Strathmore

Alberta's now-former Speaker of the legislature says he's excited to display some partisanship in his last days as an elected official.

Nathan Cooper announced this week that he is to resign his seat in the assembly to become Alberta's representative to the United States in Washington.

The United Conservative Party MLA had been Alberta's legislature Speaker — the non-voting and non-partisan debate referee — since 2019.

A senior medical advisor with the Public Health Agency of Canada says the country could lose its measles elimination status if the highly contagious disease continues to spread into the fall.

Dr. Marina Salvadori warned of the possibility Thursday as cases in Ontario grew by nearly 200 infections, adding that would only occur if prolonged spread continued beyond mid-October 2025.

Veterans, diplomats, members of the Armed Forces and political leaders gathered Thursday at events across Canada commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

"Nearly every family knows somebody who suffered from the effect of war," said Fraser McKee, a 100-year-old veteran who helped to lay a wreath at the Toronto ceremony.

"This is to remember people that will have to go to war, as well as remembering those that went and didn’t come back."

Children under the age of 13 have the chance to design the mask for the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings’ goaltender.

“The Kings just signed goaltender Connor White. He played in our league last year, but with the Okotoks Bisons,” said general manager Cody Holdaway.

“We’re very proud to bring some local talent back home, and with that we want to connect with the community.”

The winning design will earn its creator four season tickets, a signed jersey, and the bragging rights of having their artwork featured on the goalie’s mask.

The 903 Strathmore Air Cadets held a special parade on Wednesday, May 7.

The event featured drills, promotions, and announcements of future events.

"Tonight is a bigger evening. All of the cadets are in their blue uniforms," said Training Officer Chantelle Callan. "They're dressed top-notch, spiffy, and they've done their hair and looked after their boots."

The event also served as a stepping off point for Warrant Officer Kaylee Graham, who has been with the Strathmore Cadets for over six years.

Fishing is now permitted at Chestermere Lake.

The City of Chestermere announced that the lake officially opened for fishing on Thursday, May 8.

A valid Alberta fishing license is required unless you either hold a certificate of status, are below the age of 16, or are above the age of 65.

A new pope has been elected following the death of Pope Francis. White smoke began billowing from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling the decision by the College of Cardinals.

A large crowd in the thousands erupted into cheers as the words “Habemus Papam” ("We have a pope") rang out in St. Peter's Square, about an hour after the smoke first poured out. The new pope then came out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and greeted the crowd.

Strathmore RCMP are investigating a break-in at the Rockyford Hotel on Wednesday, May 7.

The break-in was just after 3:30 a.m. and involved two suspects who attempted to steal an ATM before grabbing several products, including the cash registers.

Police believe that the suspects took between $5,000 and $7,000 worth of cash, with the business suffering from damage during the break-in. 

According to officers, the suspects fled the scene after being confronted. 

The Wheatland West Firefighters Association teamed up with the Carseland Fire Hall to win the Hype for Hospice fire truck pull on Sunday, May 4.

The group competed against the Strathmore Fire Department, Badlands Search and Rescue, and the Strathmore High School senior boys rugby team.

Each team had two rounds to pull a fire truck across the parking lot at Kinsmen Park, with the fastest two advancing to the final round.

Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the province, and simultaneously one of the most dangerous. As seeding and calving season gets underway, safety is once again top of mind for local farmers and their employees.  

Ryan Jacobson is the Chief Executive Officer with the Saskatchewan Safety Council (SSC) and formerly operated an agricultural farm in southeast Saskatchewan. He explains that every industry experiences gaps in safety protocols.