Taxes to increase this year; one per cent municipal rate increase

By Rob Vogt Local Press WriterTaxes will go up for ratepayers in the Town of Claresholm with about a one percent increase in property taxes as well as increases to the education and lodge requisition which are not controlled by town council.At its April 25 meeting, town council passed first reading of its property tax rate bylaw.For non-residential properties, there … Read more

Van Langen named Claresholm 2022 junior citizen of the year

By Rob Vogt Local Press WriterDakota Van Langen, a student at Willow Creek Composite High School, is Claresholm’s 2021 junior citizen of the year.The award was presented at the Claresholm Volunteer Appreciation on April 26 at the Claresholm Community Centre by Tania Smeltzer, representing the company sponsoring the award, who read the nomination.“Dakota is one of the kindest, most thoughtful … Read more

Council supports expansion hockey team coming to town

By Rob Vogt Local Press WriterClaresholm town council has agreed to support Greater Metro Hockey League expansion into Claresholm for the 2022-23 season, with practices starting Sept. 15, 2022.At its April 25 meeting, council was updated on the situation by Chief Administrative Officer Abe Tinney.He explained the ad-hoc committee that was created to explore the possibility of an expansion team … Read more

Board upholds appeal; RV campground, brewery get go ahead

By Rob Vogt Local Press WriterThe Chinook Intermunicipal Subdivision and Appeal Board has upheld an appeal on an application for a campground, recreational vehicle park and micro-brewery bistro west of Claresholm, meaning the applicant can go ahead with the development as long as he abides by the conditions of approval.The board handed down its decision on April 19 after convening … Read more

Claresholm rider wins first-ever PBR event

By Rob Vogt Local Press WriterClaresholm Bullrider Griffin Smeltzer has won the first PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Event of his career.The 22-year-old cowboy travelled to Wichita, Kansas on April 23 for the event.Smeltzer turned in two rides out of two attempts in INTRUST Bank Arena, earning his first victory on the organization’s expansion series, winning the … Read more

Council receives clean audit, town in good financial shape

By Rob Vogt Local Press WriterThe Town of Claresholm has received a positive report on its audited financial statements and is in good financial condition.At its April 11 meeting, town council heard a presentation by Scott Banadyga of Gregory Harriman and Associates LLP who is the town’s auditor.“We’ve assigned a clean audit report,” Banadyga said. “The statements are fairly and appropriately … Read more

M.D. adopts 2022 operating, capital budgets

By Rob Vogt Local Press WriterThe council of the Municipal District of Willow Creek has adopted its 2022 operating budget of $15.4 million and capital budget of just over $10 million.The decision came at council’s April 13 meeting after a presentation by administration.It stated the total operating budget revenue is $15,447,885 with total operating budget expenditures of $15,401,276, generating a … Read more