Strathmore

A local volunteer was honoured for his efforts during the Strathmore Stampede long weekend.

At the stampede, Donny Johansen was awarded the Jeff Kalbhen Memorial Buckle for his work with the Strathmore Agricultural Society.

"The Jeff Kalbhen Memorial Buckle is a meaningful recognition given to a volunteer whose quiet leadership, hard work, and love for western heritage reflect the true spirit of this award," wrote the Ag Society through social media.

Harvest operations are slowly starting to get underway. Crop condition and staging across the Prairies is variable depending on location and rainfall patterns.

In Manitoba, early reports of swathing in canola have come in from the Interlake and Central regions, along with some winter cereals.

Oilseed Specialist Sonia Wilson put together this week's Manitoba Crop Report.

Advance polls in a historic federal byelection for Alberta's Battle River-Crowfoot open today.

For the first time ever, Elections Canada says voters must fill out a blank ballot.

The agency lists a record 214 candidates running in the rural riding, with voting day on Aug. 18.

The majority are part of the Longest Ballot Committee, a protest group calling for various changes to Canada's electoral system.

Strathmore Flooring Concepts raised nearly $1,000 for the Wheatland County Food Bank late last month.

On July 24, owners Frank and Dave Friesen held a customer appreciation event and relaunch to show off their brand new showroom. The company sold hot dogs, pop, and chips at the event, with all proceeds going towards the food bank.

"When I grew up, we didn't have much at all," said Frank. "I always thought to myself, if I ever get in the position to help somebody, I will do that."

Dave also spoke about why they chose to donate the funds.

Métis leaders left a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday saying they're confident they will be included in talks about major projects Ottawa hopes to use to bolster the economy in the face of a trade war with the United States.

"When things really matter, Métis governments come together and we get the work done," said Métis Nation of Ontario president Margaret Froh.

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs says it's time for Ottawa to stop studying the idea of a national forest fire co-ordination agency and take action.

The organization's president wants the federal government to take inspiration from the U.S. Fire Administration to establish a similar office in Canada.

The U.S. office is part of Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, but Ken McMullen says a Canadian version could be simpler and less costly.

Brooks RCMP have found a missing woman.

According to police, 49-year-old Jacqueline McKenzie was last seen in Brooks on Wednesday (Aug. 6). 

Her disappearance was announced the following day.

However, just hours after police announced that they were looking for her, McKenzie was located safe.

Police thanked the public for their help in finding her. 

Residents are running for mental health this weekend.

On Sunday (Aug. 10), Strathmore's True North Society will be working alongside Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) to bring Stomping Down Barriers for Mental Health to town.

There are several different runs to choose from, including 5km, 10km, half marathon, virtual 10km, and a virtual half marathon.

The race will start and finish at the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre. The run takes place at the following times:

Brooks RCMP are looking for help finding a missing woman.

According to police, 49-year-old Jacqueline McKenzie was last seen in Brooks on Wednesday (Aug. 6) at around 9 p.m.

"There is concern for her well-being," wrote RCMP.

Just hours after being reported missing, RCMP confirmed that McKenzie was found safe.

An Artificial Intelligence data centre is coming to Strathmore.

During the Stampede long weekend, it was announced that Prairie Sky Data Solutions (PSDS) would be developing the centre, which is expected to be operational by some point in 2026.

Several notable public figures attended the announcement, including Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule, Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge, and Bow River MP David Bexte.