A lack of cattle feed, a possible large number of crop insurance claims, and watering issues are among some of the issues that has made the M.D. of Fairview and Clear Hills County declare themselves a Agriculture disaster area. CAO of the M.D. of Fairview Ben Beottcher of the M.D. of Fairview says the province now knows this, and Agriculture Minister Jack Hayden will be coming up for a tour. Hayden will make the trip up on Wednesday.
High Prairie Drug Bust
A couple from High Prairie who were busted for drug dealing will make an election and plea in court on August 16th. Policed searched a home in April and found marijuana, cash, guns and ammo. The couple who are in their 60's were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of money crime over 5 grand and careless storage of guns and ammunition.
Blue Green Algae
If you're hanging around pond or lakes this summer and you come across green gunk, don't touch it. Its Blue green Algae or "Pond Scum" and it could range in colors from Olive Green and Red. Medical Officer of Health for the North Dr. Albert De Villers says it's all over the north even in our area. The algae produces a poison that can cause skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore eyes, fever, and nausea. No human has ever died from ingesting it but in some cases animals have. Grande Prairie Bypass
Traffic should flow a lot smoother in the Swan City this long weekend. The new Grande Prairie bypass opens this afternoon, giving residents another route to keep traffic moving. The Alberta Government invested 24 million dollars in the project that connects Highway 43 to 116 street.
Motel 6 Break In
RCMP are looking for a male suspect after the Motel 6 in Grande Prairie was broken into. Police say the man told the clerk the pop machine on the second floor was broken. When she went to check on the machine the man stole all of the money from the till. Police are looking for a white male about 5 foot 7 with dirty blond hair and wearing a tan colored t-shirt and jeans.
Cyclist Collides With Car
A cyclist was sent to the hospital after a bike crashed into a car last night in Grande Prairie. After he was hit the cyclist took off and was later found by police at Muskoseepi Park. The man was sent to the QE2 hospital with minor injures. RCMP went to hospital to see if the guy was ok but apparently he doesn't like police. The man said he had to step outside and never came back to the hospital. It's believed the cyclist was consuming alcohol which led to his flight from the scene and hospital.
Driver's Insurance
Alberta drivers are getting a break on a portion of their automobile insurance. The Insurance Rate Board has ordered a five percent reduction in premiums for mandatory coverage. On average the drivers will save 30 dollars. It goes into effect November 1st.
SPORTS
Senior AA Baseball Provincials
The Rycroft Rage have added some reinforcements as they head into Oyen this morning for the Double A Senior Baseball Provincials.
The Rage borrowed some Wheatbelt League opponents for the trip -- Tim Clayton and Cody May from Peace River, and Beaverlodge's Andrew Nash and Brett Might.
There's just 2 round-robin games before the playoff round. The first today at 6 against Oyen. Then the Rage take on Mayerthorpe tomorrow at 9 AM.
WPCA Chucks in Strathmore
A Sutherland leads the way after opening night of the WPCA stop in Strathmore but it's not Kelly. Kirk Sutherland put up the fastest time last night.
The Grande Prairie boy is trailed by Mike Vigen, Kurt Bensmiller, and Jason Glass. Kelly Sutherland is 8th and Paddle Prairie's Cody Risdale is 9th. Last night of racing is Sunday.
CFL Football
Avon Cobourne tore up the Argonauts defense last night and Montreal walked all over them 41 to 10. Cobourne scored 2 touchdowns and put up over 100 yards in both rushing and receiving.
Anthony Calvillo had a pretty good game of his own. He went 30 for 36 for nearly 400 yards and a pair of TD's.
Montreal has now won 4 straight and leads the East at 4 and 1.
One more game in the CFL tonight. The 0 and 4 Eskies could be fighting for their jobs. They're home tonight hosting B.C, who have lost 3 straight.
MLB Baseball
Philadelphia added another Roy to their world class rotation, acquiring Roy Aswalt yesterday from Houston for fellow pitcher JA Happ and a couple prospects.
One of the prospects Houston got, outfielder Anthony Gose, was shipped right to Toronto. The Jays have been trying to get the speedster for awhile. Toronto gave up top prospects Brett Wallace to get him.
