NFU says PSAC strike is about balance and government priorities

The National Farmers Union is standing in solidarity with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members currently on strike. 

The NFU's 2nd Vice President Stewart Wells says it's important to remember that nobody prefers to be in a strike or a lockout position, and this is a last-ditch attempt to come to an agreement.

He points out the negotiations have been going on for some time and there hasn't been any resolution.

Strathcona County first responders hosting hockey game to support family of fallen RCMP officer

First responders in Strathcona County are hitting the ice for a good cause on Friday (Apr. 21) night. 

Local firefighters, paramedics, and police officers are playing in a charity hockey game to support the family of Constable Harvinder Singh Dhami, who was killed in a collision while responding to a call earlier this month. 

Nathan Gauvreau, with the Strathcona County Professional Firefighters Association, says they try to do this type of event every now and then. 

First year Fort Saskatchewan teacher nominated for award

Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) have announced their nominees for the Edwin Parr Teacher Award, and one of them is a teacher from Fort Saskatchewan.

Rhianna Zazula was raised in Fort Saskatchewan, graduating from St. John Paul II, which was originally a high school before moving to St. Andre Bessette. 

The award recognizes six first-year K-to-12 teachers across the province for their exemplary work. 

Is Lamont County at risk of flooding this spring?

As April's showers bring May flowers, this could lead to some troubles in Lamont County.

The county has a history of flooding during the spring, with a 2018 flood being its worst in 30 years.

Jay Zaal with the county said that there are many factors that can lead to floods.

"Blockages are typically what causes localized flooding," stated Zaal. "Sometimes culverts can be blocked by debris, sediment, and other items, and public works is working hard to clear these on a priority basis."

BGC Fort Saskatchewan hosts 'Buddy Bunch' for kids in mentoring program

BGC Fort Saskatchewan hosted an evening of fun and games for kids in their mentorship program on Saturday (Apr. 15). 

"The kids in this pre-registered program are all waiting for a one-to-one mentor match and are enjoying the benefits of spending time with multiple positive adults in the meanwhile," said volunteer programs coordinator Tammy Plamondon.

The event featured a pizza party along with activities such as paper airplanes, hockey, basketball, and even baking cookies. The seven kids at the event ranged from seven to thirteen years old.

'He was a hero' remembering Constable Harvinder Dhami

Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across Canada marched down Sherwood Park roads to honour a fallen officer on Thursday (Apr. 20) morning. 

Followed by the sounds of bagpipes and snare drums, the officers made their way to Millennium Place for the funeral procession of Constable Harvinder Dhami.

The event was MC'd by retired staff sergeant Christian Narbonne. 

The Wheat Growers Association is calling on Ottawa to put a contingency plan in place to deal with the impact the PSAC strike

The Wheat Growers Association want to see a contingency plan in place to deal with the impact the PSAC strike could have on the ag sector, especially as it relates to grain movement and exports.

President Gunter Jochum says they'd like to see the government move to third-party inspectors for grain exports, something that is currently being done by Canadian Grain Commission (CGC).

Gallery: Mourners pay respects to fallen Strathcona County officer

It was a solemn Thursday (Apr. 20) morning in Sherwood Park. 

Mourners and members of the RCMP, Edmonton Police Service, and many more law-enforcement organizations were in the city to honour Constable Harvinder Singh Dhami, who lost his life earlier this month after being involved in a collision while responding to a call. 

"We just wanted to show our support," said Amila Robinson, one of the mourners who lined the procession route. "The policing community is really suffering right now." 

Former Crusader signs NHL contract

Yet another former Sherwood Park Crusader has signed an NHL contract. 

Defender Michael Benning, who played two seasons with Sherwood Park from 2018 to 2020, inked an entry-level deal with the Florida Panthers last week. 

He has spent the last three seasons playing with the Denver Pioneers in the NCAA. 

"It feels good, I thought I was ready to make the next step," said Benning. "Florida has been really helpful throughout this whole process." 

Highway 15 reopens after collision between tankers

The area of Highway 15 near Range Road 213 has fully reopened after a collision between two tanker trucks.  

The collision occurred early on Wednesday (Apr. 19) morning, resulting in fuel from both tankers leaking onto the highway. Crews worked hard to clean not only the wreckage but the spill as well. 

Just after 11 p.m., 511 Alberta reported that the work had been completed and that the area was completely reopened.