Prairie Post (East Edition)
Ratepayers look for answers at RM council meeting about Monette Farms permit
Ratepayers attending a R.M. of Lac Pelletier No. 107 council meeting were looking for answers and asking their elected representatives to be more transparent about decisions taken about a Monette Farms winter-only intensive livestock operation...
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Mechanical failure determined as source of Taber arena explosion
The explosion which ripped through the Taber Community Centre on Dec. 17, 2025, causing extensive damage to two arenas and the curling rink is not being attributed to human error. During a press conference in Taber on Jan. 7, town officials released...
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Land stewardship a core value for Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers
Their deep farming roots and a strong sense of land stewardship based on their faith have guided Brady and Lindsay Funk of Braylin Acres Ltd at Wymark on their journey of innovation to develop the largest sub-surface drip irrigation project in...
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Healthcare Foundation announces new scholarship program for nursing students in SW Sask.
A new scholarship program in support of the training of registered nurses (RNs) will benefit communities across southwest Saskatchewan. The Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation announced the Southwest Nursing Commitment Scholarship during a...
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Explosion rocks Taber Community Centre
While there were no injuries when a large explosion rocked the interior of the Taber Community Centre on Dec. 17 , pure luck appears to have been a significant factor in that positive outcome. At approximately 4 p.m. on Dec. 17, an explosion occurred...
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Highway 3 twinning project progress update is positive
The Highway 3 Twinning Project continues to move forward, expanding capacity, improving safety, and supporting long-term economic growth across Southern Alberta. This phase includes twinning 54 kilometres of highway between Taber and Burdett, as well...
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Coaldale Public Library honoured with minister’s award for excellence in public library services
The Coaldale Public Library is being recognized for its Skate Library and the positive impact it continues to have, as it enters its second season. The Skate Library was recently awarded the Minister of Municipal Affairs Award for Municipal and Public...
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Chinook facilities report gives update on maintenance of school buildings
A coordinated maintenance program along with funding received from the Preventative Maintenance and Repair (PMR) program make it possible for the Chinook School Division to achieve maintenance standards for school facilities. Details about the work of...
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New business venture in Shaunavon swings into action
A new venture in Shaunavon combines two Saskatchewan passions, golf and socializing, with a touch of modern technology. Dyson Stevenson and Darryl Rhodes recently opened Vanner’s Clubhouse, featuring a pair of golf simulators in the upstairs area of...
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Gov’t of Alberta looks to raise provincial highway speed limits, seeks public feedback
The provincial government is inviting residents to share thoughts on speed limit increases on select highways. Starting Nov. 14, Albertans can take an online survey regarding speed limits on divided highways. The survey will run until Dec. 12 and asks...
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Shaunavon program offers support and services for women entrepreneurs
The concept of women in Canada taking control of their financial futures, particularly in business, is a relatively recent development - and one that cannot be taken for granted. It wasn’t until 1974, with the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity...
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Women finding strength in Shaunavon through cancer support group
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Support for breast cancer patients and survivors comes in many forms: family, friends, health care professionals, community, and fellow survivors. A local Breast Cancer Support Group meets regularly in...
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R.M. of Swift Current volunteer firefighter receives provincial award
A passion to help others and make a difference has earned R.M. of Swift Current firefighter Joni Hofer recognition from her peers. She is the recipient of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters Association (SVFFA) and Fort Garry Fire Trucks 2025...
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Terrify yourself for a great cause at Glass House Haunting in Redcliff
The Redcliff Youth Centre’s Glass House Haunting has returned after a year away to bring a Halloween thrill to anyone brave enough to enter. In partnership with the Medicine Hat Kinsmen Club, the beloved haunted house attraction has returned to the...
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New conservation project strengthens stewardship legacy in the Cypress Uplands
There is exciting nature news in southwest Saskatchewan where a key conserved area for wildlife movement is growing. On Oct. 15, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced a newly conserved Upper Bone Creek property, in the heart of the Cypress...
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Court adjourns case against Richmound resident Ricky Manz for a month
The owner of the former school building in the village of Richmound that was used as a compound by a cult group has received an adjournment of his case for a month. The legal counsel for Ricky Manz made a brief court appearance by video link on his...
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Sask. NDP criticizes service disruption at Herbert healthcare facility
An ongoing service disruption at the Herbert and District Integrated Health Facility has been criticized by the Opposition Saskatchewan NDP as another example of the failure of healthcare under the Saskatchewan Party provincial government. Keith...
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Richmound supporter of cult leader receives bail with strict conditions
A supporter of the cult leader Romana Didulo has been released from custody on strict bail conditions that include no contact with the selfproclaimed Queen of Canada. Ricky Manz is the owner of the former school building in Richmound that was used as...
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QUEEN OF CANADA IN COURT:
Romana Didulo, who proclaimed herself as the Queen of Canada, was released on bail with several restrictive conditions after her appearance at Swift Current provincial court, Sept. 8. She was arrested on Sept. 4 and made her first court appearance on...
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RESPECT:
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 56 in Swift Current commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ-Day) and the end of the Second World War with a ceremony at the cenotaph in Memorial Park, Aug. 16. Branch President Andy Moon...
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Water Security Agency hosts open house on proposed irrigation expansion
A public information session on the proposed expansion of irrigation from Duncairn Dam provided an opportunity for members of the public and interested parties to get an update on this initiative. The event was hosted by the Water Security Agency (WSA)...
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Jets excited for new community facility in Vauxhall
The dream has finally become a reality for the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball. If everything goes right, the academy will see a brand new community facility be completed by spring 2026. The organization has been discussing a complex that can be utilized...
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Saskatchewan Opposition raising concerns during rural healthcare tour
The Saskatchewan NDP is raising concerns about health service disruptions in rural hospitals and the use of virtual doctors for emergency room services. Keith Jorgenson, the Saskatchewan NDP MLA for Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood and the official...
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Eventful Med. Hat Stampede week for Danielle Smith: protest at UCP barbecue; announces infrastructure funding for Brooks
More than 50 protestors wearing red and waving Canadian flags stood across the street from MLA Justin Wright’s constituency office during a Stampede barbecue attended by Premier Danielle Smith July 25 The demonstration was held to show support against...
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Highway 3 twinning on track for 2026 completion
Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter says the Highway 3 twinning project is still going strong and on track for a projected completion sometime in mid2026. “We’re on schedule, on budget, and they’re moving heaven and earth to make that happen. So I’m quite...
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HALO’s new helicopter takes inaugural flight
HALO Air Ambulance’s latest helicopter is taking to the skies, coming online officially as the new HALO-1. Introduced at a special event in February, the new craft began use for emergency medical calls as of June 29, marking a significant operational...
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Electoral reform among key legislation passed in spring session
Reflecting on the most recent session of the legislature, Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter singled out the changes made to Alberta’s electoral laws as one of the key pieces of legislation that raised concerns among many citizens. Bill 54, or the Election...
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Medicine Hat Regional’s largest donation brings cardiac care services home to SE AB
A $5-million donation that will improve cardiac health care in southeastern Alberta is the largest monetary gift the Medicine Hat Health Foundation has received, and was presented by the Yuill Family Foundation on Monday during a short presentation at...
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Former MLAs agree: Medicine Hat and Brooks should split up
Three former city MLAs agree: Medicine Hat and Brooks should be in different provincial ridings. But a commission now contemplating changes to Alberta’s electoral districts told a public meeting Friday in the Hat that returning to pre-2019 boundaries...
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Neubauer named to Alberta Order of Excellence
Nichole Neubauer says a call this week asking her to be listed among Alberta’s most prominent residents was unexpected. The local advocate for agricultural education has been named to the Alberta Order of Excellence, the office of Lt.- Gov. Salma...
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Major fire on June 1 destroys building on Eagle Butte Road
Cypress County Fire responded to a massive structure fire near Eagle Butte Road on June 1 just past 7 p.m. Station 1 responded with two engines, one water tender and a wildland fire apparatus, fire chief Jason Linton told the Medicine Hat News on...
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Province expands Mental Health Capacity Building program to Chinook School Division
By Matthew Liebenberg [email protected] The expansion of a provincial program to support student mental health and wellbeing will benefit a high school in the Chinook School Division. The Swift Current Comprehensive High School is among...
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Cypress County sets summer meetings, alters rules for delegation appearances
There have been changes to upcoming meeting dates for Cypress County council, as well as changes to how residents or interested parties may appear before council. The meetings for July 1 and Aug. 5 have been cancelled, with one meeting in each month...
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Prairie Rose to add two Calgary schools to division
Prairie Rose Public Schools will be branching out into Calgary after a finalized draft agreement to operate two unnamed schools within that city. PRPS was approached in March by Alberta Education, said superintendent Reagan Weeks during the May 13...
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‘Weaponized’ codes of conduct to get the axe: MLA Hunter
With the province responding to what it terms the “weaponized” use of municipal Codes of Conduct, upcoming changes to the Municipal Government Act will eliminate this process of accountability. Amendments to be made through the Municipal Statutes...
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Smith congratulates, and warns, Carney
One day after the federal election, it appears Canada’s House of Commons is heading into a seventh straight year of minority parliament, with Alberta’s federal and provincial politicians also stating they too will stay the same course. Premier...
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Tourism Lethbridge shares highlights from 2024 and looks ahead to a promising 2025
Tourism Lethbridge hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 17, reflecting on a successful 2024 and sharing exciting plans for the year ahead. The organization also released its Power of Tourism: 2024 Annual Report, now available online at:...
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Outstanding library service honoured at READ Awards
Throughout southwestern Alberta libraries serve an important role in their communities. They listen to community needs and interests and create amazing programs, events, and opportunities to meet those needs. It is in recognition of this work that the...
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Over-the-river pipeline to be removed by TC Energy
TC Energy will remove an aerial section of its Nova Gas Transmission Line that spans the South Saskatchewan River valley at the northern edge of Cypress County. The support structure that helps carry the line 1,000 feet across the river valley will...
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New wheat variety named to honour Swift Current wheat quality technician
Staff at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station at Swift Current are remembering a valued colleague in a unique and enduring way. They have named a new wheat variety in honour of Lesley Oakman, who was a wheat quality technician at the...
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NDP MLA visits weekly protest outside Smith’s office
Weekly protests outside Premier and Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA Danielle Smith’s Constituency office continued March 22, and gathered citizens say they will continue until something changes. In attendance at the most recent demonstration was...
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$3B in line upgrades needed for power expansion
A second major wind farm proposal near the Hat is delayed as power companies worry that existing lines can’t carry their electricity out of the region. At the same time, Alberta’s grid operator suggests more than $3 billion in “near term” line...
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BATUS to change with times, but staying put at CFB Suffield
BATUS commander Lt.-Col. Paul Eaton says warfare has changed, and how the British Army uses the range at CFB Suffield in agreement with Canadian Forces will change with it. That supports overtures from both countries’ militaries that the base north of...
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Coal mine proponents a no-show for panel discussion
People from a variety of backgrounds are concerned about the Grassy Mountain Coal Mine, including those from the agriculture sector, those who study toxicology, lawyers and Indigenous groups. These voices were heard on a panel held by the Southern...
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SSFA 55+ Provincial Games to take place in Swift Current
The Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association (SSFA) will be holding the provincial games in Swift Current this summer and a games committee is already at work to organize the event. The SSFA 55+ Provincial Games will be hosted by the Southwest District...
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SE Alberta industry has mixed reaction to looming tariff threats
The corporate head of Goodyear tires says he is watching potential effects of U.S. tariffs on imported goods, but overall, they could benefit the company that has a large U.S. manufacturing base. Cancarb, another major manufacturer with facilities in...
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Twine recycling collection pays big for local 4-H club
A southwest Alberta 4-H club won $3,000 for collecting twine from local farms to be recycled. Northern Lethbridge 4-H Beef Club won the first of four cash prizes of equal amount as part of the Alberta Ag-Plastic Recycle it! Program which is in...
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City of MH’s Saamis Solar purchase approved
The City of Medicine Hat’s purchase of the largest solar power field proposed for a Canadian urban municipality has been approved by Alberta utility regulators. The Alberta Utilities Commission issued its decision Feb. 4 on a transfer of ownership...
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RCMP takes flight at the border in new helicopter
The RCMP says a recently acquired Black Hawk helicopter is in service patrolling Alberta’s international boundary with Montana, and could be seen by southeast Alberta residents on patrols. Another of two militarystyle helicopters, acquired earlier...
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Defence, agrifood tops southeast Alberta economic plan
Local governments in southeast Alberta are “eager to tap into the region’s potential”, according to consultants who helped develop a new partnership that will seek out defence and agri-food spending, Medicine Hat city council heard on Jan. 20. Last...
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Longtime radio host navigating a new world of online influencer
Whoever thinks influencers are just young people on social media doing makeup tutorials or unboxing things, probably have yet to hear from local radio personality turned influencer Erin Lucas. After graduating from broadcasting school in Saskatoon in...
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Province of Alberta eliminating photo radar
After enough Albertans created a stir about photo radar and its apparent focus on revenue rather than safety, the Province relented. It paused the introduction of new photo radar equipment and locations late in 2019. “Now, after thorough analysis and...
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Three people charged with first degree murder in motel room death, Pincher Creek connection
Lethbridge Police have charged three people with first degree murder after the body of a 34-yearold woman was found in a southside motel room. Two males are currently in custody, and an arrest warrant has been issued for Melissa Christelle Tidlund,...
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COWBOY UP:
The 26th Annual Beef Pen Show took place at the Medicine Hat and Exhibition Stampede Cypress Centre Fieldhouse. Show pen wingman Wayne Webber had everything running smoothly during the weekend. Here, Webber keeps his eyes focused on some bulls in a...
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Junior high students delve into SACI’s E3 Program
Explore, Engage, Experience – better known as E3 – is an innovative component of the Southern Alberta Collegiate Institute (SACI) career pathways program, created in partnership with seven Southern Alberta School Divisions, Lethbridge Polytechnic, and...
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Medicine Hat Beef Pen Show heads to the Exhibition Grounds
One of southeast Alberta premiere agriculture events takes place this weekend. The 26th annual Beef Pen Show & Cowboy Christmas Trade Show begins Friday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. with cattle viewing and the opening of the trade show. The Sweet Pro Feeds...
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Crowsnest Pass voters support mine in referendum
Eligible voters in the Crowsnest Pass on Nov. 25 went to the polls for a non-binding referendum about coal mining. They were asked on a ballot “Do you support the development and operations of the metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain.” Voting...
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Crowsnest coal debate suffers from bullet-point arguments, says retired prof
The potential resurrection of Crowsnest Pass coal mining should never pit the environment against the economy, said a community member and retired professor in the lead-up to a Nov. 25 vote of electors. Herald Kane said he too often sees economic...
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Shields calls for ‘relief’ during economy debate
An early-October phone call with Bow River MP Martin Shields began with pleasantries. He said, “Good morning, how’s it in Taber, or wherever you are?” “I’m in Taber, and it’s a beautiful day. How are things in Ottawa?” “Ahh, chaos. Pre-election...
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More than 200 attend annual HALO dinner and auction
The eighth annual HALO Air Ambulance ‘In Flight For Your Life’ fundraiser dinner and auction on Saturday at the Seven Person Community Hall was a success, with more than 200 attending the event that helps keep HALO in air. The annual dinner is one of...
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Petition goes out for new Hwy 3 access to Grassy Lake
The Highway 3 twinning project is active and rolling along east towards Burdett, its expected endpoint by the end of 2025. It’s a relatively straight stretch from Taber to there, including the quick run through Grassy Lake, where the speed limit drops...
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Ottawa signs deal for renewable credits at planned Cypress solar farm
A planned solar farm in Cypress County has signed an off-take deal for renewable energy credits with the federal government. Alderson Solar, proposed by German renewable developer “hep solar,” was approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission last...
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Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor talks revived after fading away
Once again promoting Medicine Hat’s potential as a logistics hub, the province is reviving a push for Alberta to become the last leg of the “Ports to Plains” alliance. That initiative, involving jurisdictions from Mexico through the western U.S., aims...
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STARS FOR SASK. ENJOYS BIG STAR:
The Swift Current Arts Council started the 202425 Stars for Saskatchewan concert series with a sold-out performance by Canadian country music star George Canyon, Oct. 8. An appreciative audience enjoyed the more intimate acoustic show by Canyon, who...
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AB provincial healthcare pressure a ‘top priority’
During the COVID pandemic, everyone became aware of the distinction between essential and non-essential services. Even under the tightest restrictions, necessities like food, water, fuel, utilities, and even those elusive rolls of toilet paper remained...
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TRUTH AND RECONCILLIATION:
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day took place on Sept. 30 to honour the survivors of residential schools and the children who never returned home. Public events to commemorate the day took place in communities across...
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Old Farmer’s Almanac predicting wetter and colder winter in 2025
“Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Often attributed to Mark Twain, the famous quote above actually flowed from the pen of Charles Dudley Warner, a novelist and friend of the American icon. No matter who said...
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