Cameron Koch

This ornamental crabapple tree was the winner of the Tree of Significance contest. (Photo: City of MJ)

Residents of communities south of Moose Jaw can look forward to an expansion to available internet speeds and plans as SaskTel has announced an expansion of their infiNET services. Speeds of up to a Gigabit per second will be coming to Assiniboia, Coronach, Davidson, Dundurn, Kyle and Olser through the expansion. The expansion is a continuation of SaskTel’s Rural Fibre Initiative, a multi-phase program that is bringing an investment of $280 million to improve internet service access and options to almost 200 rural communities. Upon the completion of the announced phases of the imitative, infiNET services will be available to nearly 85 per cent of Saskatchewan homes and businesses. A partnership between SaskTel and South Saskatchewan Ready (SSR) is responsible for the implementation of infiNET services in Coronach area. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Funding was secured by the SSR to the tune of $2 million, which was obtained by the organization through Prairies Economic Development Canada and will see expansions of service in Bengough, Coronach, Rockglen, and Willowbunch. Nearly $1 billion has been invested by SaskTel to expand the reach of the infiNET program since its launch in 2011, with a further investment of $440 million to follow in 2024/25. All told, SaskTel plans to invest a further $2 billion over the next five years into internet services within the province.

As the seasons change, and the days get shorter, some of us may find our mood changing as well. We spoke with Rebecca Rackow, Assistant Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association to shed some light on the causes, and methods to alleviate the symptoms of what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). “Seasonal Affective Disorder happens as we get less sunlight, and generally it feels a little bit like depression does, it feels like low energy and (for some) low mood,” she explained. “That happens quite frequently actually, we are noticing that statistically, more people are coming forward saying this does affect them in some way, and we’re seeing higher instances of Seasonal Affective Disorder.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Rackow explained that since the disorder can mirror symptoms of depression, it is not uncommon for those affected by it to isolate themselves from others, which in turn exacerbates the symptoms. This can be particularly detrimental for those already tackling other mental health issues. “That added bit of low mood pushes some people to a more solid place of depression. If you’re already struggling with depression, anxiety, or with suicidal thoughts, Seasonal Affective Disorder can be exactly the thing that increases the difficulty of that individual's treatment.” “If (that person) is finding themselves having suicidal thoughts, please contact 988 and talk to somebody there. They are friendly people who will connect people with services right away and ensure that it is taken care of so that it doesn’t become a bigger problem.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm2'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Rackow noted that one of the best ways to reduce the impact on one's mental well-being is to prepare for and address the underlying causes of SAD before they begin. Due to the link between SAD and low natural light one of her top suggestions for prevention is making changes to one's environment. “If you Google ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder light’, they’ll come up with a bunch of them that you can order. They’re sold at some stores as well, but there are specific lights that mimic sunlight, which does help extend your day.” “You could turn those on in the morning before the sun comes up and get a few extra hours of sunlight. People put them up in their offices or home offices, and it actually does help with (SAD).” She also recommends the addition of dietary supplements, which can also ease the symptoms of SAD. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm3'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “Another thing that does help to some extent is making sure that they have a good intake of vitamin D, because that is a vitamin that we get from (exposure to) the sun, which you don’t get when it’s cold out and you’re not going outside, and the sun is less intense.” Combating the depressive effects of the disorder through daily routine and social activity can also have a positive outcome for those prone to SAD. “Make sure you’re still going out with friends, make sure you’re still connecting with people and not isolating yourself during times with less light. Maybe come up with some activities that can be done in the dark. Cold weather activities like going out and building a snowman with people or something fun like that can help combat it as well.” googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm4'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Preparing your environment and increasing the amount of social contact can be beneficial, but the greatest effect is had when done ahead of the arrival of symptoms, which can be worsened by the expenses and busyness of the holiday season. “When it is at its darkest and we have the least amount of light, there are also a lot of celebratory things happening. Those holidays can create added stress that can exacerbate it. Ensuring that you do have those things in beforehand can reduce the effects of the stress that comes along with (the season) especially economic stress.” She reminds the public that there are services available to anyone who finds themself in need of extra assistance, suggesting that contacting a local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association or other mental health service providers is a good first step. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm5'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “We have a course in our Hope Learning Centre that can be accessed throughout Saskatchewan online that explains Seasonal Affective Disorder more clearly and does help in explaining what is going on and what kind of tools you can use to increase your mood. (The course) can also connect people because it is an online classroom setting, it sets people up to be less isolated and have a social outlet.” The Canadian Mental Health Association offers numerous courses, seminars, and services to help those who are struggling with any number of mental health issues or concerns (and are not limited to Seasonal Affective Disorder). You can find out more information about what is on offer at the Moose Jaw branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association by clicking here. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm6'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Access The Hope Learning Centre website to view or register for current and upcoming sessions.

Overwatch is looking to join in the fun for WoW's 20th birthday party. By Cameron Koch on September 13, 2024 at 10:59AM PDT

Square Enix says it's working with Sony on a fix for Final Fantasy 16. By Cameron Koch on September 17, 2024 at 10:32AM PDT

A Semipalmated Sandpiper, one of the many birds that pass through Saskatchewan on their journey from the Canadian Artic to their destinations in the Caribbean and South America. (Photo Credit: Jordan Myles/NCC Staff)

The next Battlefield will include a mysterious "new experience" developed by Ripple Effect.

The Moose Jaw Police Service is looking for 26-year-old Dabulis Ebel.

Every year, during the tail end of summer, it is hard to not notice the tremendous amount of activity in the skies above Saskatchewan as thousands of birds begin their annual pilgrimage from their summer habitats, heading south to more favourable winter climates.

Some of the game's harder difficulties will also be adjusted.