FEBRUARY
- Six strangers and Good Samaritans who saved Andy Kirby’s life when he suddenly collapsed with a heart attack on the ninth green at the Cochrane Golf Club the previous fall, were honoured for their quick actions by the Cochrane EMS Citizens Action Group.
- The Cochrane Society for Housing Options and Home Reno Heaven welcomed a new executive director in Kevin McDonald. He relocated to Cochrane with his family because he said he loved the idea of being a part of the local municipality as well as running a local non-profit.
- Local social media pages were rife with coyote sightings in Cochrane. A spokesperson for Alberta Fish and Wildlife said in January and February, coyotes gather in groups looking for mates, and they may be more aggressive in defending their territories.
- Cochrane country, folk and blues artist Sharon Marie White released a new single Feb. 4. “Help me Fly” is about feeling encouraged to continue on one’s path by those loved and lost.
- Cochrane’s Ramada hotel burned to the ground, giving firefighters a stubborn challenge as flames continued to flare up days after it had first started on Feb. 6. For the most part extinguished in 24 hours, the fire forced crews to stay vigilant as high winds fanned flames created by the building’s demolition.
- Glenbow Elementary School Grade 2 teacher Jessica Powers and one of her students, Ella Reimer – both cancer survivors – launched their project ‘Share the Love.’ Students sold cards with heart designs and Ella got to cut 12 inches of her teacher’s hair to be made into a wig. All funds raised were to go to Kids Cancer Care and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
- The associate executive director of EMS for the Calgary zone addressed Town council in February, announcing the decision to no longer send Cochrane ambulances to other municipalities unless there is a life-threatening emergency. They also announced that as of April, they were going to increase operating hours for the town’s Basic Life Support ambulance from eight hours a day to 16.
- Cochrane restaurant owners were relieved to see the light at the end of a two-year tunnel as the province removed COVID-19 restrictions as of midnight Feb. 8. Some businesses reported that abiding by the mandate had caused a 70 per cent drop in total sales.
- The 2021 federal census results came in on Feb. 9, showing Cochrane was the fastest growing community in Alberta and 11th fastest nationwide. Cochrane grew 24.5 per cent between 2016 and 2021, with 32,199 residents calling the town home.
- Elder Watson Kaquitts brought traditional and cultural teachings of the Stoney Nakota First Nation to a virtual info session about the opioid crisis Feb. 16. Kaquitts lost two sons to opioid overdoses and has spent years speaking out about the crisis plaguing First Nations families in his community.
- Kara Hughes, a local member of the Army Cadet League of Canada, was recognized as the National League Member of the Year, adding to an already full awards shelf.
