July 2, 1985. That date is burned into my memory. I had just turned 16 a month earlier and, yes, that was the historic day Katie Drummond got her driver’s licence. Freedom at last.

It’s time to admit it: The U.S. women’s hockey team is better than Canada’s. Even though an outstanding performance in the Olympics gold medal game gave Canada a good chance…

Enjoy this week’s editorial cartoon.

Enjoy this week’s comic strips and have a laugh!

Our late father loved and would do anything for his birds. He was kind to all the animals we ever had, but the wild birds that frequented the bird feeders outside our home…

The following quote by an American writer is appropriate for this week’s missive: “Learn all you can from the mistakes of others. You won’t have time to make them all yourself.”

Hello everyone. A few more days of winter — with snow and wind — greeted us again as we welcome March.

ADULT FICTION: Songbird of the Sorrows / by: Braidee Otto, Such A Clever Girl / by: Darby Kane, Imposter / by: L.J. Ross…

The New Brigden School may be small in student numbers, but they have a big heart. In February they wore PJs for a Purpose and raised funds for the Medicine Hat Health Foundation.

Recently, Bernie Krewski and Pat Siferd told me of Melvin Robert Fenske’s death in Edmonton on January 15, 2026, at the age of 94.

MEDICINE HAT — Nominations will open March 2 for the 2026 Southeastern Alberta Top 7 Over 70™ Awards, a biennial initiative recognizing individuals over the age of 70…

No detailed plan existed last week to help voters parse nine questions that challenge what it means to be an Albertan within Confederation.

In this article, we will endeavour to explain to the Echo’s readership why a group of Oyen citizens has lobbied the Oyen Town Council twice, requesting the amendment or repeal of Resolution C122 (06/16/25).

Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) has decided to say the quiet part out loud: Albertans will pay more property tax this year because of the Government of Alberta's decisions, as presented in this budget.

Today’s world is so digitally connected, and yet many people feel less connected to their communities than in the past. Connection to community is about support and belonging…

Here in Battle River—Crowfoot, you already know how the Liberals’ reckless open borders policies have let more people into our country than we had homes and opportunities for.

Let’s face it. No one likes going to the dentist. Well… maybe the odd person. A very odd person. When I was little and it was time for a dental appointment, I was absolutely terrified.

In what will undoubtedly be a week-long celebration of the curling career of Brad Gushue, the 2026 Montana’s Brier will almost certainly crown a rink skipped by somebody else.

Enjoy this week’s editorial cartoon.

Enjoy this week’s comic strips and have a laugh!

Lent is a time for fasting, praying and the giving of alms. Many people, when they think of fasting, see it as a way to give up the foods they love in the portions they prefer…

There will always be someone more successful, happier, richer, brighter than you. From our own limited perspective it can appear others have got it all together.

Actor Tim Allen once said, “You can’t keep sleeping on my couch. I want the memory foam to have a chance to forget about you.” It was a line from the comedy Last Man Standing…

The 2026 Crossroads Beef Expo was a tremendous success, bringing together breeders, youth exhibitors, sponsors, and beef industry supporters for a weekend filled with high-quality cattle…

The cold weather did show up as predicted, with the chilling wind, but we are back to some normal temperatures again, thank goodness.

After seven years of fundraising, setbacks and steady determination, the Oyen Soccer Club will take to a brand-new field for the 2026 season.

The Sibbald Quilting Club ladies were back in action the first weekend in February. If you’ve never seen these affairs, it is something. Tables are full.

Pyjamas and curling stones made for a winning combination as the Oyen and District Curling Club hosted its 2026 Ladies Bonspiel on Saturday, Feb. 7.

Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) is eager to learn what the Government of Alberta’s Budget 2026 will bring and determine how it will affect communities across the province.

The library is hosting a weekly craft for four weeks on Thursday, February 26; March 5; March 12; and March 19. It will take place after school from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.