Strathmore

Alberta's government is creating fines and rules meant to curb predatory tow truck drivers.

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen says concerns have been raised about tow truck drivers showing up at car accidents and pressuring those involved to unnecessarily accept their services.

Dreeshen says in some cases tow truck drivers charge excessive fees and don't provide necessary information to those whose vehicles are towed.

The U11 AA Strathmore Reds baseball team kept the gold at home after a provincial tournament over the weekend.

The tournament took place at the Hillview Diamond in Strathmore between Friday (Aug. 1) and Sunday, bringing in several other teams from across Alberta.

The Reds began the tournament with a victory over the Grande Prairie Reds on Friday before achieving another win against the Parkland Twin Whites the following day. 

The federal government is setting up a safety net of loans, product-development grants and market diversification plans for Canada’s softwood lumber industry in an effort to shield it from the worst of American duties and fees.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the plan Tuesday, promising $700 million in loan guarantees to address what he called "immediate pressures" and $500 million for long-term supports to help companies diversify export markets and develop their products. 

Carney also promised that future projects will "prioritize" Canadian lumber. 

Tomorrow morning on 104.5 More Country, we are playing Five Second Rule with Langdon Firehouse Bar & Grill.

Keesyn Glawson will drop a category, and you've got to name three things in that category within five seconds to win.

If you text in, you could win a $25 gift card!

Listen for the cue to text at 7:55 a.m.

There were tons of unique costumes at the Strathmore Stampede for the Running with the Bulls event.

Some of the costumes included humorously large cowboy hats, cow print onesies, and even a participant dressed as the late Hulk Hogan.

The festivities of the Strathmore Stampede long weekend have officially come to an end.

During the weekend, the crowning of the new Miss Strathmore Stampede took place with Aliera Chernoff taking the title.

Chernoff explained how she felt about winning the title.

"It feels amazing. It's like living my dream now. I've always wanted to be Miss Strathmore Stampede."

Chernoff campaigned for the title against Andrea Hunter.

The Strathmore Stampede Parade was a huge success.

Over 100 floats toured Strathmore's downtown core on Saturday (Aug. 2), handing out candy and other goods as thousands of residents lined the sidewalks.

Several notable figures made an appearance, including members of Strathmore town council, Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge, and Bow River MP David Bexte.

A new champion has emerged following the Championship Monday (Aug. 4) chuckwagon races at the Strathmore Stampede.

In a penalty-free championship final heat, High River's Jason Glass won the Stampede with a run of 1:13.94, defeating defending champion Chanse Vigen, who had a time of 1:14.85

Barely behind Vigen was Evan Salmond with a time of 1:14.93, followed by Lane Tournier in fourth place with a time of 1:15.02. 

Glass credits his horses for his success. 

Labour experts say another postal service strike is unlikely after unionized Canada Post workers rejected their employer's latest round of offers in a forced vote and the parties mull their next steps.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said Friday that the roughly 55,000 members represented by the union shot down the Canada Post's latest proposal, which would've seen wage hikes of about 13 per cent over four years and restructuring to add part-time workers to the deal.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Wheatland County, including near Lyalta, Carseland, and Strathmore.

According to Environment Canada (EC), thunderstorms have developed over the foothills and Cypress Hills, moving towards the east and northeast.

"Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain," wrote EC.

Heavy rain can lead to flash floods, while large hail can cause damage and injury.