'Backbone' of the community: Volunteers at the heart of Westlock FCSS success From mentorship to meal delivery, FCSS volunteers continue to play a vital role in supporting residents’ well-being across the region.

NEWS: 'Backbone' of the community: Volunteers at the heart of Westlock FCSS success

Clyde Council takes on debt to fix 51st Street Village of Clyde passes borrowing bylaw to support potential $350,000 infrastructure loan for upcoming 51st Street rehabilitation.

NEWS: Clyde Council takes on debt to fix 51st Street

Alberta government to lower age of eligibility for free breast cancer screening EDMONTON — Alberta’s government is lowering the age for breast cancer screening to those as young as 40, a move that opens the door to self-referral so more people can access publicly funded mammograms by next year.

BEYOND LOCAL: Alberta government to lower age of eligibility for free breast cancer screening

Boyle looking to address 'lingering deficits' in 2026 budget Administration taking extra time to address problem for good says CAO

NEWS: Boyle looking to address 'lingering deficits' in 2026 budget

Athabasca region students showcase skills at local badminton tournament Students representing various schools across the Athabasca region met for a day of fierce competition at the senior and junior high badminton tournament

NEWS: Athabasca region students showcase skills at local badminton tournament

BREAKING: Athabasca County issues travel advisory due to road floods Frozen culverts and the sudden spring melt are causing adverse driving conditions across the county

NEWS: BREAKING: Athabasca County issues travel advisory due to road floods

Fireworks no longer permitted for use within Town of Westlock Westlock Town Council passed a newly updated fireworks bylaw at its latest meeting on Monday, April 13, officially banning the use of personal fireworks within the town of Westlock.

NEWS: Fireworks no longer permitted for use within Town of Westlock

Westlock man attempts to obstruct justice Threatens to set up ex’s son with jail to victims pressing charges

NEWS: Westlock man attempts to obstruct justice

Alberta's Smith says province will do away with twice-a-year time change EDMONTON — Premier Danielle Smith says Albertans will soon be ditching twice-a-year clock changes. Smith told Postmedia that the province plans to stick with daylight time year-round.

BEYOND LOCAL: Alberta's Smith says province will do away with twice-a-year time change

Pucks and paths: Westlock Home Time Hockey Tournament pulls in $70k for Rotary Trail The most recent edition of the Westlock Home Time Hockey Tournament raised an estimated $70,000 for the expansion of Westlock’s Rotary Trail.

NEWS: Pucks and paths: Westlock Home Time Hockey Tournament pulls in $70k for Rotary Trail

ADOPT A PET: Hello, I'm Chomper Great West Media, in partnership with Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, brings you this feature highlighting a special pet that is in need of adoption.

NEWS: ADOPT A PET: Hello, I'm Chomper

Westlock Town, County launch joint IDP review The Town of Westlock and Westlock County begin reviewing their Intermunicipal Development Plan to guide future growth and collaboration.

NEWS: Westlock Town, County launch joint IDP review

Alberta officials monitoring federal plans for social media ban Alberta schools and government officials are keeping a close eye on a potential social media ban for kids under 16 from Ottawa.

BEYOND LOCAL: Alberta officials monitoring federal plans for social media ban

Fuel costs, equipment repairs cause budget adjustment in Athabasca County Councillors prepare for more changes following upcoming Tax Rate Bylaw

NEWS: Fuel costs, equipment repairs cause budget adjustment in Athabasca County

Alberta government meeting with grocers to address food affordability: minister EDMONTON — Alberta's government says it's meeting with some of Canada's largest grocers to address food affordability in the province.

BEYOND LOCAL: Alberta government meeting with grocers to address food affordability: minister

Alberta cow prices climb above 2025 levels D1 and D2 cows are trending higher across Alberta markets, with 2026 prices showing significant gains compared to last year.

NEWS: Alberta cow prices climb above 2025 levels

NEWS: Catching it early remains the best defence against cancer, experts say

Town of Barrhead council approves YRL funding increase Corporate Services director Jennifer Mantay increase amounts to equivalent of two cups of coffee for every town ratepayer

NEWS: Town of Barrhead council approves YRL funding increase

Fortis Alberta set to upgrade Westlock’s aging electrical infrastructure New meters come at no additional cost to customer and can help identify power outages quicker

NEWS: Fortis Alberta set to upgrade Westlock’s aging electrical infrastructure

Sexual assault charges against Alberta spiritual leader and wife stayed EDMONTON — Sexual assault charges against a self-styled spiritual leader and his wife have been stayed after the Alberta prosecution service said it conducted a thorough review of the file and determined it was unable to proceed with the charges.

BEYOND LOCAL: Sexual assault charges against Alberta spiritual leader and wife stayed

Iconic blues pianist ready for final show in Heartwood's spring season Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne is keeping a historic genre alive and sharing it with fans across the country

NEWS: Iconic blues pianist ready for final show in Heartwood's spring season

GALLERY: Westlock doubles pickleball tournament A doubles pickleball tournament took place at Westlock's Rotary Spirit over the weekend of April 11-12, featuring 78 teams from Westlock, Barrhead, Clyde, Vimy, Spruce Grove, St. Paul, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Fox Creek, and several others.

NEWS: GALLERY: Westlock doubles pickleball tournament

Town of Barrhead tax increase held to one per cent BARRHEAD - When Town of Barrhead property owners receive municipal tax bills, they will likely see an increase.

NEWS: Town of Barrhead tax increase held to one per cent

Conservative motion to increase access to addictions treatment goes to committee A unanimous vote in the House of Commons on April 15 progressed Bill C-231 to the committee stage for further study and possible amendments before it becomes law. The conservative private member's bill would allow judges to refer youths charged or convicted of crimes to addictions treatment and delay sentencing until the treatment is completed.

BEYOND LOCAL: Conservative motion to increase access to addictions treatment goes to committee

Woodlands County to be first trail manager for revitalized Centre of Alberta Councillors believe attraction will bring tourism to county

NEWS: Woodlands County to be first trail manager for revitalized Centre of Alberta

Alberta's governing UCP to revisit proposed riding changes before next election EDMONTON — Alberta's governing United Conservatives are looking to take another run at redrawing provincial riding boundaries — a move the Opposition NDP calls a cynical backdoor scheme to rig the October 2027 general election.

BEYOND LOCAL: Alberta's governing UCP to revisit proposed riding changes before next election

CATS ready for 2026-27 season after strong finish this spring Patrons can expect more country, blues, and tribute acts in the upcoming season

NEWS: CATS ready for 2026-27 season after strong finish this spring

Nakiska ski resort in Kananaskis announces plans for summer operation The ski resort's proposed summer operations include a mountain coaster, lift-serviced mountain biking trails, a network of hiking trails and sightseeing activities.

BEYOND LOCAL: Nakiska ski resort in Kananaskis announces plans for summer operation

Athabasca continuing to explore loan options for ag society Society seeks for $160k loan from town to avoid high interest rates

NEWS: Athabasca continuing to explore loan options for ag society

Alberta producers sound alarm over high fertilizer prices Alberta producers say fertilizer prices are more of an issue than the temporary federal fuel tax cut

NEWS: Alberta producers sound alarm over high fertilizer prices