Strathmore

Tara Sawyer of the United Conservative Party has won the provincial by-election in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, while Alberta’s New Democrats have captured both Edmonton ridings, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta.

Elections Alberta says all vote counts remain unofficial until the official tabulation is completed on July 3.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to announce today next steps in her plan to challenge what she and her government have called unfair intrusions from the federal government.

Smith will be in Calgary to announce details of the Alberta Next Panel. 

She will be joined by Adam Legge of the Business Council of Alberta at a news conference in Heritage Park.

Rob Pirie is looking to be re-elected as the trustee of Golden Hills School Division (GHSD).

Pirie announced his bid on Saturday (June 21), with election day taking place on Oct. 20.

“It’s been a privilege to serve the students, families, and educators of Golden Hills,” said Pirie.

“Over the past term, we’ve faced real challenges but also made meaningful progress. I’m running for re-election because there’s still important work to do to ensure our schools remain strong, innovative, and inclusive.”

A top federal official said fixing the payroll problems caused by Phoenix cost taxpayers more than $5 billion — and they'll keep paying extra to run two public service payroll platforms at once as Ottawa weans itself off the problem-plagued system.

Alex Benay, associate deputy minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, said the alternative to running the Phoenix system in tandem with its replacement, Dayforce, would have been worse.

"The unfortunate situation is there's no easy path," he said. "This is the one that's going to impact employees the least."

A survivor of a rockfall last week in Banff National Park is remembering his 33-year-old roommate, who didn't make it out alive from under the rubble, as a kind and generous friend.

Khaled Elgamal says Hamza Benhilal of Surrey, B.C., was one of two people who died after a slab of mountain gave way Thursday, raining rock down on hikers at Bow Glacier Falls, about 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary.

Protein Industries Canada says a new soybean breeding program will open new opportunities for producers and processors.

The new $4.3 million initiative for Canada's identity-preserved non-GMO soybean is being led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd. 

The project, involves the launch of a new breeding program to develop early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties suited to Canada’s northern climates, including Manitoba and northern Ontario.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has held Edmonton-Strathcona for the New Democrats in one of three provincial byelections.

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• Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi fighting for seat in one of three byelections

Unofficial results from Elections Alberta put him well ahead of the nearest competitor, United Conservative Party candidate Darby Crouch.

A spring recital showcased students' skill.

Ally Brigley Music Studio hosted its first spring recital at the Strathmore United Church on Friday (June 20). 

The studio's students performed a variety of vocal and piano numbers for their family and friends alongside piano accompanist Terrah Harper and drummer Ezra Hubbard.

After the concert, the performers celebrated with snacks and refreshments.

A local winery celebrated its grand reopening. 

Field Stone Fruit Wines hosted a wine tasting party at its winery on Saturday (June 21). The celebration marked the beginning of the season with the new owners Laura Atherton and Phill Hoogendam. 

Guests enjoyed wine, cocktail, and mocktails samples, along with food from Lannerdz Cookies and Tiyos Mexican Cravings food truck. Live music was performed by Ken Stobbe. Children enjoyed popcorn and took part in activities such as giant Jenga.

The Summer Fun To-Go giveaway ends in a week.

The giveaway, which is hosted by Strathmore Value Drug Mart, began on June 1 and runs until June 30.

Residents can enter in-store for the chance to win a mountain bike, an infant tricycle, or an infant car seat.

"Perfect for family adventures, outdoor fun, and making the most of the sunny season," wrote the drug mart on social media.

The winners will be drawn on July 2.