Strathmore

Alberta's United Conservative Party says it has expelled former infrastructure minister Peter Guthrie from caucus over his repeated criticism of the government's handling of the health-care contract scandal.

Guthrie gave up his ministerial position in February over concerns about government contracts and has been sitting as a backbencher for his Airdrie-Cochrane riding.

His pushback against Premier Danielle Smith also led the caucus to suspend him from voting in caucus matters.

A Wheatland County man is $100,000 richer after winning on the March 14 Extra draw.

Don Dueck originally thought he had won just $10,000, according to a release from the Western Canada Lottery Corporation.

“I took it to the cashier and told them what I had won,” he said. “The cashier checked it and said, ‘You’d better add another zero, because you won $100,000.’”

Dueck said he was in shock.

“I phoned my wife and asked her if she was sitting down,” he laughed. “We’re very excited.”

Residents in Drumheller are being advised to watch out for street sweepers starting next week.

Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 22, and will continue for about five weeks, weather permitting.

"Crews will follow a set route starting in Downtown/Lower Newcastle," the Town of Drumheller said in a release.

"Please help us by watching for signage, moving vehicles off the street when posted, removing curb ramps, and keeping debris off the road."

The Bank of Canada left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday as it waits to get a clearer picture of how global trade uncertainty is going to impact the Canadian economy.

The central bank held its policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent, the first time it has left the key rate unchanged following seven consecutive cuts since June.

That decision arrived in the midst of the United States' ever-shifting global trade war, and Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem made clear that the disruption from south of the border was the clear focus of Wednesday’s decision.

Meals on the Farm is back with a new name on 104.5 More Country.

Station staff will visit farmers across Wheatland County to deliver lunch during seeding season.

Fountain Tire, Strathmore Motor Products and Johnston's Grains will also join the visits to local farms.

Residents are encouraged to nominate local farmers by clicking here.

Chestermere Fire Services are on scene responding to a structure fire on Township 241A.

"Additional support is being provided by fire departments from Rocky View and Strathmore," the City of Chestermere said in a statement.

The stage will look different than originally planned Wednesday night, when Canada's major party leaders square off in the first of two nationally televised debates.

Instead of five podiums on the stage, there will now only be four.

The Green Party had its invitation rescinded less than 12 hours before the debate is set to start, with the Leaders' Debate Commission saying the party no longer met the criteria to be included.

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault called the "last minute decision" both "unfounded" and "undemocratic."

The Town of Strathmore is advising residents to be aware of an upcoming road closure.

A back lane at 106 2 Street will be closed on Thursday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for scheduled work.

The closure is expected to last one day.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government has introduced promised legislation to allow for people to be forced into addiction treatment facilities.

If the bill passes, parents, family members, health-care professionals, police or peace officers can apply for a treatment order from a new provincial commission.

Under the bill, those using substances and deemed a risk to themselves or others can be apprehended by police and ordered into treatment in a secure facility for up to three months, with the possibility of six months in community-based treatment. 

SaskTel is developing new assets to help tech companies better connect with farmers by providing them with more background infrastructure. The project's full name is The Smart Agriculture Data Hub, and it will provide tech companies with a digital toolkit to help them reach more farmers.

Heather Clair, the marketing manager for Smart Ag, says the program is all about partnering with all the right companies to deliver what Saskatchewan farmers need.