Ball python spotted slithering around Kananaskis Country

By Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A wayward reptile native to Sub-Saharan Africa is slithering around Bow Valley Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country. The Bow Valley dump station sees a lot of visitors during the busy summer tourist season, but a ball python spotted on site Sunday (July 21) may be its most unexpected to-date. Alberta Parks issued a wildlife … Read more

Contestants gather in Stavely for auctioneer championship

By Rob VogtThe best auctioneers in the world gathered in Stavely last week, vying to make it to the finals of the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship.A total of 30 auctioneers from Australia, the United States and Canada took their turns selling 2,200 head of cattle at a sale at Foothills Auction in Stavely on Friday, July 12.The event started with … Read more

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Clear Lake

By Rob VogtPeople who use Clear Lake, east of Stavely, are urged to be cautious, with a health advisory in effect for blue-green algae in the water.On July 12, Alberta Health Services announced blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom has been identified in the waters of Clear Lake. Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors to these … Read more

Claresholm RCMP report for the month of May

The following complaints/calls for service were made to the Claresholm RCMP Detachment during the month of May, 2024. Not every call/file is listed below, but just the most relevant ones. Some complaints received were later determined to being Unfounded or not Police matters.Traffic related• One traffic collision resulting in fatal injuries;• One reportable non-fatal traffic collision;• Three reportable traffic collisions;• … Read more

Advance Care Planning: Make a plan in five steps

By Alberta Health ServicesThere are five main steps to advance care planning. For an overview of these five steps, read the following information.Step 1Think about your values and goalsWhen you start making your advance care plan, think about what’s important to you (your values) and what’s right for you (your preferences) when you answer the questions below.There are no wrong … Read more

New plan for Alberta’s provincial parks aims to ease growing pains

By Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A lot has changed in Alberta’s parks over the last 10-plus years. The province’s population has grown over 30 per cent from 2009 to 2024, and with that visitation has increased, creating growing pressures on the landscape. It was 2009 when the first iteration of Alberta’s Plan for Parks was released as a 10-year … Read more

Crowsnest Pass to see trail improvements this summer

By Mia Parker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta Hiking Association has received a $98,000 provincial grant to improve trails in the Crowsnest Pass area. This includes facilitating the recruitment and training of volunteers to help with the project. Jenice Smith, an Alberta Hiking Association contractor, has been brought on as the volunteer co-ordinator using these funds, and looks forward to the … Read more