Strathmore

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Friday an overhaul of several government ministries, creating two new health services portfolios and replacing her Indigenous relations minister.

Former health minister Adriana LaGrange was sworn in as minister of primary and preventative health services, while former jobs minister Matt Jones is now in charge of hospital and surgical health services.

Previous Indigenous relations minister Rick Wilson becomes minister of mental health and addiction. He replaces Dan Williams, who moves to municipal affairs.

Brooks RCMP arrested several suspects, including a 78-year-old man, in connection to a string of thefts throughout the area.

The investigation began in April, with RCMP detachments in Redcliff, Drumheller, Strathmore, Three Hills, Bassano, and Taber-Vauxhall assisting in locating two stolen vehicles and arresting a suspect.

The Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit (SAD CRU) followed up later that month alongside detachments in High River and Okotoks to execute a search warrant in Aldersyde.

As a result of the investigation, police located:

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Strathmore RCMP arrested two suspects who were allegedly involved in a string of thefts throughout the area.

According to police, they began investigating suspicious activity in April, which led to a search warrant being executed in Rockyford.

During the search, police recovered:

• 5 stolen ATVs
• 3 stolen firearms
• 2 stolen trailers
• A stolen car
• Various other stolen items

Police say the stolen items were linked to thefts in Caroline, Airdrie, Drumheller, Vulcan, Strathmore, and Calgary.

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

Now that the weather is warming up, Chestermere residents are getting ready to have fun out on Chestermere Lake. 

As people head out to the lake, the city is giving residents tips to stay safe while out on the water.

"Your safety, and that of your loved ones, is our top priority," wrote the city on its website.

The city says that active supervision and lifejackets are essential, as drowning is fast and silent. It's best to designate an adult to always supervise children.

There’s never been a better time to celebrate Canada’s beauty and support the businesses that make it the greatest country in the world.

Golden West introduces the See MORE Canada Auction, which will boost local tourism while helping Canadians rediscover the wonders in their backyard.

From lakeside retreats to city weekend getaways, individual adventures, this online auction is the ticket to unforgettable experiences at unbeatable prices.

But this is more than just an auction.

The sexual assault case of five hockey players faced another major upheaval Friday, abruptly converting from a jury to a judge alone in order to avoid a mistrial that would have rebooted the proceedings for a second time in less than a month.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled to discharge the jury Friday over concerns about possible jury bias. The move came after a juror sent a note to the Carroccia indicating some members of the panel felt two of the defence lawyers were laughing at them as they came into court each day.

Tyrrell Riding Academy has a benefit event for a good cause set for June 7.

Everyone is welcome to attend, with all proceeds going towards Jessica Fuchs and Kurtis Seeley, who lost their home in a fire.

"She was looking to rent her first place, and the first day she was renting her house broke down through no fault of her own. It was a freak accident," said co-owner Helen Tyrrell.

"We are running this benefit to raise money for what she lost in the fire and recompensate. It's been a really hard time for her."

Alberta’s government has made 11th-hour changes to controversial proposed legislation, declaring that no separation referendum question could threaten First Nations' existing treaty rights.

Premier Danielle Smith’s government is working to considerably lower the threshold to allow for citizen-initiated referendums, including whether the province should separate from Canada.

Her government's proposed bill has yet to become law, but it's faced backlash from Indigenous leaders since its introduction in the house more than two weeks ago.