FortSask

Ukraine is the largest producer of sunflowers in the world.

Chuck Penner, with LeftField Commodity Research, says in the last few years, they've often accounted for about 30 per cent of the total global crop. He notes the sunflowers are crushed in Ukraine and then the oil is exported.

He talked about the impact of the war.

KULAK, Lowell William

The family of Lowell Kulak sadly announces his passing on February 26 in Edmonton at the age of 79.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilynn; daughters, Kristina Kulak and Marlow Lange; grandchildren, Kade and Rory; as well as many extended family members, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Lowell is predeceased by his parents, Ottilia and Sydney; and his brothers, Dale, Edward and Richard.

A Graveside Service was held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the Josephburg Community Church Cemetery in Josephburg, Alberta.

The provincial government has included funding for 15 school projects in the 2022 budget.

One of these projects is a replacement school in Sherwood Park. In 2020, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) undertook a value management study to create a financially responsible and creative proposal for the provincial government’s consideration.

The government has approved proceeding with design work on the facility.

Lamont County held a special event on Friday (Mar.4) in support of Ukraine.

Known as the "cradle of Ukrainian settlement in Canada," Lamont County welcomed the first Ukrainian settlers 130 years ago and is still home to many Ukrainian descendants today.

To honour their close connection to the country and show their support during Russia's invasion, the county held a Ukrainian flag-raising ceremony.

"We gather here today to raise their flag to honour the victims of this senseless and tragic war," explained mayor Kirk Perrin.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture held its Annual General Meeting last week.

The Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture John Barlow told the group that Agriculture's voice is not being heard by the Canadian public or the government.

"Let's look at some of the things that are going on right now. The government has put forward a net-zero panel with no representation from agriculture. They've announced changes to fertilizer use and emissions, no consultation with agriculture."

The Government of Canada is continuing to seek guidance on its path towards reducing emissions associated with fertilizer.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau has launched a new round of consultations, beginning with the release of a Discussion Document. These consultations will focus on how to achieve Canada’s national target to reduce absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with fertilizers by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.

The price at the pump increased again this week as drivers are seeing eye-popping gasoline prices close to $1.54 per litre.

Gas prices across the country averaged out at $1.69 per litre as of late Friday morning, with British Columbia seeing the highest cost at nearly $2, according to gas price information website GasBuddy.com.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed oil prices to levels not seen in at least eight years as tanker companies shun Russian crude and sanctions exclude some Russian banks from a global payments system, severely disrupting its exports.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau has announced up to $415,000 in support for Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C).

Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM) is celebrated annually in March and encourages students to learn about and celebrate Canada's agriculture and food story.

Residents in the heartland woke up to a steep increase at the pumps. 

Depending on where you get your gas, prices jumped anywhere from 11 to 15 cents per litre from Thursday to Friday. 

With the increase in price being linked to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, prices could rise even higher. 

MIX 107/FortSaskOnline asked some Fort Saskatchewan residents about the situation: 

After a big snowfall, Strathcona County is planning its snow-clearing route.

A snow route parking ban will go into effect on Sunday (Mar.6) at 7 a.m. on all collector roads in Sherwood Park. The roads will be marked with permanent snow route signs.

Residential snow clearing will begin on Tuesday. Orange signs will be placed in neighbourhoods that include the dates for when the street-clearers will be in the area.

It may take up to 12 days to remove the snow from all neighbourhoods in Sherwood Park.