Lacombe

When Alice Foubert entered her home in Jasper, Alta., for the first time since a wildfire roared into the community, the rancid smell from her fridge made it difficult for her to recognize where she was.

"It felt like a shell of home," the 25-year-old said in an interview Monday.

"My heart just sank. I'm used to my cats being in there to greet me but the streets were also pretty empty and it just didn't feel like home."

Foubert was among dozens of residents roaming the town Monday on foot, in cars or on bikes. Some were out walking pets.

The Federal Government announced over $6.5 million on Monday for Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC)  through the AgriScience Program.

Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, announced the funding on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay.

"This funding underscores our commitment to advancing technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the value of Canadian agricultural products. Together, we are strengthening our agricultural sector and building a greener future."

At 8:33 p.m., on Monday (Aug. 19), Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Central Alberta. 

Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, nickel to ping pong ball size hail and heavy rain.

This thunderstorm is located between Morningside and Ponoka, and is heading to the north at 50 km/h.

Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles.

The appointment of longtime broadcaster Charles Adler to the Senate is being criticized in some quarters, including by a member of the federal cabinet.

Adler, who spent decades hosting talk-radio shows, was named to the Senate on the weekend by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and will represent Manitoba. 

Dan Vandal, the minister of northern affairs, has issued a brief one-sentence statement that says there are many Manitobans better suited to represent the province.

Police are investigating a recent break-and-enter.

According to reports, the incident occurred between 7 and 8 a.m. on Saturday (Aug. 17) in Rocky View County. Four suspects, seen driving a Ford truck, are believed to be responsible for making off with thousands of dollars in copper wire and metal. 

Photos of the suspects have been released to aid in the investigation. 

A second operating room has opened in the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre.   

The additional operating room was possible through the dedication and donations of residents.   

Jessica Moncrieff, site manager, explained that a second operating room benefits patients in the Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County areas.   

Alberta's latest crop report shows the Provincial harvest is now three per cent complete.

The fall rye and winter cereal harvest is now at the halfway point in some areas. Farmers have started desiccating pulse crops, while other crops are just a few weeks away from maturity. 

The warm weather is pushing crops out of flowering with spring cereals in the soft dough stage, and 98 per cent of major broadleaves now podding.

On Aug. 15, at approximately 5:50 p.m., officers from the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team observed a stolen truck driving within the Bower area of Red Deer.   

With assistance from Police Dog Services and the Emergency Response Team, officers arrested the individual.   

A loaded shotgun and other weapons were later located within the stolen vehicle.  

The Ponoka Community Registration and Job Fair event will take place on Thursday, August 22 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the curling rink in the Ponoka Arena Complex. The event is hosted by the Town of Ponoka and the Ponoka & District Chamber of Commerce.

The activities planned at the Ponoka Arena Complex (4410 54 Street) include:

• Registration for local sports groups and recreation programs;

• Registration for community groups and activities;

• Regional Job Fair with free resources for job seekers;