Strathmore

The Strathmore Spartans senior boys' rugby team are heading to Medicine Hat on Saturday, May 10.

The event is a 7's tournament, with the team spending the entire day playing games in Medicine Hat.

Following the tournament, the team will be playing on May 12 in Okotoks before returning to Strathmore on May 21.

After their last home game, the Spartans will be playing in zone finals before moving onto provincials.

Indigenous groups in Canada say they want to see Pope Leo XIV continue the reconciliation work started by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.

Francis was recognized as an ally of Canada's Indigenous Peoples and was known for advancing reconciliation efforts and apologizing — both in the Vatican and in Canada — for the Catholic Church's role in widespread abuses at residential schools.

His visit to Canada in 2022 was described as a "penitential pilgrimage" as Francis insisted on meeting with Indigenous survivors of residential schools and hearing their stories.

Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and Rogers Sugar have reached a new 5-year agreement.

The new supply agreement was announced in a press release on Friday.

Roger's Taber location is the only sugar beet processing facility in Canada. Established almost 75 years ago, the Taber facility is supported by approximately 200 Southern Alberta farm families, which supply the refinery with sugar beets. 

According to the ASBG website, those farms harvest about 900,000 tonnes of sugar beets annually, which are turned into 125,000 tonnes of sugar or nearly 2 million cups!

Lack of progress means time is growing short to get a successfull crop into the ground in Southern Alberta.

Contract negotiations are dragging on for Alberta sugar beet producers.

It’s already early May, and Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and Rogers Sugar, the sole sugar-beet processing plant left in Canada, still haven’t hammered out a deal.

Jennifer Crowson, executive director with the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers, cautioned the Western Producer in an email that she was limited in what she can share, other than that they are still in active negotiations.

Strathmore RCMP are at the scene of a car crash on Highway 24.

The collision occurred at around 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, near the Wyndham-Carseland campground. 

According to RCMP, the crash was between a motorcyclist and a deer. The cyclist was injured and taken to hospital by STARS Air Ambulance.

An update will be provided once more information becomes available.

The Strathmore Fire Department is on the scene of a fire near George Freeman Trail.

The fire is located off the road towards the east side of town, with firefighters and paramedics at the scene.

A Fire Restriction has been put in effect for the Town of Drumheller.

The restriction began on Thursday, May 8, due to dry conditions in the area.

Until further notice, fireworks and certain fire pits are forbidden.

"As a reminder only clean wood or charcoal may be burned in conforming fire pits," wrote the town on social media. "Garbage, yard waste including leaves and grass clippings, or any other smudge fires are forbidden."

Despite this, recreational fire pits are still allowed.

Strathmore's Domino's Pizza donated a $1,000 cheque to the Strathmore Hospital Auxiliary on Thursday, May 8.

The funds were raised through the restaurants "Dough Raiser" event, with proceeds going towards a local cause.

"We're trying to get out there and get more visible," said Joyce Bazant, director of the auxiliary. "We have a list of equipment that the hospital site manager gave us last month, so we're working to try and fulfill that."

Bazant added that they're looking to raise between $85,000 and $90,000 for the equipment.

The City of Chestermere is anticipating a disruption to mail delivery services later this month.

According to the city, the delays may begin on May 22 as Canada Post negotiates with its workers.

"This could affect the delivery of mail, including bills and mail-in payments," wrote the city on its website. "To avoid potential delays and late fees, consider setting up e-billing and pre-authorized payments for your bills. "

Siksika Nation Emergency Services issued a Fire Restriction on Friday, May 9.

According to Siksika, they issued the restriction due to dry and windy conditions, which leads to a high risk of wildfires.

"Due to the rapidly changing weather conditions and the fine fuel moisture content, Siksika Nation may move to a ban with little to no notice," wrote Siksika in a release. 

The restriction bans the use of wood campfires on public land, but campfires at provincial campgrounds and private property is still allowed.