Lacombe

Canada's cyberspy agency says countries like Russia and China are increasingly targeting non-profit and advocacy groups, as well as journalists and human rights activists.

The Communications Security Establishment issued the warning Tuesday in a joint advisory with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Estonia and Finland.

The advisory says "industry reporting indicates a consistent pattern of state-sponsored cyber actors targeting specific segments of civil society."

Barry Sawchuk doesn’t usually concern himself with space or the final frontier.

The 66-year-old Saskatchewan farmer is much more focused on seeding.

But when he found a giant piece of debris in his fields, Sawchuk said he was shocked to learn it was likely part of a rocket.

“Not every day you go out in your field and find space junk,” Sawchuk said with a laugh in an interview from the front seat of his tractor.

Thousands of residents in four neighbourhoods in the southern end of Fort McMurray were ordered out Tuesday as a wildfire threatened the Alberta city, bringing back memories of a devastating fire eight years earlier. 

The Rural Municipality of Wood Buffalo directed residents in Beacon Hill, Abasand, Prairie Creek and Grayling Terrace needed to leave by late afternoon.

Canola producers will want to monitor crop emergence closely for any signs of flea beetle damage. 

The insect overwinters as an adult and wakes up hungry, with activity increasing as the temperature warms up. 

Canola Council of Canada Agronomist Keith Gabert says the insects can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time, which is why scouting the crop on a regular basis is so important.

The key is to stay ahead of the insect by getting a good emergence and stand establishment with five to eight plants per square foot up and growing vigorously.

As wildfires rage in British Columbia, the family of a nine-year-old boy who died last summer is trying to protect people from poor air quality due to smoke this year.  

Amber Vigh says it's "scary" to know the wildfire season is once again in full swing and she is feeling "probably a little bit of PTSD." 

But she's hoping that Carter's Project, a partnership between the family and the BC Lung Foundation, will help make a difference.

This is a paid for partner profile.

Sunbelt Rentals has moved and they are excited to share their new location with Central Alberta.

Formerly in Sylvan Lake, Sunbelt Rentals has now moved to a bigger and better location at 6779, 65th Avenue in Red Deer.

Scott Mannix, The Branch Manager, says they take great pride in their personalized approach.

Sylvan Lake’s H.J. Cody High School has successfully completed the inaugural “H.J. Cody Gives Back” day.  

In April, the entire school provided services to the community, such as cleaning garbage around the lakeshore and community trails, running activities for children at the NexSource Centre and Sylvan Lake Library, and collecting food bank items.  

Farmers’ markets are opening this week, giving Central Albertans a chance to support local businesses and producers.   

Every year, the Lacombe Farmers’ Market has about 80 vendors throughout the summer, featuring local vendors, small businesses, baked goods, and sought-after produce.   

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is temporarily increasing the number of continuing care home beds in Wetaskiwin.   

Ten temporary beds will be added in Seasons Wetaskiwin to support patients who no longer need acute care services.   

Those waiting in community settings such as their home or lodge, who require a higher level of care can also be placed in temporary spaces.   

Premier Danielle Smith sent the below letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the steep economic impacts of potential rail and port strikes: