By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter From victim services to hockey rinks to libraries to municipal committees, volunteers keep many organizations and services in rural Alberta up and running. Plummeting numbers of volunteers, however, have led to a crisis that threatens the sustainability of rural communities. Volunteer rates are declining across Canada. According to a report from Volunteer Canada, 65 … Read more…
By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Government of Alberta says it has an obligation to some coal companies to allow open-pit mining despite the practice being banned under the province’s new coal policy, but these “contractual relationships” aren’t quite formal contracts. When Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean announced details of the province’s coal industry “modernization” initiative on Dec. … Read more…
By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A Town of Claresholm draft operating and capital budget for 2025 proposes a 6.045 percent tax increase.“This is an interim budget to allow the town to continue to operate into the new year,” said Jennifer Place, town director of corporate services, in introducing the financial document at the Dec. 9, town council meeting.“The … Read more…
By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Chief Kelly Starling’s career to date has seen him fill a lot of big shoes and boots when necessary.In his younger days he was putting out fires around High River, to lighting fires on the bench of Claresholm high school football players. Now, in February 2025, Starling is again to polish his shoes … Read more…
By Rob Vogt The Willow Creek Composite High School junior varsity boys’ basketball team opened their home schedule with a win last week.The Cobras hosted the Coaldale Christian Titans on Monday, Dec. 9, winning by a score of 69-57.Claresholm led 30-15 after one quarter, trailed 41-39 at the half, and led 61-48 after three quarters.Scoring for the Cobras were Briggs … Read more…
By Rob Vogt The provincial government has introduced a new regulation governing renewable energy projects to take into account agricultural land and viewscapes.The province announced on Dec. 6 that new regulations for renewable energy will ensure Alberta’s environment, agricultural land and iconic viewscapes are conserved for generations to come.It explained Alberta is known around the world for many things – … Read more…