Category Archives: Government

Fire Prevention Week – thank you

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Thank you to all Saskatchewan volunteer firefighters, especially Unity town and rural fire departments:

Leroy Timmermans, Allan Sopyc, Dwaine Kopp, Glenn Klein, Ron Swarbrick, Chris Lafebebvre, Cody McCubbing, Travis Sopyc, Morne Coetzee, Ken Coons, Cole Grant, Russell Fauth, Ver Simbulan, Tim Landry, Shaun Mamer, Colby Klein, Glenn Swarbrick, Gary Loadman, Darcy Kelly, Ryan DeRoo, Blair May, Jeremy Thompson, Jeffrey Allen, Scott Akerlund, Colton Timmermans, Jesse Lang

A Firefighter’s Prayer

When I am called to duty, God, Wherever flames may rage;

Give me strength to save some life, Whatever be its age.

 Help me embrace a little child Before it is too late;

Or save an older person from The horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert And hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently, To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and To give the best in me;

To guard my every neighbour and Protect his property.

And if according to your Will I have to lose my life,

Please bless with Your protecting hand My children and my wife.

Funding available for community rinks

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The Government of Saskatchewan has announced that the Community Rink Affordability Grant will be offered in 2014.  This is the third consecutive year for the popular program.

The Community Rink Affordability Grant provides funding to Saskatchewan’s municipal indoor skating and curling rinks.  Communities, schools, non-profits and First Nations are eligible to apply to the program.  Successful applicants will receive a grant of $2,500 per indoor ice surface.  The grant may be used to help offset the cost of rink operations and minor capital upgrades.

“Skating and curling facilities have always played an important role within Saskatchewan communities,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said.  “They serve as meeting places where we can socialize, meet new people and engage in physical activity.  By supporting the operation and maintenance of our local rinks, this grant will contribute to the enviable quality of life enjoyed by citizens across the province.”

The Government of Saskatchewan is committing $1.7 million to the grant program for 2014.  More than $3.2 million has been invested into the program in the last two years.  The program has benefited more than 380 communities across the province.

The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association will administer and deliver the program.

“Ice rinks bring communities together by providing individuals of all ages with the opportunity to participate in fun recreation activities,” Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Mike Powell said.  “Our organization is pleased to once again partner with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport in the administration of the Community Rink Affordability Grant.  This grant ensures that rinks continue to be well-maintained and well-operated so that Saskatchewan communities can enjoy cold weather activities in safe and quality environments.”

To register for the Community Rink Affordability Grant program, please complete the online form found on the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s website at www.spra.sk.ca/crag

STC brings back seniors’ seat sale – travel anywhere in Sask for $15!

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Any seniors can travel anywhere an STC bus goes in Saskatchewan for just $15 all through the month of September. The price applies to anyone aged 60 and over.

For example, normally a senior will pay $57.70 for a return fare from Unity to Saskatoon. In the month of September, the cost will be only $30 – almost half price!

“We want seniors in Saskatchewan to view bus travel as a comfortable and convenient transportation alternative,” Minister responsible for STC Jennifer Campeau said.  “STC’s senior seat sale gives seniors an affordable and green way to visit family and friends across Saskatchewan.”

Every passenger on a Saskatchewan Transportation Ccompany bus potentially means one less vehicle on the road – making the province both safer and greener.  Bus travel is not only the greener alternative, it is also an affordable alternative.

“This is the sixth year that STC has offered our senior seat sale,” STC president and CEO Shawn Grice said.  “We’re always impressed with the number of senior riders that come out and take advantage of the savings during sale months.”

Seniors can find out more about the sale on STC’s website at www.stcbus.com/seniorsale or on STC’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/STCbus.  Sale tickets can be purchased at any STC agency but remember to to bring your identification with you.

Most crops still behind but some swathing started

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The latest Saskatchewan Crop Report notes that many crops still need to develop to maturity, although as of August 18, minimal combining and some swathing had commenced. West of Unity, Saskatchewan, in the Denzil area, some canola fields have been swathed as of today, August 23, such as this field near Grass Lake.

RM of Grass Lake, Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Crop Report for August 12 to 18

Just over one per cent of the 2014 provincial crop has been combined, while four per cent is swathed or ready to straight-cut, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. The five-year average (2009-2013) for this time of year is two per cent combined and five per cent swathed or ready to straight-cut. Harvest operations are the furthest ahead in the southwestern region where four per cent of the crop has been combined. At this time, average crop yields are being reported in most areas.

Provincially, 19 per cent of the fall rye, nine per cent of the field peas, eight per cent of the winter wheat and three per cent of the lentils are combined. Seven per cent of the canola and four per cent of the mustard are swathed. Recent warm weather has encouraged crop development; however, frequent rain showers and heavy morning dew are delaying crop maturation and harvest operations for many producers.

Rainfall this past week ranged from trace amounts to several inches in some southeastern and west-central areas. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as seven per cent surplus, 82 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as four per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and one per cent very short.

Heavy rain, strong winds and hail caused the majority of crop damage this week. Grasshoppers, wheat midge, fusarium head blight and sclerotinia are also causing some damage.

Farmers are busy desiccating, swathing, combining and finishing up haying operations.

West-Central Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 6B – Hanley, Outlook, Loreburn, Saskatoon and Arelee areas; Crop District 7A – Rosetown, Kindersley, Eston, Major; CD 7B – Kerrobert, Macklin, Wilkie and Biggar areas)

Harvest is just starting in the region with producers beginning to desiccate pulses and swath canola. One per cent of the barley has been combined and five per cent of the canola has been swathed. Three per cent of the field peas and two per cent of the lentils are ready for straight-cutting. Overall, the majority of crops are behind normal development but they are quickly advancing thanks to recent warm weather. At this time, yields are estimated to be average, although there are some reports of high disease levels in pulses that will likely decrease yield and quality.

Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to 50 mm in the Kindersley area. Since April 1, the Major area has received the region’s greatest amount of cumulative rainfall at 396 mm. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 11 per cent surplus, 75 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as nine per cent surplus, 73 per cent adequate, 17 per cent short and one per cent very short. CD 6B is reporting that three per cent of cropland acres and seven per cent of hay land and pasture acres are very short of topsoil moisture at this time.

The majority of damage this week was caused by localized flooding, strong winds and hail. In some areas, drought-like field conditions and grasshoppers have caused damage as well. Some producers are reporting high levels of sclerotinia in canola.

Farmers are busy starting harvest operations and hauling bales.

Free fishing weekend August 23/24 but don’t mess with the shoreline!

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For those residents who don’t already have a season fishing licence, the weekend of August 23 and 24 will be Saskatchewan’s second free fishing weekend of the summer.  Everyone – including visitors – will be free to fish on those days without having to buy a licence.

Because of the storms last month, people may not have been able to take advantage of the Free Fishing Weekend in July, so the Ministry of the Environment has decided to offer up the opportunity for everyone to enjoy another free fishing weekend in Saskatchewan.

“Free fishing weekend is a good time to try your luck fishing in one of Saskatchewan’s wonderful lakes and rivers, and to introduce new anglers to one of the province’s most popular outdoor activities,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said.  “Sport fishing attracts more than 225,000 residents and visitors to our province, and generates more than $300 million each year.”

Free Fishing Weekend does not occur in national parks, and anyone planning to take fish out of the province must purchase a licence.  All other fishing regulations apply, including possession limits, reduced limits and closed areas on some lakes and rivers.

More information about fishing in Saskatchewan can be found in the 2014 Saskatchewan Anglers’ Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold, or online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

Meanwhile, two Lloydminster men were fined a total of $11,200 in Meadow Lake Provincial Court for unauthorized alteration of the shoreline at Lac des Isles without a permit.

Lac des Ilses

Lorne Newcombe and Duwayne Springer of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan were convicted of one count each under Section 36(1)c of the Environmental Management and Protection Act for unlawfully removing vegetation along the shoreline at Christel Beach on Lac des Isles near Goodsoil, Saskatchewan.  In addition to fines of $5,600 each, the men were also ordered to replace the vegetation that had been removed, with which they have complied.

Conservation officers investigated a complaint in July of 2013 and found that the vegetation had been cleared down to the edge of the water.  Lac des Isles is an important recreational fishing area and the shoreline area is valuable for fish habitat.

“It is important that property owners around lakes find ways to carry out development without damaging the environment,” Environmental and Municipal Management Services Executive Director Sam Ferris said.  “When conducting work in and around water, residents are asked to contact the nearest Water Security Agency regional office.”

A conviction for altering a creek or shoreline without the proper permits carries a maximum fine of $1 million.

If someone suspects an environmental violation call toll-free Turn in Poachers line at 1-800-667-7651 or #5555 for SaskTel cell phone subscribers, or report a violation online at Saskatchewan.ca/conservation.  Those who report a violation may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTip Reward Program.

 

Residents Reminded to take Precautions Against West Nile

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Health officials are reminding Saskatchewan residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites as the risk for West Nile virus (WNV) continues to increase.

The risk of contracting WNV infection usually peaks late July and in August when the mosquitoes that carry the virus, Culex tarsalis, are most active and present in higher numbers.

People are advised to take precautions when outside in areas with mosquitoes.

“Protect yourself from mosquito bites by covering up and wearing repellents or reducing the amount of time spent outdoors,” Provincial West Nile Virus Coordinator Phil Curry said.  “Mosquitoes can be active at any time but are most active in the evening and throughout the night.”

People can also minimize exposure to mosquitoes by eliminating mosquito habitats around their homes:

  • Clear yards of items that can collect water;
  • Regularly clean and empty bird baths and eavestroughs;
  • Ensure rain barrels are covered with mosquito screen or are tightly sealed around the downspout;
  • Keep bushes, shrubs and lawns clear of overgrowth and debris; and
  • Make sure door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.

Although the vast majority of people who have been infected with WNV experience no symptoms, some people will get a mild illness (fever, headaches, body aches) and will improve on their own.  A small number of people will develop a more serious illness called West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease, which includes encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.

Symptoms of infection with WNV usually occur two to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.  There may be a considerable time lag from when the risk of WNV transmission to humans is greatest to when human cases are confirmed.

“If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your health professional or call HealthLine at 811,” Saskatchewan’s Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Denise Werker said.  “Seek medical attention immediately if you develop severe symptoms such as severe headaches, persistent high fever with neck stiffness, confusion, seizures or paralysis.”

Recovery from WNV neuroinvasive disease may take several weeks or months, and some effects may be permanent.  In some cases, this form of the disease results in death.

Updated information on WNV including risk levels and maps and surveillance results is posted every Friday before noon on www.saskatchewan.ca/westnile.

Crop Report for July 29 to August 4, 2014

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From the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Saskatchewan’s livestock producers now have 72 per cent of the hay crop baled or put into silage, with an additional 13 per cent ready for baling, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report.

Rain showers and high humidity are keeping swathes from drying properly and have decreased hay quality in some areas. At this time, eight per cent of the hay crop is rated as excellent in quality, 77 per cent good, 14 per cent fair and one per cent poor.

Rainfall in the province ranged from nil to several inches. While rain was welcomed by many producers to help alleviate dry conditions, additional rain will be needed to help later-seeded crops mature and fill. Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as five per cent surplus, 84 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and two per cent very short.

Pasture conditions are rated as 15 per cent excellent, 68 per cent good, 15 per cent fair and two per cent poor. Livestock producers have adequate water supplies for their animals.

There are reports of crops starting to turn. Desiccation of peas and lentils has just started in some southwestern and west-central areas. Some crops that were damaged by recent hail are being swathed for feed. Strong winds, heavy rain and damaging hail have caused the majority of crop damage this week. Grasshoppers and leaf spot diseases have also caused some damage.

Farmers are busy haying, hauling grain and getting ready for harvest.

ripening grain

West-Central Saskatchewan (Crop Districts 6B – Hanley, Outlook, Loreburn, Saskatoon and Arelee areas; Crop District 7A – Rosetown, Kindersley, Eston, Major; CD 7B – Kerrobert, Macklin, Wilkie and Biggar areas)

Recent rain showers and high humidity are delaying haying progress and swath dry down for many producers in the region. Seventy-one per cent of the hay crop has been baled or put into silage, with an additional 15 per cent cut and ready for baling. Hay quality is rated as four per cent excellent, 64 per cent good and 32 per cent fair.

Crops are quickly advancing in the region and some producers may begin desiccation and swathing operations within the next week or two on earlier-seeded crops. However, the majority of crops are still behind normal developmental stages for this time of year. Recent storms brought strong winds, heavy rain and damaging hail to some areas of the region and some hail damaged fields are now being cut for feed. There have been reports of higher than expected disease levels in some crops while some producers continue to spray for grasshoppers in lentil crops.

The Major area received the most rain this week with 70 mm, bringing its total amount received since April 1 to 343 mm. Topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as eight per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate, six per cent short and one per cent very short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and 10 per cent short.

Pasture conditions are rated as 23 per cent excellent, 67 per cent good and 10 per cent fair. Livestock water availability is adequate at this time.

Farmers are busy haying, hauling grain and getting ready for harvest.

Latest report on crop progress

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With the flooding in southeast Saskatchewan, we thought it might be a good time to update readers on the latest crop report. The following is from the report for July 1 to 10, 2014

Province of Saskatchewan

Warm weather in much of the province has helped with crop development and haying.  Livestock producers now have six per cent of the hay crop cut and one per cent baled or put into silage, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report.

Many producers on the east side of the province continue to deal with localized flooding and saturated fields.  Although weather conditions have improved, many crops in these regions have been significantly affected by the excess moisture.  Early estimates suggest that between two million to three million acres have been flooded and are unlikely to produce a crop.

Topsoil moisture conditions are improving for many areas.  Across the province, topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as 34 per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate and two per cent short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 25 per cent surplus, 71 per cent adequate, three per cent short and one per cent very short.

The majority of fall cereals are in the shotblade to dough stages of crop development, while most spring cereals are in the tillering to shotblade stages.  The majority of pulse crops are in the vegetative to flowering stages and flax crops are mostly in the seedling to flowering crop stages.  Most canola and mustard crops are in the seedling to flowering stages of development.

Crop damage this week is attributed to excess moisture, localized flooding, hail, wind and insects such as the cabbage seedpod weevil.  Root rots and leaf spot diseases have also caused some damage.  There is adequate water available for livestock, and pasture conditions are rated as 27 per cent excellent, 62 per cent good, 10 per cent fair and one per cent poor.

Farmers are busy controlling pests and haying.

West Central Saskatchewan

Six per cent of the hay crop has been cut and less than one per cent has been baled or put into silage. Hay quality is rated as 89 per cent good and 11 per cent fair; yields are not expected to be as high as normal in many areas. Crop reporters rate pasture conditions as 44 per cent excellent, 49 per cent good and seven per cent fair. Livestock producers report having adequate water supplies for their animals.

Rainfall in the region ranged from small amounts to 35 mm in the Landis area. The Sonningdale area continues to lead the region in total rainfall, having received 287 mm of rain since April 1. Topsoil moisture on cropland is rated as five per cent surplus, 94 per cent adequate and one per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as three per cent surplus, 90 per cent adequate and seven per cent short.

Localized flooding, wind, insects and diseases such as root rots are causing the majority of damage this week. Spraying continues and many producers are now spraying fungicides in some fields. A storm went through the area bringing baseball-sized hail and high winds. There are reports of several tornadoes touching down and damaging fields and yards.

Farmers are busy haying, controlling pests and hauling grain.

canoia

Tentative agreement received with Saskatchewan teachers

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The Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) have reached a tentative provincial collective bargaining agreement, according to a press release issued by the Government of Saskatchewan May 15.

The offer includes a total compensation increase of 7.3 per cent over four years as well as a $700 pro-rated payment in the first year.  There will be funding for teachers in years three and four of the agreement in recognition of associated fees upon the establishment of a new teacher regulatory and disciplinary body in Saskatchewan.

“The Saskatchewan School Boards Association and government representatives have worked hard on this agreement with the STF,” Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee spokesperson Connie Bailey said.  “We are hopeful that this agreement will be ratified by the parties involved.”

The agreement deals with articles that are required by legislation to be bargained provincially by the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.  A commitment has also been made to address other important matters that fall outside of the agreement and bargaining process, including issues such as student and teacher time and developing a common understanding of the expectations put upon teachers.

A busy weekend in Unity, Saskatchewan!

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Softball Fever, Unity SK

Between two full days of action at the Regional Park ball diamonds, two nights of wonderful dance performances by Revolution Dance students, kids and fathers honouring mothers and farmers finally able to be out and about preparing for seeding, May 9 to 11 was one busy weekend in Unity, Saskatchewan!

Revolution Dance students

The Government of Saskatchewan summed up the week prior, April 29 to May 5, for farmers, saying:

Despite a cool and wet start to spring, seeding has begun in some parts of the province according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly Crop Report. The southwestern region is reporting that two per cent of the crop is now in the ground, while some producers in the southeastern and west-central regions are just beginning to seed. The majority of producers will begin seeding in the next week or so.

Precipitation this week ranged from trace amounts to 39 mm in the southeast. Many areas of the province have received more than 100 mm of precipitation since April 1, which has delayed seeding. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 30 per cent surplus, 67 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is 18 per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate and three per cent short.

Farmers are busy moving cattle, preparing machinery and starting to seed.

For west-central Saskatchewan, the report was:

Seeding has begun for some producers but the majority will likely begin in the coming week as long as the weather co-operates. Some drier fields are being worked or spread with fertilizer while other fields remain too wet to support equipment. Warm and dry weather is needed for weeds and pastures to grow.

Precipitation ranged from trace amounts in much of the region to 18 mm in the Netherhill area. The Rosthern area has recorded the greatest amount of precipitation in the region since April 1 (97 mm). Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as seven per cent surplus, 85 per cent adequate and eight per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as five per cent surplus, 87 per cent adequate, seven per cent short and one per cent very short. CD 7A is reporting that 14 per cent of the cropland is short of topsoil moisture, while CD 7B is reporting that 17 per cent of the hay land and pasture is short of topsoil moisture.

Below-normal temperatures have slowed pasture growth, and some cattle are being supplemented until they move. Pre-seed herbicide applications in some areas will likely be held off for a few days to a week until weeds begin to grow. There are reports of some winter wheat and fall rye crops being winterkilled, although it is still early to fully determine whether those fields will need to be reseeded. Farmers are busy preparing equipment, working fields and starting to seed.