Strathmore

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that Ottawa will expand the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence in the Arctic and turn to Australia's over-the-horizon radar tech to monitor threats from adversaries such as China and Russia.

Carney also pledged $253 million in new funding for Indigenous reconciliation initiatives in the North.

They include $94 million to upgrade power plants in Nunavut and $20 million for a hydroelectricity project to help move northerners off diesel.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says United States President Donald Trump will have to stop his "disrespectful" comments about Canada before the two countries can have comprehensive bilateral conversations about trade and security.

"We've called out those comments. They're disrespectful, they're not helpful, and they need to stop," Carney said in response to a question regarding Trump's repeated remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state. 

"They will have to stop before we sit down and have a conversation about our broader partnership with the United States."

As the snow continues to melt across the prairies, farmers are gearing up for the busy seeding season. According to Ian Epp, agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada, moisture levels across much of the region appear sufficient for crop germination. 

"It looks to me like we've had enough moisture throughout winter. Obviously, we always need more during the summer season, but there's enough out there to get us up and going. Some areas are better than others but in general things look pretty good heading into spring.” 

To get into the St. Patrick's Day mood, the Strathmore Municipal Library has set up an Irish-themed book display.

The diorama was placed in the library last week and will remain up for most of this week.

According to staff, the library sets up special displays depending on events and the month.

Members of the Chestermere RCMP will host a special open house for residents.

On March 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., officers will be at City Hall to answer questions from the public about policing in the area.

Police are also asking residents to fill out a survey.

"Chestermere RCMP sets policing priorities each fiscal year (April-March) based on feedback received from residents," said the city in a news release.

The Canadian Country Showcase, hosted by Courtney Fielder, airs every weekend on Saturdays at 12 PM and Sundays at 4 PM.

Two people are dead following separate avalanches in Kananaskis, and the Lake Louise ski area.

According to RCMP, 34-year-old Minetta Norrie from Calgary was carried by an avalanche near Mount Black Prince, and buried in the snow on Friday, March 14.

Three other people who were out skiing with the woman tried to help her by providing medical attention, but she was declared dead by first responders.

"RCMP send their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased," wrote police.

The Strathmore Family Centre concession recently closed.

Cody Holdaway, general manager of the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings said it wasn't due to health or safety concerns.

"There were, however, some staffing concerns that did force the concession to close."

According to Holdaway, the organization wanted to give staff time off before U18 women's hockey provincials this weekend.

The event is expected to bring in a few thousand people to Strathmore.

The concession will reopen Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

The season is officially over for the junior varsity boys' basketball team at Strathmore High School.

Over the weekend, the team hosted seven other clubs for the 3A zones tournament. By the end of the event, the Strathmore Spartans won the bronze medal.

The Spartans defeated Canmore 79-53 in their opening game, advancing to the semi-finals against Bow Valley. However, the Spartans lost 93-65.

Non-profit organizations in Wheatland County are encouraged to apply for funding.

"Wheatland County provides operational and capital assistance to non-profit organizations operating community facilities, programs, or services that provide a public benefit to County residents," mentioned the county.

Groups within Carseland, Cheadle, Cuny, Dalum, Gleichen, Lyalta, Namaka, Nightingale, and Rosebud can apply.

According to the county, the Community Facilities Funding is awarded every year.