Carstairs

A recent report by the Canada Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) has given the Alberta government a D- for its efforts in protecting the province’s land and water.

The D- is an upgrade from the F it received from CPAWS back in 2021.

According to the reports, the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario received the lowest grades, ranging from D- to F.

Four Chinook’s Edge students have qualified for the Skills Alberta Provincial competitions in May after earning top placements at recent regional events in Red Deer and Calgary.

According to Chinook's Edge, the four students who qualified for the provincials include:

On Wednesday, Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) named Chris Adamson as the new Associate Superintendent of Learning Services.

Adamson will assume the role in August 2025.

“Chris is highly regarded in his current and previous roles as a skilled educator and leader who has developed high levels of trust with students, parents, and staff as well as school and division administrators,” says Kurt Sacher, Superintendent of Chinook’s Edge School Division. “We appreciate Chris’ deep commitment to instructional leadership, professional learning, and system-wide improvement.”

École Olds High School (EOHS) students are happy with the success of the Horizons Leadership Conference they helped to host on March 6.

Chinook's Edge School Division explained close to 150 students attended the one-day event from several Chinook’s Edge schools and from neighbouring school divisions.

According to the Horizons website, the conference is designed to motivate, inspire, and inform participants about making their school a better place to live and learn.

A woman from Carstairs has been sentenced to five years in prison after attempting to arrange the murder of her husband through an undercover police officer.

Related Stories:

• Carstairs senior arrested in alleged murder-for-hire plot

Audra Lynne Symbalisty, 60, was arrested in February 2024 after offering $5,000 to someone she believed was a hitman.

Chinook's Edge School Division administrators had the opportunity to meet and hear from incoming Superintendent Ryan Sawula during their regular meeting on March 12.

Present Superintendent Kurt Sacher urged those at the meeting to adopt a positive outlook on transition and informed the audience that he has been impressed with Sawula thus far. He believes that under Sawula's direction, the division will continue to do a fantastic job.

Neighbouring school division to the north of Rocky View Schools, Chinook’s Edge School Division Board of Trustees, have approved their 2026-2029 Capital Plan.

The plan prioritizes school construction and renovation projects based on demographics, projected community growth, facility utilization rates, and overall building conditions.

"The plan is submitted to Alberta Infrastructure for consideration," stated the school division.

According to Chinook's Edge, the Capital Plan includes the following priorities, which would affect Airdrie's neighbouring communities:

A 59-year-old Carstairs man faces multiple charges following an RCMP investigation that uncovered a butane extraction lab, firearms, and illicit drugs.

On Oct. 16, 2024, Didsbury RCMP initiated an investigation after information was received that suspects were using a butane extractor and were in possession of multiple controlled substances. Didsbury RCMP requested assistance from the Airdrie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU).

The town of Crossfield is making a strong push for a $250,000 arena upgrade and the chance to host an NHL game as part of Kraft Hockeyville’s national competition.

Jennifer Watson, president of the Crossfield Skating Club, said the bid is about more than just renovations; it’s about creating lasting memories for local youth.

“Our arena needs upgrades, and this competition not only provides funding but also the opportunity to bring an NHL game to our community, that would be monumental for the kids, real core memory building.”

At their meeting on February 4, the trustees of Chinook's Edge School Board discussed the spring budget process and created tools to help newly elected trustees succeed.

The Chinook’s Edge Board of Trustees reviewed an annual report outlining the division’s preparations for the upcoming spring budgeting process.

"The division has designed its process to prioritize fairness and transparency in the way resources are allocated. The Board supports the process," stated Chinook's Edge.