A short history of welcome mats: how Alberta courted two types of newcomers on the grounds of demand and economic impact

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The final vestiges of a campaign to attract droves of people and their skills to Alberta had all but disappeared from the UCP government’s agenda.  It was December 2024 and Alberta is Calling had, by most accounts, been far too successful for the province’s well-being. Detractors said it had been too much, too fast, … Read more…

First responder walking sea to sea for PTSD

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob VogtChad Kennedy wants to raise awareness about post traumatic stress disorder and emphasize help is available.For that reason, he has determined to walk sea to sea for PTSD.He passed through Claresholm recently, escorted by a convoy of emergency vehicles, to continue his walk.Kennedy also shared his story with local first responders.He is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and … Read more…

Peewee Cobras shut out Lethbridge Coyotes

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob VogtThe Claresholm Cobras peewee football team recorded their second straight shut out at home to continue their unbeaten streak.The Cobras hosted the Lethbridge Coyotes at the Willow Creek Composite High School football field on Thursday, Sept. 3 where they won by a score of 28-0.This year’s Cobras are:1, Tripp Schuler;2, Memphis Van Herk;4, Courtland Blake;7, Chantz Gimber;8, Logan … Read more…

Take a drive on the wild side: province unveils bighorn licence plate to support conservation

Posted on: Staff Writer

By: George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative ReporterSource: The Macleod Gazette Alberta’s iconic bighorn sheep officially hit the road this month, thanks to a fundraising licence plate that features the work of a renowned Grande Prairie artist. Three rams backdropped by Mount Lougheed are highlighted in a design that celebrates Alberta while raising money for conservation, the province announced Tuesday. “The … Read more…

Rural isolation, stigma compound trauma for sexual assault survivors, cabinet minister says

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Travel distances and the stifling quiet of stigma make sexual assault especially dangerous for rural Albertans, a cabinet minister acknowledged in a recent interview. Commenting on a funding announcement of nearly $21 million under his ministry, Searle Turton said: “It just breaks my heart when I hear that in the past survivors were feeling … Read more…

Beyond the fence: how science, design and strategy help animals avoid motorists along a stretch of Highway 3

Posted on: Staff Writer

The Macleod Gazette8/25/26By: George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Wood, metal, concrete and mesh have transformed a 10-kilometre stretch of the open road in southern Alberta into a protective passageway for the motoring public. Strategically placed along a scenic foothills route to prevent the kind of wildlife encounter drivers would sooner avoid, all those posts, fences and cattleguards along Highway … Read more…