Albertans seek legitimate and effective ways to support Jasper residents

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Thousands of Albertans emotionally tied to a unique mountain town are looking for ways to help in its time of need. But as the embers and blackened building frames still smouldered in Jasper, population 4,600, avenues of support weren’t necessarily easy to find or navigate. Maps and Google before them, Patti Smith and her … Read more

RCMP from across Alberta head to Jasper for disaster response

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter RCMP from across Alberta are being pulled into the Jasper region to help with the ongoing disaster response. Officers started arriving on July 22 when out-of-control wildfires pushed dangerously close to the town, helping direct traffic as 25,000 residents and tourists fled the area, and conducting door-to-door checks for people left behind. Now the … Read more

Parks Canada CEO tells Jasper ‘your community is our community’ as blaze continues to burn

By Cathy Ellis – The Jasper Fitzhugh JASPER – The president and chief executive officer of Parks Canada says the out-of-control wildfire is still burning in the Jasper townsite despite what he says has been “ongoing determined and courageous collective efforts of all partners involved.” “It is with heavy hearts that we report that this aggressive and fast-moving fire continues … Read more

Skatepark finished and already receiving good use

By Rob VogtThe weather may be reaching record temperatures but it wasn’t too hot for skaters and bikers on Friday.That was the day the Claresholm Skatepark officially opened to the public.The new facility, located south of the town office at 111 – 55th Avenue West, covers 7,300 square feet, and cost $467,671.50, up from the original estimate of about $300,000.Lisa … Read more

Trades touted as solid rural paths to rewarding Alberta careers

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Opportunity knocks — right now — for rural Albertans willing to embark on trades and technology careers, Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney said recently.  And the kicker is that those who choose apprenticeship, certificate or diploma programs won’t necessarily be forced to leave behind their home communities for the bright lights of Calgary or … Read more

Who are the Hells Angels, Lethbridge’s newest gang?

By Justin Sibbet, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It has recently become common knowledge the Hells Angels have arrived in Lethbridge, bringing mixed reviews along with them. Some on social media have said they are eager to see the outlaw biker gang on the streets of the city, but others have shared a less positive outlook. Mike Tucker, a spokesperson for ALERT, … Read more

Police warn about phishing scams

By Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A new phishing scam of fake missing person posts are circling around social media, and Lethbridge police are urging the public to verify information on the internet before sharing. Police have noticed an influx of posts, primarily targeted to Facebook Buy and Sell groups, of missing pets, children and wandering seniors, with the intent … Read more