Weekly Roundup — May 8

Here's what's making news in Leduc and area this week:

• Leduc County has issued a fire ban due to the extremely dry and windy conditions that have lingered in the area in the past few weeks. (I was really worried this story would be rendered irrelevant by the torrential downpour we had on Wednesday night, but as of today, the fire ban still stands.)

• STAR Catholic Schools are paving the way for more interactive education in three of their high schools. (More here.)

• STAR is also partnering with MedicAlert to increase student safety.

• Wetaskiwin and Camrose RCMP are coming to grips with the loss of one of their comrades following a fatal collision last week.

• Girls left their worries behind for a fun weekend of building self-esteem with the Boys and Girls Club.

• Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger (mushroom, mushroom!)

• County residents will be getting automated meters from FortisAlberta.

(Photo: Nine-year-old Jonah Bommassar was one of the many students who came out to enjoy the "Rodeo of Smiles" on April 30 to kick off the 40th annual Leduc Black Gold Pro Rodeo. Photo by Laura Ring.)

Are you well aware?

Last week, I attended the Working Well Workshop on proper well maintenance and construction in Calmar. As an urban girl who's enjoyed the convenience of city water for most of my life, I had no idea that wells required so much care and attention — but it makes absolute sense to preserve the quality of the natural resource that keeps us alive.

I picked up a lot of materials at the workshop which helped me write my article (which will appear in the March 27 Rep), and they contained links to different websites where well owners can find out more.

I have a bit of a weird pet peeve against writing long, complicated website addresses out in print, which is why I love the RepBlog, because it enables me to send readers to websites via one convenient link.

So, as promised, here are some well resources that are well worth checking out (pun most definitely intended).

Agriculture and Water Quality: Beneficial Management Practices

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada resources

Aquifer Vulnerability Index

Canada Groundwater Association

Groundwater Information System

Water Well Design and Construction

Shock Chlorinating Your Well

About the Working Well Workshop