Cochrane

The Town of Cochrane has issued a fire advisory as dry conditions continue to raise the risk of wildfires in the area.

The advisory took effect at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 27, placing the community under moderate fire danger. Officials warn the situation could escalate quickly, with the possibility of a fire ban if conditions worsen.

Open fires are still permitted, but residents are being urged to use extra caution. Fire Services recommends soaking areas around backyard fire pits and being mindful of wind and weather.

Canada changed its BSE surveillance after lower global incidence of ‘mad cow disease’ led to international standards shift

Canada’s agency for food safety is encouraged with cattle industry response to a new, more farmer-friendly approach to BSE surveillance.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) updated national bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance program — put in place earlier this year to meet new international standards — has received 152 samples of risk material as of Aug. 11, it recently said.

Massive storm in southeastern Alberta causes significant damage to crops and reported deaths of livestock

The numbers are still coming in for the cost of the damage caused by a huge hail storm that hit various areas of Alberta Aug. 20.

The storm ripped its way through vast swaths of land from Cayley, Milo and Brooks to the Saskatchewan border, as well as Camrose to the Viking, Edberg, Sedgewick, and Hughenden areas.

Manitoba Agriculture released its latest weekly crop report on Tuesday, offering a snapshot of harvest progress and crop conditions across the province. Cereal crop specialist Anne Kirk, who is compiling the reports this month, says harvest operations are moving forward despite recent weather challenges.

Former Cochrane Generals head coach Evan McFeeters has landed a major step in his coaching career, joining the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins as their new roving minor league coach.

The Penguins announced Tuesday that McFeeters will work within the organization’s player development department, supporting the Penguins’ American Hockey League affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and their ECHL club in Wheeling. He’ll also work closely with the team’s development staff to help prospects grow both on and off the ice.

The 2nd Annual Bill Jensen Memorial Golf Event is proving that one man’s legacy can continue to save lives.

Bill’s organ donation inspired his three sons—Xander, Mitch, and Chris—to launch the event last year. They were pleased to see strong interest again this year in their effort to raise funds and awareness for the lives saved by organ donors.

Forty-five golfers teed off at the Links of Gleneagles, with 60 attended the dinner which followed.

Sundre RCMP had asked for the public’s help in locating a missing 12-year-old boy.

He had last been seen on Tuesday evening, leaving his home near 5 Avenue SW around 6 p.m. on August 26 while riding a black and orange mountain bicycle.

Police and community members searched the area, with Sundre Search and Rescue and the boy’s family joining the efforts.

Authorities had also asked residents to check their backyards, sheds, and businesses for any signs of him or his bicycle.

RCMP have since confirmed the boy was found safe.

Cochrane will celebrate a special moment in its history next month with the re-dedication of the Men of Vision statue.

The statue was vandalized last year, with cuts made to the legs of the horse, and repairs cost an estimated $25,000 to $30,000.

The re-dedication will feature the unveiling of the restored statue, a new commemorative plaque honouring the town’s roots, and a family-friendly celebration with cupcakes.

Cochranites continue to face soaring temperatures during a week-long heatwave.

Daytime highs are expected to range between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius, with overnight lows varying from 10 to 16 degrees depending on location.

Temperatures are expected to ease early next week.

The wildfire danger has climbed to high in Kananaskis Country and Canmore, while Banff National Park remains at extreme.

The Calgary Forest Area (CFA) updated its rating this week due to hot, dry conditions and no rain in the forecast. Officials warn wildfires can ignite and spread quickly, urging people to use extra caution outdoors.