Lacombe

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe wrapped three days of meetings with his fellow premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney Wednesday with a message he admitted he wouldn't have sent over the past decade.

"We can be proud of the work our federal government is doing, in fairness," Moe said.

Moe has been one of the federal Liberal government's most vocal critics in recent years — and criticism of Ottawa is usually guaranteed when provincial leaders gather.

RCMP have found a missing woman from Wetaskiwin.

Arlie Worthing, 35, was last seen in Wetaskiwin on July 7 and police were concerned for her safety and well-being.

She has now been found and is safe.

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Alberta RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating Tonia Bree Wolfe, who is wanted in connection with various crimes.

Wolfe was featured in this week’s Wanted Wednesday profile. She was last seen in Maskwacis and is also known to frequent the Wetaskiwin area.

Police advise the public not to approach Wolfe if seen.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact local police or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Recent rainfall has prompted the County of Stettler to downgrade its fire restriction to a fire advisory.

While more rain is in the forecast, county officials say underlying ground and moisture conditions remain low, and caution is still needed.

Under the fire advisory:

• New fire permits will be issued for small brush piles, valid for a limited five-day period. Windrows and large brush piles are still prohibited.

Manitoba is continuing to work on growing the agri-food sector. 

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced over $6 million in funding from the province and the federal government to increase food processing opportunities.

The announcement was made at Maple Leaf Foods in Brandon, one of the recipients of the funding. 

Maple Leaf's President of Pork Operations Dennis Organ says the investment will help modernize the Brandon pork facility with state-of-the-art equipment, improving reliability, efficiency and production quality. 

A crowd of cosplayers, along with sci-fi, fantasy, anime and gaming fans, will gather in Ponoka this Saturday for Central Alberta Fanfest.

The one-day expo runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ponoka Jubilee Library and aims to bring a small-town version of a big-city comic convention to the region.

“Central Alberta Fanfest is a small-town Comic Con experience,” said Cynthia Bottomley, library liaison and event organizer.

Following the County of Stettler’s decision to withdraw from the regional fire agreement and form a fire commission, the Town is moving forward with the creation of an independent Town of Stettler Fire Department.

“When looking at a commission model, it removes control and decisions over our assets and infrastructure, and this is not the right move for the Town of Stettler going forward,” says Mayor Sean Nolls.

New Beef Cattle Research Council chair at the U of M to focus on best environmental practices and economic viability

A new beef-focused research chair will soon begin work at the University of Manitoba.

The 10-year role has been named the BCRC Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability.

“I believe this is the fourth chair position that we’ve developed,” said Craig Lehr, chair of the BCRC’s producer council.

Now that the British government has vowed to lower its voting age to 16 by the next general election, one Canadian senator says it's past time for Canada to do the same.

The U.K. announced last week that it would lower its voting age from 18 to 16 in a bid to strengthen British democracy and restore trust in politics.

Sen. Marilou McPhedran said the issue has been her "top parliamentary priority" since she joined the Red Chamber. She said lowering the voting age to 16 would be good for democracy and that the only arguments against it are "based on stereotypes."

There are only a few days left to view some mini marvels at the Blackfalds Library.

The Blackfalds Servus Credit Union Public Library has been displaying its “Mini Canvas Art Show” since July 18.

Children of all ages and adults were able to register for the fun program and get a little canvas from library staff to create their own artwork.

Participants took home their canvas and were able to let their imaginations run wild, creating anything they wanted, in any style, with any medium.