Strathmore

The federal Liberals are announcing nearly $100 million in humanitarian relief and governance support for Palestinians, days before a widely expected election. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who took on the file of international development last week, is announcing funding for major agencies working in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Wheatland Youth Network (YWN) is seeking the opinions of residents aged 14 to 25.

A Youth Wellness Survey is available for young residents to give their thoughts on the supports and services that matter to them.

"The results will be shared with organizations that work with young people in the community, both in Strathmore and Wheatland County," said Michelle Ryan, program coordinator with WYN.

In previous years the survey received more than100 responses. This time around Ryan said that they hope to get as many participants as possible.

Crime in Strathmore was a big discussion topic in Strathmore recently.

RCMP presented a third quarter crime report to town council.

According to the report from Wednesday, Mar. 19, break-and-enters increased by 800 per cent between the third quarters of 2023 and 2024, rising from one incident to nine.

"That was the result of habitual offenders entering our area, mainly targeting businesses," said Staff Sgt. Mark Wielgosz. "Of the six businesses that were broken into, we were able to identify suspects in two occurrences. Charges were laid against those involved."

More financial support is on the way for fire-ravaged Jasper, Alta., as the federal government has announced $187 million in new funding for the town's rebuild.

It is the largest funding package to be announced since a runaway wildfire ripped through Jasper National Park and destroyed a third of the town last July.

The money will help rebuild roads, campgrounds, trails and permanent staff housing, and help provide interim housing while the town is rebuilt.

Strathmore residents should take a closer look at their lottery tickets.

According to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, someone in Alberta has won $1 million through the Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball Draw.

"The million-dollar-winning ticket was purchased somewhere in the province, outside of Calgary and Edmonton," said the release.

The winning numbers are 36935905-01.

In addition, three other Alberta residents won $10,000 on the Lotto 6/49 SuperDraw.

In just a week the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival will arrive in town.

The festival takes place at several venues across Strathmore between March 26 and April 9. This includes the Strathmore Alliance Church, Brentwood Elementary School, Strathmore High School, and Holy Cross Collegiate.

Ava Goertz, a Grade 11 student, is performing at the festival for the third time.

It was a tasty evening in Strathmore on Wednesday evening.

Business leaders sipped wine and enjoyed cheese while networking with other professionals.

The event was hosted by 104.5 More Country and the Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce.

The spread from Highland Grazing Co. included a charcuterie board filled with cheese, fruits, crackers, and meats.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a federal election on Sunday for a vote as early as April 28.

Sources would not confirm the specific date of the vote, but federal campaigns must run at least 37 days.

This will be Canada's 45th federal election.

Canada's political parties have been mobilizing campaigns by nominating candidates and organizing leaders' tours.

Carney was elected as Liberal leader to succeed Justin Trudeau on March 9 and was sworn in as prime minister along with his new cabinet on March 14.

The Village of Rockyford is informing residents about a night search that will be put on by the Calgary Search and Rescue Association.

According to staff with the village, the association will hide an Emergency Locator Transmitter in the rodeo grounds with two vehicles attempting to find the item.

"Please stay out of the rodeo grounds to allow them to conduct their search," said the village.

The training will run on Friday, Mar. 21, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Wednesday that China has executed four Canadians in recent months.

The minister said all four were "dual citizens" and were all "facing charges linked to criminal activities according to China, linked to drugs."

"This is an issue that I've been following very, very closely, personally, for months, and I've asked personally also (for) leniency," Joly said, adding former prime minister Justin Trudeau also urged China not to execute the Canadians.