RCMP mark huge 2024 increase in Mental Health Act cases

By Mickey Dumont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Fort Macleod RCMP recorded an 89 per cent increase in cases under the federal Mental Health Act in 2024 over 2023. A five-year report submitted to MD of Willow Creek council reveals 149 cases in 2024 versus 79 in 2023. “In your Fort Macleod statistics on the Mental Health Act, compared to 2022, 2023, … Read more

Claresholm crime trending downwards

By Mickey Dumont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An RCMP report covering January to December 2020-’24 shows a 14 per cent increase in criminal activity in Claresholm, but just eight per cent in comparison to 2023. The report shows 484 total criminal code offences in 2020; 476 in 2021, 510 in 2022, 513 in 2023 and 553 in 2024 for the 14 … Read more

Chamber announces farewell to World’s Largest Dinosaur in 2029

By Lacie Nairn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A beloved figure in the community, Tyra the World’s Largest Dinosaur, is slated to go the way of the dinosaurs at the end of 2029. Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce announced during its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 26, that the World’s Largest Dinosaur, along with the Visitor Information Centre and gift … Read more

Claresholm council gets behind cancer fundraiser

By Mickey Dumont, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Town of Claresholm council has agreed to host the Texas 4000, arguably the world’s longest annual charity bike ride at 4,000 (6,437 kilometres) miles long, when it makes an overnight stop here on June 23. It will be Day 38 of 70 days on the road for the riders peddling from Austin, Texas … Read more

Alumni hockey tournament fills the stands once more

By Rob Vogt It was chance to renew friendships, relive old memories, and engage in some friendly competition on the ice, all while raising funds for several worthy community organizations.The second Claresholm Thunder Alumni hockey tournament took to the ice from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30 at Claresholm Arena.Opening ceremonies were held on Friday afternoon, emceed by Mike … Read more

New summer markets approved by Town on of Claresholm council

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A proposal for downtown open markets this summer was approved by the Town of Claresholm council.Question: How can the town improve downtown foot traffic, support local businesses, attract tourism, and generate funds for community events without placing a financial burden on small businesses.Answer: create a recurring downtown open market.A recent downtown business survey … Read more