Strathmore

Here are a few events happening in Strathmore and the surrounding area this weekend:

1. Puppy Snuggles

Hpups, a local dog daycare centre, is inviting residents to drop by and snuggle with some of their furry friends on Friday (Oct. 4).

According to the centre, they've got several puppies in need of a new home, along with a few farm animals to check out as well.

The centre is located southbound on Range Road 242 in Wheatland County, and residents are asked to contact the owner at 403-634-3156 for the address. 

Alberta Health Services is asking the Wheatland and Adjacent Districts Emergency Medical Services Association (WADEMSA) to return over $4 million in surplus funds.

A report by WADEMSA was presented to Strathmore's town council at Wednesday's (Oct. 2) meeting. The report was read out by Councillors Richard Wegener and Denise Peterson, who also serve on WADEMSA's board.

The Alberta government is hoping that new funding will help attract and retain rural doctors.

According to a news release, a total of $16 million has been announced for the Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program.

The initiative will provide $8 million over the next two years.

Government business has been put on indefinite pause in the House of Commons and the Conservatives say it will stay that way until the Liberals hand over documents related to misspent government dollars.

Last week, Speaker Greg Fergus ruled that the government "clearly did not fully comply" with an order from the House to provide documents related to a now-defunct foundation responsible for doling out hundreds of millions of federal dollars for green technology projects.

A Chestermere peace officer clocked a driver going almost 70 km/h over the posted speed limit.

According to a news release from the city, earlier this week the driver was stopped on Chestermere Boulevard near Dawson Drive going 136 km/h in a 70 km/h zone.

"This type of behaviour by residents and visitors to Chestermere unnecessarily endangers all users of the road. Chestermere Municipal Enforcement would like to take this opportunity to remind all drivers to slow down, adhere to posted speed limits, and drive with care in our community," says the city.

Jed Howlett joined Keesyn Glawson in the 104.5 More Country studio to discuss his passion for horses and carriage driving.

JH Equine Virtual Carriage Driving Coaching is new to Strathmore, as Howlett has only been operating in town for three months but says he is excited to get started.

According to Howlett, he runs horse and carriage riding clinics.

"There weren't many coaches out there and when I spent some time coaching and doing some things, I wanted to give back to the community."

A Manitoba man convicted of murder 50 years ago has been acquitted.

Clarence Woodhouse was found guilty in 1974 of fatally beating and stabbing a restaurant worker in downtown Winnipeg.

He was granted parole in 1983 and filed last year for a ministerial review of his conviction.

His lawyers argued a confession Woodhouse supposedly made was in fluent English, although he primarily spoke Saulteaux.

Students and staff at Rocky View Schools have been without internet and phone access since Wednesday (Oct. 2).

The issue stems from a fibre optic cable that was cut near Calgary.

"Schools remain open and classes will continue without Internet access. For urgent messages, parents and guardians can contact the school principal or assistant principal through email which will be received on their phones," says the division in a news release.

Attendance will be recorded on paper and put into a program for a later date.

A team of firefighters from Drumheller were in Kamloops taking part in several Firefit competitions.

According to the Drumheller Fire & Rescue Facebook page, the Canadian Nationals and World Firefit competitions both happened over the weekend, which brought in over 190 competitors from seven countries to take part. 

With autumn underway, foxtails are starting to become a problem in the area.

That's according to the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore who made a post on their Facebook page warning dog owners about the issues that foxtails can cause. 

"Foxtails become a problem when the grass heads start to break apart," wrote the centre. "The spiky seeds can easily get stuck in your dog's fur, ears, paws, or throat leading to irritation or even infections."