Cochrane

The RCMP is introducing a drone corridor along part of the Canada-U.S. border in an effort to boost security.

Drones are to patrol the border in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in what the RCMP says is a trial.

The force says the corridor has been established with help from Transport Canada and drone patrols will target illegal activity including smuggling and drug trafficking.

It says the corridor extends from the ground to 500 feet in the air and one nautical mile north of the border, or just under two kilometres.

The Cochrane Ecological Institute (CEI) is inviting the community to a family-focused wildlife awareness event on Sunday, Aug. 17, at Mitford Park.

This casual drop-in event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will offer plenty of information.

Held in partnership with the Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA), the event aims to educate residents about the important wildlife corridor that runs through Cochrane and the surrounding area, as well as the local and migratory species that inhabit it.

Cochrane Endurance Project athlete Eddie MacMillan was the top Alberta competitor in both of his U16 events at the Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships.

MacMillan finished fifth in the 2,000 metres with a time of 5:57.35. He placed sixth in the 1,200 metres with a time of 3:17.20.

Cochrane’s Culture Fest is getting bigger and bolder in 2025, moving to the Spray Lake Sawmills Centre to accommodate a growing crowd and an expanding roster of cultural displays and performances.

The annual celebration, hosted by the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC), takes place Sept. 6 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and is free to attend. Organizers expect 25 cultural groups and up to 14 performances this year, ranging from music and dance to storytelling.

Potters of the Saffron Studio helped stock the Cochrane Food Bank through its annual Empty Bowls event on Aug. 9 at the Cochrane Farmers’ Market.

For over 10 years, the event has been held as part of a global initiative that combines art and community giving. Studio members crafted about 150 handmade bowls, mugs and other pottery items for the sale, which drew a steady crowd until closing. The event raised $2,860 for the food bank.

Albertans can begin pre-ordering COVID-19 shots for the fall after a recent policy shift.

Those looking to get vaccinated will still need to book an appointment and most will have to pay more than $100 to get it.

Premier Danielle Smith's government announced the policy shift in June.

Smith has said $135 million got "flushed down the drain" last year, with doses wasted in part because Albertans are increasingly choosing to not get them.

Livestock farms often need to use their land carefully in order to get the best results for their animals, which is why the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment is sharing some tips on good grazing practices. Trevor Lennox, a Range Management Extension Specialist, talks about one of the biggest potential mistakes a farm operation can make: overgrazing.

WestJet says some personal data including information about travel documents such as passports was stolen in a cyberattack earlier this year, but credit and debit card numbers as well as user passwords were not compromised.

In a note to customers, WestJet says the personal information taken varies from person to person but may include name, date of birth, e‑mail address, mailing address, phone number, gender and recent travel booking history including travel booking numbers.

The Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network (FRN) is gearing up to welcome families to its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, August 23. 

The event will offer a free, interactive experience aimed at preparing students and families for a successful school year.

Cochrane’s radio station 91.5 CochraneNow donated $3,200 to each of the local high schools to support their band programs.

The funding comes through Golden West Broadcasting’s Canadian Content Development (CCD) grants.

Each year, the radio station takes pride in giving back to the community.