With the year coming to a close, StrathmoreNow has gathered the top ten news stories of 2024.
1. Strathmore RCMP issue emergency alert for two armed and dangerous people
On August 6, Strathmore RCMP ordered a shelter-in-place after a shooting in rural Rocky View County that led to the death of county employee Colin Hough.
Two suspects were wanted in the case, Arthur Penner and Elijah Strawberry. Penner was arrested in Edmonton on August 12. Strawberry spent a month evading police before being arrested on September 13.
Both men remain in custody and are facing trial together for the shooting, which was allegedly caused by a carjacking gone wrong.
2. Strathmore first responders recover body from Kinsmen Lake
On June 6, the body of a 31-year-old man was recovered from Kinsmen Lake in Strathmore.
Police were called to the lake after reports of a man struggling in the water. According to RCMP, there were people nearby who attempted to help.
RCMP determined that the death was not suspicious.
3. Strathmore set to enforce Stage 4 outdoor water use limits
For most of the summer, a water main break in Calgary brought Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions to Strathmore.
The restrictions began in June and were briefly lifted in July, just before Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a heat warning for the area.
As work began on the Bearspaw South feeder Main, restrictions returned and lasted until September 22.
4. Strathmore hailstorm cracks top 10 of most impactful weather stories in 2024
A huge hailstorm that hit Strathmore in August was named one of the most impactful weather stories of the year.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the hailstorm brought around $2.8 billion in damages to the area, making it the second costliest weather event in Canadian history.
Over 130,000 insurance claims were made due to the hail, with reports of hailstones the size of chicken eggs and tennis balls damaging homes and vehicles.
5. 2024 Strathmore Stampede
Strathmore's hottest event of the year kicked off at the beginning of August.
The Strathmore Stampede began with a record-breaking number of floats at the annual parade, followed by a variety of events at the Strathmore Ag Grounds.
Attractions included chuckwagon races, Running with the Bulls, stock dog trials, and an artisan market.
There were also several concerts held at the Stampede, including Dusty Golden and Jade Eagleson.
6. AHS asking that Wheatland EMS return $4 million surplus
Alberta Health Services had a back-and-forth with the Wheatland and Adjacent Districts Emergency Medical Services Association (WADEMSA) over returning a surplus.
While AHS claims that WADEMSA had a surplus of around $4 million, the EMS group argued that the surplus was closer to $2.1 million.
At a town council meeting, councillor Richard Wegener claimed that WADEMSA had not had an increase in funding from AHS since 2013.
WADEMSA continues to work alongside AHS to figure out how much money is owed.
7. Strathmore postal workers rally outside of Canada Post office
Strathmore postal workers were on strike outside the Canada Post office at Strathmore Centre starting on November 15.
The rally was started by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) following failed negotiations between the union and Canada Post.
Workers remained on strike for over a month before they were ordered to return by the federal government on December 17.
8. CGC touts importance of new $210 million facility
The Canadian Gypsum Company (CGC) is building a new facility in Wheatland County.
A presentation about the plant was held on November 7, and around 50 residents attended the event.
The company will be providing gypsum wallboard products, interior finishing materials, and more.
According to manager Duane VanDuuren, CGC provides products for one-half of all homes in Canada.
The plant is expected to open in early 2026.
9. Gallery: 2024 Santa Claus Parade in Strathmore
Hundreds of people lined the streets of downtown Strathmore on November 30 for the 2024 Santa Claus Parade.
The event, which was put on by RE/MAX Key, featured several dozen floats made by local businesses and organizations that handed out candy to residents.
The event was followed by the opening of Strathmore's Celebration of Lights, which runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. until January 1.
10. Second annual Lead by Example Powwow paying tribute to Kristian Ayoungman
The Lead by Example Powwow took place at the Strathmore Ag Grounds on the weekend of June 7.
The event was in honour of Kristian Ayoungman, who was killed on a highway near Strathmore in 2019 following a dispute over cigarettes.
The event featured Indigenous competitive powwow dancing, Indian Relay Races, and more.