Strathmore

Residents in Chestermere and the surrounding area should be aware of a man believed to be using online dating apps to sexually assault women.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) issued a warning to the public regarding the man on Mar. 12. According to police, 43-year-old Ali Kiani is believed to have contacted women through online dating apps under a false identity.

After gaining their trust, Kiani would allegedly sexually assault them.

Loblaw Companies Limited is introducing a 'T' label for products impacted by tariffs from the United States.

The labels will appear on all Loblaws retail and grocery chains in the coming weeks, including the Real Canadian Liquor Store, No Frills, and Shoppers Drug Mart in Strathmore.

Although Loblaws says grocery prices won't immediately rise, fresh produce and other imports may see price hikes in the coming weeks.

Ladies Breakaway Roping has been announced as the newest addition to the 2025 Calgary Stampede.

According to a news release, women will compete from July 4-13.

"Breakaway Roping is one of the fastest-growing rodeo events, with winning times clocking in at under two seconds. The event showcases exceptional horsemanship and roping skill, where the goal is simple: rope a calf, stop the horse, break the rope from the saddle horn, and record the fastest time," added the Stampede.

The Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce is ready to launch a new initiative.

The chamber is working with 104.5 More Country and StrathmoreNow to host the Sips & Socialize event.

Board member Cody Holdaway explained why it's important for local businesses to connect.

"I think especially in times like this, I think we need to be supporting local, and I think when local business supports local business and we create these connections between business owners, everybody wins."

The event will feature wine and cheese for residents who attend.

Drumheller residents are gearing up to celebrate the best in the valley.

"We’re already seeing some incredible businesses and individuals being nominated for the Drumheller Celebration of Excellence. Now’s your chance to recognize the people and businesses that make our community so special," said the Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce.

The Drumheller Celebration of Excellence awards is a partnership between the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Drumheller, and Travel Drumheller.

Chamber of Commerce Awards:

With the spring season nearly underway in the southeast, there's a bit of green likely to pop up soon, though some of that will present a big issue for farms. Absinthe Wormwood is one of the big problems prairie farmers will be facing with the upcoming season, both for livestock and haying operations.

Range Management Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Luke Jorgenson, explains some of the characteristics of the weed.

A new poll suggests Canadians' sense of national pride has surged in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats against the country's sovereignty.

The poll, conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies, says that the number of people saying they're proud to be Canadian has jumped from 80 per cent in November 2024 to 86 per cent this month.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney is hoping to be sworn in as Canada's 24th prime minister by the end of the week but there are some logistical hurdles like security clearances for senior members of his transition team that must happen first.

Carney won a landslide victory to take the helm of the Liberals from Justin Trudeau on Sunday night but he isn't yet the prime minister.

Students from several schools in Strathmore competed at the Bow Valley College Esports Arena earlier this month.

Around 75 students took part in the Alberta Scholastic Esports League Super Smash Bros. tournament, including kids from Strathmore High School, Crowther Memorial Junior High School, and Drumheller Valley Secondary School.

The tournament was through elimination rounds transcending age, as video games are considered by players a matter of skill over physical prowess.

Anyone visiting the Strathmore Family Centre would have seen an ice resurfacer flooding the rinks between ice times, but what kind of work goes into running the machines?

According to facility manager Craig Dilts, it can take up to several months of training before an employee is allowed to flood the ice unattended.

"In order to get trained on it, you have to go through a program that we have. There are a few industry courses as well that our staff participate in."