Alberta government declares early start to wildfire season

2/20/24By: Scott Hayes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Wildfire season has begun 10 days earlier than usual following an announcement form the Alberta government on Tuesday afternoon. “The first priority of Alberta’s government will always be to ensure Albertans and their communities stay safe,” said Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen during the press conference. “Although last year’s wildfire season … Read more

Alberta creates grant funding for community justice organizations

2/15/24By: John Watson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Government of Alberta is investing $1.2 million into creating one-time grant availability for organizations supporting alternatives to the formal court system.  Via release, it is detailed the Alberta Community Justice Grant is geared to increasing access to justice within a community setting that is proactive, culturally sensitive, trauma informed, and tailored to … Read more

Personal health-care connection motivates MLA in frontline visits and conversations

2/14/24By: George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Calling it an issue that’s “near and dear to my heart,” Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic said she’s digging deep into the health-care needs of her riding as a new delivery system takes shape in Alberta. Petrovic said she’s speaking with frontline workers and touring health-care facilities to get as complete a picture as … Read more

Help available for ranchers affected by drought, increased hay prices

2/14/24By: Emily Plihal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Ranchers in areas of Alberta that have been affected by the drought and increased hay prices may qualify for an assistance program created to offset costs associated with breeding herds. “Both the provincial and federal governments saw the challenges ranchers were facing with the drought,” says AFSC Livestock Price Insurance Product owner Brenda … Read more

Local man sentenced for role in bomb incidents last March

By Rob VogtA Claresholm men has been sentenced in connection with recent bomb incidents.The RCMP issued a release stating that on Jan. 31, 2024 Michael John Wynia appeared in Lethbridge Provincial Court for sentencing on his matters relating to the incidents that occurred in Claresholm between March 6, 2023, and March 25, 2023.Wynia was facing a total of 13 charges … Read more

Under-11 Thunder stage stirring comeback at home game

By Rob VogtIt was do or die time for the Claresholm Under-11 Thunder hockey team.Trailing 5-4 with time ebbing away, and Claresholm beginning to press, Thunder player Kyden Vandervalk grabbed a loose puck and began to pull away from his Cremona checkers.As he looked to turn a partial breakaway into a full-fledged shot on goal, he was hauled down by … Read more

Toxic drug alert issued by B.C.’s Interior Health

By Dave LuenebergShootin’ the Breeze Reporter | Local Journalism Initiative ___________________________________________ British Columbia’s Interior Health Authority is worried that a dangerous form of down hasmade its way into the East Kootenay and, possibly, Alberta. Also sold as dope or fentanyl, the pinkish-purple chunks contain extremely high concentrations of fentanyl and benzodiazepine.According to a statement from IH, there is a high … Read more