Cochrane

Rocky View Schools (RVS) has named Jeff Smith as the division’s new Associate Superintendent of Schools.

With more than 27 years of experience in Kindergarten to Grade 12 education, including 17 years with RVS, Smith brings a strong background in leadership and a deep commitment to student success. He has held various roles within the division, most recently serving as Director of Human Resources and Wellness, and stepping in as Acting Associate Superintendent of Human Resources when needed.

The McCafé Coffee Break made a special stop at Cochrane Emergency Training Services (CETS) today, bringing hot coffee and warm smiles to the dedicated team who spend their days teaching life-saving skills.

The team was nominated here and it was these kind words that won the entire team fresh coffee and cookies! 

“I had no idea how much I didn’t know until I took that class!” 

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Cochrane’s road crews have begun their spring pre-sweep to remove winter sanding materials and reduce gravel on the streets.

Once finished, you’ll be able to safely get back on your bike, rollerblades, skateboard, and more.

This week’s Adorable Adoptables are a fluffy double feature! Meet Mia and Lila, the chinchilla duo you didn’t know you needed in your life.

“They’re so cute. They are so fluffy,” says Robyn Roy, communications coordinator with the Cochrane & Area Humane Society. “Everybody touches them and they’re like, wow. So much hair, such small bodies.”

In a groundbreaking claim that has captured the attention of scientists and animal enthusiasts alike, the U.S.-based company Colossal Biosciences announced that it has successfully revived the extinct dire wolf through the science of de-extinction.  They are actually grey wolves with genetic edits intended to make them resemble the lost species. This announcement promises to return a species that vanished from Earth over 10,000 years ago to its rightful place in the ecosystem.

Cochrane’s parks and pathways are about to get a major spring refresh, as the Cochrane Community Clean Up returns on Saturday, May 3.

Running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event invites residents of all ages to help tidy up green spaces across town, while building community spirit in the process.

“This event is not just about cleaning up; it’s about fostering community spirit, environmental awareness, and making Cochrane a better place for everyone,” said Trish Kluane, Manager of Parks & Open Spaces.

Alberta is fundamentally changing how it funds hospital surgeries, but critics say the change won't improve the public system and will only accelerate more care in the privatized system.

Premier Danielle Smith announced Monday a new "activity-based" model is on the way, to be implemented for some surgeries in 2026. The model ties public funding to the number and type of procedures performed.

Smith said the program will drive costs down by fostering competition among public providers and those who perform publicly funded procedures in private clinics.

Alberta’s government is taking another step toward giving municipalities the option of ditching the RCMP in favour of a new provincial police service.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis says an independent Alberta service could step in to help address concerns he's heard about the Mounties' staffing shortages and rising costs.

If passed, a proposed bill would mean a new agency must operate under a Crown corporation that would be at arm's length from the government.

Requests for funding from the town’s Community Investment Operational Grant program will have to wait until a revised policy, framework and application process are finalized.

Most recently, the Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery joined the growing list of nonprofit organizations seeking funding through the program. The nonprofit is requesting $75,000 over three years—the same amount requested by Helping Hands. Sport 4 Life is seeking $100,000.

Athletes from Ippon Karate Dojo returned home to Cochrane with a string of podium finishes following standout performances at the Karate Canada National Championships, held April 3–6 at the Richmond (B.C.) Olympic Oval.

The tournament took on added significance for the dojo as it marks 20 years of fostering excellence in both traditional and competitive karate.