Olivia and Ellie steal the show at 4-H on Parade

Cochrane’s Olivia Britton and her two-year-old Newfoundland dog Ellie are walking away with big wins and even bigger smiles after an amazing showing in the Showmanship category at the 4-H on Parade competition.

“I didn’t think we’d get first in our first show,” says Olivia. “There were so many other dogs, and I was just waiting when they announced second place. Then they called our names for first. It was pretty cool.”

The pair won Supreme Showmanship, a title earned by the top competitors from across junior, intermediate and senior divisions.

The SLS Centre is set to launch a licensed Out of School Care program

Big news for Cochrane families — the SLS Centre is set to launch a licensed Out of School Care program in September 2025 for children ages 6 to 12.

With space for up to 40 kids, the program runs after school Monday to Friday and features art, STEM, outdoor play, and more — all focused on holistic development.

Registration opens June 10 through the ACTIVENet portal and will be done by lottery due to high demand.


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Protests at G7 summit in Alberta set to be largely peaceful, targeting Trump policies

Protests during the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alta., may be starkly different than demonstrations happening this week against immigration crackdowns in the United States.

A University of Toronto research group that has been monitoring the meetings of world leaders since 1998 says its analysis shows Canadian protests are more peaceful and smaller.

But similar to the recent demonstrations in Los Angeles, they're likely to be against the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

More surgeries performed but wait times still longer than before pandemic, study says

The Canadian Institute for Health Information says more surgeries are being performed than before the pandemic — but wait times have still grown longer. 

The report released Thursday looked at wait times for hip and knee replacements, cataract procedures, cancer surgeries, MRIs and CT scans in 2019 and in 2024.

Cochrane tattoo shop gets a brew-tiful surprise

The machines were buzzing, the ink was flowing, and the team at Sink or Swim Tattoo Co. was all smiles after being surprised with the McCafé Coffee Break.

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

"They are the nicest group of people ever! They all work so hard! I think they all could use a little coffee break!"

Kananaskis access tightens ahead of G7 Summit

As preparations continue for the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit, the RCMP Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) is advising residents and visitors in the Kananaskis area to stay informed and plan ahead, with heightened security measures now in effect.

A Controlled Access Zone (CAZ) has been established around key summit venues and will remain in place until June 18. Only authorized personnel, local residents, and businesses will be permitted to enter, and delays should be expected. The public is encouraged to avoid the area where possible.

Bold bear behaviour shuts down Banff picnic area

Parks Canada has closed the Mount Coleman picnic area in the northern part of Banff National Park due to a bear exhibiting "bold behaviour" and actively seeking human food.

The day-use site, located along Highway 93 North, also known as the Icefields Parkway, was closed on June 10 and will remain off-limits until further notice.

Officials have not confirmed whether the bear is a grizzly or black bear.


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Emotions run high ahead of tonight's SLS Centre public hearing

A flurry of meetings, briefings and updates has led up to tonight's non-statutory public hearing on YMCA Calgary’s proposed operational takeover of the SLS Centre.

The meeting, set for 5:30 p.m., comes amid rising tensions, largely fuelled by concerns raised by the Cochrane Curling Club (CCC) about the future of the On The Rocks lounge and whether the YMCA’s model is the right fit for the multi-use recreational facility.