Lacombe

The Town of Rocky Mountain House recognized the achievement of residents who have contributed to the community in the Citizen of the Year Awards.  

The awards honour recipients for achievements in athletics, arts and culture, citizenship and other areas of excellence.  

Here are the 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards recipients:  

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay has re-appointed Lonny McKague as Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission. 

McKague has 40 years as a primary producer farming in south-central Saskatchewan in the Ogema area.

He was first appointed to the CGC in 2017.

MacAulay says Lonny McKague’s experience, expertise, and tireless advocacy for Canadian producers are incredibly valuable assets.

"I have no doubt that Lonny will continue to guide the organization in helping to ensure the long-term success of the sector."

The USDA has finalized it's voluntary "Product of USA" labeling rule.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the finalization of a rule at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention yesterday.

According to the new rule to qualify for the label - meat must be derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S.

This could have a major impact on Canadian cattle moving into the U.S.

Red Deer Public Schools is ensuring students graduating are prepared for their future, through the Enriched Academy program.  

Last month, all Grade 12 students in the division were given resources through the online personal financial education program, Enriched Academy, to ensure they are successful after graduation.  

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoken with Haiti's now-departing prime minister about the ongoing humanitarian, security and political crises in that country.

A readout issued by the PMO late Monday said Trudeau expressed his concern to Ariel Henry about the situation in Haiti, and that he underscored Canada’s longstanding support for Haitian-led solutions.

Henry announced early Tuesday that he would resign once a transitional presidential council is created.

Canada's federal government as well as organizations representing some the nation's beef producers warn a decision south of the border about "Product of USA" labels on meat, poultry and eggs could disrupt supply chains.

The United States Department of Agriculture announced Monday a final rule on conditions for when voluntary "Product of USA" or "Made in the USA" labels may be used, stating they will be allowed for meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.

March 11 to 15, 2024 marks Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week in Alberta, and Chinook’s Edge School Divison is highlighting some of their teachers.

There are more than 400 substitute teachers in Chinook’s Edge. Many are retired teachers who want to stay involved in education, while other substitutes are earlier in their teaching careers and choose substitute teaching because of flexibility and other reasons that fit their personal circumstances.

Darcy Marshall is a substitute teacher that makes a positive impact in Chinook’s Edge.

Ask Environmental began the demolition of the Monkey Top Saloon in the Town of Bentley last week. 

A demolition permit was issued based on the contractor’s adherence to all safety procedures and protocols for the abatement of asbestos. The contractor will ensure air monitoring is in place.  

The Town of Bentley is advising residents and visitors to provide space for the contractor while cleanup work is completed, and to follow all safety protocols established by Ask Environmental on-site.  

The average value of Canadian farmland continued its steady climb in 2023, increasing by 11.5 per cent, slightly less than the 12.8 per cent increase reported in 2022, according to the latest FCC Farmland Values Report. 

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition will administer the new $20 million Canadian National Wheat Cluster.

Coalition Chair Jake Leguee says the wheat cluster is critical to the development of wheat varieties, better economic systems and everything else that makes farmers in Western Canada grow wheat more profitable and sustainable.