With heavy hearts, the family of Wilfred “Bill” Ernest Toone of Claresholm announce his passing on April 8, 2026, at the age of 79.Bill was born on November 21, 1946, in Claresholm, Alberta, to Gwendolyn Gibbie and Henri Toone. He was the second oldest of four children and was raised on the family farm five miles east of town, where his grandparents … Read more…
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Martin J. Helmer, of Claresholm.Martin passed away suddenly at his home in Mumbles, Wales, on March 14, 2026, at age 38.He was born in Claresholm in May 1987, son of Florence Guynup and Barry Helmer. Beloved husband of Michelle McLaren, a dear son-in-law of Don … Read more…
The Claresholm Public Library hosted a Princess Tea Party on Saturday, April 11, attracting princesses of all ages to have tea, enjoy some photo opps, do crafts, receive a lot of cool prizes and more. Here, from left are princesses Hadley and Torrance Heitrich. Photo by Rob Vogt
SubmittedThe story of the historic Burton family ranch west of Claresholm comes to life in a new history book based on the life and times of ranch founder F.A. Burton.Now under the management of the fourth generation of Burton ranchers, Burke Creek Ranch has had a long and fascinating history.Wanting to know more about his grandfather’s story, journalist Randall Burton … Read more…
By David GaleWhat started as a 3,000-word essay turned into a once-in-a-lifetime trip for 17-year-old Rylen Guitton.The Grade 12 student at Willow Creek Composite High School recently returned from an international tour that took him from Iceland to New York City, an experience made possible through the Oddfellows, a longstanding organization rooted in community service and youth development.“I just saw … Read more…
By Rob VogtThe Nanton School Enhancement Committee is halfway to its fundraising goal, and it still has two years remaining to reach it.The committee recently announced on social media, “We are almost half way to our first fundraising goal of $690,000!“As of March 23 we are at $340,488.74.“This is all thanks to the Nanton and supporting communities. We are so … Read more…
By Joe Manio, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter What is the role of a community newspaper in the digital age? Print newspapers in southern Alberta face continuing decline as more readers in Lethbridge and surrounding communities shift to digital news sources for speed and convenience. Rising production costs and falling print advertising revenue have added pressure on traditional newspaper operations. Industry observers … Read more…