Local News

It's that time of year again when local businesses, individuals and non-profits are showcased through the 2025 SCBEX Award Nominations. 

Running from now until the end of August there are numerous categories as Heidi Deg from the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce explains. 

"We have start up new business, small/medium and large business, community impact award, not for profit, employer of persons with disabilities, emerging entrepreneur and employer of the year."

The chamber usually receives around 100 nominations each year. 

Some Airdrie residents have spotted a striking, exotic-looking flower blooming in disturbed areas this summer. But despite its appearance, black henbane is a toxic invasive species regulated under Alberta’s Weed Control Act.

The Alberta Invasive Species Council advises that all parts of the plant are poisonous and should be disposed of in the garbage. According to the City of Airdrie, invasive weeds must never be placed in compost.

“Do not place in your organics cart as these can compromise the end product of compost,” the city says on its website.

The intersection of 3rd Avenue NW and Fairford Street is closing today as this year's Infrastructure Renewal Program enters week nine and work continues to make its way west. The intersection at 1st Avenue NW and Fairford has since reopened, however the 100 and 200 blocks of Fairford and the intersection at 2nd Avenue NW will remain closed until further notice.

The City notes that sidewalks and access to all area businesses are open to pedestrians during construction.

RCMP have laid charges against four individuals following an investigation into a break-and-enter at a rural property near Lafleche. The incident was first reported to Gravelbourg RCMP on April 29, when it was discovered that someone had broken into a residence and stolen two firearms. 

The investigation led to the first charge being laid on June 5 against one man. Continued police work resulted in two others, a man and a woman, being charged on July 3. Police have since recovered the stolen firearms. 

Independent MLA Peter Guthrie says it's time for a new political option in Alberta, and for him, that means reviving an old one.

The Cochrane-based MLA confirmed that he and fellow Independent MLA Scott Sinclair are working to officially relaunch the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta.

West Central residents woke up to a thick blanket of fog to start the work week.

An Environment Canada fog advisory at 3:17 AM hit each weather station around Kindersley and to the north around Unity, Macklin, and Wilkie. It was very apparent for early birds, but began to fade after the sun rise, things still clearing faster by the hour.

Nature Saskatchewan is drawing attention to one of the province’s most unique and endangered grassland birds, the chestnut-collared longspur. 

“This is a super cool grassland specialist songbird,” explained Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan. “They have a very bold colouring and they’re the 2025 Avian Ambassadors of Birds Canada.” 

 Construction has officially begun on two new five-space group homes and a vocational day program in Biggar for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the result of a collaborative effort between the provincial government, the Town of Biggar, and Farm in the Dell.

Social Services Minister Terry Jenson joined community members and representatives from Farm in the Dell on Thursday to mark the start of construction on the long-anticipated project. Once complete, the facility will house 10 residents and provide a day program for up to 20 individuals.

Officers with the Luseland Police Service were kept busy in June, assisting with crime scenes, responding to suspicious activity, and supporting the RCMP with multiple investigations, according to the department's monthly report.

Throughout the month, officers responded to two complaints of impaired driving and helped the RCMP issue an immediate roadside suspension in a separate incident. They also responded to two general driving complaints and two parking bylaw complaints.

The Food Network is putting out a casting call for amateur chefs in Cochrane and the Calgary area. A brand new Canadian season of Come Dine With Me is set to film later this summer.

The reality cooking competition features five home cooks who each host a dinner party in their own home. After every meal, the contestants secretly rate each other. At the end of the week, the top score wins a cash prize and major bragging rights.