Cochrane

Justin Trudeau's interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert began with the expected jokes about bacon and Canadians saying sorry a lot, but the prime minister acknowledged it's "a really tough time" in the country when the host asked about an expected confidence vote in Parliament this week.

"People are hurting. People are having trouble paying for groceries, paying for rent, filling up the tank," Trudeau said during the CBS program Monday in New York, where he has been meeting with world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly.

Town administration will be providing council a report on a tax reduction request for businesses impacted by two seasons of road construction on Centre Ave. 

CMS Real Estate made the request on behalf of over 20 tenants of 118 1st Ave. W., (Sheridan Mall) due to extensive disruptions in business.

A three-three deadlock lead to council agreeing to maintain an extra 21.5 weekday transit service hours until the end of the year, falling short of administration's recommendation of a long-term commitment.

That commitment may follow in the future, but not until council has received the transit report being prepared by the consultant Left Turn Right Turn and are provided a clearer picture of its financial implementations.

The agriculture sector is bracing for another potential strike ... this time at the Port of Vancouver.

The Grain Workers Union Local 333 issued a 72 hour strike notice over the weekend, meaning we could see job action start as early as today (Tuesday, September 24).

The potential work stoppage would impact all shipments of bulk grain from the port, causing congestion right through the grain supply chain all the way back to the farmgate. 

Canada's grain farmers say a strike at Metro Vancouver terminals would cripple crop exports if it were allowed to take place.

The Grain Growers of Canada say in a statement that it is "deeply concerned" about a potential strike of grain workers in Metro Vancouver, since about 52 per cent of all Canadian-grown grain went to those terminals last year.

Grain farmers say a strike would "halt nearly 100,000 metric tonnes" of commodities arriving each day, potentially costing $35 million daily in lost exports.

Rail Safety Week in Canada is an annual event to raise awareness about rail safety. 

Operation Lifesaver and its partners are reminding everyone there is no "undo" button. 

This year's theme is there is no "undo" button... taking risks near tracks can change your life forever or cost you life and limb.

CPKC's Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Bulk Elizabeth Hucker 

Alberta's Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has a call out for individuals interested in sitting on the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council.

The Council provides regulatory oversight and governance for Alberta’s 19 agricultural Marketing Boards and Commissions (MCBs). 

Three positions are currently open on the marketing council with a term of up to three years.

According to the government website, the council has legislated responsibilities to:

Fall is a critical period when it comes to managing winter hardiness or winterkill in alfalfa stands.

Range Management Specialist Trevor Lennox says alfalfa is thought of as queen of the forages.

"It's a very important forage, as a result, it's important to keep the stand as productive as possible."

He points out that when an alfalfa plant is cut, the initial regrowth that follows is produced from root reserves, as new leaves are developed, they begin to manufacture their own energy for growth.

The Cochrane Generals are one-and-one after their opening weekend of play in the HJHL.

On the road, the Gens shut out the Airdrie Thunder, 4-0, on Sept. 20 before suffering a 6-1 loss to the Coaldale Copperheads the following night.

Many first were had on the opening night at the Ron Ebbesen Arena.  Goalie Isaias Maddigan turned away 33 shots for his first shutout of the season. Max Waugh and Alexander Devnich scored their first goals in Gens uniforms.

It is the first week of fall and even though it doesn't feel like it there are some warm new flavours at MacKay's in Historic Downtown Cochrane. 

New this year is Pumpkin Caramel Pecan. Third-generation owner Meghan Tayfel says they decided to try something new instead of the usual pumpkin spice flavour.