FortSask

Members from all three Sherwood Park fire departments were called to a residential fire on Friday (Nov. 25) night. 

According to a post from Strathcona County Firefighters/Paramedics on Facebook, crews arrived at a home in the Meadowview area to find heavy smoke and flames.

Work to limit the spread of the fire to surrounding neighbourhood homes was immediately taken. 

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. 

No injuries were reported.

It was a Friday (Nov. 25) night to remember in Fort Saskatchewan. 

Hundreds gathered downtown at city hall to take part in the annual Lights Up! celebration. 

Joining residents was a whole cast of characters. The most popular guests were Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who had a lineup of eager kids waiting to tell them what they wanted for Christmas. 

Samantha Meuse was one of those lucky kids. 

"I want a book called 'BFG' and a doll kitchen," said Meuse with a smile from ear to ear. "[My favourite part of Christmas is] that I get to open presents." 

Families, firefighters, and even the mayor attended a push-in ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the Morinville Fire Department's new fire truck.

On Friday (Nov. 25), the new engine stopped outside Morinville Town Hall to pick up Mayor Simon Boersma and Chief Administrative Officer Naleen Narayan before driving them to the ceremony.

As the engine pulled into the Don Found Fire Hall, spectators were waiting to get a look at their new engine.

Brad Boddez, fire chief with the town of Morinville, said that this new fire truck is replacing an older one.

Bison producers from across Canada are gathering in Regina for their annual convention.

The executive director of the Canadian Bison Association, Carl Flis says this year's theme is Change, Challenge and Opportunity.

The Canadian cattle sector was represented during the recent climate-focused COP27 meetings.

This year, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change also placed a key focus and emphasis on agriculture and food systems.

CCA’s Bob Lowe and Mitchell Zoratti participated in COP27 as official observers and as part of Canada’s official delegation and were on the ground to participate in the many discussions.

People who own a Dodge should make sure they are extra secure. 

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is warning the public after a series of thefts targeting high-end Dodge trucks and SUVs. 

At least 11 incidents involving the theft of these vehicles have been reported since the beginning of the month. Each theft involved at least one of the following 2021 and 2022 models of vehicles: 

With inflation, increasing energy costs, and supply shortages, Strathcona County says they’ve been looking for ways to keep property taxes as low as possible.

After budget deliberations on Thursday (Nov. 24), Strathcona County Council approved a 4.6 per cent tax revenue increase.

This is lower than the 5.5 per cent increase that was proposed in the budget earlier this month.

A single-family household that costs $431,000 will see an increase of $84 more a year for municipal services. 

Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers are gathering in Saskatoon this week for the National event.

The three-day event is being held in Saskatoon and includes a series of agriculture-related tours and a one-day conference.

The highlight of the event is the naming of this year's national winners when two of seven regional participants will walk away with the title.

It's a busy weekend in the area with no shortage of activities. 

Here are five must-attend events this weekend:

1. Lights Up!

On Friday night (Nov. 25), Fort Saskatchewan City Hall is hosting the annual Lights Up! celebration. The event runs from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free, and there are a bunch of indoor and outdoor holiday activities to participate in. 

Lamont County resident Terry Eleniak has been given the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Award.

According to a post by the Lamont County Facebook page, Eleniak received the award "for his exemplary volunteerism and positive impacts."

Eleniak has always held a close relationship with the county.

"My great-grandfather was the first Ukrainian ever to come to Canada," Eleniak said. "I'm currently homesteading within the proximity of the original homestead."

Eleniak's homesteading stems from his love for agriculture that he discovered at a young age.