Riding an escalator feels routine today, but it was once a thrilling novelty.

Jesse W. Reno, an American engineer, patented the original escalator design in 1891.

Rather than its now-common use in stores or stations, Reno’s first escalator debuted as an amusement ride at Coney Island in 1896, where visitors paid for the odd sensation of gliding up a moving staircase.

The ride captivated crowds, sparking interest in practical uses.

Businesses soon spotted the escalator’s ability to move crowds efficiently, and installations quickly spread to department stores, train stations, and public venues.

Modern escalators are an everyday convenience in malls, airports, and subway stations, connecting countless people without a second thought.

Fun fact: The term "escalator" comes from the Latin scala, meaning stairs.

Ever feel worn out all day but still can’t drift off at night?

You’re definitely not the only one.

Getting quality sleep starts with what you do before you even crawl into bed.

Your evening choices—like screen time, late snacks, or caffeine—can throw your body’s natural rhythm out of sync.

Simple habits like dimming the lights, sticking to a set bedtime, and creating a wind-down ritual signal that it’s time to relax.

If you toss and turn, wake up tired, or rely on cups of coffee to get through the day, small changes in your nightly routine can make a big impact.

Try making your bedroom cool and quiet, put down screens before bed, and pick one relaxing activity to end your day with consistency.

Your best sleep tomorrow starts with better habits tonight.

Abby Guezen of Sherwood Park has been named U SPORTS Female Athlete of the Year after a landmark season with the University of Alberta Pandas volleyball team.

Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding throughout Strathcona County, with Sherwood Park among the hardest hit.

Though the rain has eased, water remains high in many neighborhoods and could take time to recede.

The County is actively addressing urgent drainage and infrastructure threats, focusing first on homes and critical public spaces.

Several roads—including key sections of 17 Street, 34 Street, Highway 14 Service Road, and various Range and Township Roads—are closed due to high water.

Utility crews continue inspections at stormwater facilities to ensure safety, while sports fields, diamonds, and the Broadmoor Public Golf Course face ongoing closures.

Residents are urged to avoid flooded routes, check for recreation updates, and report concerns via County Connect or County hotlines if they encounter threats to homes or sewer backups.

Stay informed, exercise caution, and prioritize safety until conditions improve.

Summer in Strathcona County means thunderstorm season returns, bringing the sudden, serious danger of lightning strikes.

Residents are reminded to stay alert and take steps to keep themselves and their homes safe.

Lightning can hit without warning, often even before a storm’s rain begins.

The best protection during a storm is to move inside a fully enclosed building or into a hard-topped vehicle as soon as thunder is heard.

People should avoid open structures and stay clear of windows, doors, and anything connected to electrical wiring or plumbing during storms.

Outdoor activities should be delayed when thunderstorms threaten, and anyone caught outside must stay away from tall objects, open areas, and exposed hilltops.

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and trim trees near their homes to reduce property risks.

A shared commitment to safety helps protect the whole community during thunderstorm season.

Albertans have seen a wave of social media posts warning about the risk of losing public health care if health cards aren’t renewed. While these messages reference the new Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), they have sparked confusion by omitting key details.

The new legislation allows Alberta to cancel a health care registration if it isn’t renewed, but the renewal process hasn’t launched yet and details are still pending. This comes as a shift, since Alberta never required regular health card renewals before.

Soon, residents will need to renew periodically, much like renewing a driver’s licence, to confirm their residency and discourage misuse of the system by non-residents.

No immediate loss of coverage will occur—people will get several reminders first. Coverage can be reinstated if eligibility is confirmed, sometimes with retroactive reimbursement.

Ultimately, eligible Albertans continue to have access to public health care, provided they remain properly registered.

Strathcona County is ramping up its rural infrastructure with a wave of construction projects focused on safer, longer-lasting roads.

The Rural Road Rehabilitation program is taking center stage, targeting essential upgrades to rural grid and country residential roads, including base reconstruction and fresh paving for optimal travel conditions.

Residents are encouraged to watch for project updates and possible traffic changes as work progresses.

An additional investment of nearly two million dollars each year sustains the Annual Bridge Replacement program, aiming to boost bridge safety and reliability across the county.

Several bridge and culvert replacements are scheduled for 2026, with local access maintained during necessary closures.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and stay alert around construction zones, where changing road conditions demand extra caution.

Comprehensive project details are kept up to date on the CountyWorks map, helping residents plan ahead and stay safe.

Caden Skelton, 21, has become a local fixture in Sherwood Park, dancing with his longboard and helmet at Baseline Road and Sherwood Drive for the past three years.

Originally a healing practice after a brain injury, his vibrant performances grew into a joyful mission to uplift the community.

This routine was recently disrupted when Strathcona County RCMP issued a ticket, citing ongoing public safety concerns following several complaints.

Officers had asked Skelton multiple times to relocate before issuing the ticket, warning continued performances could bring further action.

His family, including mother Crystal Skelton and grandmother Debbie Banks, voiced disappointment, emphasizing the mental health and community benefits his dancing inspired.

The incident galvanized public support, sparking calls for a community dance-in and widespread online backing.

Buoyed by this support, Skelton plans to fight the ticket—shining a light on the ongoing debate between free expression and safety in Sherwood Park.

Parks Canada is ramping up action to fight the deadly white-nose syndrome threatening Alberta’s bats. This highly infectious fungal disease has devastated bat colonies throughout North America, with mortality rates as high as 98%.

Crews are now applying probiotic treatments to key sites in Jasper National Park and at important maternity roosts, hoping to slow the plague. Biologist Nina Veselka warns some local colonies could face extinction, after witnessing bats falling helplessly within a Jasper cave.

The fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, disrupts hibernation, causing bats to starve. Alberta is using the probiotic as an on-the-ground treatment, while British Columbia adopts it as prevention.

The loss of bats risks surges in insect pests, impacting both agriculture and recreation. Lisa Wilkinson, provincial bat specialist, emphasizes that slow bat reproduction complicates recovery—but expanding treatment programs offers cautious optimism.

Ongoing research and strong collaboration remain vital to preserving Alberta’s bats and protecting local ecosystems.

Women entrepreneurs in Sherwood Park can look forward to dynamic networking events designed to help local businesses thrive.

On July 17, 2026, the Womanition Connect Group welcomes area professionals to its monthly luncheon at Headquarters Restaurant and Bar on 101 Granada Boulevard.

This popular event encourages attendees to share experiences, exchange ideas, and forge valuable business connections.

Participants are invited to bring a door prize, offering a unique way to introduce their companies to the group.

With no membership fee and a welcoming, pay-as-you-attend model, the atmosphere remains inclusive and focused on genuine growth.

Professional attire is suggested to enhance the business-forward environment.

Local women in business—from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned leaders—can build powerful networks and advance their professional journeys at these gatherings.

Discover the Qualico Patio Series in Strathcona County, featuring live music at Broadmoor Lake Park every Wednesday from July 8 to September 2, 2026.

Join the 2026 Alberta Summer Games in Strathcona County as a volunteer and be part of an unforgettable community event.

Edmonton may not have direct ocean access, but locals can escape to a variety of scenic lakes just an hour away, each offering sandy shores and refreshing swims.

Lac Ste. Anne features a family-friendly beach just north of the city, complete with picnic areas and nearby amenities for a comfortable outing.

Hubbles Lake is cherished for its crystal-clear waters and secluded feel, with portable facilities and a small entrance fee for pristine relaxation.

Wabamun Lake draws adventure lovers for waterskiing, sailing, and kayaking, while birders can spot nesting ospreys near the semi-clear waters.

Pigeon Lake is a sprawling summer hotspot, offering fishing, multiple beaches, fire pits, and picnic spots, attracting families and anglers alike.

Long Lake Provincial Park boasts two beaches, warm shallow water, concessions, and gear rentals perfect for a family day out.

Near Sherwood Park, Half Moon Lake Resort pairs swimming and sandy sunbathing with extras like walking trails, mini golf, and outdoor sports.

Enjoy Sherwood Park's best lakes for a refreshing escape—no long drive required.

Explore local events, unique experiences, and hidden gems right here in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County this summer.

Recognizing when to consider a mobility device isn't always straightforward. This article covers the signs to watch for, types of mobility aids available, and how to approach the conversation with your healthcare provider.