The congregation at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church will come together for a final time on Christmas Eve.

When the holiday season comes calling, one particular potato dumpling becomes an important fixture on many dinner tables: perogies. And Saskatoon has an easy way to get them: the drive-thru at Baba's Homestyle Perogies.

Teachers in the province are awaiting the decision of the Arbitration Board tasked to come up with the award that forms the basis of a new teachers’ contract.  

A release from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation states that he binding arbitration hearing between the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee and Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee concluded just after 6 pm on Wednesday, December 18.   

There is no indication when the decision will be released. Until then, it’s a waiting game for the Federation and its 14,000 members. The STF says it will provide a comment at that time.  

Southwest motorists are being cautioned to take necessary steps to stay safe and be prepared when heading out on the highway, not only this Christmas season but throughout the winter season.

SGI is hoping to ensure all drivers get to their destinations and are able to celebrate another holiday by giving their customers a few tips about winter travel. 

Jeremy Pilon, communications consultant with SGI, noted that the two main things he tells people are to prepare themselves and prepare their vehicles.

"By preparing yourself I mean changing your mindset," he shared. "Slowing down so that you're driving for what's more appropriate out there or giving yourself more time to stop.

"Then when it comes to preparing your vehicle that's things like your winter tires, making sure your snowbrush and everything are in the car, and you want to make sure your car is well maintained."

Taking the time to do those extra things like ensuring the right fluids are being used, keeping phones charged, getting issues fixed right away, checking Saskatchewan's Highway Hotline, and checking the weather forecast can prevent break-downs.

"Everyone should have an emergency kit in their vehicle, some of your vehicles may come with things like jacks or road flares," said Pilon. "But when it comes to wintertime here in Saskatchewan we see such severe weather that you're going to want a few extra things."

An emergency kit can include booster cables, a snow shovel or traction mats, blankets, extra mittens, a tow rope or chain, non-perishable food, boots, candles, matches, and a portable charger and cord. 

"If you were in a collision or if you were run off the road by the weather, other people [might] be in the same scenario and you're going to want emergency services or someone there to help you out," he explained. "You want to stay with your vehicle because you don't want to be exposed to the elements in bad weather,

"and that might just lead emergency services on a goose chase to both your vehicle and you, in a bad situation."

In an emergency situation such as getting stuck or experiencing a mechanical issue or collision, drivers should try to get off the road if possible and call for help immediatley. SGI advises to use any road flares to become more visible, conserve heat and fuel by running the vehicle intermitently, and remain with the vehicle. 

"Another part of staying safe on the roads is just obeying those same rules we obey throughout the year, " Pilon added. 

Call 9 - 1 - 1 in an emergency as soon as possible, for more information about safe winter driving practices visit SGI's website.  

The provincial Ministry of Social Services will again have clients who receive benefits by cheque pick up their payments at a local service centre. Social Services instituted the process last month due to the strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and while the labour disruption is now over, they are opting to handle the payments in the same way due to potential mail backlogs.  

Saskatchewan Income Support, Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, Saskatchewan Housing Benefit, and Child and Family Programs payments to youth are the ones that will be distributed and will be available on December 27th.

To pick up a cheque photo ID is required. If the person picking up the cheque is not the payee, a letter from the recipient and photo ID are required along with advance notification to the worker of the arrangement.  

Last month, the Ministry of Social Services was asked how the distribution of benefit cheques was communicated to clients. At the time, they stated the information was relayed to clients and caregivers who needed to arrange daily payments, and those who receive monthly benefit cheques were being advised where possible.  

The communication was also made available on the Ministry of Social Services website.  

A provincial court judge stayed a charge related to the death of nine-year-old Baeleigh Maurice of Saskatoon. The decision has sparked outrage from not just the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, but Maurice's family and an Indigenous lawyer as well.

Firefighters in Saskatchewan have been lobbying for decades to receive better health coverage for cancer diagnoses. Now, the Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is stepping in to provide some relief.

Half the families in Saskatchewan are worried about putting food on the table, according to a new Angus Reid poll. And those giving out meals in Regina are seeing the need firsthand. 

RCMP have closed the westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Swift Current.

Motorists are being advised of poor road conditions that have prompted this response. According to the Highway Hotline, multiple vehicle collisions have also contributed to this decision.

Traffic is currently being redirected at the intersection near Finning Cat.

Travel  is not recommended on the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 37 from Gull Lake to Cabri, or on Highway 32 from Cabri to Swift Current.

For a preview of road conditions, check out the Highway Hotline.

You might not know him now, but that probably won't be the case for long. 

Beechy area musician Evan Baxter has big plans for the new year, which include releasing his new EP 'My Waste of Time', a release party at the Coors Event Centre in Saskatoon, and possibly pulling together his first-ever full album.

Originally born and raised in Swift Current, Baxter has been a rural kid in Beechy since he was 11 years old, he was taught that he would have to pick a trade in order to succeed in life. 

"But I was stubborn and told everyone I wanted to be a musician because I was already playing guitar and I was already trying to write my own little songs," shared Baxter. "Everyone told me that's a waste of time, you're going to spend years trying to do this and nothing's going to come of it. So I decided to call it the 'My Waste of Time'."

Tickets are already on sale on Baxter's social media pages for the January 11th release party at the Coors Event SCentre in Saskatoon. He plans to kick off his career with a bang and wants as many people to join him for the party as he does so. 

Opening for him on the big day will be a couple of local musicians. Rob MacIntosh and Matt Johner will be there to serenade the crowd before Baxter kicks it up a notch. 

"Tickets are $20 a piece," said Baxter. 

If anyone wants to listen, Baxter has already released a single. It can be heard on Spotify and Apple Music, titled 'The Show'. Filled with western twang and his voice which pushes at the heart with emotion and determination, it's a great introduction to the powerful capabilities of this burgeoning Saskatchewan artist. 

Anyone looking to book Baxter for a show of their own can reach out to him on his social media channels. 

A pickup truck has just rolled on the Trans-Canada Highway in the westbound lane, near the weigh scales. 

The truck rolled in front of travellers at around 1 p.m. today. 

According to eyewitnesses at the scene, no one was injured in the incident, with RCMP and other first responders attending. 

The roads are reportedly glare ice in the area. Currently, the Trans-Canada Highway west of Swift Current is travel not recommended on the Highway Hotline. 

A semi-truck has jack-knifed in the westbound lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway in Swift Current. 

Near the Regier Honda dealership, observers report that a second truck may be involved, as it is in the ditch. 

Travellers are asked to please proceed through the area with caution while the incident is still in place. 

Roads and highways today are travel not recommended across much of southwestern Saskatchewan. People can check the Highway Hotline to get a preview of road conditions before leaving for their destinations. 

South Sask Bus Lines is offering Twinkle Tours while supporting a local organization.

While enjoying the best Christmas decorations and lights in town, you can give back by making a cash donation, which will directly support local families in need. South Sask Bus Lines will match all donations received and provide all funds to the Salvation Army Swift Current Food Bank.

Call (306)691-2871 or visit South Sask Bus Lines to book your spot.

Pickup Location:

IPlex North Parking Lot

Please arrive 15 Minutes Early

Tour Dates:

Friday, December 20th 

Saturday, December 21st

The City of Swift Current has an early Christmas gift for its residents.

Recent cooler temperatures will allow the City to open its outdoor rinks Friday afternoon for the season.

Swift Current's Parks Manager Michael Newall said they've been trying to prepare the rinks for weeks but Mother Nature had been working against them.

"We had a great start to the season when it got cold there a little earlier in December," he said. "Then it warmed up and took away all that work we did. With the recent cold snap, we've been able to get back out there and flood the rinks again so we're ready to go for the upcoming outdoor rink season."

The Sheldon Kennedy Rink, Southside Rink, North Hill Rink, Westside Rink, and Highland Rink will open this afternoon at 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Hours will then shift to holiday hours moving forward which can be found on the City's Website.

"The rink buildings, where you can go in an warm up and put your skates on and they all have washing facilities, they'll all be open tonight," he said. 

Meanwhile, the Crokicurl rink opening could wait until the New Year. 

Travellers on Highway 32 should be aware of an incident on the Trans-Canada Highway overpass.

Traffic has come to a crawl on the overpass, which is icy from the freezing rain. A semi-truck has departed the road and become lodged in the ditch, disrupting traffic. 

Swift Current Online is unaware of any injuries at this time, or of the full cause of the incident. 

Drivers are asked to proceed through the area with caution and to slow down far in advance of the overpass as traffic is down to a crawl. 

If anyone in the area has a photo of this incident, they can submit it to [email protected]. 

The Highway Hotline is the best bet for staying ahead of the curve for road conditions, delays, and detours.

Freezing rain has made road conditions treacherous in southwest Saskatchewan. 

The system that originated in the Alberta climates has latched onto a low-pressure air ridge and is using the warmth to melt the snow as it falls. The rain then freezes instantly upon contact with the ground or other surfaces. 

Stephen Berg, meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada offered his condolences to drivers in the area who are now facing a second day of extreme winter driving conditions. 

"Just a long and unfortunate pattern," said Berg. "A couple of days ago there were freezing rain warnings around the Maple Creek area and near the Cypress Hills. It's a bit of a triple whammy the last three days." 

The Highways mainly being affected by this rain storm are Highway 37, the Trans-Canada Highway, and Highway 32. All three are currently travel not recommended. 

"Not very safe conditions to be in for sure," said Berf. "Especially if you're out on the roads." 

Anyone who does have to drive today is advised to slow down and begin breaking well in advance of any stops. If at all possible, staying home is encouraged. 

The Morning Edition's political panel discusses Premier Scott Moe being mum on Chrystia Freeland's resignation as federal finance minister and the provincial government's opposition to Ottawa's clean electricity regulations. The panel consists of Adam Hunter, who covers politics for CBC Saskatchewan, and Murray Mandryk, who writes a political column in the Regina Leader-Post/Saskatoon Star Phoenix. Stefani Langenegger is the host of CBC's Morning Edition.

With the second-half season on the horizon, the challenge for Logan Reider is for her and the Saskatchewan Huskies to carry that momentum into March's national championship tournament at UBC.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his party will bring forward a motion of non-confidence to bring down the Trudeau government in the next sitting of the House of Commons.

Road conditions are again deteriorating in southwest Saskatchewan.

Due to freezing rain, travel is not recommended on the following highways. 

The Trans-Canada Highway from Swift Current to the Carmichael area. 

Highway 32 from Cabri to Swift Current. 

Highway 332 from Hazlet to Cantuar.

Drivers are advised to check the Highway Hotline before venturing out today.

Rather than risking getting stuck in snowy streets, Deck the House has been delayed for a few more days.

The postponement of the judging session should give the City of Swift Current a chance to remove more of the snow, thus creating safer driving conditions for Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal and the staff at Canadian Tire to tour the various light displays.

Rri Branconnier-Bye, communications coordinator for the City of Swift Current, confirmed that the new official night for the judging tour is Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. 

"And then hopefully we'll be able to safely navigate and properly assess our winners," said Branconnier-Bye. 

The categories up this year are best theme, best music, best new entry, best commercial, and best residential, which comes with a first, second, and third place. 

All of the entries are avialble to view on the self guided Twinle Tour. The map of the tour is a google maps public page, which people can find on the City of Swift Current website. 

"We'll be posting an updated Twinkle Tour map momentarily to our social media channels and our website for people who want to check out the routes and areas," said Branconnier-Bye

Another recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada could impact people in southwest Saskatchewan in a number of ways.

The central bank cut the benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 3.25 percent. 

"I think the first one is just home affordability," said Tyler Weston, Vice President of Business Advisors for Innovation Federal Credit Union. "There's certainly going to be some benefit here for people when home buyers are receiving lower rates. Makes their homes more affordable from an interest perspective and increases their ability to obtain a mortgage when mortgage qualification rates are reduced."

The cut can also have an impact on investments.

"For those looking to invest, especially for those looking at lower risk investments like savings GIC, you're going to see that impact right away," Weston said. "You're going to be looking at lower rates. If you are looking to put some money away for those investing in mutual funds or the stock market, you're not necessarily going to see that same impact when we talk about investing. It's really important you're seeking the right advice and just discussing your risk tolerance as well as your short term and long term goals."

Since June, the central bank has cut its benchmark rate by 175 basis points over five consecutive decisions.

"I think the overall the intent of the rate decreases is really just to spur growth in the Canadian economy," Weston said. "That growth isn't something that we have quite seen yet. I think after the end of the third quarter the GDP was below where they expected it to be, and they did see an increase in unemployment. Hoping that we see that kind of turnaround in our economy and that positive growth."

Lower interest rates can also have an impact on housing prices. That's a swing that Weston doesn't expect to be as dramatic in our market.

"If you look at the larger centers, typically when there's lower rates, there's going to be more demand and that means that housing prices are going to go up," Weston said. "We probably don't see as much of that impact."

Weston does expect rates to continue to trend down until it has the impact the government is looking for. 

He added it's good to stay in touch with your financial institution to do regular reviews on where your rates are at.

For the second consercutive weekend, there will be no emergency room service at the Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre. 

This disruption will run from this aftenroon at 4:30 until Monday morning at 8. 

Primary Care Services and EMS are no affected by this disruption.

The emergency room, laboratory or diagnostic imaging service was also unavailable for two days last weekend.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is directing people who need emergency care to the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current and Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility in Maple Creek.

Whether you're attacking the black diamonds, or the bunny hill is more your speed, the ski season is underway at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

The Hidden Valley Ski Resort opened for the season yesterday.

"We're just looking forward for a really great winter," said Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park Visitors Experience Team Lead Chris Dodds. "Particularly after last year and welcoming people back to Hidden Valley for this year to have an awesome snow sports experience."

The team at Hidden Valley is excited about their conditions, especially after going through a 2023-24 season so light on snow.

"Difference in night and day with the cold weather we've had," Dodds said. "It's really allowed our snow makers to get the snow guns going, get the hill ready. I mean it's not possible to compare the two seasons. This year is pretty fantastic in terms of some of the conditions we've had."

They've also benefitted from some extra equipment.

"We were able to procure two new Puma fan guns to help out with the snow making," Dodds said. "It just helps us increase our capacity to get the snow down."

While they're on the Alberta side of Cypress Hills, the resort sees a lot of traffic from the southwest and Saskatchewan as a whole.

"We do see a lot of folks coming out from Saskatchewan," Dodds said. "Particularly, a lot of people midweek. We are a mountain park, similar to the Cypress Hills Saskatchewan side. We're also the highest elevation of resort on the prairies. I think at 14160 meters. We do see a lot of folks coming out from Saskatchewan."

The Hidden Valley Ski Resort is open from 9:00am until 4:00pm over the next couple weeks, but is closed December 24, 25 and January 1. 

'Tis the season for holiday parties. Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote, CEO and co-founder of Black Fox Farm and Distillery in Saskatoon, shares some easy cocktail ideas for revellers looking to experiment at home.

La Niña has entered the building. Or it's knocking at the door, at least. The global weather phenomenon — typically known for producing colder, snowier-than-average winters on the Prairies — has been absent since early 2023, when it ended a rare three-year run.

After a municipal election without even one candidate for mayor, there will be a mayoral byelection in the Town of Kyle.

Both current Deputy Mayor Dennis Hall and John Amy have put their names forward as candidates for the top municipal job. 

Kyle council nominated Hall for the role as deputy mayor during their first meeting after the November election.

He will face Amy in a byelection on January 22nd, 2025.

The town will also hold advanced voting on January 7th at the municipal office between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. 

Kyle also filled the vacancy they had on town council as Ed Fonger was elected by acclamation.

Fonger will join Hall, Denise Schneider, Rach Risi, Doug Hodgins and Darryl Harbor on council.

Should Hall win the mayoral election, the town will require another byelection to fill his seat at the council table. 

Former Mayor George Williams retired from the position ahead of the 2024 municipal election.

A new report says Saskatoon police have "embraced" a shift around illegal drug possession, moving toward recognizing drug use as a public health concern as opposed to focusing on punishment, but one advocate says it unfairly suggests a decriminalization pilot was a failure.

A new mobile testing unit will allow Regina officers to conduct breathalyzer and oral fluid testing without having to bring people back to the police station.