‘Dead children and youth are not red tape’: Bill changes death investigation requirements

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A new bill aimed at cutting red tape will relax the requirement that Alberta’s Office of the Child and Youth Advocate investigate deaths of all youth who received government intervention services. On Feb. 26, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally tabled Bill 38, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, in the … Read more

Alberta Budget predicts Trump will soften on tariffs

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s 2025 Budget is planning for the impacts of U.S. tariffs to be far-reaching and to slow overall economic growth. But the economic outlook incorporated in the budget assumes tariffs on goods will be 15 per cent in the year ahead rather than the 25 per cent tariff threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. … Read more

Unemployment to rise and stay high, Alberta Budget forecasts

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s unemployment rate is expected to rise and stay high over the next two years. With Alberta adding nearly 63,000 new jobs in the closing months of 2024, the province’s unemployment rate fell to 6.7 per cent in January. But the economic forecast contained in Alberta’s 2025 Budget anticipates unemployment will peak at 7.4 … Read more

Women pack social centre to learn more about heart health

By Rob Vogt It was an evening to share information on heart health for women.Approximately 100 women turned out for the second annual Women and Heart Disease Information Night on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the Claresholm Social Centre.Organizer Mary Holgate opened the evening by welcoming everyone and sharing her own personal story.She discussed having a heart attack and how its … Read more

Local boy battling rare genetic disease

By Rob Vogt Ataxia-telangiectasia, or A-T, is a rare progressive, genetic disease that affects the nervous system, immune system, and other body systems.There are only 500 documented cases in North America, and three children in Alberta.Children with A-T are in wheelchairs by age10, and rarely survive into their 20s.Local teen Alex Olive was diagnosed with A-T in 2011.His mother Crystal … Read more

Session looks at de-cluttering home, life

By Rob Vogt It is something many people battle but have a tough time dealing with – clutter.On Wednesday, Feb. 19, approximately 14 people gathered at the Claresholm town office to hear Barb Cavers talk about de-cluttering your home and your life.The lunch and learn was put on by Claresholm and District Family and Community Support Services.She explained clutter is … Read more

Arena solar power project out for quote

By Mickey Dumont Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Town council is interested in reducing its power cost at the Claresholm Arena and is inviting quotes through a competitive bid process for the installation of a solar plant.The Town of Claresholm council voted unanimously at its Feb. 10 meeting to move ahead with the project that could save ratepayers a possible $3.5 … Read more