The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has announced $15 million in new funding to increase acute care capacity at Saskatoon City Hospital.

Both the Juno Awards and the Polaris Music Prize announced Friday they were rescinding the honours Sainte-Marie had received over the years.

As the warm weather continues to settle in, it's time to start thinking about removing the ice shack from the lake. 

On the river, pond, or wherever it may be, the southern zone due date for ice shack removal is March 15. Penalties may be awarded for any shack found abandoned on the ice, or if it's unattended after the removal deadline.

Braden Cherney is the inspector for the Swift Current compliance area for the Conservation Officer service. He hopes that people take the time to remove the shacks before they melt into the ice, which makes the task much more difficult. 

"(March 15) probably gives us our best chance to remove the shack safely in the South," said Cherney. "It also corresponds with the fishing season."

The season will close on March 31, and reopen in May. 

Fines for abandoned ice fishing shacks start at $310. However, additional littering fees and other charges may apply. Cherney recalled one incident near Saskatoon where the individual ended up with a $2,800 total charge against them. 

"It's easy if the officers have to pull it off, whether it's a trailer or a skid-style shack," said Cherney. "But if it becomes an issue where it's considered garbage, then, yeah, we will attach other fine structures to it."

People can still take their ice fishing shacks out for use during the day after March 15. At their own discretion, they may continue using them during the day, and take them off when they finish. If a shack is found unattended, it may be considered abandoned. 

He also commented that sometimes people just forget they have a shack out. If you know of anyone who hasn't been to theirs in a while, it may be a kind gesture to remind them.

Cherney also wanted to remind people about ice safety. Never go on the ice if you are unsure of the conditions. Ice begins thinning at the shore first, and can collapse even after you think you've made it. He says it's best to get the ice shack off early for that very reason. 

Swift Current and southwest residents can now purchase tickets for an evening of dancing and live music featuring several local musicians coming up next week.

The Lyric Theatre's Saint Patrick's Day Barn Dance is set for Friday, March 14 with the Heat Strokes, Marcus Braun, Jesse Genns, and Austin Castle.

Mike Gould, a member of the Heat Strokes, noted that folks attending the Barn Dance are encouraged to dress in western wear or Saint Patrick's themed.

"We've had a number of opportunities to play at the Lyric, and it's a fantastic room with usually a fantastic crowd," said Gould. "It's going to be a great evening of country and western themed music, a bit of rock n' roll sprinkled in, and maybe even a couple of Irish Tunes."

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the music kicks off at 8:00 p.m.

"Marcus Braun, Austin Castle, and Jesse Genns are going to start the show and we'll hit the stage around 10:00 p.m. and rock n' roll until they turn the lights out on us," he shared. 

Tickets are available for $20 per person on the Lyric Theatre's website.

"We suggest getting tickets early because there's quite a bit of buzz around it," added Gould. "Come out the Lyric and have a great time, this one's going to be a sold out barn burner."

Most provinces and territories have signed onto a new federal child-care agreement that will see them split nearly $37 billion in funding from Ottawa from 2026 through 2031. Alberta and Saskatchewan have yet to sign.

A wild boar shot by a hunter on the edge of the Boreal forest is raising concerns about how far the invasive species is migrating on the Prairies.

Truck drivers and other heavy haulers will want to mark their calendars, cause the winter weights on secondary highways are fast approaching lifting. 

March 14th is the official deadline for the removal of the winter weights, meaning that secondary highways will no longer be rated for the same weights as primary highways, like the Trans-Canada Highway. 

David Horth, director of communications for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, that the monitoring of the highways is ongoing, and that the deadline date may come sooner, or later than expected. 

"We publish an order on our website twice weekly which is where the trucking industry goes for information about about winter weights," said Horth. "It's purely based on the condition of the roadbed."

During the winter months, the freezing conditions toughen up the road structure so that it can handle more weight than when it softens up during the summer. This enables secondary highways to endure the full load of a primary weight limit. 

"It's an economic benefit to producers and people who ship commodities," said Horth.

Failure to comply with the reduced weight limits after the winter weights are lifted can result in hefty fines, which vary on a case-by-case basis. 

Southwest residents and local investors are being cautioned of an increasingly common form of long-term investment fraud known as "pig butchering", that's already claimed millions of Saskatchewan dollars.

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan reported that in Saskatchewan alone, more than $3.4 million was reported lost in 2024 to these types of scams. 

With the month of March being Fraud Prevention Month, folks are encouraged to be aware and make careful investment decisions.

Dean Murrison, executive director of the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan's Securities Division, noted that people should watch out for red flags such as requests for large sums of money, unsolicited messages from strangers, pressure to borrow money, and opportunities that seem too-good-to-be-true. 

"Pig butchering is a bit of an outrageous term we've been using to attract people's attention to this serious problem," said Murrison. "They'll contact you out of the blue to try to bring you into a conversation, they do this over a long period of time and as they talk to you, they figure out more about your needs, vulnerabilities, and wants."

He highlighted that these scammers will work to build relationships and trust so that they can maximize the amount that they're able to exploit.

"They'll say; I know you need money for retirement and I have this really good investment, because we're so close, you can come in on it as well," Murrison shared. "If you do, they'll keep asking for more money and eventually you might want to withdraw some of that money or not have anymore money to put in.

"In which case, they'll disappear with your money, and usually this money is gone out of Canada and it's almost impossible to ever collect." 

People can protect themselves and their finances by being wary of strangers online, getting a second opinion, never sending money to unverified parties, understanding their investment, and never allowing unknown parties remote access to their computer. 

Anyone who suspects they may have invested in a pig butchering scam or other scam is advised to contact the Securities Division at (306) 787 - 5936, get in touch with RCMP, or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. 

To verify the registration status of an entity, head to the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Registration Search at aretheyregistered.ca.

Hello there, Teddy here! I'm a 6 month old kitten looking for my forever home. I'm a playful boy who enjoys other cats and would do well in just about any home setting. Something unique about me is, I have something called Pemphigus Foliaceus, which just means I need to be given a small dose of medication each day. This is an autoimmune disease and is not contagious to people or animals. I am very much just a normal looking cat with the cutest personality. I have been here awhile while they were getting my condition figured out, but I am all cleared to go home now and I can not wait to meet you. 

Canadian military planners are laying the groundwork for a restructuring of the army in the face of demands for more troops and equipment both at home and overseas.

As the tariff battles rage on between Canada and the United-States, the Cypress Hills-Grasslands Member of Parliament is placing some of the blame on the current federal government.

"They've been inactive on the international trade file for ten years," said Jeremy Patzer. "They've been asleep at the wheel. Donald Trump is doing what Donald Trump is doing, but I do think that ten years of inaction by our government has put us in a position where we are weakened and unable to respond properly and effectively."

He feels trade challenges with the American government are another reason why Canada needs to focus on developing our resources. 

"I think what needs to be talked about more is the opportunity to do more in Canada," Patzer said. "We're blessed with a rich natural resource abundance. We grow all the crops that the world needs. We have all the potash that the world needs. When it comes to our natural resource products, we don't have that value add. That is where we have an opportunity to grow, expand and be less dependent on other nations if we just do that value add here."

Patzer pointed out a lack of progress on some issues due to the Liberal government's decision to prorogue parliament during their leadership race. 

"The last couple months we've seen no movement on cutting red tape," he noted. "We've seen no movement on removing interprovincial trade barriers. They could be green lighting permits to try to get our natural resource projects developed (and) to try to get pipelines built. They're doing none of it. They've known since November that this was coming and they've done nothing."

He has been happy to a see a renewed focus on supporting Canadian companies. 

"People are rallying around the flag and trying to support local and buy Canadian products," Patzer said. "It's hard to do because there are only so many things that are fully made in Canada. There are some great products and great brand out there that proudly support that Canadian flag."

The federal Liberals will pick a new leader this weekend. Conservatives are now waiting to see how soon parliament to resume and if there will be an election this spring.

"The Liberal leadership race wraps up on Sunday so it'll be interesting to see who they pick and what their attitude is if they're going to finally put their partisan interests aside and do what's best for Canada," Patzer said. "We're ready for an election, we're ready to work to get the best results for Canada."

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that offers a one month pause for tariffs on some Canadian imports linked to the auto industry that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement and also lowers levies on potash to 10 per cent.

Swift Current came out in full support of the 13th Annual Carhartt's and Caviar at the Great Plains College.  

This year was yet again sold out, with many guests ready to help support the College welding program. Like every year, the live auction saw bids being made on a number of in-house items. From firepits and garden arches to workbenches and boot racks, there was an interesting selection.  

President and CEO of Great Plains College, Brad Mahon, was thrilled to see the support for the event remain iron-clad amongst the community.  

"You see faculty here, you see staff, you see alumni," said Mahon. "But what you also see in the crowd is business leaders, business owners, and community leaders. Folks who maybe don't have any connection officially with the college other than they come here year after year to support us and support this event. We really appreciate that." 

Mahon even got involved himself this year. While he didn't pick up a torch, he had a Hunk of Burning Love lighting up the stage with an Elvis Presley impersonation. Playing guitar and singing live on stage in the King's full regalia of tassel and rhinestones, Mahon helped push a custom wall piece. A one of a kind Elvis Presley guitar cut-out tribute.  

Money from the event goes to buying equipment for the welding program, and helping students in the program financially with the course. Any money that is left over goes towards supporting other students at the college. 

This year, the biggest sell was during the famous 'Junkyard Wars'. The event pitches two teams of students against each other in a light-hearted competition, where they join the evenings auctioneer on stage to auction off their respective project.

This year, the first item was a custom workbench that featured a tractor seat mounted to a swinging arm, with a vice included. The second item was a custom boot rack, made out of donated railway ties and steel-brushed douglas fir wood. It ended up being the boot rack that ran away with the highest bid of the night, at $3,000.  

Helping out with the floor as Brett Jensen from Heartland Swift Current did the auctioneering, was fellow heartland auctioneer, John Baier. He took in the bids, and flagged down prospective competition to help generate more funds for the program. 

"I think it means a lot to us because, not only does it show that we're active in the community, but it shows that we care," said Baier. "Swift Current is a great community. Having this college here that's local that local kids can attend and get the skills they need to achieve their achieve their goals is fantastic." 

While no total tally from the evening has been collected yet, there was no shortage of dollars being given to the welding program. Even after 13 years, Jared McKenzie, welding instructor at Great Plans College, was blown away by the support.  

"It's a completely unique experience," said McKenzie. "We're the only ones selling these one-of-a-kind things. That's a great experience and you're supporting a program where it's drawing people to our community. It's helping feed our local businesses and it's wonderful scholarships. Education is expensive now and it just gives these kids a chance to experience it the best way that they can." 

McKenzie noted that this year was the first year alumni helped with the creation of the auction items. For him, the fact that graduated students took the time out of their days to help this event once again was a testament to the quality of their program. 

"When you get that going and people, young kids like that, buying into an event like this, you've done something special," said McKenzie. 

Mckenzie hinted that talks were being had on how to make sure the 15th edition of Carhartt's and Caviar would be an especially special occasion.

S3 Group was also given a special thank you, as they had been the title sponsor of the evening for the last nine years. Their commitment and that of the other sponsors ensure that both the Carhartt's and Caviar are fresh and unstressed.

Jason Ellis, an associate professor in the faculty of education at the University of British Columbia, shares how B.C. has handled classroom complexity in its teachers' contract and what to expect in Saskatchewan as teachers work to finalize theirs.

Kayla DeMong, the executive director of Prairie Harm Reduction in Saskatoon, called the situation a crisis.

The Saskatchewan government says it stick with its plan to stop buying and distributing American alcohol, and remove some American contractors and materials from future capital projects, until it knows more about what products are exempt for tariffs.

Friday night is set to be a concert to remember in Swift Current.

The Great Canadian Roadtrip 2.0 starring Jason McCoy, Jason Blaine, and Chad Brownlee is going to live on stage at the Living Sky Casino Event Centre.

Jason Blaine, known for hits like Rock in my Boot and Good Day to Get Gone, will be playing not only his own hits, but the hits of both McCoyr and Brownlee together with them on stage.

"The music has been the most fun part so far," said Blaine. "We're all on stage together and we're playing guitar on each other's songs, singing on each other's songs, and we're three shows in so far. Let me tell you, man, what a blast." 

McCoy, who helped form the band The Road Hammers, first launched the Great Canadian Roadtrip 1.0 last year with Doc Walker and Michelle Wright.

McCoyr and Blaine met on tour in 2013, on the Town Throwdown Tour, and have been fast friends ever since.

"When Jason called me up and invited me to be a part of this and told me Chad was in and going to be on tour with us, it was an easy yes," said Blaine.

Brownlee has had hits like Forever's Gotta Start Somewhere and Dear Drunk Me airing on country music radio, with the former being a number-one hit.

"All three of us have been fortunate to rack up quite a number of hits because you guys played them on country radio," said Blaine. "What a fun show it is for the fans because it's just hit song after hit song."

From Mud to East Bound and Down, and Get Addicted to Forever's Gotta Start Somewhere, there is no shortage of fan favourites to be had.

Ticket information can be found on the Swift Current Arts Council's website.

31 organizations welcomed a crowd to the Stockade in Swift Current yesterday for the annual Spring/Summer City Wide Connection.

"It's changed over the years from back in the day when it was just all about registrations." said Partnerships and Events Coordinator for the City of Swift Current Brad Woods. "Now it's about connecting with the community. We had 31 groups from the community looking for everything from registrations to volunteer opportunities and some just wanted to share information about services they offer."

Woods estimated over 150 people came in throughout the 90 minutes of the event to check out what was on offer.

"We're trying to put people in face-to-face conversations with people who are providing opportunities within the community," Woods said. "Sometimes you're just looking for information... or ways to get involved. Having that face-to-face chat is a lot more comfortable for people."

Several local sporting organizations were demonstrating their sports and offering introductions to what they do.

"Lots of good feedback," said Swift Current Rampage Lacrosse Division Coordinator Rhett Baldwin. "Lots of registration. Great to see some people from the community and give some cupcakes out as well. We have grown over the last few years."

For those families interested in the sporting activities that were on offer but facing financial challenges, supports like Canadian Tire's Jumpstart and Kiwanis Active Kids were in attendance.

"We are providing funding for families who are facing financial barriers," said Kiwanis Active Kids Co-Chair Jenna Reimer-Jones. "Kiwanis graciously gave us some start-up money and we are also fundraising as well. We're doing adopt-an-athlete for $400. We accept any amount of donation as well."

You can apply or support the program by visiting sckiwanis.ca/activekids.

The event wasn't exclusive to sports. Camps, clubs, art institutions and others offered information on their programming.

"There's been a lot of people interested in art programs and art camps," said Swift Current Art Gallery Program Coordinator Morghie Flaterud. "I think it's very valuable. Even if people don't sign up right then and there, I find that people after a City Wide Connection even do go and think about their options."

It isn't always the same organizations at the event either.

"We had a number of groups tonight that haven't been here for a few years," Woods said. "Just having them to be available to those who have just come to town and get them up to speed on what opportunities are here."

The Saskatchewan beef industry is intertwined with the U.S., and the trade war could expose aspects that could lead to rising costs in some areas of the supply chain and cheaper prices in others.

Swift Current's Lyric Theatre is setting up for a fun ladies' night out with Sask Music's International Women's Day Concert coming up on Friday evening. 

The Women's Day Concert is being held in conjunction with International Women's Day and will feature live entertainment from four female artists; SoulTribe, Cupid's Heart, NiniJegz, and Kara Golemba.

Maria Doyle, front-of-house manager at the Lyric Theatre, noted that the event will be a chance to mingle, make memories, and celebrate women in the community.

"This Friday we have a Sask Music International Women's Day event," she said. "Tickets are $25 and all proceeds are going towards Southwest Crisis Services here in town, which is a really good cause."

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins around 7:30 p.m. with tickets available at the door or ahead of time through Showpass.

Anyone looking for more information can head to lyrictheatre.ca or saskmusic.org.

Blaisen Nicotine from Red Pheasant Cree Nation has been charged after an investigation into child pornography being sold online.

A Swift Current woman was given a lasting legacy after the recent naming of a new wheat variety, AAC Oakman, as a tribute to her life.

Local technician, Lesley Oakman, played an instrumental role in developing the new wheat variety at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre before unfortunately losing her life to cancer.

Dr. Richard Cuthbert, a Swift Current wheat breeder with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, noted that Oakman passed away in 2020, due to the pandemic, a proper memorial wasn't able to be held for her.

"We thought of some ways we could honour Lesley and when this new variety came along, we had the opportunity to name it when it was registered," he said. "The seed company that licensed it was willing to allow us to choose the name and we chose AAC Oakman."

Cuthbert describes the ACC Oakman wheat variety as a hardy plant with enhanced bread-making qualities and various disease, pathogen, and insect resistant qualities. 

"Lesley Oakman started with us around 1999, I believe," he shared. "Lesley was a good friend and colleague to many people in the program and was well known in the community in various ways.

"This is a way we can remember Lesley and the name will live on for a long time, not just in Canada, but that variety will be used by others globally for furthering breeding efforts."

The City of Swift Current is warning people of a street closure. 

From 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Herbert Street West from Second Avenue Northwest to First Avenue Northwest will be closed. Crews are working for the day to repair a manhole.

A detour has been set up, and signage is in place. 

The City apologizes for any inconvenience.

A new wheat variety has been named after Lesley Oakman, who died from cancer in 2020. The 42-year-old woman worked as a wheat technician at the Agriculture and Agri-food Canada research station in Swift Current, Sask.

The numbers looked good at the Southwest Facility Foundation's second AGM.

This year, the total profits of the non-profit are at a hair over $202,000. That is money they have received as direct donations as funding for the new aquatic centre and field house. With pledges and other donations, the total amount raised is a little shy of $3.9 million and individually totals $3.7 million. 

Sasha Godenir, chair of the board for the SWFF, was ecstatic with the progress that had been made over the last year. 

"(The $3.9 million) is a very exciting number for that short of a time," said Godenir. "It really speaks volumes to how awesome the community and the surrounding community has been in supporting what we're trying to make happen here in southwest Saskatchewan."

Another notable part of the meeting was a small change of the guard. Darcy Congon took over the board role of Treasurer. Larry Kielo was operating in that capacity but felt he was unable to devote enough of himself to the role while still maintaining his regular work at the Great Plains College. 

"We have great people on that board for sure," said Godenir. "Some in some out, but that's to be expected."

Godenir also revealed that the SWFF will be partnering with Tim Hortons for the next Smile Cookie day after a successful partnership during the latest edition of the fundraiser. She also teased that there will be some big announcements within the next month.  

Coming up this Friday, the Swift Current Museum is set to host a lunch for International Women's Day. 

The lunch is being held in partnership with the Southwest Multicultural Association. The lunch will feature a panel of women from the local community, such as Lindsey Gates, Icasiana De Gala, and Leanne Tuntland Wiebe to discuss this year's theme, 'We can all have accelerated action together'.

The lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., with Melissa Shaw, general manager of cultural and aquatic services for the City of Swift Current, eager to see everyone who shows up. 

"The panel and program will discuss different things in the community," said Shaw. "And how we can help accelerate women to be better and stronger, and more resilient in our community."

That section of the programming will begin at 12 p.m.

The event is free to attend, and open to anyone interested in learning more.