FortSask

The Federal Government's Advance Payments Program is delivered through the Alberta Wheat Commission's FarmCash program and is open to all producers across Western Canada.

Under the program, producers can access cash advances on over 50 commodities including crops, livestock, and honey.

Jason Lenz is committee chair for FarmCash and says they've been running the government's Advance Payment Program for about four years and this year have seen a significant increase in applications.

Four local hockey players were selected in the 2023 WHL Draft last week. 

Among them was one Fort Saskatchewan player in Keaton Verhoeff, who went fourth overall to the Victoria Royals, but there was also a trio of Sherwood Park kids who went in the later rounds as well. 

With the wildfire situation in Alberta and Saskatchewan, people are once again recognizing the harsh reality of just how dangerous they are.

For livestock producers there's not just the concern of getting your family and pets to safety,  but also your livestock.

Grant McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association says livestock producers should look at developing an evacuation kit that includes your insurance information and more:

People are being asked to be extra cautious as wildfires burn out of control in some areas of the prairies.

With hot, dry conditions a simple spark off equipment or vehicles can quickly turn into a fire.

Individuals are encouraged to make sure they have fire extinguishers in the vehicle, equipment, and any off-road vehicles.

It's always important to be aware and follow any fire bans that may be in effect in your area.

The wildfire situation is growing across the prairies with a number of fires out of control in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

As the region deals with an influx of wildfire smoke, there is some concern that it could put a dent into people's long weekend plans. 

According to Environment Canada, this smoke is coming from the northern Alberta wildfires. 

"A cold front passed through the province [on Monday night] causing the overall flow to instead come from the northwest," said Sarah Hoffman with Environment Canada. "We're seeing some very poor air quality values across Alberta because of the smoke." 

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP is investigating a string of thefts in the city. 

According to police, there have been nine incidents of tailgates being stolen in the city since January. 

The thieves are believed to be targeting Ford F350 models built between 2013 and 2016. 

If you own this type of vehicle or something similar you are asked to take necessary precautions to make sure you don't also become a victim. 

Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to contact the local RCMP detachment. 

Air quality statements continue to blanket much of British Columbia and the Prairie provinces as scores of wildfires rage.

As of Tuesday evening, more than 19,500 people in Alberta have been forced out of their homes with 91 active wildfires burning in the province, 27 of which are considered out of control.

Meanwhile, the northeast British Columbia city of Fort St. John, with a population of about 21,000, remains under an evacuation alert in response to a wildfire that's more than 130 square kilometres in size.

Seeding operations continue to progress with warmer temperatures expected to help dry things up on the eastern side of the prairies - southeast Saskatchewan and into Manitoba.

Bruce Burnett, the Director of Markets and Weather for MarketsFarm says seeding operations began in Alberta.

We now know who will be hitting the stage for Fort Saskatchewan's Family Festival next month. 

The city recently announced the performers who will be entertaining the masses at the festival. 

Here's a look at the lineup: 

In Manitoba, feeder steer and heifer prices took a hit for the week ending May 12th.

The biggest drop for the feeder steers was in the 401 to 500 pound category down $9.54 for an average price of $347.00 per cwt, while the biggest gain was $2.66 in the 701-800 pound category for an average price of $286.95 per cwt.

Feeder heifer prices all took a hit last week with the biggest drop in the feeder heifers with 401 to 500 pound heifers dropping $10.96 for an average price of $292.04 per cwt.