Bigstone chief part of United Treaty Movement

By Pearl Lorentzen, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The United Treaty Movement is “an ongoing process of chiefs trying to coordinate and be heard,” says Bigstone Cree Nation Chief Andy Alook, “because we are not being heard.” The chiefs are from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. They’re hoping to “affect positive change,” says Alook. On May 26 and 27, the group held a … Read more

Alberta government PR branch moved under premier’s office

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s government has quietly transferred responsibility for its communications wing to the premier’s office, greatly expanding the size and budget of the province’s executive council. An April 29 Order in Council shifted responsibility for the province’s Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) department from Treasury Board and Finance to Executive Council, meaning Premier Danielle Smith is now … Read more

Grant applications accepted now for projects targeting family violence — especially among populations at elevated risk

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Groups helping Albertans in rural and remote areas deal with family violence have until June 24 to seek a share of $6 million in project funding. Designed to address family violence through projects informed by evidence and trauma, the grant program targets prevention, the rebuilding of lives, and early and crisis intervention. Along with … Read more

Innovative public infrastructure — it’s not just a big city thing, minister says

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter When it comes to Alberta’s most innovative public infrastructure, the good stuff always gets built in the province’s two major cities. True or false? True, one extremely limited sample suggests. Afterall, last year’s four winners of the inaugural Minister’s Infrastructure Awards were evenly divided between Edmonton and Calgary. False, says Martin Long, Alberta’s minister … Read more

UCP ‘disasters and fires’ fail Albertans with disabilities, NDP maintains

Published June 16, 2025 By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Economic hardship, anger and untenably long waitlists have taken root in Alberta because of UCP mismanagement of the disability file, an opposition critic charged recently. Marie Renaud added that issues harming Albertans with disabilities extend beyond a lack of accessibility legislation. But the government needs to act on that too, … Read more

High school presents extra-curricular awards

By Rob Vogt Willow Creek Composite High School honoured achievement in extra-curricular activities with their annual awards last week.At an event at the school on June 12, Jessica Mackin was named the female athlete of the year, and Zak Wright was named male athlete of the year.Jewel Simpson was the honourable mention female athlete of the year, while Hayden McClung … Read more

Granum Stormwater Management Project complete

By Rob Vogt It may look like a new park in Granum, but water and greenspace on the eastern edge of the hamlet serves a greater purpose.That facility is the Granum Storm Water Management and Flood Mitigation Project, now known as the Leavings Heritage Park, and an event celebrating its completion was held on June 11.Reeve Maryanne Sandberg of the … Read more