Strathmore

Wheatland County is asking residents to nominate a deserving farm family for the Master Farm Family Award.

Staff with the Agriculture Service Board said the prize showcases families that do incredible work in farming, ranching, and business management, along with work in the community.

According to the county, the winner will receive a certificate of recognition, $250 to support their agriculture initiatives, posts on the county's website, social media, and newsletters, along with their names on a commemorative plaque at the municipal building.

With Valentine's Day on Friday (Feb. 14), many local restaurants are preparing for a busy weekend.

At Mama's Greek Kouzina, located at Third Avenue in Strathmore, co-owner Eleni Dellios said they have limited availability.

"We've had some people call and book reservations as early as a month ago. We've had a lot of calls."

The restaurant has been putting in a lot of preparations for the big day, from creating door prizes to building a special Valentine's Day menu.

A new principal will be running Crowther Memorial Junior High School in Strathmore after the summer break.

On Wednesday (Feb. 12) Golden Hills School Division (GHSD) announced that Michelle Hilton would be taking up the position at the start of the 2025/26 school year.

"Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge and a Masters of Education in Teacher Leadership from the American College of Education," wrote GHSD. "Michelle has been the Principal of Wheatland Crossing School since the 2022/23 school year."

The Mad Hatters Cornhole Club has been in Strathmore since August, and they are looking to get the community more involved. 

The group plays multiple times a week and they also have participated with other cornhole leagues across Alberta in communities such as Okotoks and Lacombe.

David Grice from the Mad Hatters Cornhole Club says they've got a tournament coming up later in February.

Friday is the big day where millions of people will celebrate their love for each other.

104.5 More Country is also celebrating the love on the big day as we read messages of dedication out on the air.

Listen to Keesyn Glawson between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. to hear the stories of love from local people.

You can also get in on the fun by texting who you love and why to 403-902-1111. It could be a significant other, friend, or a coworker.

Four lucky people are going to be walking away with some prizes from Pistil & Stems Floral Boutique.

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has announced the continuation of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) following its initial success. With renewed funding under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions Program – On-Farm Climate Action Fund, the program will receive up to $40 million over the next three years. The expansion will focus in Manitoba will continue to support local producers in sustainable land management practices. Programs will continue is Saskatchewan as well but will be handled separately.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after an on-duty police dog bit a child.

According to a news release, the incident happened after officers were called to investigate a stolen vehicle in the community of Erin Woods.

"In the process of searching for the suspect, the Police Service Dog (PSD) bit the young girl, who was in a field that was being searched. The child received minor injuries and was transported to hospital," wrote police.

Officers said they are providing support to the child and her family.

The first three years of Jessica Williams-Kathol's career with the Strathmore Silver Sharks have gone swimmingly.

Williams-Kathol is the competitive head coach of the swim club, and she's enjoyed massive success during her tenure.

"I kind of got back into coaching when I was in university, and I just really enjoy helping the swimmers achieve their goals and see success both in and out of the pool."

She mentioned her philosophy as a coach is to also sprinkle in a little bit of excitement for the athletes.

Canadian retailer Peavey Industries LP is warning customers of imitation scams as the company closes its stores beloved for farm goods.

Jest Sidloski, the vice-president of marketing for the Red Deer, Alta.-based company, said Wednesday fake Facebook accounts and websites have been created pretending to be Peavey Mart, selling non-existent goods at steep discounts to defraud customers and steal their information.

He said he thinks fraudsters are using the store closures as an opportunity to scam.

Calgary police have charged a man after they found him with over $3,000 worth of stolen copper wire.

Denis Richard Lafleur was charged after breaking into a new home construction site in the community of Seton on Saturday, Feb 1.

"Through CCTV footage, a security guard observed a man carrying a cutting tool and jumping into an open trench where copper wire had been installed. The guard promptly called 911 to report the incident," said a police news release.