Strathmore

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson has announced an increase in the lending limit on the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program (FALGP).

Locally owned feeder associations utilize the program for low-interest financing backed by a government guarantee. Through the program feeder associations help livestock producers get financing to buy animals and grow their herds.

Producer, Dustin Lamb says the program played a huge part in his decision to return to the family farm and will be instrumental in keeping it going.

It was a busy Thursday (Aug. 28) at Strathmore Motor Products (SMP) just off Highway 1.

Staff with SMP, 104.5 More Country, and Baldwin BBQ had set up our second annual Charity BBQ, with all proceeds going to help Project H.O.P.E., a local non-profit. 

Hundreds of residents made it out to enjoy some hot food, whether it be pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw, or maple beans, with all food sold on a by-donation basis. By the end of the two-hour BBQ, a total of $1,053.30 was raised for Project H.O.P.E.

Police have charged a man with three counts of aggravated assault for stabbings at the Calgary Stampede last month.

Police say they identified the 18-year-old following an extensive investigation that included witness interviews and camera footage.

Officers executed a search warrant of the suspect's house and seized a folding knife and clothing they say believe are consistent with the stabbings.

The man is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Three males were stabbed in an area of the Stampede midway, including two 18-year-olds and one 15-year-old.

We are just weeks away from giving away a RAM 1500 Big Horn Truck.

There are three ways you can enter:

• Listen for the RAM Q of the Day weekday mornings at 8:20.
• Find us at events and scan our RAM QR code.
• Enter online by clicking here.

You could also win fun prizes from our friends at Woody's RV World, Spruce Meadows, Kuma Outdoor Gear, and Calaway Park.

The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings are kicking off the season with a series of exhibition games.

The first Kings exhibition takes place on Friday (Sept. 5) at Genesis Place against the Airdrie Techmation Thunder.

On Saturday, the two teams will come to Strathmore for a game at the Strathmore Family Centre at 7:45 p.m.

The following weekend features a series against the Red Deer Vipers. The first game is on Sept. 13 at the Strathmore Family Centre, followed by a game the next day at Servus Arena.

The bad news for Alberta's oil-reliant budget is set to get worse.

Finance Minister Nate Horner says softening oil prices mean this year's projected budget deficit is expected to grow by $1.3 billion, and will now finish at $6.5 billion in the red when the fiscal year ends next spring.

That represents a massive multibillion-dollar swing in Alberta's financial fortunes, as it is coming off an $8.3-billion surplus the year prior.

"We are going to have to weather some of this," Horner told a news conference Thursday.

It's going to be a hot and dry Labour Day long weekend in the area.

According to our forecast, Friday (Aug. 29) will reach a high of 28C along with a mix of sun and cloud.

Things cool down overnight, reaching a low of 11C, before warming up to a sunny high of 29C on Saturday.

We've got another clear low of 11C for Saturday night, while Sunday calls for more sun and a high of 33C.

Sunday night drops to another low of 11C, while Monday ends off the long weekend with a high of 32C.

A new poll indicates an overwhelming majority of Canadians are in favour of regulating artificial intelligence, and almost half are worried it will contribute to cognitive decline.

The Leger poll found 85 per cent of respondents believe governments should regulate AI tools to ensure ethical and safe use. More than half, 57 per cent, said they strongly agreed with that statement.

"It's very clear Canadians want government involved," said Jennifer McLeod Macey, senior vice-president at Leger.

A new national report on how abuse and maltreatment are handled in sport says "Canadian sport has lost its way" and the federal government must act to better protect athletes across the country. 

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday, saying it heard that there are "deeply ingrained" issues across the country, from a culture of silence that has led to abuse and maltreatment to underfunding and a lack of diversity. 

Rocky View County Fire Services has issued a fire advisory for the entire county.

The advisory was issued on Thursday (Aug. 28) due to the dry and hot conditions in the area.

"This advisory represents a moderate fire risk and will remain in effect as long as conditions remain," wrote the county on social media.

All burning and fireworks permits are suspended. However, there are a few exceptions, including: