Grizz the first to raise new Country Cup

The Bow Valley Grizzlies have become the first team to raise the newly created Country Cup in Division 2 men's rugby—and now face the challenge of trying to keep it.

On July 19, the Grizzlies overpowered the Foothills Lions in the second half en route to a 37-14 victory.

Grizzlies head coach Ty Hawes said the Lions came out strong and shut down Bow Valley’s passing game until a late first-half try gave his side a narrow lead.

FPT Agriculture Ministers agree to AgriStability enhancements for 2025

The ongoing fire situation in Manitoba, resulted in the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Agriculture Ministers meeting virtually last week.

They discussed a number of issues, from the weather impacts to international trade, improving interprovincial trade opportunities, and enhancements to AgriStability.

For the 2025 program year only, they agreed to increase the AgriStability compensation rate from 80 per cent to 90 per cent and increased the maximum payment limit from $3 million to $6 million. 

Rein in the crown: Cochrane Rodeo Queen search begins

The search is on for the next young woman to wear the crown and serve as the face of the Cochrane Lions Rodeo.

Applications are now open for the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Queen program, which selects a local ambassador each Labour Day weekend to represent the Cochrane Lions Club, the town of Cochrane, and its iconic September long weekend rodeo.

The titleholder attends more than 60 events throughout the year, from parades and fundraisers to rodeos across Alberta and beyond.

Beamer Wigley turns up the volume in Alberta

Beamer Wigley has been chasing the country music dream since he was seven years old, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

“I’ve been playing my entire life,” says the singer-songwriter. “We play a lot of high-energy country music and I try to play guitar like Keith Urban.”

Originally from British Columbia, Wigley recently made the move to Alberta, a decision that felt like coming home.

“Most of my connections and a lot of the people I’ve loved so dearly in the industry have all been in Alberta,” he says.

From Bucket List to Glory: Tsang reveals her pie-eating secret

Bucket lists. Many people have them, but not many include entering a pie-eating contest.

But Jessica Tsang did—and her first crack at downing as much blueberry pie as she could in 30 seconds landed her the top prize during Bragg Creek Days.

This was no willy-nilly effort. She came in with a strategy and even surprised herself by besting the 17 other contestants.

Rage, Silvertips bounced from playoffs

The Rocky View Rage's season has come to an end.

The Jr. B Tier 2 squad was eliminated in the first round of playoffs after a tough season on the floor.

The Calgary Axemen used home-floor advantage to their full benefit, taking Game 1 with a 13-3 win on July 17, then clinching the series with a 14-7 victory on July 19.


RELATED STORY

Alberta brings home Football Canada Cup ending 18-year drought

The 2025 U18 Team Alberta will be remembered as the “Comeback Kings” after rallying for a second straight playoff game to capture their first national championship since 2007.

It took 18 years, but Alberta has finally added another Football Canada Cup title to its previous wins in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2007.

Trade top of mind as Canada's premiers are set to hold three-day meeting in Ontario

Tariffs and trade are top of the agenda as the country's premiers arrive in Ontario's cottage country for a three-day meeting that comes at a pivotal time for both Canada-U.S. and domestic relations.

The premiers' summer gathering in Muskoka will also feature a Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, as trade talks with the United States are expected to intensify.

'Full box of emotions': Rebuild progress slow in Jasper one year after wildfire

After 45 years in their Jasper home, it took mere minutes for Wes Bradford's quaint mountain abode to burn to a pile of ash.

A year later, he and his wife are itching to rebuild. They've hired a contractor and designer, and their insurance will cover the expected $1-million price tag. But they can't start yet — not until their empty lot, currently a flat mound of dirt, has been declared contaminant-free.

"We're up against the wall," says Bradford, after meeting their builder in Jasper the day before.