Strathmore

January to March is mating season for coyotes, which can become an issue for local pet owners.

The government of Alberta has provided some tips on how to keep your pets safe as coyotes act more aggressively than usual.

According to the province, coyotes may be gathered in groups looking for mates. 

"They tend to be more territorial and aggressive toward dogs at this time of year. Coyotes may try to entice your dog away and attack it to eliminate the threat," wrote the province. "Keeping your dog leashed at all times is the best way to keep it safe."

Strathmore's Scotiabank branch was filled with local business owners on Wednesday (Jan. 15) for the monthly Coffee Connections, hosted by the Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce.

According to board chair Michelle Bissett, the event allows residents to meet and network with local businesses. Over the last few months, Coffee Connections has seen an increased turnout, nearly doubling from July of 2024.

"We're getting the word out more through our advertising and marketing, but I think it's also through word of mouth."

If you haven't entered yet to win our Jeep Wrangler, we're giving it away while partnering with your Alberta Jeep Dealers so you better as hurry time is running out!

The Jeep will be in Strathmore for the last time next week (Jan. 20-26) and you can catch us at various spots around the town.

We'll be at Kinsmen Park on Wednesday Jan. 22 and we'll also be at the Laurie Morton Rupp Memorial Tournament in Strathmore and Rockyford the weekend of Jan. 24-26.

RCMP is still searching for a man wanted for various crimes in southern Alberta.

As part of its Wanted Wednesday initiative, police are asking the public for help to find James Tylor Stuart who is known for committing crimes in the areas of Calgary, Brooks, Strathmore, and Langdon.

Police say his last known location is Calgary.

The provincial government is bringing in a new electronic monitoring program to help curb crime in Alberta.

"Alberta’s government is keeping a promise and implementing a new ankle bracelet monitoring program in response to the country’s problematic bail system. The ongoing catch-and-release policy brought in by Ottawa forced Alberta’s government to take additional action to protect families and communities," mentioned the province in a news release.

The Ladies Livestock Lessons (LLL) event will run on Friday (Jan. 17) in Acme, Alberta.

There will be a wide variety of speakers as well as workshops for women that are interested in starting a career in managing livestock.

"It was developed with the goals of encouraging and educating women in the business and to facilitate the opportunity to expand their professional network. We offer hands on activities, classroom sessions and the opportunity for women to socialize and connect with other women in the industry," mentioned LLL on its website.

With 2025 getting started Saskatchewan will be the host of a number of agriculture events over the next two months, with the province's Ministry of Agriculture preparing for those.

Besides the larger agriculture shows happening across the prairies, the province's Regional Roundup and the Celebrating Rural Ranching Women events are just around the corner.

There are only a few days left to register for the upcoming Mixed Bonspiel in Strathmore.

The tournament takes place at the Strathmore and District Curling Club between January 22 and 26 and has around 20 teams taking part.

"You typically have four winners at the bonspiel based on each pool they end up in," said Dan Kent, mixed coordinator at the curling club.

The event will also feature raffles, double and draw boards, and a hog pot. On Saturday night there will also be a banquet for players.

The Feed it Forward Project in Chestermere is a non-profit organization focused on giving back to the community. 

Sherry Phillips and her children created the free food resource in May of 2023 to support local families in times of need.

According to Phillips, the Chestermere location alone assisted almost 300 families in 2024 and reached another 1,850 Calgary families. The food the organization rescued has reached a retail value of over $130,000 says Phillips. 

The Strathmore Minor Ringette Association is hosting an upcoming event.

The Laurie Morton Ruppe Memorial Tournament will run from Jan. 24-26 at the Strathmore Family Centre Arena and the Rockyford Arena.

"We are looking forward to hosting an exciting weekend of competition, and skill. This season we will be featuring teams in divisions Active Start - U19 and have added a new Open A division to the tournament," mentioned the association in a news release.