The ongoing friction between Charter rights and confidence in the justice system (Pt.1) By Cal Braid, Local Journalism Initiative reporter Bail hearings play out on a regular basis in Alberta courts and most of them don’t get coverage. Oftentimes, it’s not because the cases aren’t worthy of publicity, it’s because there are ethical implications involved. ‘Accused’ and ‘charged’ don’t mean ‘guilty,’ … Read more…
The following complaints/calls for service were made to the Claresholm RCMP Detachment during the month of April, 2025. Not every call/file is listed below, but just the most relevant ones. Some complaints received were later determined to be unfounded or not police matters.Traffic related• Six reportable traffic collisions.• Two non-reportable traffic collisions.• Nineteen complaints of speeding, with 15 charges laid.• … Read more…
By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter JASPER – When Mathew Conte moved to Jasper to become its fire chief in 2021, he was well aware of the wildfire risk that the town faced. That is a risk shared by every forested community in Canada. “That risk and the hazard is always there,” Conte said. “It’s not really a matter of … Read more…
Motorcyclists are back on Alberta’s roads; keeping an eye out for them could save lives. As spring weather brings more motorcycles onto Alberta’s roads, it’s important for all road users to stay alert and share the road responsibly to ensure everyone gets home safe. Motorcycle crashes can lead to serious injury or death because riders lack the protection of an … Read more…
By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter After a closed session discussion during its April 23 meeting, the Municipal District of Willow Creek council voted to financially support renovations to the Claresholm fire hall.Councillor.Hemmaway made the motion that will see the M.D. contribute 25 percent of the cost of the renovation of the Claresholm fire hall to a maximum of … Read more…
By Mickey Dumont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Fort Macleod RCMP recorded an 89 per cent increase in cases under the federal Mental Health Act in 2024 over 2023. A five-year report submitted to MD of Willow Creek council reveals 149 cases in 2024 versus 79 in 2023. “In your Fort Macleod statistics on the Mental Health Act, compared to 2022, 2023, … Read more…
By Mickey Dumont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An RCMP report covering January to December 2020-’24 shows a 14 per cent increase in criminal activity in Claresholm, but just eight per cent in comparison to 2023. The report shows 484 total criminal code offences in 2020; 476 in 2021, 510 in 2022, 513 in 2023 and 553 in 2024 for the 14 … Read more…