.

It’s worth noting the motion has already laid out potential options, which include integrating most, if not all, of REAL’s physical assets and operational responsibility into the City of Regina.

Another option is dissolving REAL as a municipal corporation, which would lead the city to take over its operational responsibility and assets.

A third option could be maintaining REAL as a municipal corporation. This option would see advancing financial efficiencies to reduce REAL’s costs and management positions while developing a new governance and business model. This would aim to provide effective public services while managing public spending better.

All other councillors in attendance agreed with the decision to look at REAL’s future, with the motion passing 9-0.

After city council, Froh met with reporters and was asked about his take on the motion and what he hoped the outcome would be.

Froh said, “I would prefer to motion without prejudice or pre-consideration. I don’t believe that I have enough information yet to make a decision, but I also don’t want to wait many years to make a decision and revisit this every single year.”

Froh also noted there isn’t a short-term or medium-term solution for REAL and that the corporation will require materials and public dollars for a long-time. As city councillors, Froh said, “we owe it to the taxpayers to make a decision and stick with it.”

He was also asked about the public’s opinion on REAL and if it can have a fresh start, to which he said, “absolutely.” He added, “It wasn’t too long ago when REAL was, you know,  do[ing] a little bit better than breaking even. [So, if] you hire a new CEO, you have a fabulous new board [and] you have a brand new council [that can all make it work].”

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski also spoke to reporters and was asked about the importance of REAL having success in fulfilling the goals the city has for it.

Bachynski said that “it’s important because it is a part of our city and provides a number of services that you know we all enjoy whether it’s you know hockey, soccer [Rough]Rider games, you know, we have so many activities that make our city vibrant that are pinned around what REAL can provide with their assets and their staff and so I think them being successful is imperative to holding on to that vibrancy and you know make it sustainable in the future.”

Southwest seniors and older residents of Shaunavon gathered for a chili lunch with local RCMP and members of the Town Council on Tuesday.

The senior's chili lunch fundraiser saw nearly 70 attendees and raised around $300 to go towards much-needed repairs on Age Friendly Shaunavon's outing vehicle. 

Kim Anderson, senior resource coordinator with Age Friendly Shaunavon, highlighted that the senior's chili lunch was held in conjunction with Let No One Be Alone Week. 

"We wanted seniors to have a chance to come out, socialize, and have a meal with someone instead of eating alone," she shared. "Folks braved the cold weather to come out yesterday and I was really happy that they made the effort."

Anderson noted that this was Age Friendly Shaunavon's first time putting on this type of fundraiser and that they're thrilled to see the success. 

Lunch was held at the Catholic Church Hall, and seniors were provided with chili, a bun, dessert, and coffee for only $2 per person. 

"I just want to thank everyone who supported us in this cold weather, we really appreciate it," she added. "Also thank you to our sponsors of the day; Ranchhouse Meat Co, Shaunavon Liquor and Grocery, and El Faro Market, who donated products to our lunch so that we wouldn't have any expenses."

Saskatoon police are confirming that a senior sergeant is suspended and under investigation. But police will not say why they never told the public about the suspension and outside investigation.

Regina Exhibition Association Limited or REAL has faced criticism from councillors and the public. The troubled municipal corporation is asking for nearly $13 million as part of latest city budget in order to continue operating.

At 102, Jean Thomas does not seem to be slowing down. The Regina woman is still an avid volunteer, leads a choir and helps people in need prepare their income tax returns. Here's her secret to a long life.

Swift Current City RCMP arrested a Winnipeg man yesterday, February 12th.

Officers responded to a call from a business on South Service Road East of an individual who was causing a scene. They arrived to find the man, intoxicated. He was arrested for Causing a Disturbance and removed from the scene. 

No charges were pressed as a result of the interaction. 

Swift Current city council pondered the possibility of removing the American flag from its flag court on Wednesday afternoon.

During the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting inside council chambers, Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal asked for city council's input on the removal of the flag following the recent turmoil of tariffs threatened by the United States.

Bridal reasoned that this action would send a clear message, if agreed to by city council, to the United States Government and President Donald Trump on how Swift Current feels regarding the tariffs.

The mayor talked about how he had received at least two letters, several emails, and more than a few people asking him about removing the flag. In discussion with these correspondents, the idea to send a message by lowering the flag arose as the anniversary of the Canadian flag approached.

"I think this week five ex-Prime Ministers of (Canada) said this (Saturday) is the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag being brought in as it is and they thought we should be flying Canadian flags everyplace," said Bridal. "I was thinking maybe a good place to fly another Canadian flag is on that same flagpole that the American flag is on now and take it down."

Bridal commented that the tariffs, should they be implemented, will have a negative impact on Swift Current. He brought forward the idea of lowering the flag to bring forth the conversation, which he hoped would be carried on again at future meetings.

"In the past, they've been a great neighbour," said Bridal. "I love going to the States. A lot of Americans love coming here, but with what's been going on, it's a question that I thought we should talk about here."

The first to respond was city councillor Bruce Deg.  He asked if in past economic struggles with America or other nations if the City had taken down those flags.

"Have we made that decision not to fly those flags at those times?" asked Deg. "I'm struggling with that question (whether or not to remove the American flag in place of a Canadian flag) and it was a great question, but that's just a comment or a thought that I had, had."

Bridal responded by saying in all of his 67 years, these tariffs and approaching trade disputes with the United States were unprecedented. He noted that during President Trump's last term, there were tariffs on lumber, steel and aluminum.  

"But this time? This is unprecedented in my lifetime," said Bridal. "So that's why I want to ask this question. I know I would like to take the American flag down. I'll tell you that right now that's what it is for me personally, but this isn't the Al Bridal show. This is the Swift Current city council show, and that's why we're having this conversation."

Next to respond was Swift Current city councillor, Ryan Switzer. He took a firm stance against pulling the American flag down, after acknowledging it was good they were having the conversation where they were having it.

"There's a relationship between Canada and the US and the leaders of those countries, and there's a relationship between Canadians and Americans," said Switzer.

He highlighted that many Americans who come to Swift Current do it because they themselves enjoy doing so. Be that for hockey games, hunting, or other leisure and tourist activities. He also pointed out that many Canadians, as Bridal himself admitted, enjoy going to the United States.

"I still have many friends down south of the border they're going to stay that way regardless of these tariffs," said Switzer. "I'm not aware of any other cities or municipalities that are doing this that are taking down American flags from the flag courts. I have no interest in (Swift Current) being the first to do so. I'm going to go with the status quo on this issue, your worship, and respectfully disagree."

Bridal rebutted the argument that Swift Current would be the first City to take down the flag. The mayor highlighted how cities in the eastern provinces had already taken down the American flag.

When asked to name these cities and expand on that, Bridal admitted he could not name them off the top of his head, but he did recall the provinces.

"I'm sorry, but I don't remember. There's some in New Brunswick that had (and) Nova Scotia," said Bridal.

He noted that Regina recently passed new policies regarding flying flags, and how it would only be flying the Canadian flag outside city hall.

"They didn't specifically take down the American flag," Bridal clarified. "But their problem had been with the Palestinian flag and the Israeli flag. They said 'We don't want this hassle' and they just said the Canadian flag, provincial flag, indigenous flags, and the Métis flag. That's it."

The next city councillor to voice their opinion was Courtney Stewart. She similarly agreed that the Canadian and American people had a separate relationship from those of their federal governments. She was however encouraging of continuing the conversation at a later date.

"I think that was well put around how the Americans who are visiting us here are still our friends," said Stewart. "As we saw at the hockey game last Saturday.

"But it's definitely worth more discussion and I'm glad you brought it up."

One of the city councillors with much at stake with the upcoming tariffs is Ryan Plewis. By day he manages Plewis Automotive Group as a co-owner. He admitted that he is scared of the possible impacts, with his industry ripe to be hit by both domestic retaliatory tariffs and foreign initial tariffs.  

However, he was not quick to use his emotions when making a decision to remove the American flag.

"I don't like to make decisions emotionally," said Plewis. "I think that this is an emotional time. And hey, I'm ticked off about the talk about tariffs... I don't want to be impacted by the tariffs.

"I would say this conversation is worth having, but I think it's a conversation that we should save for a little bur down the road when maybe any cooler heads can prevail and we can look at this through more objective eyes."

Plewis finished by saying he wasn't sure where he would end up on this issue in that moment, but wanted to restrain from a decision in 'the heat of battle'.

Much like Plewis, Swift Current city councillor Leanne Tuntland-Wiebe knows her professional life will be caught in the crossfire with her business also being part of the automotive industry, being a co-owner of Bumper to Bumper. As far as celebrating the Canadian flag's 60th anniversary went, she was the most enthusiastic.

"I'd like to see three Canadian flags flying at the top of the Flag Court for Saturday," said Tuntland-Wiebe. "Or even the following week just to show our 'double down' support. It's a discussion I think we should have in the future for when the tariffs, if they do go into place, we can look at (removing the American flag)."

Tuntland-Wiebe then reitterated her pro-Canadian flag stance.

"Man, if you've got a Canadian flag, it better be flying on Saturday." 

Finally, Swift Current city councillor Tom Christiansen spoke up with a solid 'no'.

"I have no desire to take down the American flag," began Christiansen. "The new administration down there has a tendency of making grandiose statements and then doing a bunch of stuff, and everyone's worried about this over here, and it amounts to nothing."

He continued to say he doesn't want Swift Current city council to overreact in the moment.

"Quite honestly, if we're going to do something like that, the argument could be made that we should take down the Canadian flag with how much Ottawa and the east bugger up the West," Christiansen jested. "I would rather we relaxed and let it rest for a while before we do anything."

Bridal relented that it seemed his fellow council members were not in favour of his idea, but that they had made a good point in highlighting that the American people were still friends to himself and Swift Current.

"The reason I'd wanted to take (the American flag) down is I wanted to tell Mister Trump that I wasn't impressed with his policies," Bridal said. "But there's a very good point made. That American people are still our friends doesn't change just because Trump is not."

For now, the discussion will have to continue at another meeting, with no decision having been reached at the GPC meeting. 

Industries across Saskatchewan are preparing for the potential fallout from newly announced U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Swift Current and the southwest have been in the midst of frigid temperatures and severe cold lately that isn't expected to end soon.

This week the Swift Current area has seen temperatures resulting in extreme cold warnings and as cold as -40 with the windchill. 

Christy Climenhaga, scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, explained that an upper air pattern has been locking cold air into the region for long periods of time. 

"The polar vortex helps displace that cold air into the prairies and bring in temperatures that are well below seasonal," she shared. "We're expecting not a lot of change over the next week until late next week when we'll see a change in the pattern and more seasonal temperatures."

Climenhaga noted that southwest Saskatchewan isn't the only area experiencing the cold as much of Manitoba and Alberta are also experiencing similar conditions.

"When we're looking at temperatures at this level your skin can freeze very quickly in anywhere from five to 10 minutes, maybe a little longer, so do make sure you're bundled up if you're heading outside," she said. "Check in with those who are more at risk of extreme cold, like kids who are out at lunchtime."

Anyone heading out onto the highway is encouraged to check Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline.

A high-profile local artist postponed his upcoming nine-stop tour on Wednesday.

Swift Current's Colter Wall shared on social media that due to personal reasons he's moving his winter tour, which was set to begin in Chicago on February 19, to late September and early October.

"My reasons for doing so are quite personal, and I’ve always valued my privacy despite the nature of my occupation," Wall said. "But I will simply say that some time off the road for reasons of mental and physical health are greatly needed."

Wall's tour included four concerts in the United States and five in Canada. The tour included a stop in his hometown province with one concert in Saskatoon at TCU Place. It also encompassed a show at Medicine Hat's Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre.

"I know this is not news people like to get and I don’t much like being the one to give it," he said. "Myself and my team take none of this lightly and we hope for your continued support and understanding."

His tour is now scheduled to begin in Welch, Minnesota, at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino on September 28. It's also grown from nine stops to 10, with Madison, Wisconsin, added.

Wall said ticket sales will be honoured for the new dates and refunds will also be available. 

Local non-profits and volunteer-based groups have only one day left to apply for the 2025 Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Support Grant.

The deadline for Community Support Grant applications is just over the horizon on Friday, February 14 at 4:30 p.m. and late submissions will not be accepted.

Applications opened for this year's intake round on January 6 to support and cultivate recreation, culture, and sports for all ages.

The programs or services that the organization offers are required to be offered between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, in order to be eligible for the funding. 

Interested parties can head to swiftcurrent.ca/sklotteries to apply for the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Support Grant. 

Follow-up reports to the applications are due on April 15 and reports can be dropped off at Swift Current City Hall or emailed to [email protected].

For more information or any questions regarding the application email the City's Community Services or call (306) 778 - 2787.

Kahomani is a Nakota/Lakota/Dakota word for sweetheart/friendship dance. They are being re-introduced back into communities and the songs that were once hidden to keep them safe during the Potlatch ban.

Controlled or prescribed burns can actually help conserve grasslands and prevent wildfires. The Prairie Fire Summit in Regina has been set up to help build the conversation around these and other methods of preventing wildfires.

The City of Regina is celebrating  Indigenous Storytelling Month with Star Stories Night 2025.

The event is taking place on Feb. 28 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. at three different locations.

Those include the Regina Public Library at Mâmawêyatitân Centre, Saskatchewan Science Centre and Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre. Listed below are the events happening at each specific location.

Regina Public Library at Mâmawêyatitân Centre:

• Explore the stars with Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, Canada’s first Indigenous woman astrophysicist
• Indigenous storytelling in the Star Dome
• Snowshoe tours with Growing Young Movers
• Indigenous arts and crafts

Saskatchewan Science Centre

• The Royal Astronomical Society will be opening their Kalium Observatory for public viewings
• Winter dance performance by New Dance Horizons
• Listen to tales from Indigenous Storyteller Jesse Ray Archibald-Barber
• Come learn about space with University of Regina Astrophysics professor Samantha Lawler
• Explore the entire science exhibit floor

Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre

• Explore the night sky with a VR experience with artist John Desnoyers-Stewart
• Learn about night vision on a guided nature night walk with Nature Regina
• Constellation crafts with Indigenous artist Jamie Reynolds
• Indigenous storytelling  around the outdoor community fire pit with hot chocolate provided by El Tropezón
• Nature art, snow sculpting and more!

There will also be a free shuttle service available at each location during the four hours. Shuttle service plans to depart every 30 minutes.

Hospitals of Regina Foundation has officially launched its 2025 Spring Home Lottery with a grand prize showhome valued at $1.6 million.

The showhome is located at 4201 Elderberry Crescent in The Creeks neighbourhood of southeast Regina. Dino Sophocleous, President and CEO of Hospitals of Regina Foundation, says this is the most valuable show home they have ever had.

“It, of course, comes fully furnished and ready to move in. It’s built by Ripplinger Homes. They’ve done a great job,” said Sophocleous.

“It’s about 4,100 square feet. I think it looks fantastic. Yeah, it just looks fantastic just looking around here.” 

The show home will be awarded fully furnished, decorated and landscaped, along with $50,000 cash. The deadline for the grand prize is Midnight Friday, April 25.

That is among the many prizes being offered in this year’s Spring Lottery. The others include the following:

The Corvette Stingray Early Bird Prize, or $100,000 cash, with a midnight deadline Friday April 11;

The Lexus and Bahamas Bonus Prize with the winner receiving 2025 Lexus UX300H as well as a 12-day trip for two to sunny Bahamas, or take $75,000 cash. The deadline here is midnight Friday, March 14; 

Greece VIP Prize: a stunning 7-night Greek Isles Windstar cruise, or take $20,000. Deadline is Midnight Friday, Feb. 21;

There is also the Membership Loyalty Prize: where you will be entered to win $10,000 when you become a Hospitals of Regina Foundation Home Lottery member. The deadline here is Midnight Friday, April 25.

Also back is the 50/50 Add-On. The previous 50/50 totalled over $1 million.

There is also the Cash Calendar Add-On, which will award the winner $25,000 on June 15 and July 15, and $2,500 daily from June 16 – July 14.

In total, 49,500 tickets will be on sale with an overall prize pool of $2.7 million.

Tickets cost $100 each, $250 for a three-pack, $375 for a five-pack, $575 for a Super pack and $875 for a Max pack. Those tickets can be purchased by phone at 1-800-667-7760 or visiting hrfHomeLottery.com.

Sophocleous told the audience the home lottery has raised over $66 million out of a total of about $250 million for the foundation since it was launched in 1987: and is a very significant piece of what they do every year.

Proceeds from the lottery will go back into the Regina community to support health care at Regina’s hospitals.

“We have made a commitment to the hospitals for 2025 that adds up to about $5.7 million,” Sophocleous said.

“That would be, that includes about $1.7 million dollars in pediatrics and maternal health. It also includes about $1.1 million for surgical and cardiac programs. We’re doing about $200,000 dollars-plus we’re investing in three fellowships for three specialists to come to Regina in 2025.

Once they finish their fellowships, we are investing about $400,000 dollars in the eye center. About another $400,000 dollars in imaging… Everything that helps the medical teams in our hospitals here in Regina and Southern Saskatchewan to deliver the care that our community needs in Southern Saskatchewan, we are investing in.”

According to their news release, programs being invested in include prediatric programs at the Regina General Hospital, the Children’s Program at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, cardiac care, mental health, medical imaging and cancer care through the assessment centres and oncology unit at Pasqua Hospital. 

Warming locations in Saskatoon are taking notes on the people who enter their facilities in hopes of learning more about the homelessness population in the city.

A local couple who was very supportive of the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation (DNIRHF) has left behind one final gift.

The non-profit announced Tuesday morning at the Cypress Regional Hospital Loretta Romankewicz's estate bequeathed them $92,000 to use towards scholarships.

Kris Johnson, the executive director for the DNIRHF, called Loretta and her late husband Al couple "wonderful people."

"They were big into the scholarships," she said. "They liked being able to help healthcare workers. We've got their endowment that we've had for a number of years as well that we were able to add this $92,000 towards more education with the foundation." 

The Romankewicz made annual donations on top of their endowment to the foundation. They were also very involved with local healthcare including one of the biggest projects in Swift Current's history.

"(Al) was the first gentleman to pound the nail into the brick at the Swift Current Union Hospital," she said "We do actually have that brick and his plaque at the foundation office."

Semi-annually the foundation approves up to $15,000 in scholarships for residents of the southwest that will work within the former Cypress Health Region for the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Students if approved can receive $500-1,000 semiannually subject to the foundation's qualifications.

"Anything we can do to help bring healthcare workers," she said. "We would love to be able to help them. It's whether it's upgrading or some of the training... The scholarships are available for anybody going into the healthcare field."

The foundation's new website includes four categories for eligible students to apply to, CCA, LPN, Medical Lab Tech, and other. Johnson mentioned the scholarships are currently being revamped.

Students currently have until July 31, 2025, to apply for scholarships. 

Fran Forsberg didn't get a bed after waiting 12 hours at the Royal University Hospital emergency room. She's sharing what she saw while sitting there and challenged Premier Scott Moe to sit in an emergency room to see how dire the situation has become.

Yesterday's dinner rush at McDonalds was massive and for a good cause. 

The Swift Current Comprehensive High School Grad Committee was invited by Gary Sidhu, owner of the Swift Current McDonalds franchise, to partake in the profits generated between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for everything sold. 

In order to encourage attendance for this window of opportunity, volunteers from the Grad Committee handed out free coffee, snacks, and tea on location at McDonalds, courtesy of McDonalds. 

Kim Pierce, a volunteer for prizes and donations with the Grad Committee, helped plan things out and was amazed by how big the event turned out to be. 

"It was a huge success!" said Pierce. "We thank everybody for coming out and supporting us."

The money from the event will be used by the Grad Committee for things like prizes, food, rentals and entertainment. 

While no final tally has been calculated yet, Pierce is confident that they raised more than they ever expected due to how many people came through. 

"The lineup was constantly and continuously going from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.," said Pierce. "It never stopped the whole time."

The McDonalds fundraiser was so popular, that they already are working on plans for a second one sometime in May before the long weekend. 

"A huge thank you again to the McDonald's staff who kept everything running awesome," said Pierce. "And to everyone who came out! It was such a good feeling for everybody involved."

Pierce also thanked her fellow volunteer, Karen Tsougrianis, for helping to plan and execute the event. 

An arrest warrant has been issued for Frank Domiter. 

The 30-year-old Regina man missed his court appearance in Swift Current Provincial Court on February 12th, 2025. 

After hearing about the difficulties with Domiter, as he had missed his three previous appearances, Judge Jacobson issued the warrant for his arrest. 

On November 8th, 2024, Domiter broke into a total of eight vehicles, smashing the windows of said vehicles. He was then charged with nine counts of mischief under $5,000. 

Swift Current Municipal RCMP were called to a business in Swift Current on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 11, after receiving a report about a fuel theft. 

Video surveillance at the gas station, located on North Service Road West, showed an adult male fueling up and leaving without paying. 

The suspect was seen driving a white four-door Ford Explorer Sport Trac pickup and towing a flatbed trailer. 

Police noted that a female passenger was with the male driver at the time of the theft.

Anyone with information about this crime or others can call Crime Stoppers at +1 (800) 222 - TIPS(8477), submit an anonymous tip at saskcrimstoppers.com, or text TIP260 along with the message to 274 - 637.

Information submitted through Crime Stoppers is anonymous and is not traced or recorded. Those with information that leads to a charge or arrest arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.

Researchers at the Canadian Light Source in Saskatoon are working hard to develop an electrified slime with real-world applications. Erica Pensini joined Saskatoon Morning to talk about how this slime could work and what it could be used for.

Saskatoon mother Fran Forsberg says recent experiences in a local emergency room showed her the reality of health care in the province. She challenged the premier and the provincial health minister to spend eight hours in an ER to see what is going on.

It's a new image for a southwestern Saskatchewan non-profit organization.

The Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation unveiled its new logo and website Tuesday morning at the Cypress Regional Hospital.

Swift Current's Landing Studio was contracted for its services in helping the foundation build a more modernized website. It replaces a site that was created in the early 2000s according to Crystal Imrie, the communications & development coordinator for the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation.

"It was in desperate need of an update," she said. "It wasn't very user-friendly for people coming on to look and navigate the site. It also wasn't easy for us at the office to keep it updated."

The website has been in development since the summer of 2024. Aside from the user and backend issues, Imrie said the analytics showed it was time for a change.

While developing the new website -- the foundation wanted to match the updated look with a fresh logo.

"The whole colour scheme of sunrise, our beautiful living skies here in Saskatchewan and again the heartbeat -- we really wanted to incorporate that because we felt it was very recognizable," she said. 

Imrie called the rebranding "turning the page," from their first quarter-century into the future.

"We've had some trials and tribulations the past couple of years," she said. "We want people to know we've learned from that. We've made the necessary changes... The work we do is important and we really want people to trust that we have their best interests at heart."

To access the website, click here.

A handful of local residents have reported sightings of coyotes around the Swift Current area or in places such as parks frequented by deer.

The City of Swift Current issued a friendly reminder for community members to keep an eye out for wildlife like coyotes and stay aware of their surroundings. 

The City is taking steps to deter coyotes and ensure that people are aware.

Folks are also encouraged to monitor small pets while outdoors, who could startle or provoke a coyote.

For more information visit sarm.ca or contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment.