Strathmore

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has recently added an Okotoks hospital to its online wait time tracker.

The tracker was created as a way for residents to determine wait times for hospitals around the region without needing to visit in person.

Musical artist Travis Dolter is preparing to rock the Strathmore Travelodge on February 22.

Dolter explained that he is excited to return to Strathmore, as the town feels like home because one of his bandmates Lane Anderson grew up here.

"My piano player, Lane Anderson, was actually born and raised in Strathmore, and he's probably my best friend, so I go to Strathmore quite a bit."

Dolter has been making music since he graduated more than seven years ago but has been singing on stage since the age of five. He says he's never been nervous to perform.

Rocky View County wants to recognize the best in farming families.

"Want to recognize your neighbour, a dedicated community member, or a friend who is an amazing steward of the land or invested in quality food production? Rocky View County residents or businesses can nominate residents for this award," mentioned the county in a news release.

The Master Farm Family Award was first introduced in 1989 to highlight farm families for their work in the farm and agriculture industry.

Families in Langdon and area can also be nominated.

The Canadian Armed Forces is no longer automatically disqualifying applicants with certain medical conditions such as allergies and ADHD, as it works to improve its numbers and grow the size of Canada's military. 

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan said the four medical conditions that will now be evaluated when people apply are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, asthma and allergies.

Carignan said previously any applicants that arrived with an allergy were immediately disqualified.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reached for a sales pitch instead of revealing any of his cards in his first public reply to U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion that Canadian imports could face heavy tariffs as early as next week.

Trudeau insisted Tuesday that if Trump wants to usher in what he's called a "golden age" for the United States, he'll need the energy, critical minerals and resources that Canada is ready to provide.

The government of Saskatchewan is highlighting their Animal Health and Biosecurity Program to help farmers know what options are available to them.

The program covers a number of livestock, including beef cattle, bison, cervids, dairy, honey and leaf-cutter bees, as well as poultry, sheep, goats and swine.

Agriculture Program Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture Jason Falk says the goal is to keep those animals healthy.

Police officers in Chestermere will now be wearing body cameras.

Back in the fall, the RCMP began a program that would deploy over 10,000 body cameras to officers across Canada. 

Chestermere police recently completed training for body cameras and are now using them while out in the field.

According to RCMP, the benefits of body cameras include more public trust and accountability, improved police interactions, and better evidence collection.

Body cameras are being used by police agencies across the globe to provide audio and video of police interactions.

Four people, including one from Chestermere, were charged in a drug and weapons bust in Calgary.

A news release from Calgary police says Ricky Singh Gill from Chestermere, is facing 12 charges related to drug trafficking, firearms, and possession of stolen property.

One man and two other women from Calgary were also charged with a total of 56 offences.

Police called in the Gun Violence Enforcement Team (GVET) after they discovered suspicious activity in the city's northeast. 

Pets love to run around; however, it can get them into trouble.

Staff with the Animal Care Centre of Strathmore provided a few tips for owners if their furry friends get injured.

According to the centre, residents should ensure they check for minor wounds like cuts and scrapes and monitor them at home. Deep cuts, heavy bleeding, or punctures require veterinary care right away. The group mentioned to look out for signs of infection like redness, swelling, heat, discharge, or odour.

The Alberta government is investing $2 million into community-led programs aimed at preventing family violence. 

According to a news release from the province, each year, thousands of Albertans suffer long-lasting trauma from family violence in the forms of sexual assault, child abuse, and gender-based violence. These experiences can affect victims' well-being and their ability to form positive relationships.