Sturgeon County issues emergency road closure due to rain

Due to the onslaught of rain in the area, Sturgeon County has issued an emergency road closure.

Effective immediately, Range Road 234 between Highway 28 and Nywenning Subdivision is closed.

Transportation and engineering services issued the closure. This portion of the road construction project will remain closed until conditions improve. 

No through traffic is allowed, and traffic accommodation is in place.

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Mixing feeds an important tool for feeding cattle

Cattle feeding seems simple enough, but mixing different forages and ensuring they're getting proper nutrition can turn complicated quickly.

To that end, processing the feed is considered an important part of maintaining a healthy herd.

That can be as simple as throwing that feed into a tub grinder or bale shredder, both of which mix up different forages into one feed.

Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist Alexis Decorby details some of the benefits of using that equipment.

RCMP obtain footage of the vehicle that allegedly damaged pedestrian bridge

Police have a lead as to which vehicle is allegedly responsible for damaging a pedestrian bridge last month. 

On July 21, a vehicle struck the pedestrian bridge on Highway 15 just before the turnoff to 95 Street. 

Blocks of concrete fell onto the road below, which forced RCMP to reduce the road to one lane. 

New surveillance footage shows a red semi tractor-trailer hauling a large boom on its flat deck trailer.

RCMP are looking to speak with the driver.

Province offers funding, prepares to host Alberta Day celebrations

The province hopes to make Alberta Day festivites a reality. 

From Sept. 1-3, several free events will take place across Alberta to honour the inaugural day, and the provincial government is offering funding to municipalities to host their own Alberta Day celebrations. The new holiday was created in July by the Alberta government to celebrate Alberta's creation on Sept. 1.

Investment into bioeconomy to improve non-food agricultural output

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced an investment of over $1.8 million under the AgriAssurance Program to assist Bioindustrial Innovation Canada in further developing quality standards to accelerate the growth of the bioeconomy in the agriculture sector.

The bioeconomy is based on the production and sale of products other than foodstuffs made from agricultural, aquatic and forestry resources, or even municipal waste.

Fort Sask resident forced to leave school and work behind due to a spinal injury

A spinal birth defect forced a local woman to leave behind her studies, work and regular activities.  

Collette Washbrook has lived in Fort Saskatchewan her whole life. At 15 years old, Washbrook was at a provincial race for track and field in Calgary when she first felt a terrible pain in her lower spine. 

“It was the worst pain I have ever felt. I can’t even describe it. All I remember was my body was just shaking, and everything hurt,” explained Washbrook. 

Blue-green algae a concern for livestock as summer heat ramps up

With temperatures quickly rising, conditions are being met for one potentially deadly emergence in the dugouts and sloughs in pastures.

Blue-green algae is actually a bacteria, not an algae, and a concern for livestock since it can give off toxins as it dies.

Those toxins can cause severe health problems, and even kill any livestock that drinks from that water.

Jessica Smith, Regional Livestock & Feed Extension Specialist, explains just what the bacteria is looking for.

Post-pandemic activity has some reviewing city noise bylaws

More human activity is making noise in the city.

The return of summer free from public health restrictions has brought people together in massive numbers, from festivals to fireworks and backyard fires. It may also mean that some are still adjusting to the noise levels brought on by all the activity. These people may benefit from a review of Fort Saskatchewan's noise bylaw.

Fort Sask Jr Rebels lacrosse player takes his talent to the States

Xander Maxwell is a force to be reckoned with.

The 17-year-old, Edmonton-born player is projected to be a Division 1 NCAA prospect for 2023. At four years old, he began his lacrosse journey with the North Edmonton Wizards.

Growing up, he admired watching Fort Saskatchewan Rebels Lacrosse in the Junior B league and eventually was drafted to the program after his midget season.

“They were always really consistent. Getting drafted for them, I was super excited for the opportunity.” 

RCMP investigation continues after arrows found around Fort Saskatchewan

Police are still investigating after arrows were lodged in homes and businesses.

Between June 23 and July 18, arrows were reportedly found at James Mowat Park, Our Lady of Angels school park, a business on 99 Avenue, and two private residences in Fort Saskatchewan.

"[The arrows] were used for hunting, so very very sharp," said RCMP Constable Lauren Mowbray. 

Since police released details on the incidents, no additional arrows have been found. 

"Obviously, somebody knows where these arrows are coming from."