Alberta to ban cellphones in K-12 classrooms starting in fall
Alberta is moving to ban cellphones in kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms starting in the fall.
Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said Monday that cellphones help with learning but can also be a distraction and lead to cyberbullying.
He said there will be exceptions for students who use phones for health needs, such as monitoring blood sugar levels.
Otherwise, personal devices must be turned off and stored out of sight during class time. School internet networks will also have to limit access to social media, Nicolaides said.
Ponoka Stampede prize money close to $1 million
Ponoka Stampede Association (PSA) is growing, and so is the purse for its entire week of rodeo action.
The association has always prided itself on being a leader in professional rodeo when it comes to paying the cowboys, this year at almost $920,000.
Directors strive to navigate that delicate dance between investing in their facilities to accommodate future growth, keeping the rodeo affordable for fans, and making sure the sport’s very best competitors are circling the Canada Day long weekend as ‘Ponoka time’ on their calendars.
Innisfail RCMP arrest impaired driver attempting to flee
On June 16, at approximately 3 a.m. Innisfail RCMP were patrolling on C&E trail in Red Deer County when a vehicle was observed with a burnt out taillight.
An RCMP officer activated his emergency lights to signal the driver to pull over and stop.
Rather then stop, the driver accelerated and immediately lost control of the vehicle and rolled into the ditch.
RCMP called for assistance from Innisfail Fire and EMS to extricate the driver from his vehicle and to provide medical assistance.
Red Deer teacher honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
A Red Deer teacher’s work at Aspen Heights Elementary is being recognized through the Tom Malone Lifetime Achievement Award from MicroSociety Inc.
“I was shocked to learn that I received this award,” said Melisa. “When I heard the news, I was speechless,” said Grade Five Teacher Melisa McIntosh.
APAS report shows farmers are getting less while consumers are paying more
The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan has released its 2024 Farmers and Food Prices Report.
The APAS report shows a concerning trend: farmers are receiving lower prices for their commodities, while consumers are paying more at the grocery store.
President Ian Boxall says the disparity between the farmer's portion and retail prices highlights a broken system that fails both producers and consumers.
Sylvan Lake residents arrested for property crimes after collision
On June 11, Crowsnest Pass RCMP were called to a collision on Hwy 22.
Responding officers discovered that the truck involved was stolen from Cranbrook and the trailer was stolen from Blairmore.
No one was located in the crash. With help from the public who reported suspicious activity, RCMP located two suspects.
Lester Martin, 38, and Jonathan Arsenault, 24, residents of Sylvan Lake, were arrested and have been charged with the following:
Access to Red Deer Hospital to change as parkade expansion continues
Starting today (June 17) there will be temporary changes to traffic flow accessing the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre as parkade construction continues.
Traffic patterns, including pedestrian traffic, will change at various times throughout the week to accommodate heavy equipment, while ensuring patients and staff can still access the site.
Traffic disruptions on Kerry Wood drive start today
Motorists are advised of traffic disruptions on Kerry Wood Drive between 55 Street and 57 Street next week as crews work on underground infrastructure.
On Monday, June 17 from 8 a.m. to Tuesday June 25, 2024 at 8 p.m. both lanes on Kerry Wood Drive will be closed between 55 Street and 57 Street. Detours along 55 Street and 60 Street will be in place and drivers are encouraged to plan an alternate route during the closure.
Man Van coming back to Lacombe this Thursday
The Man Van, which is the Prostate Cancer Centre's mobile clinic, will be coming to Lacombe on Thursday, June 20th. It will be providing free PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood tests at The Lacombe Admin Building (40403 Range Road 24-4) from 11 AM – 3 PM for men aged 50-70.
It will also be making an appearance at the Ponoka Stampede on June 29th and 30th. It will be located at the Wild West Tradeshow in the Arena Complex from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Red Deer resident arrested on multiple charges after stealing vehicle
On June 14, 2024, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Red Deer RCMP responded to a theft of motor vehicle at the downtown Original Joe’s.
Before officers could arrive, the vehicle had fled at a high rate of speed, running red lights and driving erratically. The suspect caused a collision, fled the scene and continued to drive erratically before ditching the vehicle.