Parks Canada CEO tells Jasper ‘your community is our community’ as blaze continues to burn

By Cathy Ellis – The Jasper Fitzhugh JASPER – The president and chief executive officer of Parks Canada says the out-of-control wildfire is still burning in the Jasper townsite despite what he says has been “ongoing determined and courageous collective efforts of all partners involved.” “It is with heavy hearts that we report that this aggressive and fast-moving fire continues … Read more

Skatepark finished and already receiving good use

By Rob VogtThe weather may be reaching record temperatures but it wasn’t too hot for skaters and bikers on Friday.That was the day the Claresholm Skatepark officially opened to the public.The new facility, located south of the town office at 111 – 55th Avenue West, covers 7,300 square feet, and cost $467,671.50, up from the original estimate of about $300,000.Lisa … Read more

Trades touted as solid rural paths to rewarding Alberta careers

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Opportunity knocks — right now — for rural Albertans willing to embark on trades and technology careers, Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney said recently.  And the kicker is that those who choose apprenticeship, certificate or diploma programs won’t necessarily be forced to leave behind their home communities for the bright lights of Calgary or … Read more

Who are the Hells Angels, Lethbridge’s newest gang?

By Justin Sibbet, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It has recently become common knowledge the Hells Angels have arrived in Lethbridge, bringing mixed reviews along with them. Some on social media have said they are eager to see the outlaw biker gang on the streets of the city, but others have shared a less positive outlook. Mike Tucker, a spokesperson for ALERT, … Read more

Police warn about phishing scams

By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A new phishing scam of fake missing person posts are circling around social media, and Lethbridge police are urging the public to verify information on the internet before sharing. Police have noticed an influx of posts, primarily targeted to Facebook Buy and Sell groups, of missing pets, children and wandering seniors, with the intent … Read more

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