Lacombe

The man accused of ramming an SUV into a crowd and killing 11 people at the Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival is set to appear in court today, with a judge determining if he's fit to stand trial.

RJ Aquino, the chair of festival organizer Filipino BC, says the court proceedings could prove "traumatizing" for victims and members of the Filipino community.

He says many have expressed anger and frustration since the April 26 attack and still find it difficult to cope with the tragedy almost three months later.

The volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada decreased four per cent last year after three annual increases in a row, the national statistics agency said Tuesday.

Statistics Canada said non-violent crime had a significant effect on the decline in the overall crime severity index in 2024.

The non-violent crime severity index — which includes such crimes as property and drug offences — dropped six per cent last year, following a nine per cent increase from 2021 to 2023.

Panelists agree that maintaining access under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement should be priority among other trade noise

Canadian trade negotiators should be cautious and be prepared to weather further abrupt policy changes from U.S. president Donald Trump.

A panel on trade and politics at the Seeds Canada conference in Quebec City heard that Canada’s ability to delay trade negotiations could be valuable in finding a way to a successful renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for parts of Central Alberta, warning that overnight temperatures could dip to around 0 C.

Frost may damage crops and other frost-sensitive vegetation. Residents are advised to take preventative measures to protect plants and trees.

The advisory is in effect for the following areas:

• Clearwater County near Rocky Mountain House and Crimson Lake 

• Clearwater County near Caroline and James River Bridge 

• Mountain View County near Sundre

Back-to-school shopping can be stressful for families trying to get all the necessary supplies while staying on budget.

Lacombe and District FCSS is aiming to ease that burden through its annual Tools for School program.

Students living in Lacombe, Lacombe County, Mirror, Tees, Alix and Clive are eligible to apply for school supplies or a certificate toward a new pair of shoes.

The program helps ensure students have the tools they need to succeed and feel confident on the first day of school.

The deadline to apply is July 31.

One year to the day a wind-whipped fire forced thousands to flee in the dark of night along one smoke-choked road, the mayor of Jasper acknowledged it was a day of remembrance that some would much rather forget.

Company works with Farming Smarter Association as it searches for options other than the century-old Russet Burbank variety.

Russet Burbank has been the go to potato variety for Canadian farmers and consumers.

This year, McCain Foods in Chin, Alta., has entered a corporate partnership with the Farming Smarter Association to explore the viability of other varieties in its food processing plant for farmers to consider.

Farming Smarter is using one of its commercial plots to do a research trial growing four varieties using six treatments.

RCMP in Wetaskiwin have found a missing 30-year-old woman.

Geri Whitebear was located safely after being reported missing on July 21.

Police had concern for her safety and well-being.

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The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan has written to the federal government asking for emergency use of strychnine to control gophers
 

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan wants strychnine reinstated under emergency use provisions.

The organization has asked the federal agriculture and health ministers to “urgently” consider the request.

APAS said there is a significant uncontrolled increase in the population of Richardson’s ground squirrels costing about $9 million a year.

Firm behind plan to build Saskatchewan fertilizer plant had to recently deal with former CEO’s financial problems

 It is full steam ahead at Genesis Fertilizers despite a tumultuous June, say proponents of the proposed Saskatchewan mega-project.

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when we get this project off the ground,” said Terry Drabiuk, vice-president of business development with Genesis.

The project is a proposed $2.89 billion, farmer-owned nitrogen fertilizer plant to be built in Belle Plaine, Sask.