FortSask

A special air quality statement has been issued for the region once again. 

As of 9:30 a.m. on Thursday morning the air quality was measured to be about a four on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) which is considered to be a moderate risk. 

That number is expected to climb to seven today due to increased wildfire smoke getting pushed through the area. That indicates a high risk.

People with respiratory illnesses are especially at risk at these levels and are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity. 

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has identified the man that was killed in an alleged murder at an Edmonton LRT station over the weekend. 

On Sunday (July 9) night police were called to the Belvedere LRT station in northeast Edmonton to investigate a weapons complaint. Upon arriving they discovered a deceased man with suspicious injuries. 

A few days later, EPS announced that an investigation resulted in the arrest of 27-year-old Jamal Wheeler who now faces a second-degree murder charge. 

Ottawa announced an investment of $12 million to the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) to drive the growth of Canada's beef sector through research, innovation, and technology transfer while improving its environmental footprint.

Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food made the announcement yesterday at the Calgary Stampede.

The funding is being matched by over $9.7 million in industry funding through the producer beef check-off.

Leduc RCMP have charged a man with drug trafficking following an incident earlier this month.

On July 4, police responded to reports of suspicious activity near 50 Street and 58 Avenue. Police attended the scene and arrested one person.

After an investigation, police seized 757 grams of cocaine, 3 grams of heroin, and almost $1,000 in cash.

Kelly Choma, a 41-year-old resident of Leduc, has been charged with:

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region.

Slow-moving thunderstorms are beginning to develop, which could produce large hail and heavy rain.

The watch has been issued for the following areas:

• Bon Accord
• Gibbons
• Namao
• Lamont
• Bruderheim
• St. Albert
• Sherwood Park
• Fort Saskatchewan
• Edmonton

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions may lead to damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and large hail.

Many have noticed a rise in mosquitos lately. Turns out, there's a reason there are so many mosquitos compared to previous years.

The hot and dry start to spring followed by periods of heavy rain in June and July is the perfect recipe for mosquitos, with heavy rainfall activating the mosquito eggs.

In the City of Edmonton, this time last year found about 2,500 mosquitos found in traps across the city. In 2023, this number has spiked to 7,500.

A pair of Sherwood Park football players are representing the province at the Canada Cup in Edmonton this week. 

Owen MacNeil and Carson Hartmann were both able to make the cut for Team Alberta for the event. It was an honour that both of them are grateful for. 

"I was excited, before I did U16 and U17," said Hartmann. "Last year I tried out for U18 and sadly didn't make it so I feel like this time around was my chance to shine." 

St. Albert RCMP have identified two people in an incident involving anti-LGBTQ2S+ material being scattered along school playgrounds.

In late June, parents and students found laminated posters and bookmarks with these hateful messages before handing them over to police, who launched an investigation.

In early July, police released CCTV photos of a man and woman placing the material in two playgrounds. Just a few days later, the RCMP announced that they had identified the man and woman involved.

The Fort Saskatchewan fire department will soon have some new faces joining their team. 

The city recently approved the hiring of six new fulltime firefighters, a safety codes officer, and an emergency managment position. 

"The new hires will give us the ability to staff a second fire truck within the city," said fire chief Todd Martens. "We will be able to have two vehicles on scene for any major accident or fire call we go to." 

Martens add that this will also help the department's ability to respond to more than one call at a time. 

There is no shortage of local talent currently competing at the 2023 Calgary Stampede. 

Sherwood Park's Kolby Wanchuk is headlining in the Saddle Bronc event.

His first go around didn't go quite as planned as he was bucked off. Wanchuk made up for it the second time around, taking home a score of 86.5 and is currently fourth in the B pool standings. 

That is currently good enough for a $5,500 payday. 

Wanchuk currently ranks 19th on the World Rodeo Saddle Bronc standings with over $55,000 in winnings this season.