FortSask

Gymnasts from Fort Saskatchewan had a great start to their 2023 season. 

Girls from Fort Gymnastics Club travelled to Red Deer over the weekend to take part in the Exelta Cup. 

"We had our level one and two [gymnasts] and they get adjudicated, so the medals they get is based off their scores," said Paige Kellington, a coach with the club. "We [also] had our level three and fours who all compete against each other." 

Kellington says they had athletes between the ages of 8 and 12 compete at the event. 

Area RCMP officers took part in this year's Polar Plunge, an initiative for the Special Olympics.

Dave Ainsworth, alongside fellow members of Strathcona County RCMP, joined the charity plunge at Lake Summerside in Edmonton at the end of January.

Ainsworth once served with the UK Special Forces and says he wasn't unfamiliar with the cold.

"We did our training in Norway. It's very much on yourself to get yourself out of the water and get dressed," Ainsworth said. "The plunge had a lot less pressure, it was a lot more fun, and they had some awesome music going."

January was a busy month for Strathcona County tow trucks. 

The first month of 2023 saw extensive work being done clearing snow off residential roads. Despite warnings, some vehicles still found themselves violating parking bans. 

"In January, we wrote 53 tickets and towed 49 vehicles," said Vito Disciglio, the manager of Strathcona County enforcement services.

Each fine adds up to about $250, which is mainly taken to cover the cost of the tow. Disciglio says the county doesn't enjoy writing those tickets. 

Elk Island National Park (EINP) has released their draft management plan for public review. 

From now until March 12, Canadians have an opportunity to shape the nearby park's focus.

Some of the topics mentioned in their management plan include restoring ecosystems, the prevalence of invasive species, and what people would like to see from the Elk Island Golf Course.

The park last had a management plan for public review in 2011.

Here's an inside look at the 100 Avenue home that was destroyed by a fire last week.

Five minutes after the property caught fire, firefighters were already on the scene. Portions of 100 Avenue were closed as they fought the blaze.

Some overnight snow is causing some problems on the highways around Fort Saskatchewan. 

At the moment, Alberta 511 is reporting that the following roads are covered in snow with ice on the shoulders:

• Highway 15
• Highway 37
• Highway 825
• Highway 643
• Highway 21
• Highway 830
• Highway 28A 

It appears that Highway 15 toward Scotford and Elk Island is in good condition, but caution is encouraged. 

Be sure to take your time and drive to conditions to ensure you and everybody around you stay safe.

Inflation has eroded purchasing power for many Canadians, but the experience with rapidly rising prices has been far from uniform. 

While the inflation rate shows how quickly prices are rising, other factors like income and consumption patterns can make it harder or easier for people to cope. 

Here's a look at how high inflation is right now, who's feeling the pinch, and when Canadians can expect inflation to come down.

How high is inflation?

Alberta is introducing a new agri-processing tax credit that will create jobs, diversify the economy and ensure producers have a competitive market for their goods.

Nate Horner the minister of agriculture and irrigation made the announcement at Harmony Beef on Wednesday.

Insect control products are re-evaluated by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to ensure products continue to meet health and safety standards and environmental standards. There are cyclical reviews, which occur 15 years after initial registration and special reviews, which can be triggered by significant concerns both in Canada and in other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos will ask the provinces today whether or not they intend to accept the new health-care funding deal tabled by the prime minister.

Duclos and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett are to write to the provincial health ministers seeking some clarity on their positions.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers met in Ottawa Tuesday where he presented an offer that would see transfers to the provinces rise by $196 billion over the next 10 years.