Local News

At the start of a new term for the Four Winds Learning Centre in Punnichy, students and staff gathered for a celebration and traditional learnings revolving around a central feature of traditional indigenous life – the tipi. 

On Wednesday morning, September 18, everyone gathered under the ornate mural in the commons area of the Centre to listen to the teachings of Elder Ed Bitternose. The intent had been to erect a tipi on the grounds while Ed shared his knowledge, but a rainy morning put the construction on hold. 

Kerrobert joins the long list of west central communities getting access to the virtual physicians program.

In recent years, these communities have been hit hard by disruptions in healthcare services, primarily due to staffing shortages and a lack of available doctors. The strain on the healthcare system has become increasingly evident, with recently released documents revealing ongoing pay issues for doctors and other healthcare staff. These issues were highlighted after the second failed attempt to implement the AIMS (Administrative Information Management System) rollout.

An upcoming art tour is giving Winnipeggers an opportunity to get up close and personal with some local artists.

The 6th annual Harte Trail Studio Art Tour allows art enthusiasts to meet local artists in their personal space within their homes. 

On August 8, 2024, the Heeg family paid tribute to the memory of their parents, Art and Betty-Lou Heeg, by placing a memorial bench in front of the Leader Town Office and Library. The bench is a fitting tribute to two individuals who dedicated much of their lives to the Leader community.

Red Deerians are invited to pick up orange ribbons and tie them to a plant or tree in a place that holds significant meaning for them as a gesture of solidarity with the local Indigenous community, and an expression of grief for Canada and Red Deer’s residential school history.

A chunk of southwest conservation land has recently expanded by more than 1,000 hectares.

Nestled deep into the southwest corner of the province, Zen-Ridge was initially 195 hectares of grasslands, rolling hills, seasonal creeks and streams, and home to several at-risk species. 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada's program director for the southwest, Michael Burak, is thrilled with their recent purchase which now totals 1,235 hectares of protected flora and fauna near Consul.

A weather system from the west coast is the reason for the rain that’s fallen in Moose Jaw over the last couple of days. 

 “It drew up a lot of moisture from the south,” explained Dave Carlsen, meteorologist with Environment Canada. 

“This kind of setup is usually more typical of July, really, in the Prairies. But as it happens, we got a July setup in September.” 

After taking the summer off, the Backyard Friends Community Supper returned to the Lacombe Memorial Centre Wednesday night.

About 300 people attended the free supper, which is put on by volunteers with food donations provided by local businesses and organizations. The event is organized by the Lacombe & District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

The meal is a chance for local residents to connect with their neighbours and to meet new people.

The Backyard Friends Community Supper takes place at the LMC the third Wednesday of every month.

The City of Moose Jaw is adding another cleanup day to the calendar. 

After a successful spring cleanup held in May, the city is hosting a fall clean up on Oct. 5 for residents to pick up garbage and tidy up their respective areas of the city. 

The new no cell phone or mobile devices in classrooms across the province policy seems to be going well in the Foothills School Division.

The policy was implemented across all Alberta schools by a ministerial order by the Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides earlier this year.

It went into effect at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

FSD Superintendent Chris Fuzessy says while it's only been three weeks, it's been well received.