Premier pushes for wildfire mitigation, more access to public lands

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Originally published on Sep 22, 2025 at 04:39 Less wildfire damage throughout the province and improved access to the great outdoors feature prominently in Danielle Smith’s renewed vision for Alberta. The premier issued new marching orders last week to Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, directing him to expand efforts to prevent wildfires and … Read more

Husted honoured as Stavely’s 2025 citizen of the year

By Rob Vogt Florence Husted is the 2025 Stavely Citizen of the Year.The award was presented during the intermission of the annual Stavely Amateur Rodeo on Saturday, Aug. 23, by Jordie Bronson, exalted ruler of the Stavely Elks, who look after the award.“The person that was nominated and chosen this year is one that is seen frequently around the area, … Read more

Decades-long provincial underfunding threatens rural infrastructure, municipalities say

Published on Sep 15, 2025 at 05:56 By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A critical need for infrastructure spending persists in rural Alberta because of decades of provincial government neglect, says the president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. Kara Westerlund, a councillor in central Alberta’s Brazeau County, said the unique needs of the countryside aren’t met in current funding … Read more

Let’s address that code of conduct void, rural leader tells province

Published on Sep 08, 2025 at 12:13 By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Unresolved issues surround a new provincial act that eliminates council codes of conduct, the president of the association representing rural municipalities said in advance of the fall sitting of the Alberta legislature. Kara Westerlund, a Brazeau County councillor and the president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, … Read more