By Sheri Monk
The idea of building a bridge over the portion of Trans-Canada Highway which was washed out has been rejected in favour of a larger culvert capable of handling a 1-in-1000-year flood event.
“No bridge will be built for the westbound lanes or the eastbound lanes. However, the bridge option was considered,” said spokesperson Dan Palmer with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
The wrath of the waters from the June 18 flood washed out the highway, swallowing the westbound lanes entirely on June 19, leaving a scene reminiscent of …

Another week, another few lessons learned. In the seven days that have lapsed since our last liaison, I have discovered the importance of an impartial justice system composed of a judge and jury.
You may recall I was a little angry last week, outraged even, that my bicycle was stolen. So aghast in fact, that I sardonically prescribed an implication of sodomy as punishment in prison.
Now that I have my bike back, such a sentence seems a little bit too harsh. In fact, once it was found, my anger simply evaporated.
Now whether by …

Update: A sad ending to the search
RCMP in Maple Creek have located the missing person they were looking for earlier today.  He was located deceased in the Maple Creek area.  Foul play is not suspected.
First press release below:
RCMP Maple Creek are currently trying to locate a missing person from the Maple Creek Area.  Harvey Miller, aged 63 was last spoken to on August the 15th at 5:30 p.m.  He hasn’t been seen or heard from by family or friends since.  All of his vehicles have been accounted for and he …

The provincial government announced this morning sweeping changes to the the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) in an effort to better address the needs of residents devastated by flooding events this summer.
The changes are as follows:

Claim deductible amount for owners of principal residences reduced from 20 per cent to 5 per cent

Maximum assistance for principal residence owners increased from $160,000 to $240,000

Maximum assistance for small business owners, non-profit organizations, boards, charitable organizations and owners/operators of primary agricultural operations increased from $160,000 to $500,000

Eligible landlords receive $240,000 per unit to $500,000 …

Gov of Sask news release
The Trans-Canada Highway in southwest Saskatchewan has re-opened to traffic following recent flooding in the area.
“In many cases our crews and contractors have been working full-out and around the clock to get this important highway re-opened,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. “I sincerely thank them for their outstanding effort.”
Motorists are advised that Highway 1 will now operate as a two-lane highway for about 3 km. For west-bound traffic, the two-lane section starts about 2 km west of the Highway 21 junction. For east-bound traffic, …

-PRESS RELEASE from the Town of Maple Creek

state of emergency still in effect

The Town of Maple Creek would like to tell people that the dams did not rupture.   Several roads and bridges have been damaged, so please pay attention to road signs.
The clean up process has started.  Volunteers have been going to each house and registering people.  If you have not been registered, please go to the Legion Hall, or if you can’t get there, you can call the Town Office at 662-2244.
If you …

The banks of the Maple Creek have spilled over. All trailer courts are on alert and/or evacuated. The Maple Creek Hospital is reporttedly beign evacuated.
The Legion, Armoury, as well as the Salvation Army Hall are all being used to house evacuees.
The Badger is on the scene and will continue to monitor and record the details. Check for updates.

By Sheri Monk
Over 100 residents attended a meeting last Tuesday (June at Leader with NDP health critic Judy Junor, pleading for the politician to bring attention to the healthcare crisis. As of May 31, the Leader Hospital was closed to inpatient care, emergency service and anything other than routine services during normal business hours until further notice.

By Sheri Monk
Though now recognized as having their own distinct culture and status, it wasn’t always that way for the Métis people of Canada. Last week, Fort Walsh National Historic Site, in conjunction with Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, commemorated the Métis peoples of Canada and their contribution to the Southwest.
”This was part of celebrating 2010 as the Year of the Métis in Saskatchewan. This event was really just one part of an entire week of celebrations and here. It was called The Hills Are Alive,” explained Dominique Liboiron, interpretation officer …

By Sheri Monk
Awarded Citizen of the Year by the town of Leader for 2009, Bill Clary is no stranger to volunteerism, or activism. In 2007, he ran against Wayne Elhard in the provincial election under the Green party banner and in 2008, he ran for the national Green Party against Conservative David Anderson. But now, he is leading the charge in Leader to buck the rigid rules and regulations of the healthcare system. Rules he believe are causing the temporary closure of his hometown hospital.