Warm spring weather makes this season a favourite for many people in Weyburn and area, not least because of the new growth in grass, trees and bushes, and for farmers, it's their busy time to get their crops into the ground.

A major part of the spring season is the annual clean-up campaign, a city-wide effort that helps bring out the community spirit in Weyburn with an inter-city competition, and with prizes for the area which cleans up the best.

Some people may wonder what the point is, since Estevan doesn't have the heart to face us in this competition anymore (usually because we beat them), but for residents of Weyburn the answer comes down to one of taking pride in the place we call home.

The effort to encourage this pride starts at the elementary school level, with the poster contest for students to take part in. Their artistic efforts should spur on their parents and families to do their part, and indeed, every resident should at least make sure their corner of the city is clean and presentable.

When a neighbourhood looks nice, it helps add to the overall feeling of all the residents of that neighbourhood, proud that they call home in such a well-kept area. And remember, cleaning up one's home and property is only the beginning ­ there is much we can do to help make our city a beautiful and pleasant place to live. The Community in Bloom competition is also coming up this year; consider the cleanup campaign as the preparation to make Weyburn the prettiest little city in the West. ­ Greg Nikkel

Recently, residents of Weyburn were witness to a tragic event at a rail crossing in the city, as a well-known Weyburn woman was killed when her car was broadsided by a freight train.

Police believe she may not have seen the train coming, but warn that residents should take all possible precautions when they approach a rail crossing

Due to the sheer size, weight and momentum of a train, no vehicle is a match for it, as a train requires a very long distance to slow down and stop.

As Sgt. Trever Hughes suggested in the wake of this tragedy, residents should use extreme caution at any railway crossing, especially an uncontrolled one or one where visibility may not be good.

Take a second look both ways, or even a third look if you're not absolutely sure the way is clear.

Many school classes are given presentations on being safe around trains and rail crossings; many adults would do well to have a refresher on these principles. One of the most common forms of risky driving that many engineers see are drivers who think the train is slow enough they can beat it across the tracks.

Some of these drivers may feel they simply don't have time to wait for the train to go by, and they take the risk of quickly crossing in front of the oncoming train rather than take a few minutes.

The risk is not worth the few minutes you might save; have respect for the trains and ensure you come home to be with your loved ones. ­ Greg Nikkel