In typical Spring fashion, March wants to go out like a Lion.

That forecast is not stopping the BEACH BOYS from hitting Regina this Friday at the Brandt Centre.  Good Vibrations will be wash over all the Surfer Girls and those that drive a Little Deuce Coupe might just want to leave the hot wheels in the garage.  Tickets were selling as quick as people flood to the surf, so check on line to see if tickets are available.

The country vibe time once again at the Brandt Centre on Sunday night at 7pm.  Riley Green and the Damn Country Music Tour roll in with Ella Langley, Jake Worthington & Erik Dylan.  Big hit makers and pretty eye appealing this should be a great night out.  Tickets are still available, some single tickets but what a great way to meet new friends.

Regina welcomes Scotty McCreery to Casino Regina Friday night.  Recently, Scotty slipped on stage! How embarrassing is that?  He bounced right up and will be good to go this weekend.

Conexus Arts Centre will be filled with nostalgia Saturday night when Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers Story unfolds on the main stage.  Tickets are available at the Box Office or online at Walk Right Back : The Everly Brothers Story | Conexus Arts Centre | Conexus Arts Centre

The Saskatchewan Science Centre / Kramer Imax Theatre has a couple of things you should know about.  First, Disney’s Snow White is playing at the IMAX.  This live action musical reimagining of the 1937 classic will be a treat for the whole family.  There are a variety of show times.  Live theatre is also part of the venue.  Curtain Razors’ Johanna Bundon made an appearance with us on Tuesday morning inviting everyone to “Tommy & Pere”.  There are various times and there is also a pay scale for those that would like to attend but live theatre is not in their budget.

Curtain Razors presents “Tommy + Pere” (Audio) | 620 CKRM – The Voice of Saskatchewan | Harvard Media

We cannot forget about the sporting side of things with the BKT Tires Men’s World Curling Championship underway this weekend in Moose Jaw.  The Original 16 Patch will have not only the International Curlers on the main stage answering questions, but great entertainment like JJ Voss and Men Without Shame.  Daily Ticket Packages are available as well as single tickets.  We are pulling for who else but TEAM CANADA!  Congratulations to all of our single draw ticket winners.

Remember to get out and do something that works your mind, your spirit and offers you a learning moment.  Most of all, have some fun!

March 27 – 30 Weekend

Regina police charged a 26-year-old man and a 16-year-old female after a firearms incident on Tuesday Officers responded to a business on Hamilton Street at around 10:20 a.m. , where they found EMS treating a man for a gunshot wound .

REGINA – The opposition New Democrats shredded the Sask Party government’s budget on Wednesday, in every way.

At a media event at the Legislature, NDP Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon took the printed contents of the 2025-26 budget and in front of the cameras he put them into a shredding machine.

The message from Wotherspoon was that the budget, with its $12 million projected surplus for 2025-26, had failed to take into account the tariff threat from President Donald Trump.

Wotherspoon again pointed to the lack of a dedicated contingency plan in the budget to address the impact — a move Premier Scott Moe and Finance Minister Jim Reiter have resisted on the grounds it would have to be deficit financed.

“We had a budget that was presented last week that denies the realities that we face in this province,” said Wotherspoon.

Wotherspoon said it “doesn’t incorporate or plan for any of the impacts of threats and tariffs on Saskatchewan’s economy, producers or workers… It doesn’t meet the moment, doesn’t reflect the reality that we face, certainly doesn’t focus on the future and really it’s not worth the paper that it’s printed on.”

Wotherspoon noted debate on the budget was still ongoing and a vote on it was planned for Thursday, when the Sask Party majority expects to pass it.

“But really there should be no vote,” Wotherspoon said. “The Premier needs to do the right thing and pull this budget and to send it through the shredder, and ultimately bring forward a budget that’s based on reality, focused on the future, and has the backstop that Saskatchewan people deserve.”

Wotherspoon’s media event came one day after word hit the Legislature that President Trump would be opening up Russian market access to ag and fertilizer, a move directly impacting Saskatchewan industry including potash. It also came on the same day that Trump was set to announce auto tariffs at a news conference at 2 p.m. Saskatchewan time.

When asked about this latest tariff threat Wotherspoon said Trump was “completely out of line.”

“We need to be pushing back in all the effective ways we can, standing together as a country, standing strong as Team Saskatchewan, all hands on deck. It’s completely reprehensible the way he is going about this, aligning with a dictator that’s committing atrocities beyond description while threatening an ally, both us economically as well as our sovereignty. It’s beyond the pale.”

SASKATOON — Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said the Saskatchewan government recognizes the importance of the province’s Indigenous Business Sector, with several programs in place to support its growth, as it is also beneficial to the entire province.

Kaeding represented the provincial government in hosting the 4th Annual Indigenous Business Gathering on Tuesday, March 25, at Prairieland Park, which various Indigenous business leaders and other officials attended.

Kaeding said the government has several programs involved, including those in trade and export development, which have specific business entities to deal with Indigenous-owned industries, making the event a success and now being recognized inter-provincially and nationwide.

“Indigenous businesses are helping the Saskatchewan economy. Our government certainly focuses on supporting Indigenous businesses, as evidenced by the establishment of specific departments dedicated to supporting Indigenous businesses. We’ll find that they help facilitate opportunities we see between the different sectors in the province,” said Kaeding.

“Through the various opportunities that exist across the province, I think we have a lot to gain every time we see an event such as this, as popular as, and just ultimately witnessing the growth we’re seeing in the Indigenous business network out there.”

He added that Indigenous businesses are in numerous sectors, including drilling, supply safety, activewear, sportswear, and tourism, where people can build a network and connect with the provincial government. Seeing them flourish inspires them to create more ways to provide assistance and fulfill Indigenous economic reconciliation.

Kaeding mentioned that Indigenous businesses and communities have contributed significantly to the province’s resource sector, particularly in uranium mining at the Athabasca Basin and the forestry industry, where substantial investments are being made in these two key areas.

He added that the agriculture and tech sectors are other areas where we must see more Indigenous engagement, with the latter growing exponentially, which could give Indigenous businesses and communities more opportunities.

“We will see a lot of Indigenous engagement and participation in the renewable energy sector. We discussed the Seven Stars project, and we’re providing a significant loan guarantee to support Indigenous communities in participating in the natural energy sector. You will also see significant investment in the oil and gas sector. I think those are all key areas you’ll see further development,” said Kaeding.

“This is exciting. It’s a good indication of where our economy is headed in this province and, ultimately, who will participate in that economy. With the trade shows and the diversity of businesses, I think you’ve seen from the interest here today that Indigenous communities and Métis communities will be a big part of our growing economy. What you’re going to see from an event like developing synergies and strategic alliances is that they’re going to be able to develop the resources that we’ve got in this province with that much more efficiency.”

The City of Swift Current has unveiled its budget for 2025 with a total of over $101.5 million dollars. 

Of that total, over $75.6 million is for the Operating and Utility Expenses, with $25.9 for the Capital Expenditures. 

Operating and Utility Expenses, according to Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal, are for general payments to cover operating costs. Subscriptions to accounting and administrative computer software, fuel accounts, RCMP contracts, and other general charges fall into this category. 

From the Capitol Expenditures, just under $15 million is for capital projects that are awaiting grant funding to proceed. The proposed construction of a new Aquatic Centre is occupying roughly $11 million of that money. 

"We have to put it in, but the chances aren't real good for that grant funding," said Bridal.

Property tax has risen by 2.71 per cent. Bridal, although he didn't have exact numbers in front of him, was confident that it was the second-lowest tax increase in the province. The only City he knew to be lower was Estevan, which hasn't had a tax increase in four years. 

The Aquatic Centre will be getting a $2.1 million retrofit to keep it operating for the next five years. Bridal called the amount optimistic from a contractor's perspective, although he admitted he did not go through all the details with a fine-tooth comb.

Bridal revealed that the contract covers redoing the electrical components of the entrance, plumbing, water lining, the deck around the pool, boiler work, and more.

"So that we can continue to use that building," said Bridal. "We hope for between four and five years and that with any luck, we'll get us to the new Aquatic Center." 

A new item added to people's bills for the year is the Recreation Levy. The charge is for $11 per month or $140 per property per year. Bridal says the levy will be a permanent fixture going forward. 

"We want our citizens to understand that recreation does cost money," said Bridal. "The only way we can continue to have these facilities is to maintain or build them."

Swift Current Online will provide more details on all of these items over the coming week. 

The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (SaskDLC) is opening doors for high school students interested in careers in the oil and gas industry through a new set of online courses. Developed in collaboration with major energy companies, these courses offer a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on workplace experience, providing students with a well-rounded introduction to the sector.

Industry Support and Development

The initiative, first announced at the 2024 Oil and Gas Show in Weyburn, has gained significant backing from industry leaders. Teine Energy initially pledged support, and three additional companies, Cenovus Energy, Vermilion Energy, and Whitecap Resources, have since joined, collectively committing up to $160,000 over two years. This funding is helping to develop course content and finance a work placement coordinator who will ensure students gain meaningful on-the-job experience.

According to Saskatchewan Minister of Education Everett Hindley, the program underscores the province’s commitment to the oil and gas industry. “We strongly believe in the future of this sector and its role in creating jobs and economic activity across West Central Saskatchewan,” Hindley said. “This allows an opportunity for students to have yet another career path in front of them, and to help them learn about the importance of oil and gas and what it does as an industry in our province.”

Hindley also emphasized the collaboration between industry and education, stating, “Teachers from the DLC will be involved in developing the new online courses based on feedback and industry expertise from a steering committee made up of representatives from the four energy companies.”

Course Structure and Work Placement

The first course, Oil and Gas 20, is currently being piloted. The program consists of 100 hours of instruction, split between 50 hours of online theory and 50 hours of work placement. Students first complete coursework covering topics such as energy exploration, production, distribution, environmental stewardship, and safety. Once they finish the theoretical portion, they transition to fieldwork with participating energy companies.

Lori Gasper, SaskDLC’s Program Manager for Practical and Applied Arts, explained the approach. “The work placement allows students to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting. They start with a significant focus on safety and then be partnered with a mentor to experience the duties of a production field operator,” she said.

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She also noted that the pilot program is evolving. “Because it's the pilot, things aren't written in stone. We're going to work with the mentors to do our best to link the course learning that they've done in their online theory with the work placement assessment,” Gasper explained. “Our work placement coordinator has been out on the field having a talk through with some of the mentors to identify exactly what the students will be able to do out in the field.”

Currently, Teine Energy and Whitecap Resources are hosting students for the pilot program. These placements are spread across multiple locations, primarily in West Central, southwest, and southeast, around the Weyburn area.

Expansion and Future Prospects

Interest in the program has been strong, with current registration at full capacity and a waitlist already in place. Enrollment for the next round, beginning in February 2026, is open currently.

SaskDLC also has plans to expand its offerings. The Oil and Gas 30 course is set to launch in February 2026, following the same structure as its predecessor. This expansion aims to provide students with a more advanced understanding of the industry and additional workplace experience.

“Both courses will have the same structure with 50 hours of online coursework paired with a 50-hour work placement,” Gasper confirmed. She also highlighted the importance of these placements, stating, “We’re grateful to the industry partners for making the placements possible because they allow students to try it for themselves and see themselves in a career, letting them make informed choices for their future.”

Looking Ahead

As the pilot program unfolds, SaskDLC and its industry partners are refining the course to enhance student experiences and industry alignment. 

For students considering the program, the message is clear: the Oil and Gas courses provide not only valuable knowledge but also a direct pathway into a thriving industry. Through a combination of online learning and hands-on experience, students can gain the skills and insights needed to make informed decisions about their future careers.

Bacon, eggs, sausage and french toast with toppings were all in the lineup for the annual Safety Breakfast at the Great Plains College. 

The annual event provides a free breakfast for the various individuals working with the college partners who get their safety training through its programs. 

Angela Kazakoff, the skills and safety training coordinator for Great Plains College and the southern region, was happy to have her clients come into the College for a chance to give back to them.

"We provide a little bit of information about what we offer, but really just an appreciation for our clients and their support over the year," said Kazakoff. 

These men and women work in various industries, ranging from the oil field to the City of Swift Current. All walks of life need and benefit from safety training, which helps to ensure they can complete their tasks in a manner that ensures they get to go home to their families. 

The fact they choose to get their training at the Great Plains College is a big reason for the breakfast. 

"(The breakfast) is to show our appreciation because we understand that people can go elsewhere for their training," said Kazakoff. "This community really provides us with so much support and we just really appreciate that."

In total, there were roughly 150 diners at the College. 

The Saskatchewan government is removing a provincial sales tax exemption on vapour products sold in the province.

Ratepayers in Swift Current will see a property tax increase and a new recreational levy on their 2025 bills after the City of Swift Current unveiled its 2025 budget.

City council approved the 2.71 per cent property tax increase this Wednesday morning, alongside an additional $140 levy for recreational services.

Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal said the Aquatic Centre needs more than $2 million in repairs to make it operational while they plan for a new facility. 

"The evidence is overwhelming as a community, we will require targeted funding towards our recreational facilities," he said. 

The City's 2025 budget is projected at just under $76 million, with $26 million being spent on capital, but $15 million of that spending is dependent on grants. 

More to come. 

Environment Canada says an Alberta clipper will make highway driving treacherous.

A 29-year-old male inmate from the Saskatoon Correctional Centre died in hospital on March 23  after being found unresponsive in his unit on March 18.

Corrections staff performed life-saving measures before EMS transported him to the hospital.

Story By:  Jason G Antonio

MOOSE JAW — City hall wants to upgrade the South Hill water pumphouse and reservoir to increase capacity and enhance efficiency and hopes a federal grant can support the $10-million project.

During its March 24 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to support the municipality’s project grant application to the federal Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada program’s Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).

This is the third initiative that council has submitted to CHIF, with the first being the $66.41 million Crescent View Headworks venue replacement project and the second being the $31.7 million infrastructure (cast iron) renewal program.

The current pumphouse system dates to 1977 and has aging pumps and electrical equipment that are nearly finished, a council report said.

Rehabilitating the structure — total cost is expected to be $9,808,568 — would increase reservoir capacity to 11,350 cubic metres from 9,100 cubic metres, make it more operationally efficient and add improved control systems and a backup generator, the document continued.

Furthermore, the project should enhance the water distribution system, improve fire protection, increase reliability, support future population growth and new housing developments of up to 60,000 residents, attract developers, promote sustainable development, lead to long-term cost savings and create more jobs, the report said.

The report noted that the city would fund the project through the operations budget and the water reservoirs budget. Contingency funds would also be included to cover unforeseen expenses.

The deadline to submit the federal application is Monday, March 31.

When asked when Moose Jaw might learn whether its application is successful, city administration said the federal election call has “thrown some of these things into a mix” since Ottawa cannot announce anything during this period. Therefore, city hall is in “wait-and-see mode” until after election day on Monday, April 28.

The application deadline was set months in advance of the election call, so the federal government’s departments will still take grant applications, administration continued. The intake process may remain the same if the Liberals return to power, while it could change if another party forms government.

He then asked administration how it would prioritize funding the three CHIF-submitted projects.

City manager Maryse Carmichael replied that administration will direct all funding toward the Crescent View headworks project, while she would discuss the situation with city hall’s grant writer, Tanya Reimer, who has a good relationship with her federal and provincial counterparts.

Carmichael noted that she would ask Reimer whether submitting several applications would change the municipality’s odds with acquiring federal funding.

“It would be good to know if that strengthens or weakens our applications, because if I had to put forward one, it would be Crescent View … ,” said Boyle.

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, chimed in and said all three infrastructure projects — Crescent View, South Hill water pumphouse and reservoir, and cast iron — are tender- and shovel-ready. However, he was unsure whether that fact would increase the city’s chances of acquiring money.

Harlton added that Moose Jaw, because of its size, has no assurance of receiving future grant money for projects, while city hall does not make any budget projects contingent upon federal or provincial funding.

The next regular council meeting is Monday, April 7.

The Swift Current Kinettes Club has achieved a landmark milestone in 70 years of active membership and community involvement. 

President of the Swift Current Kinettes Club, Tracy Prang, has been a member for 11 of those years. She reckoned that the club's actual anniversary was sometime in December. Celebrations have begun early, as they recently received a certificate from Kin Canada honouring the anniversary. 

"National President of Kin Canada, Marley Hanishewsky, sent us a letter congratulating us along with the Executive Director of Kin Canada," said Prang. "Which is pretty special in that they continue to recognize the groups that are continuing on and thriving and which are able to serve their communities greatest needs." 

Randy Sidhu, executive director of Kin Canada, wrote them a letter thanking the club members, past and present, for all they have done.

"Thank you for all that your members do to innovate, invest, and impact," said Sidhu. "Your hard work and dedication to enhancing your club, your community, and Kin Canada as a whole do not go unnoticed. You continue to help make the City of Swift Current a place to lie, work, and play while never forgetting about community members most in need of support."

The Kinettes have historically focused on providing for the needs in the community. Swift Current is no different, with the local club having been a large voice for groups like The Center, the Salvation Army Food Bank, and most recently the Southwest Facility Foundation. 

The largest work they contribute to is TeleMiracle. The fundraiser itself turned 49 this year, marking a nearly half-century of raising money for children's healthcare in Saskatchewan. 

"We work really hard to be able to raise money to keep helping with TeleMiracle and keeping those funds in Saskatchewan to help with all the medical needs of the people of Saskatchewan," said Prang. 

"This is the most disturbing action that I think we've seen from [U.S. President Donald Trump] since his election," said Scott Moe.

A Canadian man living with a rare disease has embarked on a bicycle ride across the country to raise awareness, making a recent pit stop in Swift Current.

Tyler J Ashton stopped by the radio station on Tuesday morning to share his message and story of living with ankylosing spondylitis, or AS. 

The B.C. resident noted that he began the ride in B.C. at the iconic Mile 0 Marker of the Trans Canada Highway, near the Terry Fox statue.

"Three years ago, when I got my diagnosis, that saved my life; it gave me the instruction booklet to figure out what to do next with my life," he said. "I've had to switch careers and do all sorts of things, but one thing I found out is that I really enjoy helping others. 

"This started as an idea of something bigger than myself, and I decided to go across Canada."

Ashton highlighted that he endured vigorous training every day to prepare for this ride and hopes to motivate others with AS to get up and get moving too.

"AS is a disease of the spine, and it's primarily based in arthritis and inflammation," he shared. "Worst case, late-stage prognosis, is spinal fusion, where my spine would start to fuse itself, and I'd be immobile."

The cross-country cyclist will ride primarily along the highway and will next stop in Regina and again in Brandon for a treatment that he takes every seven days.

"I take a weekly injection and I work with a medication team," added Ashton. "Without them, I wouldn't be able to do this.

"I take a biologic that needs to be refrigerated, so they help facilitate the pharmacies where my med drops happen."

Anyone looking to follow along with Tyler J Ashton's journey can visit him on social media or help support the cause on GoFundMe.

Seattle Kraken assistant coach Karen Campbell's hometown of Rocanville, Sask., is unveiling a highway board honouring her and hosting a watch party as her team takes on the Edmonton Oilers Saturday night.

Swift Current Fire Department crews responded to a fire on Central Avenue South. 

A garage fire has been confirmed, with both paramedics and firefighters at the scene. 

Reports of at least one injury have been made, although the severity of that injury is unknown. An eyewitness witnessed paramedics tending to an adult man. 

The cause of this fire is unknown at this time. 

Swift Current Online will follow up with any updates that become available. 

Maddox Schultz was given exceptional status at the age of 14 to play up in the U18 AAA Hockey League. The league's top scorer, who just turned 15, is expected to be the No 1. pick in the upcoming Western Hockey League draft but he is not seeking exceptional status this time around. That's because under a new Hockey Canada rule, he can stay with the U18 AAA Regina Pat Canadians and still be allowed to play 34 games in the WHL next year.

Saskatchewan's government is projecting a small surplus. But is that realistic given the trade wars with the U.S. and China? The political panel joined the morning edition to discuss the 2025 provincial budget and what the upcoming spring session will look like. This week's panel featured Regina Leader-Post columnist Murray Mandryk, Canadian Press reporter Jeremy Simes and Morning Edition host Adam Hunter.

Located on Buffalo Pound Lake, north of Moose Jaw, folks can find a unique learning environment. 

The Classroom on Ice is offered by the volunteers running the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation, kids are able to learn about fish anatomy, their lifestyles, and perhaps most importantly, how to catch them.

Dale Hodgson, one of the volunteer teachers, has been helping educate children of all backgrounds on how to catch, release, and care for the fish in Buffalo Pound for over a decade. His mobile ice fishing shack allows him to venture to any body of water where a classroom has requested a lesson. He has ventured as far as Outlook, Saskatchewan in his quest to keep kids interested in ice fishing.

"We teach grades 5-6, and it's just an opportunity for the kids to come out and learn," said Hodgson.

In total, there are three classrooms. The first is the anatomy classroom. Kids learn how to dissect the fish, and about how everything in there works. 

Classroom two is all about water conservation. 

"What we do is we explain to the kids about taking care of our water supply," said Hodgson. "We show them about oxygen in the water, and how the fish need it."

Finally, the third and final classroom is Hodgson's ice fishing class. He shows kids how to drill holes safely, drilling each of them a spot to fish. He has a shack for them to warm up in, but otherwise shows them how to fish out in the open. He explains how the fishing rod works, how to use it, and how to handle the fish.

Hodgson says the best part of his job is showing kids how to catch fish. Teaching them how to set the hook safely, reeling them in, and watching as they hold up their catch for the first time is a rewarding experience each time.

"My kids have all grown up here, my grandkids have all grown up out here, and so this is my opportunity to be able to give back," said Hodgson. "To the kids that are out there that maybe don't have the opportunity to come out here and do the fishing. So it's a great program."

Many of the kids he teaches have never been ice fishing before. Be they from families that just don't ice fish themselves, or if they have recently come to Canada and have never had a frozen body of water to ice fish on, this is many kids first time catching anything on the ice. 

"One girl I remember, she'd never fished, but she wound up catching three fish," Hodgson said. "Well, she was strutting around like you would not believe. She was just like the princess of the lake. She was just tickled pink."

So long as these kids have permission, they are even allowed to bring the fish they catch home. 

"The other day we had a brand new student from the Philippines," recalled Hodgson. "He caught about a four-pound Jackfish. After we contacted his parents, he wound up taking the fish home. 

"I do believe they had it for supper."

If anyone is interested in getting their child involved or would like to set up an experience for their classroom, they can call the Moose Jaw Wild Life Federation at 306-693-4047.

It is officially spring; the province is thawing out and coming back to life once again following a lengthy and frigid winter. The change of seasons will soon be apparent all around us, especially in the countless plant and animal species that can be found in Saskatchewan. 

Those native plants, well adapted to weather roller coaster the province rides every winter, are among the first to show evidence that spring has arrived, and Beth Dolmage, a Species at Risk Botanist with the Ministry of Environment tells us which ones to be on the lookout for. 

“Some of our most early-blooming plants that people can keep an eye for that are native (to Saskatchewan) can include Prairie Crocuses - which are always a fan favourite – things like Prairie Smoke, a very distinctive purple and red flower and a very small flower called Moss Phlox,” said Dolmage. 

“And then buds on our shrubs like Pussy Willows or some of our trees that bud out a little early, think of our Balsam Poplar.” 

While quick to emerge from their winter dormancy, those plants are seldom affected by the wild temperature swings that are all too present during the latter half of winter and early springtime. 

“Our early blooming plants are adapted to kind of keep warm in those sudden temperature drops. If you look at a prairie crocus, for instance, they're actually pretty hairy and that hair can really help conserve moisture or protect them from some of those temperature drops, they're really, really resilient and have adapted over time to our environment,” she explained.  

Timing is everything for the flora and fauna of Saskatchewan. The ability to essentially sit back and wait out the winter, utilized by a wide range of native animal species in the form of hibernation, is a crucial component of the survival strategy used by plant species as well. 

Dolmage noted that species that jump the gun face severe consequences and tend to not survive long enough to adapt to the climate in our region. 

“Sudden temperature swings can absolutely be detrimental to plants. If they’ve budded out, produced flowers, or started to really put energy into some of those structures and the temperature drops enough to freeze, it can damage that plant, which must spend energy reserves to regrow, which can be detrimental,” said Dolmage. 

“So later on, when things really start to pick up, usually in Saskatchewan, it's early April is when you might see those crocuses start to pop up.” 

It is not just the resilience to our region’s climate extremes that makes our native plant species stand out to Dolmage and her colleagues; they have also adapted to a wide range of ecoregions, each one introducing unique challenges to species that call them home. 

“We have (numerous) ecoregions and then each of those exists inside of an ecozone and they're kind of nested, so we have our pre ecozone and then within it, we have our ecoregions like the aspen parkland and mixed moist grassland. We are a unique area.” 

“Our plants have adapted over eons to that. There are plenty of plants that have their niche. Whether it’s our mixed grasslands closer to the southern border or aspen parkland in the middle, they have adapted to the local climate, to our weather, and even to our soil types, 

(The soil types) are so interconnected to the landscape and our history of glaciation. These plants have been here for a really long time and have learned to work with the environment.”  

She noted that some adaptations that can be found in the drier and sunny regions of the province - like the border between moist mixed and mixed grasslands that Moose Jaw is situated on - include silvery leaves that conserve moisture by reflecting sunlight and hairs that trap moisture to prevent evaporation.  

Some species of native grasses (known collectively as C4 grasses due to the different method of carbon fixation used during photosynthesis) stagger their growth, emerging during the later months of summer to reduce competition. 

Throughout her career as a botanist, Dolmage has had the opportunity to travel across Saskatchewan to conduct various studies, and over that time she has inevitably found a few personal favourite plants to encounter. 

“One of them, of course, would be our provincial flower the Wood Lily. The bright orange lily you’ll see blooming in June. Another one I really love is a little harder to find, it’s called Showy Locoweed. It’s similar to Prairie Crocus in that it has lots of hairs all over it, it’s a very soft plant,” she said. 

“As someone who spends lots of time outdoors dealing with plants, many of them are thorny. So, it’s a real joy to find something so soft and pretty, it has beautiful purple flowers, and it grows in the native prairie of southern Saskatchewan.” 

With the growing season just about to begin, Dolmage encourages everyone to get outdoors and feed their curiosity, and one way to do so is to take advantage of the iNaturalist app when running across a plant or animal during their travels. 

“A great app. It uses photographs of living insects, plants, animals, fungi and it takes their location, deed of observation and it brings them to a global community of experts for verification.” 

“I would really encourage folks to just go for walks and take photos of the plants in their neighborhood if they're curious and we always encourage folks to learn more. iNaturalist is a wonderful resource for that.” 

On the topic of seeing different plants when out and about, she noted that there are many ways to help conserve our province’s plant species and even incorporate some of the hardy and beautiful native plant species into your gardens and landscaping. 

“If you have the opportunity to say, plant a native garden, we really encourage folks to look into their local area. There are often folks in your area who are collecting native seeds, and if you are curious about creating pollinator gardens, there's lots of resources.” 

“If you know of an area that has a lot of native Prairie in it too, we always encourage folks to look into conservation efforts, there are lots of wonderful groups out there they could contact to get an idea of what they can do to help.” 

With the provincial budget released, education is one of the sectors focused on, with some support coming from a source that's been vocal about better education funding in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Teacher's Federation gave their take on the budget, saying that they were encouraged by the spending.

STF President Samantha Becotte says that the province's proposal is what they expected following the throne speech, with some gains for restoring student-based funding.

“This is another step in the right direction. In last fall’s election, the STF asked parties to invest in public education and called for per-student funding to be restored. We know a decade of cuts can’t be addressed with one budget. We are cautiously optimistic this will be the start of continued investments in public education with predictable, sustainable funding that meets the needs of a growing student population.”

For the upcoming fiscal year, the Ministry of Education will receive $3.5 billion, an increase of $183 million, or 5.5 per cent, over the previous year.

Some of the initiatives being laid out by the province include $130 million to fund the new teacher bargaining agreement and find ways to better help the pressures associated with growing student enrollment, $54 million to address non-teacher salary increases, transportation and inflation, and to build 50 specialized support classrooms over the next four years.

Becotte adds, “Investing in public education will help ensure students have equal access to the supports that they need within their PreK-Grade 12 education, which will lead to increased probability of achieving government’s priorities.”

The STF's figures show that per-student funding has been on the decline over the past decade (adjusting for inflation), with a gap of $2,450 remaining despite an increase in the previous budget. This year's budget closes that gap to $1,850, with a full restoration requiring an additional $375 million in the 2025-26 budget.

“There is still more work to do, and teachers are committed to working collaboratively with government to ensure the best outcomes for students,” says Becotte. “But we can’t do it alone. Budgets reflect priorities and investing in public education is an investment in the future of our province. Saskatchewan has one of the best-performing economies in the country. Saskatchewan students and families deserve access to a properly funded public education system that meets students’ needs.”

The province will also continue on it's initiative to improve literacy in Kindergarten to grade 3 students mentioned in the throne speech, with a set aside of $2 million for that issue.

RCMP in Rosetown and Kyle responded to multiple incidents, including thefts, mischief, fraud, and erratic drivers. Notable cases include a fuel theft from a Rosetown business, a woman charged with uttering threats in Fiske, and investigations into stolen tools, a vehicle, and a side-by-side. Officers also conducted well-being checks and issued 32 traffic-related charges.

On March 14, Rosetown RCMP began investigating a theft complaint in Elrose.

On March 15, officers conducted a well-being check in Harris, responded to a suspicious person complaint in Rosetown, and received two erratic driver reports on Highway 7. In both cases, either the vehicle was not located, or there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

On March 18, Kyle RCMP launched an investigation into fraud in Kyle, while Rosetown RCMP handled two mischief complaints and a well-being check in Rosetown.

On March 19, Kyle RCMP received a theft of fuel complaint from a Rosetown business, which remains under investigation. Later that day, a 33-year-old woman from Saskatoon was arrested and charged with uttering threats in Fiske before being released for court.

Additionally, RCMP are investigating multiple historical incidents, including a theft of tools from a business in Rosetown (Feb. 25, 2025), a stolen vehicle near Rosetown (Oct. 14, 2024), and a stolen side-by-side in Rosetown (Oct. 14, 2024).

Anyone with information on these or other crimes is encouraged to contact Rosetown RCMP at 306-882-5700 or submit an anonymous tip through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

The Saskatchewan government will help fund a new care home in Saskatoon for adult children with severe disabilities.

Saskatchewan health officials are again urging people to get vaccinated after a second case of the measles is confirmed and a third case is suspected in the province's southwest.

The Saskatoon Public Library says it's closing the main downtown branch and one on 20th Street West for a month on March 22 as the fallout from an overdose crisis overwhelms staff.

There's another new measles case in Swift Current.

After announcing one confirmed case last week, the Saskatchewan Health Authority said today they have an additional confirmed case at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, and another suspected case in the southwest area of the province.

The cases don't appear to be connected.

"They are not spreading from the Swift Current case," said SHA Medical Health Officer Dr. Dravid Torr. "The second one did present to the Swift Current hospital. The third under investigation presented elsewhere and also is not related to these two. Measles is spreading across the country. Any other new case could appear anywhere right now. I really need everyone in the province to be on alert for this. Come forward and get your vaccinations up to date."

The cases involve two adults and one child.

Dr. Torr noted the adults were not sure of their vaccination status, while the child is unvaccinated.

"With the two cases we are investigating there seems to be an association with international travel from areas where there are much higher numbers of measles," he said. "We have measles to the south of us in the US and Mexico, to the east of us in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, and to the west of us in Alberta. Probably it's going to increase. It's just a question of time."

The SHA is asking due to the highly contagious nature of measles, if you exhibit any symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, fatigue, small white spots in the mouth or red blotchy rash on body), please call HealthLine811 for symptom assessment and care advice, or call your Physician or Nurse Practitioner and identify to them that you may have been exposed to measles. If you are in medical distress, present to emergency or call 911, and identify that you may have been exposed to measles.