Lacombe

The Central Alberta School Bus Road-eo showcased the skills of drivers.  

The annual event brought 32 school bus drivers from across Central Alberta to the Notre Dame School in Red Deer on May 25, to demonstrate their skills, and commitment to safe transportation.   

Throughout June, Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES) crews are completing water rescue training.   

The training will be on the Red Deer River near Bower Ponds, and on Bower Ponds. 

Signage will indicate when training is in progress.   

While crews are training, the public is asked to remain out of the immediate training area but can observe from a safe distance. 

A jury is to start hearing evidence today in the trial of two men charged with conspiracy to commit murder during the border protest at Coutts, Alta.

Anthony Olienick and Chris Carbert were arrested after RCMP found a cache of guns and ammunition in trailers in the tiny border community in February 2022.

The two accused, who have been in custody since they were arrested, are also charged with mischief and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

They are to officially enter pleas before the Crown gives an opening statement.

A Canadian Second World War veteran who landed at Normandy on D-Day 80 years ago will be presented with France's highest decoration in a ceremony in Vancouver today. 

Joseph Vogelgesang, who is 99 years old, went to France along with 14,000 other Canadians, in what would be the start of the liberation of Western Europe. 

A statement from the Consulate General of France in Vancouver says Vogelgesang will be decorated as a Knight of the Legion of Honour to acknowledge his contribution and bravery in the liberation of France.

The sun was shining on the beaches of Normandy on Thursday morning as a Canadian ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day got underway in Courseulles-sur-Mer, France.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his French counterpart Gabriel Attal and Prince William were among dignitaries visiting Juno Beach, where flags bearing the Maple Leaf fluttered in a gentle breeze.

In the front row of a crowd of thousands were 13 Canadian veterans in military uniform, the oldest of them 104 years old, who survived the war effort on the same beach so many decades ago.

The spotlight is on the Charolais breed this week as producers gather in Moose Jaw for their annual general meeting. 

Dale Weinbender, President of the Saskatchewan Charolais Association, says the breed is extremely popular and known for producing tan calves that wean off well.

Weinbender says the Charolais have been topping the markets for a long time, adding that the feedlots really like them as they finish very well.

"It's just been kind of the main focus for the breed and how we've been so successful."

The Federal Minister of Labour, Seamus O'Regan, is being called on to step up and find a solution between the union and the railways.

Daryl Fransoo, chair of the Wheat Growers Association, says something has to be done.

"We have reached the point of uncertainty where the Minister needs to step up and find a solution between the union and the railways."

He notes that over the past month, they've communicated with the Minister twice and the Canadian Industrial Relations Board about the strike, but they haven't seen a response.

For years, glyphosate has been one of the most widely used chemicals in agriculture, but the long-term impact of that is now becoming more evident.

It's commonly used as a dry down on crops, but the product is believed to be causing serious health issues in livestock.

During the drought, some producers were forced to bring feed in from other areas to maintain the herd.

Tragically, some of those animals became sick and even died. It was later discovered that some of that feed had been treated with glyphosate during the dry-down period.

The Canadian beef industry is mourning the loss of a key figure.

Charlie Gracey served as General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association from 1970 to 1990.

He's known for several accomplishments, including playing a leading role in developing a new grading system and standardized procedures for packing plants. 

He also helped address key health issues, like the eradication of Brucellosis, and played a key role in the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency.

The sky was overcast but the sea was calm as a dark green amphibious vehicle rose up out of the gentle waves in Courseulles-sur-Mer, France, on Monday afternoon. 

On board the restored Second World War-era vehicle, Jim Parks watched the shoreline of Juno Beach approach just as he did on June 6, 1944, as a 19-year-old member of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. 

The sea voyage was a surprise for Parks, a 99-year-old Canadian, arranged by Dutch friends who specialize in historical re-enactments.