Strathmore

When you think back to 2024, what were the most impactful food stories?

The Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University has released its Top 10 list of most impactful food stories that shaped Canada's agri-food landscape. 

Westmount School in Strathmore is closed on Thursday (Jan. 9) following a water main break.

The announcement was made on Wednesday evening, but an e-mail sent out the following day confirmed that the break was repaired and that the school would be back open on Friday.

"Please note that while the washrooms are fully operational, we must wait for confirmation that the water is safe to drink," wrote the school, asking that families send their children to school with full water bottles.

Rocky View County has announced a contest to help recycle plastic baler twine.

According to the county, the Great Twine Round-up runs until May 31, with the contest including $12,000 in cash prizes.

"Bring as much used plastic baler twine you can round up to a participating Alberta collection site for a chance to win a cash prize," wrote the county on its website. "The more twine you recycle, the better your chances of winning."

The county claims that donating twine will help keep plastic out of landfills, protect soil and air, and conserve energy.

As the new year begins, a Strathmore psychologist offered advice on setting and sustaining resolutions.

Brittany Underhill believes it's important to set realistic goals to reach them. 

"I think what's really important is always figuring out what your motivating factor is and then going from there," mentioned Underhill. 

She also says it's essential to be honest with yourself when planning new goals for the future. 

"The best way to make the goals would be small, baby steps," added Underhill. 

The Strathmore and Wheatland County Hamper Society received a cheque from Canadian Tire on Tuesday (Jan. 7).

In total the society received $4,244 from the organization, with all of the funds raised by the department store's customers.

"We ask all the customers at the till if they want to donate to support a family in need, and sometimes we get $5, $10, $2, $20," said Stephanie Cody, manager at Canadian Tire. "It's been a rewarding year."

According to Marilyn Galvin, president of the hamper society, the funds will go towards next year's hamper campaign.

Wheatland County is encouraging residents to stay safe while driving.

The county declared January will focus on intersection safety.

Staff with the county provided a few tips on intersection safety to help drivers when they're out for a cruise or going to work.

The Tyrrell Riding Academy outside Strathmore has raised some donations for the Wheatland County Food Bank.

The academy is run by Helen Tyrrell and her mother Jessica Tyrrell, who have been in business for six years.

They recently ran a food drive for the food bank, and they gave out 140 donations.

Helen Tyrell explained why they decided to choose the organization.

"Our family has been quite close to the veterans; we've had lots of family members go off and serve. My grandpa served for 25 years. We think it's really important to give back to them."

The Strathmore Venom Lacrosse Club is hosting several Try It Sessions as registrations open.

According to President Tom Craig, the sessions will run throughout January and February to allow locals to try lacrosse.

"We find that Try It Sessions are the most successful ability for us to have control over our programming and get kids out with sticks in hands."

Craig added that the sessions have a high turnout of kids joining the club, and he expects about 20 kids per session. 

The Alberta RCMP released the name of a person wanted for several crimes in Calgary, Strathmore, and Langdon.

According to a Facebook post by police during its Wanted Wednesday initiative, James Tylor Stuart's last known location was Calgary.

RCMP mentioned to StrathmoreNow that the various crimes are not typically made public during the posts.

The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings clinched a playoff berth on Tuesday (Jan 7) against the High River Flyers. 

The final score was 5-2 at the Bob Snodgrass Memorial Complex.

Cody Holdaway, general manager of the Kings, says the club is having the best season in franchise history.

The Kings are second in the division with a record of 22-5-1 with 45 points, two behind the leading Carstar Okotoks Bisons. 

"We're just a couple more wins away from clinching a bye in the play-in round."