Local News

The flea beetle is a common pest for farmers and gardeners alike in this corner of the province. However, there is more to the species than meets the eye. Provincial Insect and Vertebrate Pest Management Specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. James Tansey, says that the term “flea beetle” covers approximately 5,000 species worldwide, in a subfamily called the Alticinae.  

The Land and Property Rights Tribunal has upheld Rocky View County’s approval of a cannabis cultivation facility east of Calgary, rejecting a neighbour’s appeal that raised fire, safety and compliance concerns.

In a written decision dated Aug. 26, the panel said the rural site was “appropriate for the use” and that the development “will not materially interfere with or affect the use, enjoyment or value of the neighbouring residential unit despite the relaxed distance from the Facility – nor will it unduly interfere with the amenities of the neighbourhood.”

A well-known food truck that’s become a staple at events across west-central Saskatchewan has been reported stolen.

The owners of SpuDogs said in a Facebook post that their food truck and trailer were taken from North Battleford sometime overnight Saturday and into the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept. 14.

If you’ve been swatting away more mosquitoes than usual this September, you’re not alone. The City of Portage la Prairie has noticed the late-season buzz too, thanks to a mix of warm, humid weather and recent rainfall.

“Within the last few days, we have noticed an uptick in mosquito population,” says Paul Ziesmann, superintendent of public works. “At this time, though, we really don’t have any plans for any fogging, but it is something that we will continue to monitor.”

The Lacombe Fire Department has welcomed six new full members following the completion of their probationary periods.

On Sept. 2, firefighters Floris, Dunn, Wilmot, Wilson, Thompson and Neilson officially became full members after months of training and service as recruits.

The department said completing probation is a significant milestone for volunteer firefighters, as it requires balancing training with work, family and personal commitments.

Kathy Valentino, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and a councillor in Thompson, says new polling shows Manitobans want Ottawa to act on bail reform and policing. She explains that municipalities across the province are dealing with unsafe streets, and the so-called “catch and release” system is failing.

The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit is investigating what it deems a "suspicious death" after a woman was fatally shot while riding as a passenger in an SUV just outside of Weyburn Friday night. The incident is currently believed to be random in nature.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday, two adult women, who were friends, were traveling together in a black Ford Explorer on Highway 39 near the grain terminals on the northwest edge of town, heading towards Weyburn. They were the only occupants of the vehicle when, according to police, a large crack was heard.

A new medical clinic has opened in Olds, which officials say will expand health care in the community and help attract new physicians.

The Care First Medical Clinic, located beside the Co-op grocery store at 5330 46 Street, officially opened on Friday. It will operate with four doctors practising family and geriatric medicine — one full-time and three part-time.

The flea beetle is a common pest for farmers and gardeners alike in this corner of the province. However, there is more to the species than meets the eye. Provincial Insect and Vertebrate Pest Management Specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. James Tansey, says that the term “flea beetle” covers approximately 5,000 species worldwide, in a subfamily called the Alticinae.  

The Red Deer Arts Council's Arts & Culture District Collab is inviting Central Albertans to take part in a free community conversation on the future of arts and culture.

“Audacity in the Arts: Reviving Cultural Relevance” will take place Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at The Scott Block Theatre in downtown Red Deer.