FortSask

Concerts in the Park are returning to Fort Saskatchewan this summer.

Hosted by the Fort Saskatchewan Rotary Club, these free shows are every Thursday at Legacy Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Here is a look at this summer's lineup: 

Strathcona County RCMP arrested a man last week for an alleged kidnapping. 

Police say the case started when received a complaint on May 11 that detailed an armed kidnapping that happened in mid-April. 

RCMP received the report from a woman who claimed to be the victim of the kidnapping. The complaint involved the woman going to a Sherwood Park residence in mid-April to retrieve some belongings when she was allegedly assaulted by a man she knew, who had a weapon. 

Special rapporteur David Johnston says that a formal inquiry into foreign interference is not needed, but he will hold his own public hearings about the issue sometime this year. 

The former governor general said an inquiry cannot be undertaken in public because of the sensitivity of the intelligence involved, and there would be considerable overlap with the work that he has already been doing to investigate the issue of alleged foreign meddling in the last two federal elections. 

There was a fun evening of LEGOs and robotics at the Fort Saskatchewan BGC last week.

Supported by Dow Chemical, the BGC invited parents, friends, and community members to attend the First LEGO League Explore festival on Wednesday (May 17).

First LEGO League teaches science, technology, engineering, and math to children through hands-on learning.

The Fort Saskatchewan and Lamont Regional Chamber of Commerce has parted ways with its executive director. 

On Thursday (May 18), the chamber's board of directors announced that Danielle Klooster was no longer employed with the chamber, effective immediately. 

"We thank her and wish her the best in her next adventure," said DeAnna Voshell, the board president. 

Klooster was brought into the role back in October and was lauded for her strong background in policy, advocacy, and economic development. 

Advanced voting has begun in Alberta for the provincial election.

Starting on Tuesday (May 23) and ending on Saturday, advanced voting locations are open around the area leading up to election day on Monday.

In Fort Saskatchewan, residents can vote in advance at the Lakeview Inn and Suites on 88 Avenue. Advanced voting is available from Tuesday until Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fort Saskatchewan's iconic Canada Day celebration will be returning on July 1. 

On Tuesday (May 23), the city announced details about the festival, which follows a very successful 2022 celebration.

The day will begin with a free pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Fort Saskatchewan Legion parking lot. The food will be prepared by members of the Fort Sask Fire Department. 

A few changes have been made to the City of Fort Saskatchewan's sports field and parks update system. 

The city announced last week that it would be ditching its old email system in favour of an interactive map on its website. 

The map will now allow people to track whether fields or parks are open or closed. 

Updates to the map are expected to be made every weekday at 3 p.m. 

If the weather becomes unfavourable after that time, the decision will be left up to the sports leagues using the area to determine if it is safe for players to use it. 

Light rainfall and cooler temperatures slowed down wildfire activity in Alberta over the long weekend and more rain that's in the forecast may help firefighters catch a breath during a record-breaking season of fires.

"This could be a turning point for the firefighters working out there on the fires," Christie Tucker of Alberta Wildfire said during a news conference Monday.

"We have received rain, I understand, on almost every wildfire that's currently burning in the province except those in the far north."

The provincial election is less than two weeks away and polls have been released for the regional districts. 

These polls were put together by 338 Canada and present a snapshot of voter intentions ahead of the election. 

All the local districts are a two-horse race between the United Conservatives (UCP) and Alberta New Democrats (NDP) with some races being closer than others. 

Here is a quick look at where each district stands.

Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

Candidates: 

UCP: Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk (incumbent)