Lacombe

The move to accept Australian shipments comes as China conducts an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola

Canada’s canola growers could soon be facing stiff competition in their top seed market.

Reuters is reporting that Australia is close to finalizing an agreement that will reopen the Chinese market to canola shipments from Down Under.

The world’s second-largest canola exporter has been shut out of the largest import market since 2020 due to phytosanitary requirements aimed at preventing the spread of blackleg disease.

This year’s show saw three clear days for attendees to see equipment, livestock and the latest in technology

Ag In Motion 2025 organizers are pleased with this year’s attendance.

"We’re very pleased with attendance, response from exhibitors and the overall tone of the show this year," said Rob O’Connor, Ag In Motion show director.

After years of anticipation, Penhold Waskasoo Middle School will officially open its doors on Sept. 3, welcoming students in Grades 4 through 8.

The new facility replaces Penhold Elementary and marks a significant milestone for the growing central Alberta community.

“There’s something powerful about opening a school in a community that's just been waiting for it,” said principal Lisa Baird. “It's not just about our classrooms and hallways—it's about building a home for learning and belonging.”

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Central Alberta, including:

• Mountain View County near Sundre

• Mountain View County near Olds and Didsbury

Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail, and heavy rain.

Storms are forming over the southern Alberta foothills and are expected to move eastward through the afternoon and evening.

A potential referendum question on Alberta separating from Canada has been referred to a judge for confirmation that the question doesn't violate the Constitution.

The proposed question seeks a yes or no answer to whether people agree with Alberta becoming a sovereign country and ceasing to be a province in Canada.

Alberta's chief electoral officer says in a news release that provincial laws require potential referendum questions to respect more than 30 sections of the Constitution, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Sylvan Lake is reminding beachgoers that tents are now restricted in certain areas of the waterfront.

Tents are not allowed on the sandy beach north of the asphalt walking trail, stretching from just west of the pier to the east side of Centennial Park. However, small shade tents no larger than one metre by one metre—such as baby shelters—are permitted in that area.

Visitors who want to use larger tents are encouraged to set up south of the pathway, including throughout Centennial Park, where no tent restrictions apply.

Central Alberta Fanfest brought a comic-con atmosphere to Ponoka on Saturday, drawing nearly 100 attendees to the small-town celebration of fandom.

Held at the Ponoka Jubilee Library, the event featured 10 vendors offering everything from crocheted dolls to collectible figurines and stickers.

Fan groups like USS Cerberus, a Star Trek crew, and Midnight at 25:00, an Edmonton-based anime dance group, were among the day’s special guests.

Proven Seed is expanding its portfolio with the launch of three new LibertyLink canola hybrids and a cutting-edge TruFlex variety, giving farmers more disease resistance, improved harvest management, and greater flexibility in straight cutting.

The new LibertyLink lineup includes:

The Ponoka Stampede has named their 2025 Errol McMillan Volunteer of the Year Award recipients: Charlie and Bernie Walcheske.

Charlie and Bernie Walcheske exemplify the ideal volunteers, and their decades of service reflect their deep-rooted love for the Stampede and the town of Ponoka.

For more than 45 years, Charlie and Bernie have been integral to the volunteer community at the Ponoka Stampede.

On June 28, Sundre RCMP received a report of a stolen Polaris side-by-side from a location west of Burnstick Lake, in the Rig Street area of Clearwater County.

The side-by-side is a black 2022 Polaris RZR 1000 and is all black with blue accents on the mirrors and front hood panel.

The RZR also has distinctive blue wheels, front and rear windows, a roof panel, and a yellow light bar.