FortSask

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. 

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.

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.

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.” 

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."

A police chase through the area has resulted in a long list of charges for a Grande Prairie man.

On Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 2), Fort Saskatchewan RCMP attempted to pull over a pickup truck on 99 Avenue and 104 Street that had no license plate attached. When police tried to stop the vehicle, it took off at a high rate of speed. 

Jean Charest spent the last official debate of the federal Conservative leadership race on Wednesday stressing that his experience as a political leader is what the party needs to unite.

But with six weeks left in the contest, the former Quebec premier, who once led the erstwhile federal Progressive Conservative party, would not say whether he plans to remain within the Conservative Party of Canada if another candidate is revealed as the winner on Sept. 10.

A Fort Saskatchewan dog walker is alerting others to brazen coyotes in the area. 

Lindsay Gabert, the owner of Fort Dog Fit, was walking a client's dog near the boat launch at West River's Edge last week when she turned around to see a coyote standing a short distance from her. Gabert explained that she is used to coyote presence around town. However, she became unnerved when unsuccessful attempts were made to scare it away.

One man is dead following an overnight motorcycle collision. 

At 2:14 a.m. Wednesday morning (Aug. 3), Fort Saskatchewan RCMP were called to a collision on Highway 15 and 125 Street at the east entrance to Dow Chemical. Strathcona County and Dow Chemical Emergency Services also responded to the crash. 

Early in the morning on Saturday (July 30), it was discovered that cows had entered the Fort Saskatchewan off-leash dog park.

Due to the cows being tagged, RCMP was able to notify the owner, who was at a nearby farm.

"There is nothing in the investigation to lead us to believe that there was anything criminal in nature," said RCMP constable Lauren Mowbray.

The owner sent in wranglers to West River's Edge and safely managed to take the cows back to their property.