Strathmore

According to a new report from Stats Canada, a record number of people moved to the Calgary region.

The release says the Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) of Calgary including Chestermere and Rocky View County recorded their highest growth of people in over two decades.

"Notably, Calgary grew at a rate of 5.8 per cent, which was not only the fastest rate among CMAs in the last year but also the fastest 12-month rate of any CMA since at least 2001," mentioned Stats Canada.

This means the Calgary CMAs grew by 20,859 people from July 2023 to July 2024.

Despite Valentine's Day being a month away, one local floral boutique is already preparing for the celebration. 

Sarah Witteman, owner of Pistil and Stems Floral Boutique, says Valentine's Day is one of the busiest times of the year. 

"Preparation has to go in place for placing our orders for flowers and making sure we have the correct vases in stock. There is a ton of preparation that goes into it." 

Witteman says the company starts getting the shop ready as early as January 1. 

Gleichen RCMP says Highway 1 has reopened following a multi-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon.

According to police, the collision happened between Highways 901 and 842, with east and westbound lanes being temporarily closed.

RCMP told StrathmoreNow two vehicles collided, and several others drove into the ditch to avoid the crash.

Police say that no injuries were reported.

Nominations are open for Alberta's highest honour.

In a news release sent out on Thursday (Jan. 16), the province encouraged Albertans to nominate community members, leaders, and innovators for membership in the Alberta Order of Excellence.

"The Order recognizes citizens who have made a significant and lasting contribution to their communities," wrote the province.

"Members include Olympians, scientists, volunteers, leaders in business, and artists."

Drumheller attempted to set the Guinness World Record last year for the largest gathering of people dressed as dinosaurs.

Over 3,000 people showed their dino spirit by wearing inflatable costumes and filling the streets to try to smash the record.  

Despite surpassing expectations, the record-breaking attempt was unsuccessful due to a technicality. 

The Guinness World Record was recently broken last week in West Palm Beach, Florida, despite only 468 people dressing as dinosaurs. 

Throughout December, we had the big man, Santa Claus, in the studio listening to Strathmore and Wheatland County kids talk about what they wanted for Christmas.

The popular choice among participants was Lego.

We have officially chosen our lucky winner, and that is Luc Sveistrup.

His dad Steve said that he was able to catch the call on the radio, and he was ecstatic that his son won.

Luc took home a monster truck toy along with a few other prizes.

One Drumheller man is now $250,000 richer thanks to a lottery win.

Allan Kendrick won the money through a $10 Crossword Supreme Scratch & Win ticket.

According to a news release from the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, Kendrick said he made sure to scratch the ticket right after he bought it.

He mentioned he was surprised that he won and added that he plans to use the money right away to buy a truck and a few other things.

“I’ll be paying off bills, of course,” Kendrick said. “Then the rest into the bank.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a wind warning for Wheatland County on Thursday (Jan. 16).

According to ECCC, strong northwest winds gusting to 90 km/h are expected tonight alongside snowfall.

"The combination of strong wind and snow may cause poor visibility in some areas due to blowing snow," wrote ECCC on its website.

"Winds will weaken by Friday morning."

The country's premiers emerged from a key meeting about Canada-U.S. relations in Ottawa on Wednesday with a message of unity and a pledge to stand together, with one exception: Alberta's Danielle Smith, who said she cannot support the federal government's plan if energy export tariffs could be a part of it. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who chaired the first ministers' meeting, said it was "highly productive."

"We have a shared sense of purpose, a shared sense of understanding, and a commitment to stand together on a united path forward," he said.

Excitement is building for the 48th annual Manitoba Ag Days, and with the 2025 event just days away, Teresa Hildebrand, the event's media coordinator, says it promises to be similar to past years, with some fun new events.