FortSask

Unseasonably warm weather has thrown off the usual winter season, with positive temperatures in the forecast that could be a concern for farmers.

They managed to get through a 2022 growing season that was somewhat fine, depending on what region you were in.

Now, the warmer temperatures will be taking away much of the snow cover that winter crops, such as winter wheat, rely on for protection.

Agrologist Edgar Hammermeister says that as a whole, this system isn't going to be too disruptive for those crops in the short term.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is bringing back its Toys for Tickets campaign.

From Nov. 14 to Dec. 16, people who have recently received an AHS parking ticket are able to donate a toy at any AHS parking office in lieu of payment.

“We paused the Toys for Tickets campaign during COVID-19 but, given its past success and positive reception, we are happy to launch it once again this holiday season,” says Nick Ternovatsky, Director of Parking with AHS.

Here are the criteria for toys that can be donated:

A STARS rescue helicopter responded to a two-vehicle collision on Wednesday (Nov. 23) night. 

The collision occurred around 6 p.m. on Highway 16 near Highway 834 north of Tofield. Westbound lanes were closed for a while after the accident but have since reopened. 

RCMP say the drivers of both vehicles were taken to the hospital via STARS. No further information on the injuries was provided. 

A collision reconstructionist responded to the scene of the accident and an investigation is ongoing. 

An update on the November 6 fire at the Morinville Plaza Hotel and Suites was provided by the town during Tuesday (Nov. 22) night's council meeting. 

During the meeting, it was reported that the entire hotel portion of the building was destroyed in the blaze. 

Apart from being a hotel, the building also served as low-income housing. In total, 27 residents were displaced from their homes. 

Family and Community Support Services is currently working with those residents to provide additional support and alternative housing. 

The ninth annual Community Christmas event will be taking place at the North Central Co-op food store on Tuesday (Nov. 29) in Fort Saskatchewan. 

The MIX 107 team will be at the store from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. chatting with listeners and helping to raise donations for the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank. 

"Community Christmas is a terrific initiative with the radio station and Co-op," said Kassandra Gartner, the executive director at the food bank. "Our volunteers are in store and there is a lot of spreading the word about what the food bank does and our Christmas campaign."

Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for the Fort Saskatchewan area on Thursday (Nov. 24) morning. 

The alert expects patches of freezing rain to fall on the following areas:

• Fort Saskatchewan
• Gibbons
• Redwater
• Bruderheim
• Bon Accord 

The rain is expected to end sometime later this morning. 

Freezing rain could make road conditions hazardous. Environment Canada is urging people to take caution while on the roads and to drive to the conditions. 

Farmers have more time to send in this year's harvest samples.

The Canadian Grain Commission has extended the Harvest Sample Program to December 30, 2022, due to the late harvest in some areas of the prairies.

The CGC's Chief Commissioner Doug Chorney says they extended the program so that as many producers as possible can take part in the program.

"Having quality results in hand before they deliver their grain will help inform their marketing decisions, while helping us share Canadian crop quality with the world.”

A rabbi with a seminary in Jerusalem has identified a 16-year-old Canadian-Israeli student as a person killed in one of two blasts that went off near bus stops in the city. 

Rabbi Refaen Rockmill said Aryeh Shechopek was a very special student who is being mourned by his peers. 

"He was always smiling. Everyone loved him. Loved him. And he loved everyone else," Rockmill said Wednesday.

"He always did everything to try his best, and in getting on with life, and doing the right things and trying his best to be a good person."

Emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision near Elk Island National Park on Wednesday (Nov. 23) night. 

RCMP say the collision occurred around 6 p.m. on Highway 16 near Highway 834. Westbound lanes were closed on the highway but have now reopened. 

Police have reported that STARS air ambulance was called to the scene and two drivers were taken to hospital with injuries. There has been no word on the severity of the injuries. 

An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. 

For Canadian soccer fans, the excitement of seeing their country play in the men's World Cup for the first time in 36 years gave way to disappointment Wednesday as their team fell just short.

Even though the Canadians lost 1-0 to Belgium, many fans who gathered at watch parties across the country said they were inspired by the team's performance.

Felicia Wall, who was watching the game at Vancouver's Croatian Culture Centre with her brother Nik, said she was proud, despite the result.