FortSask

Flea beetles are the pest of greatest economic risk to canola production, according to the 2022 Canola Council of Canada survey of canola growers. With more striped species, which emerge earlier in the spring and seem more tolerant of common seed treatments, and with spring weather conditions that challenge rapid crop emergence, flea beetle damage seems worse than ever.

Keith Gabert an agronomy specialist and insect management lead for the Canola Council of Canada shared some key information for producers.

Canola growers have two major objectives to reduce the risk.

A Fort Sask Sonic volleyball team won nationals over the weekend. 

The U15 boys team was in Edmonton competing at nationals, where they tore up the tier 10 playoff bracket, winning gold without losing a single set. 

"This is their first season with the club and the first boys' team we've had in Fort Saskatchewan for club volleyball," said Craig Vetsch, the president of the club. "[The first-place finish] is incredible for a first-year team and we are very proud of them." 

A Gibbons councillor is in some hot water after being hit with a letter of reprimand. 

Last Wednesday (May 10), councillor Amber Harris received a letter from deputy mayor Willis Kozak detailing the improper use of Harris' town credit card. 

An investigation into Harris' behaviour started in mid-April after council received a formal letter of complaint from Mayor Dan Deck. 

The investigation found multiple instances of alleged credit card misuse happening between February and March of this year. 

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

Residents went to bed after enjoying a sunny start to the week but awoke to a smoky haze this morning. 

Environment Canada says that this smoke is coming from nearby wildfires and is affecting the area's air quality and visibility on the roads. 

According to the Fort Air Partnership, air quality today is expected to hit the high-risk zone. 

The City of Fort St. John in northeastern British Columbia has issued an evacuation alert telling all of its approximately 21,000 residents to get ready to leave in response to a wildfire that's grown to more than 130 square kilometres in size.

An update from the BC Wildfire Service Monday afternoon says the Stoddart Creek wildfire was burning out of control and continuing to spread.

The fire has previously triggered evacuation alerts and orders for other properties in its path in the Peace River Regional District since it was discovered on Saturday. 

This week, BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions announced 15 finalists for Growing Home with BASF, a new initiative supporting the organizations that help their rural communities thrive.

One organization of the five finalists in each of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will receive $25,000 to further their important work.

Your community needs your support! From May 15-31, voting is open to the public to determine which organization in each province will receive a $25,000 investment.

The Fort Saskatchewan and Lamont Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a candidate forum this week ahead of the provincial election. 

MLA candidates for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville will come together on Wednesday (May 17) at the Lions Mane Room at the DCC for a moderated forum. 

Confirmed candidates that will be in attendance for the forum include: 

A Sherwood Park man has been sentenced after being involved in several sports investment scams between 2016 and 2019. 

53-year-old Nickolas Ellis will serve seven years in prison for the crimes and has been ordered to pay $1.65 million in restitution. 

The most prolific of these scams was dubbed 'The Dynasty Project', a supposed subscription service that would provide subscribers with exclusive access to athletes before and after games. 

A Fort Saskatchewan hockey player is still coming to grips with being among the first players selected at the 2023 WHL Draft. 

Former Ranger defender, Keaton Verhoeff, was selected fourth overall on Thursday (May 11) by the Victoria Royals, making him their second-highest draft pick in franchise history. 

"I was pretty nervous, I knew I was going to go somewhere up there," said Verhoeff. "I was a little shocked for about five minutes and then it finally sunk in and I realized that I just got drafted to the WHL." 

A new amendment to a traffic bylaw could see tickets handed out for noisy vehicles.

“Council has heard many times over the years how excessive noise affects the quality of life and the ability to enjoy one’s own property with their family and friends," said mayor Gale Katchur. "Excessive noise can also create conflict between neighbours."

"Council approved the new Bylaw to give our enforcement agencies the tools they need to resolve the issue."