CFIA to move forward with updated seed regulations

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the CFIA's updated guidance for seed regulations that will provide clear direction for plant breeders moving forward. 

“I'm pleased to confirm today that the Government of Canada has found a way to support the introduction of new crops varieties that will contribute to a more sustainable agricultural production while meeting the transparency requirements of the organic sector.” 

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP investigating threat made to area school

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP is investigating a threat that was made to Lamont High earlier this week.

In a letter sent out to parents, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) wrote that a threat was uttered against the school, which lead to an investigation by police.

Mounties were present at or near the school after the incident was reported. 

Since then, officers have determined there is no threat to staff or students at the school.

The RCMP did not provide any further details to MIX 107/FortSaskOnline.com citing an active investigation. 

More to come...

Fire south of Gibbons burns five acres

Sturgeon County Emergency Services have given an update on a five-acre fire just south of Gibbons on Tuesday (May 2).

Just after 2 p.m., Sturgeon County firefighters were called to what was initially a report of some smoke in the area.

"The colour of smoke changed a little bit to a darker colour, so that kind of indicated some more combustion," said Sturgeon County fire chief Pat Mahoney.

The fire started at an outbuilding on a vacant property then spread to the surrounding grassy area and into the woods.

Fort Saskatchewan 7-Eleven closes due to small fire

The 7-Eleven in downtown Fort Saskatchewan has closed after dealing with a small fridge fire.

On Tuesday (May 2) evening, the Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department responded to a call at the 7-Eleven on 99 Avenue.

Due to how small the fire was, there was minimal damage apart from smoke and contaminated food products.

The incident has caused the 7-Eleven to close its doors until further notice.

Fort Vapes next door was also closed due to the smell but reopened on Wednesday.

Keep It Clean Initiative looks at providing farmers with market ready resources

Farmers need to use caution when applying some items to their crops, with a new guide out to give them more information.

That's the Keep It Clean initiative, which is sponsored by organizations including the Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada, Pulse Canada, and the Prairie Oat Growers Association.

On their website, they have guides for glyphosate application, product advisories, and a spray-to-swath interval calculator.

Additionally, on their website, they list 5 tips.

Half Grand Helping Hand heads to Gibbons

MIX 107 and Southfort Chevrolet team up each month to give away a $500 cheque to a deserving community group, organization, or sports team.

This month, the winners are the Gibbons Broncos Junior Hockey Club!

The Broncos are 3-time NJHL champions and competed in Alberta Junior C Provincial Championship this past season.

Adrian Mifflin nominated the club, saying the team gives young men in the area a place to take their skills after minor hockey.

"We teach them many lessons through hockey, like leadership, that will apply to life outside of hockey too."

Gibbons area resident loses thousands in grandparents scam

A rural Gibbons resident was scammed out of thousands of dollars.

According to the RCMP, an unknown suspect came to the resident's door and told them that their grandson was in jail and demanded they cough up bail money.

After the resident spoke with who they thought was their grandson over the phone, they were persuaded to hand over the cash.

Officers are investigating this incident and have noticed an increase in similar grandparent scam cases. They also expect this increase to continue with the advancements in artificial intelligence.

Canada pledges $71 million in aid for Sudan, South Sudan and Central African Republic

International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan is announcing $71 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan and two neighbouring countries that are dealing with a large number of refugees in the wake of a violent crisis.

Sajjan says the funds will flow through agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross as well as non-governmental organizations to provide basic food, water and health services.

Nearly $31 million will go toward Sudan, while slightly more will be sent to South Sudan, which seceded from that country in 2011.

Gas-like odour moves Gibbons School students outside for afternoon

Students at Gibbons School moved outside due to safety concerns on Tuesday afternoon (May 2). 

An email to parents and guardians says that at around 2:15 p.m., staff noticed a strange smell in the building.

"As a precautionary measure, we moved students outdoors for the remainder of the school day and contacted the operations and maintenance team to investigate the source of the odour," said the message from the school's principal, Deborah Clark.

According to the email, the odour was natural gas venting due to a minor equipment malfunction.

Fire breaks out near Gibbons

Sturgeon County Emergency Services have given an update on a five-acre fire just south of Gibbons on Tuesday (May 2).

Just after 2 p.m., Sturgeon County firefighters were called to what was initially a report of some smoke in the area.

"The colour of smoke changed a little bit to a darker colour, so that kind of indicated some more combustion," said Sturgeon County fire chief Pat Mahoney.

The fire started at an outbuilding on a vacant property. It then spread to the surrounding grassy area and into the woods.