Here are the local news stories making headlines from April 17-30, 2025:
The Olds Fire Department is part of a pilot study exploring how drone technology is being used to support emergency response in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas where rapid assessment is difficult. Photo credit to Olds Fire Department
Community News:
Olds Fire Department Goes Airborne As Drone Project Joins Emergency Response
The Olds Fire Department is part of a pilot study exploring how drone technology is being used to support emergency response in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas where rapid assessment is difficult.
Olds Branches Out With Clippings Bin At Yard Waste Site - DiscoverAirdrie.com
The Town of Olds will reopen its Residential Branch Dump on May 1 and, for the first time, pilot a separate grass clippings area during the months of May and October.
The site, located at the Operations Centre on the town's west side, gives residents a local drop-off point for yard waste including branches, small trees, shrubs and leaves — and, during the pilot months, grass clippings.
Four Winners For Three Awards As Town of Olds Holds Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night - My Mountain View Now
The Town of Olds celebrated the efforts of the many community members who pitch in to help out with local service organizations, non-profit groups, and charities, and more on last week.
Town of Olds Introduces New Approach To Greenspace Management - CentralAlbertaOnline.com
The Town of Olds is shifting how it manages select green spaces and shrub beds by embracing naturalization—converting low-use or difficult-to-maintain areas into more natural, self-sustaining landscapes.
Sports & Recreation:
Olds Hockey Players Selected To Play In This Week's Alberta Cup - The Albertan News
Two male hockey players from Olds are among 120 athletes chosen for this year’s Alberta Cup.
Olds Badminton Player Qualifies For High School Provincials - The Albertan News
For the second time in a few weeks, Olds resident Ryder Persson is gearing up for badminton provincials. This time, it’s high school badminton provincials, which will be held May 2-3 in Red Deer.
Make A Splash This Spring At The Olds Aquatic Centre
The Olds Aquatic Centre (OAC) is welcoming spring with a variety of programs and swim lessons for all ages. Whether you're looking to improve your swimming skills, stay active, or enjoy some recreational time in the pool, the OAC has something for everyone.
Olds College & Chinooks Edge:
Olds College - First Canadian Study of FerAppease Releases Findings
The first Canadian study of a new product that mimics a pheromone that helps mother cows soothe their upset calves has found it will likely boost the profits of cow-calf producers.
Researchers at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology found that every $1 Cdn. spent on treating newly weaned heifers with FerAppease resulted in a profit of $6.47.
Inaugural A Taste of Olds Event So Successful That Organizers Eye A Repeat
A Taste of Olds & Area, a sampling of local food and drink organized by Olds College business was such a success their instructor is hopeful it will be carried on next year.
The event was held April 3 in the Olds College Alumni Centre. It raised about $3,000 for Kirsten’s Place, the emergency shelter in Olds.
Regional, Provincial & Federal:
Bears Are Back in Mountain View County: Here's What To Know
Residents of and visitors to the Mountain View County should be aware that bears are coming out of hibernation right now, meaning everyone should now exercise the necessary caution to avoid unwanted interactions, says Paul Fraser, chairman of Mountain View BearSmart Society.
Central Alberta Official Says New Law Could Create Red Tape, Delay Federal Funds - The Albertan News
The Provincial Priorities Act requires municipalities to obtain provincial approval before entering into, amending, extending, or renewing agreements with the federal government
Grants Approved For Community Halls, Crime Prevention in Central Alberta - The Albertan News
Approved 2025 grant funding includes more than $100,000 for rural community halls
Provincial Recycling Program Cuts Costs for Central Alberta Residents - The Albertan News
As of April 1, the Alberta Extended Producer Responsibility program shifted the cost of recycling from municipalities to producers of packaging and printed paper
Olds Council Favouring Five Per Cent Municipal Tax Increase - The Albertan News
Property taxes and use of reserves proposed to prop up $36 million operating budget
Central Alberta Towns To Share Bylaw Officer, Starting in May - The Albertan News
Retiring Olds RCMP detachment commanding officer starts new municipal enforcement job May 8, sharing with Bowden.