Update 16: Alberta wildfire update (July 25, 3 p.m.)

July 25, 2025 Media inquiries Thunderstorms moving across the boreal forest sparked new wildfires; cooler weather conditions are helping to suppress wildfire activity. Current situation (as of 3 p.m., July 25) There are 56 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area, and three mutual aid fires. 12 are classified as out of control, 11 are being held … Read more

Building stronger communities across rural Alberta

July 25, 2025 Media inquiries Alberta’s government is providing $114.6 million to municipalities to support 86 local road, bridge and water infrastructure projects. Alberta’s rural communities are growing, increasing the need for reliable and effective infrastructure to support economic development and a high quality of life. That is why Alberta’s government is providing $114.6 million in grant funding to ensure … Read more

Top guns return, nationals on target in Taber

July 24, 2025 Media inquiries Taber Alberta will host the 2025 Canadian Handgun Nationals from July 28 to August 3   For the first time since 2017, Alberta will host the Canadian Handgun Nationals, bringing the top practical shooters from across the province and country to Taber. The week-long competition will test the skills of Canada’s sharpest shooters and showcase … Read more

Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2024: Minister Ellis

July 24, 2025 Media inquiries Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis issued the following statement on Statistics Canada’s 2024 police-reported crime statistics: “I am pleased to see Statistics Canada’s 2024 police-reported crime statistics show significant improvement in Alberta. Our province achieved a nine per cent decrease in both crime severity and overall crime rate – more than … Read more

WANNAMAKER, JAMES

Jim was born and raised in Claresholm, and is probably best remembered as the shop teacher at the Willow Creek Composite High School where he taught during the 1970s. Jim also served on the town council during the same time period.Big city life lured Jim to Calgary, where he continued to teach for a few years, but eventually traded his … Read more

Hester, Shirley Eva

Shirley Eva Hester passed away peacefully Monday, July 7, 2025 in Calgary, AB at the age of 89 years.She is lovingly remembered by her family, Peggy Carey; her three children and their families: son Ryan (Nicole) Carey and their kids: Easton and Dallas; daughter Jamie (Dillon) Casebeer and their kids: Brynlee and Lennon; son Blake (Jordan) Carey and their kids: … Read more