Local News

With the return to above average temperatures and sunshine this week, what has that meant for our veggie gardens and flower beds?

"At this time of the season, it is traditionally called our second season of gardening or our next season of gardening," shared Carla Hrycyna from St. Mary's Nursery and Garden Centre, Host of the Lawn and Garden Journal. "Maybe the vegetables finishing, and may still be doing a lot of harvesting. I'm still picking tomatoes off some plants."

Earlier this week, the Plum Coulee Fire Department presented the donations it received during its annual Plum Fest parade boot drive to the Rolling Barrage PTSD Foundation. The organization provides financial support to groups providing PTSD supports and therapies to military, first responders, RCMP and emergency healthcare providers.

The owner of Prairie Sky Crop Solutions south of Niverville says there will be damage to crops in the area from Thursday night's rain event. 

Reg Friesen says that though an awful lot of rain fell, the storm was very localized. For example, he says areas south of St. Pierre received about an inch of rain, while up near St. Adolphe and Ile des Chenes, it rained only about half an inch. However, areas in between received a lot more. Friesen says his gauge south of Niverville showed three inches, and he knows that five inches fell south of Tourond. 

After four years of dreaming, planning, and tireless fundraising, a dedicated group of volunteers is making real progress toward bringing a much-needed childcare centre to Austin.

What began as a simple conversation in 2021 has turned into a registered cooperative with architectural plans, community support, and a major provincial grant application that could cover more than half the costs. Led by board president Jo-elle Early, the North Norfolk Childcare Cooperative is inching closer to its goal, and the team is feeling optimistic.

Niverville saw a massive downpour overnight, with about 125 millimetres, nearly five inches, of rain falling between September 11 and 12. Streets filled quickly, but by early afternoon on Friday, the water had drained away, leaving only trails of grass clippings, small branches, and leaves as a reminder of the storm. 

Mayor Myron Dyck says the town’s infrastructure handled the storm as it was designed to. 

The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) held their Annual General Meeting this week, sharing a year full of growth and achievement. 

A year of highlights 

Executive Director David Klassen says it’s difficult to choose a single highlight because the entire year has been exceptional. 

The owner of Prairie Sky Crop Solutions south of Niverville says there will be damage to crops in the area from Thursday night's rain event. 

Reg Friesen says that though an awful lot of rain fell, the storm was very localized. For example, he says areas south of St. Pierre received about an inch of rain, while up near St. Adolphe and Ile des Chenes, it rained only about half an inch. However, areas in between received a lot more. Friesen says his gauge south of Niverville showed three inches, and he knows that five inches fell south of Tourond. 

Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox says the former Bokhari development on Park Avenue near the local Walmart is now in new hands and moving forward. She explains that while the city is not directly involved, the sale brings confidence to council. The new purchaser has a strong reputation, and planning staff are encouraged by the progress being made.

“We’re very pleased that that project development has sold and that the plans from the developer are to get things on the market,” notes Knox.

A small group of residents in the RM of La Broquerie participated in an information session Thursday evening hosted by the Red–Seine-Rat (RSR) Wastewater Cooperative.  

The purpose of the session was to provide residents with a project update, information on the cost of wastewater services during the construction period and give them an opportunity to ask any questions they may have.  

Police say a cyclist is dead after a collision in southwest Calgary on Friday afternoon.

The Calgary Police Service said its Traffic Section is investigating after officers were called at about 3:40 p.m. to the intersection of 17 Avenue S.W. and 101 Street S.W.

Police said it is believed a 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, driven by a man in his 70s, was making a left turn from eastbound 17 Avenue S.W. onto northbound 101 Street S.W.