Strathmore

Last year has been declared the largest insured loss year in Canadian history.

According to CatIQ, a group that delivers analytics about Canadian catastrophes, there were $8.5 billion in insured losses throughout the year, over $2 billion more than the previous record of $6.2 billion in 2016.

According to the group, Canada recorded four of the country's ten costliest events over the course of just 27 days.

Rosebud Theatre & School of the Arts has announced Craig Hall as its new Artistic Director.

Hall says he's ready to get started with a new chapter in his life.

"I've been a fan of Rosebud for many, many years. My extended family are also subscribers. I'm just excited to bring a new perspective to the organization and to bring my national networks and group of colleagues along with me."

Hall has over 25 years of experience in the theatre industry and previously worked at Vertigo Theatre in Calgary as the artistic director for 10 years.

5 For Life, a non-profit organization is running a local book sale, and they need your help.

Volunteers are needed to help the sale run smoothly. Debbie Taylor, past chair of the organization, explained that there are many positions available at the event.

"We are looking for greeters at the door, cashiers, and people to help us sort the books continually during the book sale."

The government of Alberta encouraged communities to get together and create an organization focused on young kids which in turn made 5 For Life.

The Town of Strathmore announced that winter swimming lesson registration at the Aquatic Centre is now open to residents of Strathmore and Wheatland County.

Registration for all other members will open on Thursday (Jan.16) at 8 a.m. 

To sign up for lessons or find more information visit here.

Lallemand Plant Care is inviting individuals to celebrate the heart of rural communities through their unique Hometown Roots Photo and Video Contest.

Participants are encouraged to submit a photo or a 30-second video that captures the essence of rural life, whether it's the natural beauty of the land, agriculture, or the tight-knit spirit of your community. 

There are three prizes to be won, each with a $5,000 cheque payable to a local community or organization of each winner's choice. 

For Manitoba's pulse and soybean growers, 2024 was a year of unexpected challenges and surprising success. Daryl Domitruk, Executive Director of the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG), reflected on the year, noting that early conditions didn’t inspire much optimism.

“Our crops went into cold, dry ground that quickly turned wet and stormy. We were bracing for a tough year,” Domitruk said.

Rocky View Schools (RVS) will now be using a new app to provide real-time location information on bus services.

“We are excited about the transition to WheresTheBus, which will provide families peace of mind as their children are transported to and from school,” said senior manager of transportation Morley Kostecky.

“This app provides families with information that can be used to check where the bus is and see when it arrives at your child’s stop and at school.”

The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings split two games this past weekend.

The Kings crushed the Three Hills Thrashers 10-3 on Friday (Jan. 10).

However, the club is aiming to bounce back after a tough loss against the Carstar Okotoks Bisons on Saturday night.

The Bisons secured a 4-1 victory, maintaining their hold on first place in the division with 51 points.

The Kings are just four points behind the Bisons with 47 points and are still determined to claim the top spot in the division. 

Police across Alberta executed over 1,000 warrants targeting top offenders throughout the province.

According to a news release by Alberta RCMP, all police forces in the province have entered an information-sharing agreement that allows intelligence and statistics to be routinely shared between the agencies.

"This sharing enables police agencies in Alberta to have a true understanding of the priority offenders that are causing the most harm, not only within individual policing jurisdictions but across the province," wrote Alberta RCMP.

For years, residents have come out for Real Canadian Wrestling (RCW) shows, and now they'll have another date to mark on their calendars.

The newest wrestling show My Bloody Valentine will hit the ring at the Strathmore Ag Pavilion on February 7. 

Steve Wilde, a wrestler with RCW says after three decades in the industry he still feels sore in the morning.

"I've been doing this for 36 years all around the world and nothing has changed with what we do in that ring. I feel it every single morning when I get out of bed."