Cochrane

The Rizz remain unbeaten as they head into the Alberta Premier Women’s League semifinals this weekend.

Backed by several members of the Bow Valley Rugby Club, the Rizz will take on the Nor’Westers on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Calgary Rugby Union. The winner advances to the provincial championship.

The Rizz have dominated the regular season and are looking to keep their perfect record intact en route to a title run.

The Bow Valley players joined forces with the Calgary Rams to form the premier league team.

Years of hard work have paid off for a group of Cochrane athletes heading to St. John's, Newfoundland to compete in the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

Boosting more than 4,800 participants,  the opening ceremony takes place today, kicking off two weeks of competition in 19 different sports featuring athletes from all 13 provinces and territories. Team Alberta has a contingent of 484 athletes and support staff.

Cochrane's Ryan Hegarity, Elise Hagen, and Jett Hasiuk are competing in track and field. Esther Sieben is part of Alberta's athletics coaching staff.

A long-standing local fundraiser with a global connection returns to the Cochrane Farmers’ Market this Saturday, as Saffron Collective Studios once again hosts the annual Empty Bowls event in support of the Cochrane Food Bank.

Now in its second decade, the initiative combines art and community giving. Studio members craft handmade bowls, mugs, and other pottery items throughout the year using recycled clay from classes and membership projects. This Saturday, about 150 unique pieces will be available for purchase at the market.

Métis leaders left a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday saying they're confident they will be included in talks about major projects Ottawa hopes to use to bolster the economy in the face of a trade war with the United States.

"When things really matter, Métis governments come together and we get the work done," said Métis Nation of Ontario president Margaret Froh.

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs says it's time for Ottawa to stop studying the idea of a national forest fire co-ordination agency and take action.

The organization's president wants the federal government to take inspiration from the U.S. Fire Administration to establish a similar office in Canada.

The U.S. office is part of Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, but Ken McMullen says a Canadian version could be simpler and less costly.

The Town of Cochrane has issued a warning after a black bear was spotted on the trail behind the RancheHouse yesterday morning (Aug. 7).

Town officials say Alberta Fish and Wildlife has been notified and are urging residents to stay alert and take precautions in the area.

The town is reinforcing BearSmart practices to help prevent conflicts with wildlife.

Top safety tips include:

• Putting waste carts out only on the morning of collection

• Removing food attractants such as bird feeders, pet waste and fallen fruit

What began as a 200-kilometre walk to raise funds for medical supplies in Ukraine has grown into a powerful campaign of hope and solidarity — and a reminder that the need remains as urgent as ever.

Oleksandr Kyyanytsya’s Gift of Walking from Calgary to Banff has now raised over $25,000 for Ukrainian hospitals, far exceeding the original goal of $20,000. Organizers have since raised the target to $30,000 by the end of August — and donations continue to come in.

But while the generosity has been heartening, the need on the ground in Ukraine has only intensified.

 Town councillor Patrick Wilson is seeking a third term this fall, with a renewed focus on what he calls the most pressing issue facing Cochrane: ensuring growth pays for itself.

Wilson, who first ran in 2017 citing concerns over traffic, fiscal responsibility, and what he viewed as excessive legislation, says he still has “unfinished business” and plans to continue pushing for reform in how the town approaches development.

The Rocky View Regional Handibus Society is celebrating its 45th anniversary this Friday with an open house at its main depot in Airdrie. 

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 33 East Lake Way N.E., with a brief presentation scheduled for 1 p.m. Visitors can learn more about the organization while enjoying refreshments, tacos from a food truck, and a slice of anniversary cake.

Police have identified the remains of a Calgary man who disappeared 2 1/2 years ago and are investigating his death as a homicide.

The remains were discovered in May 2024 at an undisclosed location outside Calgary.

Robert Stanley Mainland was last seen in January 2023 at a 7-Eleven convenience store.

He was 65 at the time of his disappearance and had lived in the same northeast Calgary neighbourhood for over 40 years.

Police say they believe Mainland was the victim of foul play.