Lacombe

Proposed federal legislation would give authorities new powers to search mail, make it easier for officials to pause or cancel immigration applications and expand the Canadian Coast Guard’s role to include security activities.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree introduced the Strong Borders Act in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The government says the wide-ranging, 127-page bill aims to keep borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of deadly fentanyl and crack down on money laundering.

Canada's tourism industry might be in for a boost as Canadians boycott the United States and spend their travel dollars closer to home this year.

In a report released May 29, the Conference Board of Canada estimates the net economic benefit for the domestic tourism sector could be as high as $8.8 billion.

The think tank said its April travel intentions survey suggests roughly 27 per cent of Canadian respondents are considering a trip to the U.S. in the next few years - down from more than 50 per cent in the same survey last November.

Farmers are winding down their seeding operations in Manitoba

Cereal Specialist Anne Kirk put together this week's crop report and says provincially 95 per cent of the crop is now in the ground.

Red Deer students showcase artwork at public exhibition.

Graduates from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and Hunting Hills High School are having their artwork presented in Red Deer.

The Red Deer Arts Council and Red Deer Public Library present "Hang Ups and Insights", a showcase now in its 17th year.

It features artwork from students in the Baccalaureate Art Programs and Advanced Placement courses from the graduating class of 2025.

The exhibition runs until June 23 in the Kiwanis Gallery at the Red Deer Public Library.

The Local School Bus Road-eo took place in late May, with drivers from two school divisions qualifying for the provincial competition on Saturday in Nisku.

The annual event brings together divisions and transportation providers from across central Alberta—including Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS), Chinook’s Edge School Division, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools and Prairie Bus Lines—to collaborate on a fun and competitive challenge course designed to highlight the precision, professionalism and safety focus of school bus drivers.

Environment Canada has issued a Special air quality statement for some parts of Central Alberta including:
   Co. of Wetaskiwin near Pigeon Lake,
   Ponoka Co. near Rimbey Bluffton and Hoadley
   Ponoka Co. near Crestomere
   Co. of Wetaskiwin near Wetaskiwin Millet and Hwy 2, Alta. (076620)
  
Smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Conditions are expected to improve tonight.

Ag in Motion showcases the latest advancements in agricultural technology and equipment, and brings together farmers, industry leaders and ag experts from across Canada. 

The show takes place every July near Langham, Saskatchewan, and is Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm expo. Find out more information about this three-day farm show here or visit the Ag in Motion news feed on The Western Producer's website.

If you are living in Ponoka area and want to keep your kids active this summer, The Town of Ponoka has some options for you.

Registration opens Thursday, June 5 at 8 a.m. for Town of Ponoka summer programming, including two new day camps, swimming lessons, advanced programming and drop-in programming at the Ponoka Arena Complex. All programs will begin in early July and end in late August.

You can register online on the Town of Ponoka’s website at Ponoka.ca/p/recreation-programming or in-person at the Ponoka Aquaplex (5315 46 Avenue).

Testing ground and surface water sources can help determine if there are contaminants present that can affect animal health and production. In Saskatchewan, common contaminants include sulfate, sodium, nitrate, and iron. Stagnant surface water sources that experience nutrient-loading may be susceptible to blue-green algae, which can produce toxins that are unsafe for livestock.

The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network report shows flea beetle activity is getting started across the prairies. The warm weather seems to have brought them out of overwintering locations. So far it seems crucifer flea beetles are more prevalent than the striped flea beetles.