Strathmore

The Strathmore Spartans senior boys football team are in Lethbridge for their first game of the season.

After beginning practice on Aug. 16, the Spartans will be taking on the Catholic Central Cougars on Saturday (Aug. 23).

"The team has been looking sharp these last couple of days," said head coach Danny Warrack. "They're mentally engaged and focused, so I'm expecting a good result."

The Spartans opened last season against the Cougars, as well, with the Spartans losing 35-0.

Brooks RCMP have identified the human remains that were discovered on Wednesday (Aug. 20).

According to police, the deceased was identified as 20-year-old Fatima Ahmed, a Brooks resident who was reported missing on Aug. 15.

An autopsy was performed on Friday at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the cause of death is pending.

Police say the investigation into Ahmed's death continues.

The annual Home Runs for Huntington's baseball tournament raised thousands of dollars for a family in need.

The event took place at the Kinsmen Park ball diamond on Saturday (Aug. 16), with hundreds of residents taking part in the tournament.

In total, $4,386.50 was raised through a variety of methods, with the funds going towards the Huntington Society of Canada and the family of Greg Belton, a Strathmore resident who was diagnosed with Huntington's disease.

Wheatland County is upgrading several roads in the area.

From Aug. 29 to Sept. 3, construction crews will be chip sealing Range Road 233 from Highway 1 to Highway 564, and Range Road 243 from Highway 1. 

The construction should finish on time, depending on the weather.

Both roads will remain open, however, the lanes will be reduced to a single lane with alternating flow. 

Reduced speed limits, flaggers, and delays are to be expected while the construction is underway. 

Wheatland County thanks residents for their patience. 

Five local events are happening this weekend, from Friday (Aug. 22) to Sunday, that residents, families, pride members, and fantasy lovers can attend to make the most out of the summer heat before the month ends. 

Here's a look at what's scheduled:

Medieval Faire and Artisan Market

A blast from the past and a fantasy adventure will be enchanting Strathmore this weekend. 

The Medieval Faire and Artisan Market will be showcased at the Strathmore Agricultural Grounds from Friday to Sunday.

Event hours are as follows: 

The nomination period for Chestermere's upcoming municipal election ends in a month.

Since nominations opened on Jan. 1, five residents have placed their bid to run - four running for council, and one running for mayor.

The sole mayoral candidate is Shannon Dean, the current mayor of Chestermere. Dean was first elected in 2024 during a byelection.

As for councillor candidates, there are three running who are currently serving on council - Kiran Randhawa, Ritesh Narayan, and Janelle Sandboe.

The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings unveiled their renovated dressing room ahead of the start of the regular season. 

The room was unveiled at an anticipated private event on Wednesday (Aug. 20) at the Strathmore Family Centre, where Kings staff invited sponsors to see the new room.

"We poured a pretty heavy amount of capital into our facilities here at the family centre to ultimately build a new home for our hockey family," said Cody Holdaway, general manager of the Kings.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday her government's sudden shift in COVID-19 vaccination policy was prompted by union demands. 

Earlier this week, her health ministry said COVID-19 vaccine coverage would be extended to all health-care workers this fall under the first phase of the province’s rollout.

That came two months after the government said most Albertans, including health workers, would have to pay for a COVID-19 shot — potentially a cost of $110.

When it comes to restoring our canola trade with China, the Canadian canola industry wants to see action and engagement from all levels of government with everyone working together to protect our market share.

Premier Scott Moe along with his Agriculture Minister Darryl Harrison and Trade and Export Minister Warren Kaeding met with federal/provincial canola groups, as well as exporters, canola crush and value-added companies.

The Crown will not appeal the acquittals of five former world junior hockey players after their high-profile sexual assault trial, one of the defence lawyers in the case said Thursday.

Daniel Brown, who represented Alex Formenton, said he has been informed of the prosecutors' decision. The Ministry of the Attorney General did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote were all acquitted of sexual assault, and McLeod of a separate charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault.