Interim budget adopted with proposed 2.25 percent tax increase

By Rob VogtClaresholm town council has approved the Town of Claresholm’s 2024 interim operating budget with a projected 2.25-percent increase in taxes.At its Dec. 11 meeting, council reviewed the interim budget, after a report from administration.Part of that report states council has kept tax rate increases below inflation for a number of years, especially in the last two, mindful of … Read more

‘A’ boys take second in Barnwell basketball tournament

By Rob VogtThe Willow Creek Composite High School junior high “A” boys’ basketball team continued their streak of top-two finishes in tournament play, taking second place at a tournament on the weekend.The Cobras travelled to Barnwell on Dec. 15 and 16 for a tournament that is always competitive.This year was more of the same as the Cobras had three great … Read more

Province commissions study to help manage water supply

By Rob VogtThe provincial government is commissioning a study on drought to help the province manage Alberta’s water supply.On Dec. 1, Alberta Environment and Protected areas issued a release stating they have issued a request for proposal to enhance drought modelling and help the province prepare for 2024.It was noted Alberta relies on melting snow and rain for most of … Read more

Schools getting into Christmas spirit with concerts

By Rob VogtSchools in Claresholm, Stavely and Granum have been working hard the last few weeks getting ready for their annual Christmas concerts.In Claresholm, West Meadow Elementary School will be hosting their Winter Wonderland Holiday Concert on Thursday, Dec. 21.In order to accommodate everyone who wants to come, there will be two concerts – one at 10 a.m., for families … Read more

‘A’ boys win Fort Macleod tournament

By Rob VogtIt was the second straight tournament championship for the Willow Creek Composite High School junior high “A” boys’ basketball team.After winning a tournament in Pincher Creek last weekend, the Cobras travelled to F.P. Walshe School in Fort Macleod on Dec. 8 and 9, where they won the championship there too.In their first game, against F.P. Walshe, they had … Read more

Three-digit suicide crisis helpline launched

By Rob VogtPeople in crisis, have a new three digit number to call if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts – 9-8-8.On Nov. 30, the federal government announced it is taking an important step to provide suicide prevention support for people who need it, when they need it most.9-8-8, Canada’s new three-digit suicide crisis helpline, is now available to call or … Read more

Museum opens new exhibit of dolls

By Rob VogtLooking back, for many children dolls are their “Cherished Childhood Friends”.On Dec. 1, the Claresholm and District Museum held an official opening for its brand new exhibit, a collection of more than 250 dolls from Gwendolen Toone, fittingly called, “Cherished Childhood Friends.”Members of the Toone family, including Gwendolen’s daughters Betty and Marie and son Bill, were on hand … Read more