Development Activity - in the County of Newell, development picked up in 2025, with an 18% increase in permits and a 66% jump in subdivisions. The County approved 13 new businesses, including a market garden, an online retail operation, and a storefront in Patricia specializing in locally raised beef, along with auto repair, and three self-storage developments. Two home-based businesses were also approved; a small engine repair operation in Rolling Hills and a dog and cat grooming business north of Brooks. The County also approved two new agricultural processing businesses producing organic fertilizer, one in Martin Industrial and another north of Bassano. Renewable energy expanded with 11 large solar installations. Housing growth included 10 single-family homes and 9 manufactured homes. In total, 17 subdivision applications were received.

Cameras Lead to Arrests – A break and enter at a local business ended with three suspects arrested after the owner watched it happen live on surveillance and called it in immediately. The RCMP say that real-time cameras, quick reporting, and rapid response are what made the difference. Systems that alert owners to activity are a key tool. The reminder comes as rural property crime continues, including multiple copper thefts from oil and gas sites this quarter, with losses reaching up to $25,000.

Kick-Off Market FOUR weeks away - The Kick-Off Market will be open and waiting at Veteran's Park, the perfect stop after the Rodeo Parade. Last year's Kick-Off reached 50 vendors, and we're already two-thirds of the way there. Weekly Thursdays start June 11 and are 80% booked before opening day. 👏 Think you belong at the market this summer? Vendor Applications are on the website.

Free Mental Health Support – Free, confidential mental health and addictions support is continuing in Brooks and the County of Newell after a successful first year. Delivered through Global Village Centre, the program is led locally by Bob Johnston, a psychologist who supported producers during the Jenner livestock crisis and later advised nationally on farmer mental health. The service is open to everyone, not just newcomers. It is seeing uptake from farmers, ranchers, and colony members and families, including youth accessing support outside of school hours. Access is expanding through Alberta’s 211 line, which now routes callers to local providers through Alberta Counselling.

Rolling Hills Raises the Money – The Rolling Hills Agricultural Society no longer needs to borrow money for its Post Office project after the community stepped up and covered the cost. As County CAO, Matt Fenske put it, they’ve “been through all the couches in the community” and found what they needed. The project will now move ahead without taking on debt, thanks to local fundraising efforts.

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