Sparwood council advanced a zoning amendment Tuesday night that would legalize limited agriculture along Michel Creek Road, following a short public hearing and a staff presentation outlining the proposed changes.

Our families are very important in the lives of each of us. After all, family is like links in a single chain and all chains are inextricably linked.  Each chain can be strong and impervious to any impact or damage, or it can be fragile, and then others can fill the missing links with their support and love. Never  underestimate the role of each family in society. Our traditions and habits, our skills, and everything our family gives us—we fill our lives and the lives of those around us with them. 

Sparwood’s Recreation Facility Advisory Committee heard updated cost estimates for three double gym concepts on Feb. 19, then agreed the next step should include renewed public engagement before the committee recommends a direction to council.

Grade 12 students from Sparwood Secondary School presented capstone projects to Sparwood council Tuesday night, calling for stronger youth representation in local decision making, better support for coaches and improved access to training spaces.

Aiden’s car broke down in Red Deer and the familiar helplessness hit fast, even from five hours away. What followed was a quiet lesson in family, as his brother drove to pick him up without a second thought.

Crowsnest Pass council deferred a proposed media policy after councillors said they lacked time to review it. The Pass Herald argues council can set internal rules but cannot regulate independent media.

Sparwood residents were invited to spend Feb. 16 outdoors at Centennial Plaza for Winterfest, with daytime games and snacks followed by a free glow skate and fireworks after dusk.

Crowsnest Pass council deferred discussion of a proposed media policy Feb. 10 after councillors said the document arrived too close to the meeting to review properly. Mayor Pat Rypien said the draft was intended to guide media interactions and support transparency and public trust.

KPSquared officially opened The Nest in Crowsnest Pass on Feb. 12 with a Blackfoot blessing by Aileen Bastien of Piikani Nation. The centre offers extended hours and a booking model leaders said is designed for shift work and non-traditional schedules.

Castle Mountain Resort’s first high speed chairlift officially opened to the public this week with the Stagecoach Express launching after a Feb. 10 soft opening and a Feb. 11 ceremony. The new high speed quad adds 22 trails and opens terrain that was previously reserved for the resort’s cat skiing operation.

Crowsnest Pass council approved two land use by law amendments Feb. 10 after hearings on a Blairmore rezoning tied to a cemetery boundary and tourism accommodation plus a housing focused rezoning in East Coleman. The meeting also saw council reject a proposed change to the Chinook Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board panel size.

Lisa Sygutek left a Mount Royal University career fair energized by students who see community newspapers as essential and who are studying the publishers’ lawsuit against Google and Facebook. She also reflects on a gender-neutral washroom experience and why design must match intent.

KPSquared will host a Feb. 12 grand opening for its Blairmore childcare centre. CEO Kyla Penner says extended hours, seven day operations and flexible booking are designed for shift work and rural families, with an inclusive unit to support children needing extra care.

The Ukrainian bandura is more than an instrument. For generations, travelling kobzari carried history in song. Russian imperial restrictions and Soviet repression sought to silence them. Today, the bandura’s revival has become another note in Ukraine’s resilience. 

From a cozy home in the Crowsnest Pass, Iryna reflects on Ukraine’s winter of blackouts and bitter cold as strikes hit the energy system. Through Kyiv and Odesa, she shares survival, humour and the stubborn will to keep living.

On Friday, Jan. 30, musicians and community members gathered for the opening of a special exhibit on the second floor of the Crowsnest Museum celebrating the 100 year history of the Crowsnest Community Orchestra. The evening featured selections by a five string ensemble and charcuterie provided by Country Encounters.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, Crowsnest Allied Arts kicked off its latest offering to the public entitled “No Particular Topic.” This annual show is a blend of artistic styles from local and area artists, and this year’s show has a lovely mixture of styles and subjects. The show will run until March 1. Be sure to drop by. The gallery is open seven days a week and is a great place for gifting or indulging in local art.

A longtime fundraiser is set to return to the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery on Feb. 7, with organizers encouraging people to arrive early before the chili and pottery bowls run out. Curator Ryanna Kizan said the Chili Bowl Festival has run for more than 20 years, offering volunteer made chili and take-home bowls donated by the Pass Pottery Club, with proceeds supporting the gallery’s children and adult programming.

The Crowsnest Conservation Society asked Crowsnest Pass council on Jan. 27 to consider reviving a former Agricultural Services Board, exploring participation in the Waterton Biosphere region and looking at options for a new municipal park along the Crowsnest River. The group highlighted membership growth and said it brought $50,000 in grants into the community between 2021 and 2025, alongside interpretive signage, school projects and planned stream monitoring this year.

Seven year old Carter Otteson achieved what many dart players chase for years when he threw a 180 at the Bellevue Legion on Jan. 18. The score, made by hitting three triple 20s in a row, drew cheers from league members and marked a milestone for the young player, who has been throwing darts since age three.