An 18-year-old from Yorkton, Saskatchewan, is facing four terrorism-related charges following an RCMP investigation into an extremist online network known as 764, an organization associated with the exploitation, blackmail, and psychological abuse of children. The RCMP announced the charges on October 6, 2026, following the individual's arrest on September 24. Investigators allege the accused was involved in online activities connected to the network, including material share

Lumsden Town Council Meeting Held Sept.29, 2026 Lumsden Town Council met September 29, with e-scooters, development, water concerns, library service and changes to commercial parking among the issues discussed. One of the larger discussions involved Lumsden’s proposed e-scooter bylaw, with members of the RCMP joining council to discuss safety and enforcement. The proposed rules maintain a minimum riding age of 16 and would prohibit e-scooters from being operated on sidewalks

There’s plenty happening around the valley, and Dan and Bonnie are back with another packed episode. In Lumsden News Now, we break down the latest from Lumsden Town Council and the September 29 council meeting, covering the decisions and discussions that matter locally. For Talk of the Town, Bonnie sits down with Aaron Sklar . Aaron shares stories from his life in music, including his Grammy nomination and his experience at the Grammy Awards, along with the road that has shap

We’re introducing something new: a written breakdown of Lumsden Town Council meetings, highlighting some of the key issues discussed and decisions made around the council table. We’ll also continue sharing more details through the River Valley Podcast. Here’s a look at some of what happened during the September 15 meeting. E-Scooters Council discussed a proposed bylaw that would establish rules allowing e-scooters to be legally operated in Lumsden. Enforcement became a major

“Shop local.” We hear those words all the time, especially in small communities. And for the most part, it’s good advice. Local businesses can create jobs, sponsor community events, support local organizations, donate prizes, pay local taxes and help keep a town vibrant. But somewhere along the way, “shop local” has sometimes taken on a different meaning. It can start sounding less like an invitation and more like an obligation. If a business is struggling, suddenly the commu

Crash scene behind police tape September 9, 2026 Lumsden Saskatchewan A stolen vehicle pursuit that started in Regina came to a dramatic end near Lumsden after a grey Kia displaying British Columbia licence plates sped through town, drove onto the railway tracks and crossed the wooden railway bridge over the Qu’Appelle River before eventually crashing down an embankment. It all started shortly after midnight on Wednesday, September 2. Regina police spotted a vehicle that’d pr

Lumsden, Saskatchewan – September 1, 2026 There’s an interesting story developing in Saskatchewan healthcare negotiations, and it raises some serious questions about what union members are being told. River Valley Podcast recently spoke with a CUPE Local 5430 facility representative who began doing their own research into the ongoing negotiations between CUPE and SAHO, the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations. The representative told us they started looking into t

June 26, 2026 Daniel Bernier Every community has them. Issues people talk about regularly, concerns that get discussed online, frustrations that make their way into local Facebook groups, neighborhood conversations, and coffee shop debates. Take speeding concerns as one example. In communities like Lumsden, residents have openly talked about concerns over vehicles speeding through areas such as Qu’Appelle Drive West. It’s a topic many residents know well, and one that’s spark

Photo provided from leaderpost.com June 23, 2026 Dan Bernier The Canadian Football League recently announced a series of significant changes coming to the game beginning in 2027. Among the biggest adjustments are plans to shorten the traditional 110-yard field to 100 yards, reduce end zones from 20 yards to 15 yards, and move the goalposts from the goal line to the back of the end zone. According to the CFL, these changes are intended to modernize the game, improve scoring op

Photo from: https://thecountry.ca/ June 16, 2026 Dan Bernier One of the more interesting conversations during the June 9th meeting of Town of Lumsden Council came when representatives from Country Acres Estates appeared before council to provide an update on how the development is progressing and to talk a little about where things may be headed in the years ahead. Unlike many presentations that come before council, this one wasn’t about asking for approvals or pushing throug

June 4, 2026 Dan Bernier Commentary The recent survey of Saskatchewan education support workers has sparked an important conversation about who should be responsible when untrained staff are asked to perform medical duties in schools. The survey found that many support workers reported administering medications, using EpiPens, monitoring blood sugar levels, assisting with tube feeding, and carrying out other health-related procedures. Many also reported receiving little train

May 29th, 2026 Dan Bernier As summer settles into the Qu'Appelle Valley, residents and visitors alike are finding plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy everything that makes this corner of Saskatchewan special. From family-friendly parks and splash pads to scenic trails, fishing spots, river adventures, and community recreation facilities, Lumsden offers an impressive variety of outdoor activities that can keep people busy all season long. One of the community's most pop

The people of Lumsden have made their choice, and Tiffany Schaefer has officially been elected to Town Council following a by-election that generated strong community interest and a notable voter turnout. According to the final results, 251 ballots were cast in the election. Tiffany Schaefer received 138 votes, followed by Byron Tumbach with 70 votes, and Natalie Haslund with 43 votes. What makes the turnout especially noteworthy is that the previous municipal election, which

May 15, 2026 Dan Bernier Football fans in the valley are getting ready for a big afternoon of prairie rivalry football as Challenge Cup 2026 kicks off this Monday, May 18th, at Lumsden High School. Team Saskatchewan will take on Team Manitoba in what is expected to be a hard-hitting showcase of some of the top 9-man football talent on the prairies. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM, and organizers are encouraging families, football supporters, and local residents to come out a

May 15, 2026 Dan Bernier A proposed potash development northwest of Regina is beginning to attract growing attention across the Lumsden area, as residents and local officials watch closely to see what impact the project could eventually have on transportation, infrastructure, and the surrounding region. The project, known as the Disley Project, is being advanced by Buffalo Potash Corp. and is located in the broader potash corridor between the Bethune and Belle Plaine areas, n

May 6, 2026 Dan Bernier The Town of Lumsden’s upcoming municipal by-election is quickly approaching, and the next episode of the River Valley Podcast is giving listeners a chance to hear directly from the candidates hoping to earn your vote. In this special election-focused episode, Bonnie Bernier sits down one-on-one with all three candidates running for the vacant council seat: Byron M. Tumbach, Natalie-Rose Haslund, and Tiffany Schaefer. Rather than campaign slogans or soc

April 29, 2026 Dan Bernier When we launched the River Valley Podcast about a year ago, we had a simple goal: tell the stories that matter here at home. Council decisions. Local events. The people behind the scenes who keep a small town running. The kind of stories that don’t always make it past the city limits, but shape daily life in a place like Lumsden. At the time, we also had a quiet concern sitting in the back of our minds. What happens when a national broadcaster decid

April 20, 2026 Dan Bernier The Town of Lumsden’s upcoming by-election is now clearly taking shape, with nominations officially closed and three candidates confirmed for the ballot. Byron M. Tumbach, Natalie-Rose Haslund, and Tiffany Schaefer are each seeking the single open seat on council, setting up a straightforward race that will be decided by local voters in the coming weeks. Byron M. Tumbach is no stranger to the council table, having previously served in the role. Prof

By Dan Bernier Published April 19, 2026 Something happened just outside our doorstep in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood No. 159, and whether you live there or not, it’s the kind of situation that makes you stop and think about how local government is supposed to work, and what happens when it suddenly doesn’t. Within a very short window, the reeve and multiple councillors resigned, leaving the council without quorum. That’s not just a political inconvenience. It means no

LUMSDEN (April 16th) — Every once in a while, a story comes along that makes you stop for a second and think, that’s a big deal for a town like ours. We came across a national piece this week about Last Mountain Distillery, and this isn’t your everyday recognition, especially not for a small Saskatchewan operation. At the recent Whisky Explorer Awards in Ontario, they didn’t just show up, they owned the category. Gold, silver, and bronze, all three top spots, in the Best Can