Strathmore

While farmers are out in the field harvesting this year's wheat crop, research scientists and breeders involved in the Canadian National Wheat Cluster are working on improving the crops' long-term sustainability in the cropping rotation.

Funding for the work being done by the Wheat Cluster comes through the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC).

The CWRC is a collaboration of the three producer wheat commissions across Western Canada, the Alberta Wheat Commission, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission and Manitoba Crop Alliance.

Alberta Agriculture's weekly crop report shows 20 per cent of the provincial crop has been harvested, with another nine per cent swathed. The winter wheat harvest is now 94 per cent complete, followed by the fall rye at 93 per cent, dry peas at 73 per cent, and lentils at 59 per cent across the province. 

Regionally, the South has seen the most progress with 38 per cent of crops combined, the Central Region is at 25 per cent,  the North West and North East  have less than 7 per cent finished, while the Peace Region is 11 per cent complete.

Today, (Aug. 30) is the last chance for Strathmore residents to take in a few laps around the Aquatic Centre pool.

According to the town, the centre shuts down every fall for a few weeks to perform annual maintenance.

"During the water restrictions this past summer, the town was able to complete some high-priority repairs and shaved two weeks off of our anticipated pool closure this fall," says the town in a Facebook post.

It's going to be a weekend full of Western fun in Chestermere.

Alberta Day was created by the Alberta government as a celebration of the anniversary that we became a province way back in 1905.

Chestermere Mayor Shannon Dean says this is the first-ever event in Chestermere.

"It's a bit of an inaugural Alberta Day event. That was one of the things that our event staff was excited about that they wanted this to have a different feel."

Staff with STARS Air Ambulance are asking Alberta residents to ensure they understand drone and laser pointer safety.

According to a news release, this is for the safety of its aircraft, crew, and patients.

The organization says using drones and lasers near aircraft such as helipads, emergency scenes, or airports can pose a huge threat to aircraft safety.

Officials told StrathmoreNow that drones and lasers can be distracting to pilots and can create a glare in the cockpit or block a flight path.

The railways have been working to ramp back up following last week's rail shutdown.

CN's Assistant Vice President of Grain, David Przednowek says the process takes some time noting the key to an efficient ramp up or recovery is a very measured and planned ramp down.

He says that involved implementing embargoes so that products (especially toxic, hazardous or dangerous goods) wouldn't be left in transport on the rail line.

Przednowek says it's important to review how everything played out to fully understand the process involved in gearing back up. 

Get ready for a long weekend filled with great music on The Canadian Country Showcase! This weekend, we'll be featuring Cold Creek County, who are back after a break with their new single, "Life Goes On." Jordan, Doug, and Brandon from the band will join Courtney Fielder to discuss their latest work. Plus, American recording artist Lainey Wilson will stop by to talk about her title track "Whirlwind" from her new album, released on August 23rd.

Tune in to The Canadian Country Showcase on Saturdays at 12 PM and Sundays at 4 PM.

One person's trash is another person's treasure.

The Town of Strathmore says they are offering a heavy item garbage pickup in just a few weeks.

Items like couches, tables, stoves, and lawnmowers are accepted. However, items like propane tanks and electronics will not be taken.

According to the town, only residents who pay a garbage removal fee are eligible for the program.

Chestermere's Country Fair is coming up next month, with one of the many attractions being a race between zucchinis.

Back in May, the Chestermere Public Library was giving away zucchini-growing kits for kids, who were encouraged to grow these plants for the fair, which comes to the city on September 7.

The Town of Drumheller has announced that they'll be replacing all of the town's streetlights with LEDs.

According to the town, they've partnered with ATCO for the change at no cost to residents.

"ATCO Electric has already converted 714 HPS lights to LED, bringing brighter and more energy-efficient lighting to our community," wrote the town in a post made on its Facebook page.

The town added that there may be delays in completing the project due to unforeseen circumstances, including the Jasper wildfires and ATCO crews assisting in reconstruction efforts.