Strathmore

Premier Danielle Smith and one of her ministers are calling on Alberta's electoral officer to reverse course and sign off on a proposed referendum question on separation, saying it shouldn't be held back by red tape.

This week, chief electoral officer Gordon McClure announced he had referred the proposed question to the courts so a judge could decide if the question contravenes Canada's Constitution.

Despite a cool and rainy summer, Strathmore residents are finding ways to stay warm and comfortable.

In a recent StrathmoreNow poll, locals shared the ways they keep warm during the cold, rainy days. 

With a total of 38 votes, 16 said they stay warm with blankets and a hot drink (42.11 per cent), 12 wear comfy clothes and cuddle pets (31.58 per cent), and 6 enjoy cooking up hot food (15.79 per cent).

The last two answers had 3 saying they relaxed in a hot bath (7.89 per cent) and had 1 saying they prefer to dance away the blues (2.63 per cent).

Auto theft is down in Strathmore, according to a report by the local police detachment.

The report covers between January and March of 2025 and was presented to town council at their meeting on Wednesday (July 25) by Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz.

According to the report, vehicle theft is down from five incidents to two by the same time this year, a decrease of 75 per cent.

The U13 AA Strathmore Reds had a gold-laden weekend.

In a social media post, the team congratulated the players for achieving first place at a provincial tournament.

"These athletes left it all on the field, playing with passion, teamwork, and relentless drive all weekend long," wrote the club. "Every inning was a battle, and they rose to the occasion like true champions."

A highlight of provincials was an immaculate inning by pitcher Colby Phinney, scoring three strikeouts with nine pitches.

Alberta RCMP have charged a man with murder after a hit and run on Siksika Nation.

The hit and run was on Saturday evening, leading to the deaths of 27-year-old Trayton Runningbird and 45-year-old Clifton Saddleback, both residents of Siksika Nation.

"A third victim, a 45-year-old woman, remains in hospital in critical condition," wrote RCMP in a news release.

The investigation ended with police arresting 27-year-old Adolphus Weaselchild, who lives in Siksika Nation, and charging him with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Police in Brooks are looking for help locating a missing man.

According to RCMP, 24-year-old Nehom Worku was last seen on Friday (July 25) in Brooks.

"He is last reported as driving to Medicine Hat," wrote police in a news release. "There is a concern for his well-being."

Nehom is described as:

Siksika Nation is working to establish its own self-administered police service and is asking community members to help shape its future. 

The Nation's administration has launched a public survey for residents to provide feedback on the development of the new police force. The survey is open until Thursday (July 31), and all participants are entered into a draw for a $100 gift card. 

Today marks the start of AgSmart 2025, the educational agriculture expo is now being held at Olds College.

The event falls under the direction of the Agri Trade Equipment Expo Group. Show Manager Tracy Gardner says this year's event is going to look a little different. 

Reproductive health advocates say the federal government's failure to commit to funding pharmacare in all provinces and territories is leaving people with a lot of uncertainty, and could create inequality across the country.

"It's really disappointing, honestly," said Liz Thompson, advocacy lead for Cover Contraception.

"It seems like they don't really know what they're going to do."

Alberta and the union representing thousands of provincial government employees say they have agreed to a new round of mediated bargaining.

Alberta Union of Provincial Employees president Guy Smith says the renewed talks are considered the final opportunity for getting a new deal for some 23,000 government workers after 18 months of bargaining.

Smith credits Finance Minister Nate Horner for stepping in to restart talks and recognizing the importance of continuing negotiations.