Strathmore

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is freezing its industrial carbon price effective immediately at $95 per tonne of emissions.

Smith told reporters Monday the move is critical to keep industry competitive and defend jobs as Canada navigates a tariff fight with the United States.

"With the change in government south of the border, it is essential that we have a reasonable carbon pricing system, not one that will price our industries out of global markets," she said.

Travel to the United States took another hit in April with booking agents saying an "elbows up" attitude over the trade war has Canadians pulling back. 

Canadian residents returning by automobile from the U.S. in April fell on a year-over-year basis for the fourth consecutive month, preliminary numbers released by Statistics Canada showed Monday. The 1.2 million trips represented a 35.2 per cent drop from the same month in 2024 and 45.1 per cent lower than April 2019, before the pandemic.

While the recent federal election turned into a tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives that left other parties trailing far behind, a new poll suggests most Canadians don't want the country end up with a two-party system.

The poll of over 1,600 Canadians, conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies between May 1 and 3, suggests only 21 per cent of Canadians think the country would be better off with a system where two parties dominate the political landscape.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued on Monday, May 12, has ended.

The watch was issued at around 12:30 p.m. as conditions in the area were favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms.

However, Environment and Climate Change Canada announced just before 6 p.m. that the watch has ended.

The watch had also come with the risk of a tornado and affected the areas of Strathmore, Lyalta, and Carseland.

Gleichen RCMP are looking for a missing 11-year-old girl.

Police say that Clariss McMaster was last seen in Siksika Nation on Sunday, May 11, at around 11 p.m.

McMaster is described as:

• Medium complexion
• 5 feet 2 inches tall
• 88 pounds
• Reddish blonde hair
• Brown eyes

Officers say she was last seen wearing a red sweater and black jeans.

"RCMP is concerned for her wellbeing and would like to speak with her," wrote police in a news release.

Siksika Health Services have lifted the Boil Water Advisory that was put in place earlier this month.

According to the group, the water is now safe to use. However, it's recommended that residents flush, clean, and sanitize all water pipes, appliances, water treatment devices, and storage tanks. 

The advisory was put in place on May 7 due to the potential of contamination.

The crew at 104.5 More Country visited the team at Magnum Opus Inc.

The farm is seeding multiple crops this year, which include barley, irrigated hay, and canola.

Jared Dougan is the part-time owner of the farm and says farming is what he has always wanted to do.

"When I was young, this is what I thought I wanted and now being a little older, having to deal with all the responsibilities, my vision has maybe shifted a little bit, but it's good. I've learned a lot throughout the years, and I guess I can maybe have a different vision in another 10 to 15 years."

A 55-year-old motorcyclist from Cochrane is dead after a crash on Highway 24.

The crash was just after 8 p.m. near the intersection of Township Road 215A.

"Police arrived and were able to take statements from some of the riders," said Corporal Troy Savinkoff with Alberta RCMP.

"Unfortunately, one of the riders of the motorcycles had struck a deer and suffered serious injuries and was taken by STARS Air Ambulance."

Savinkoff added that the rider had passed away from his injuries and that no criminal charges are being pursued.

A Chestermere driver has been charged with speeding and careless driving after being clocked going over 80 km/h above the posted speed limit.

According to the City of Chestermere, a local peace officer stopped the vehicle near Township Road 241A and Range Road 281 on Sunday, May 11.

"Using the patrol vehicle’s radar, the officer recorded the BMW’s speed at 146 km/h in the 60 km/h zone," wrote the city. "The vehicle was rapidly approaching another motorist who was safely slowing down at the stop signs near Range Road 281."

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Wheatland County, including Strathmore, Lyalta, and Carseland.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), conditions in the area are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms. The group added that there is also the risk of a tornado, large hail, and heavy rain.

"Thunderstorms may produce severe weather until this evening," wrote ECCC.

The organization asks that residents stay indoors during the storm, as strong gusts of wind can damage trees, buildings, and flip vehicles.