FortSask

While enrolled in university, Eloho Orogun was approached on campus to apply for a $500 student credit card, advertised as a means to improve his credit score.

Met with a self-described shopping problem, it was not long before Orogun opened a second student card with a larger limit.

"The more money I had, the more debt I would get myself into," he said. 

Poor spending habits and a lack of understanding of how credit cards work led him down a debt spiral that took him seven years to break.

Fort Saskatchewan's Colton Dach will miss the remainder of the 2023 World Junior Championships. 

The Chicago Blackhawks draft choice suffered a shoulder injury in the third period of a game against Sweden on Saturday. He left the game and Hockey Canada reported that Dach will not play in the tournament. 

The injury happened when Dach attempted a hit on Swedish defender Victor Sjoholm and instead got the worst of the collision. He immediately fell to the ice favouring his right arm, he can be heard screaming in the immediate aftermath. 

Some residents may have noticed a strange sight on Highway 21 last week, a horse running across the road.

In a post made to the Fort Sask Informed Facebook group on Thursday (Dec. 29), one resident warns others about the horse.

"Just so you all know there’s a horse running around highway 21, ran right across the road, be careful!" The post read.

Plenty of residents chimed in to voice their concerns and sympathies for the horse.

"Omg poor baby!!!" One resident wrote.

As 2022 comes to a close and the cost of living continues to climb, many Canadians are looking for ways to cut back on spending — and some are looking to trim down on subscriptions.

But with subscription services offered in almost every category these days, it can be hard to keep track of exactly how much you're spending on a monthly basis.

Heading into the new year, freelance journalist John Loeppky took stock of his finances and noticed a lengthy list of regular credit card charges.

“It can very easily get away from you," he said.

It was a busy year for sports in the region. 

From some local NHL players being traded to Olympic champions, here are the top five sports stories from 2022.

#5 - Emerence Maschmayer brings home the gold

Bruderheim's own Emerence Maschmayer made her country proud by bringing home the gold as part of the Canadian women's national hockey team at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. 

Burlington “BUCK” Slater

September 25, 1946 – December 28, 2022

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Buck Slater announce his passing. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Gina (Darren). Buck was grandpa to Warren who will miss him and the times they had together deeply and with fond memories. Buck also leaves behind his caring sister Ardelle Dudley. He was predeceased by his kindhearted parents Grace and Don. Buck was loved by many extended family and had great friends who will all miss him very much.

It's been quite the year in Fort Saskatchewan!

Mayor Gale Katchur talked about some local highlights from throughout 2022.

Katchur said that one of the biggest highlights was the completed construction of the Highway 15 bridge.

Construction began in August 2019 as part of the provincial government's $789.4-million investment into roads and bridges around Alberta.

The bridge partially opened in mid-September before fully opening in early October.

"I haven't seen that much excitement in the community in a long time," Katchur said. 

Those looking to get some swimming in at the Harbour Pool will have to wait. 

The pool is slated to close down on Sunday (Jan. 1)  as they undergo routine maintenance. 

Management at the pool has said in the past that January is typically a slow month for attendance, which makes it an ideal time to drain the pool and undergo a more intensive cleaning. 

It's expected that the maintenance will take just over a month to complete. 

The pool is expected to reopen in mid-February.  

Tons of new laws and rules are coming to Canada and Alberta in the New Year.

From a foreign homebuyer ban to an increase in the federal carbon price, there are plenty of new laws you'll want to know.

Pension and EI

There's going to be less money to take home in 2023 since Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and employment insurance (EI) premiums are increasing.

The CPP rate increases from 5.70 per cent to 5.95 per cent for the New Year.

As for employment insurance, the maximum annual EI premium of $952.74 is going up to $1,002.45.

The year is coming to an end, so what better time to reflect on the year that was? 

According to hits on FortSaskOnline.com, here's a look at the five most popular local news stories from 2022. 

#5 - Shooting at the Brant

On April 13, a man wielding a shotgun opened fire in the Brant Hotel bar. A bullet grazed one man's head, resulting in minor injuries.