Residents urged to stay safe during extreme cold

By Rob VogtThe Claresholm RCMP is reminding residents to take extra precautions during periods of extreme cold, with temperatures dropping sharply across Alberta.Harsh winter conditions can pose significant risks to health, safety, and property if proper steps aren’t taken.To help residents prepare, the Claresholm RCMP is sharing the following cold-weather safety tips:• Dress for the conditions. Wear multiple layers, including … Read more

M.D. to provide $30,000 to cardiac centre in Lethbridge

By Rob VogtCardiac services at Chinook Regional Hospital help patients across Southern Alberta, including people in the Municipal District of Willow Creek. For that reason, M.D. council has agreed to provide $30,000 to a fundraising campaign sponsored by the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation to substantially elevate the standard of cardiac health care at the Lethbridge hospital.Coun. John Van Driesten brought … Read more

AI scholarships open doors for rural Alberta students

By Trent Wilkie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Published on Dec 19, 2025 at 12:43 Rural Alberta students will soon have new opportunities to access advanced technology education thanks to a scholarship program launched this week by the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). The AI for Earth Scholarship Program, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, will provide 750 post‑secondary students in … Read more

Council approves interim operating, capital budgets

By Rob VogtClaresholm town council has approved the town’s interim 2026 operational budget and 2026 capital budget.The decision came at council’s Dec. 8 meeting after a presentation by Jennifer Place, the town’s director of corporate services.The interim 2026 operating budget forecasts total operating revenue of $9,609,357 and total operating expenses of $9,604,357.Place noted the proposed 2026 budget includes an anticipated … Read more