Extreme cold causes school closure, electricity shortage

By Rob VogtAs temperatures dropped to minus-35 degrees Celsius and colder, they not only caused people to plug in their vehicles, dress in layers and take other precautions, they caused the closure of schools and a call by the provincial government to conserve electricity.On Jan. 11, the Livingstone Range School Division announced that due to the extreme cold weather and … Read more

M.D. advised about drought planning

By Rob VogtAlthough recent snowfall is a welcome relief, planning is underway throughout Alberta for the drought that is coming in the spring.At its Jan. 10 meeting, the council reviewed a letter from Rebecca Schulze, minister of Environment and Protected Areas, about the water situation in the province.“Alberta is currently in a significant drought,“ Schulze wrote. “During summer 2023, several … Read more

Council zones annexed lands on west boundary

By Rob VogtClaresholm town council has zoned land recently annexed on the western boundary of town to agricultural/transitional.At its Jan. 8 meeting, council held a public hearing in order to gather any feedback on the proposed zoning.Abe Tinney, the town’s chief administrative officer, explained the zoning is part of the process of the town annexing three quarter sections on its … Read more

Police conducting Operation Cold Start as temperatures drop

By Rob VogtThe RCMP are urging people to take the necessary precautions when they are warming up their vehicles as winter truly sets in.As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, the Alberta RCMP will once again be partnering with law enforcement partners across the province for Operation Cold Start.Operation Cold Start is designed to work with the public … Read more

M.D. to invite Child Care Society to discuss funding

By Rob VogtThe Municipal District of Willow Creek willinvite the Claresholm Child Care Society to appear as a delegation at council to discuss a fundingrequest to help finish their new playground.At its Dec. 13 meeting, council reviewed a letter from the society explaining the daycare program has been in service since Feb. 29, 1988. They are the only licensed day care … Read more

Town council approves 2024 capital budget

By Rob VogtClaresholm town council has approved a capital budget that will include about $4.3 million in spending on equipment and infrastructure for the next year.At its Dec. 11 meeting, Abe Tinney, the town’s chief administrative officer, and Jace McLean, the town’s director of infrastructure, presented the capital budget for approval.A summary of projects and funding sources is:• Bobcat replacement … Read more

Council updated on activities of Claresholm RCMP

By Rob VogtClaresholm town council was recently updated on the activities of the Claresholm RCMP by the detachment’s new commanding officer.Sergeant Perry Pelletier appeared as a delegation at council’s Dec. 11 meeting to present the detachment’s quarterly report.He started by discussing staffing.The detachment is allocated seven positions – one sergeant; one corporal; and five constables.Currently they have an acting corporal … Read more