By Trevor BuschSouthern Alberta Newspaperseditor@tabertimes.com Nominations are now open for 2024 inductions into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame. The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was created in 1951 to recognize individuals on a biennial cycle who have made significant contributions to the agriculture and food industry and to the development and sustainability of rural life in Alberta. “We do agriculture quite well in our riding,” said Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter. “And basically, every two years up to three individuals that have demonstrated exemplary leadership or had a province w ..read more

By Nikki JamiesonSunny South News The following are selected briefs from director reports presented during the April 2 meeting of Coalhurst town council. CAO Report • Town staff is busy preparing for summer events and community programming, including: • Volunteer appreciation luncheon • Completion of budgets and delivery of tax notifications • Road and sidewalk repair and replacement programs • Transitioning to new financial software • Undergoing sewer lining program • Implementing new facility booking software • Developing a community garden site and planting community fruit trees in Imperial ..read more

By Erika MathieuSunny South News Coaldale Council has approved first reading on a new Fire Service Bylaw, which is aimed to modernize the bylaw and ensure the policies and framework is in line with current best practices and standards of service.  Council and administration have previously discussed creating a level of service document in addition to updating the The Fire Service Bylaw 148-AG-1-84, which was passed in 1984. Since the bylaw was adopted 40 years ago, many changes have taken place with respect to both legislation and operations with the fire service and across the profession ..read more

Government of Alberta Currently, Alberta is 100 per cent free of zebra and quagga mussels. However, increased detections in Idaho and Manitoba last year are increasing the risk of invasive mussels being introduced into the province. Alberta’s government is stepping up its defences. The province is increasing the number of watercraft inspection stations, adding more dedicated watercraft inspectors, and setting up a new task force on aquatic invasive species. Alberta is also calling on the federal government to conduct mandatory inspections at the United States border. “These invasive species po ..read more

By Samantha JohnsonFor Southern Alberta Newspapers April 10, 1884 – The Brandon Mail In Turtle Mountain Valley from north of the Souris River to the Dakota line, from the east to the indefinite west, the farmers are loudly denouncing the CPR for not building one of the two railroads long promised. Some farmers are openly advocating an appeal to arms as the last and only means of securing a railway. In Toronto a white-robed figure was seen walking the streets. Two policemen called out, causing the figure to shout in alarm. The young man was nearly dead with cold and had been sleepwalking. He’d ..read more

By Trevor BuschSouthern Alberta Newspaperseditor@tabertimes.com Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter says new legislation advancing the current status of the province’s sheriff service will enhance the jurisdiction of the force so it can work collaboratively with other agencies, but is not intended as a replacement for the RCMP.  “We already have a provincial police force, it’s called the (Alberta) Sheriffs. And so this is not really a police force, all we’re doing is we’re entering this legislation, we’re allowing the sheriffs to have the same kind of training as what RCMP would get,” said Hunt ..read more

By Erika MathieuSunny South News The Gem of the West Museum is gearing up for its season-opener event on on Saturday May 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In 2023, the museum hosted its first free family season-opener. After a wildly successful event, the museum is getting ready for the second annual opening event to kick off the season. The event, called “Cowpoke Day,” in honour of the region’s cowboy roots. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word “cowboy was first used in 1849, although this was not yet adopted as a universal term. Cattle-drivers in the southwestern United States wer ..read more

By Erika MathieuSunny South News Coaldale-based intuitive artist, Jess Walker, has found a temporary home to showcase her work at the Coaldale Public Library’s McCain Gallery.  Walker’s work invites individuals to embrace their unique and authentic selves her unique artistic process Walker’s captivating intuitive artwork is currently showcased at the Coaldale Library’s McCain Gallery until April 29. Through her unconventional artistic process, Jess delves into the subject’s individual energy using her intuition, channeling images that unlock new pathways and perceptions for individuals. G ..read more

By Erika MathieuSunny South News The Picture Butte Curling Club has wrapped up their first curling season since new reusable ice matting was installed in 2023. Grant Gillies, a board member at the Picture Butte Curling Club said the idea came about before the pandemic. The club was able to secure sponsorship to have the matting installed in time for the 2023-2024 curling season.  The matting, ordered through a Alberta-based business called Hack to Hack solutions, eliminates the need for curling organizations to paint the floors. In addition to the matting being a reusable investment which ..read more

Comments made by Hans Visser are nothing but insensitive, judgemental, and over-simplify a very complex issue. The suggestion “been there and done that” proves what? You struggled with gender identity, Hans? It seems your answer if you are struggling, is denial, go play baseball with your friends, and of course go to church.  Some people believe that if you make young people aware of gender struggles, and educate them on sexuality, that the end result is they will “decide” to magically switch identities. They are convinced that the very awareness of gender issues is dangerous and therefor ..read more