Rolling Hills Agricultural Academy – Council approved financial support for the Rolling Hills Agricultural Academy barn project, including a $24,560 grant and a $10,000 loan. Rolling Hills School proposed the loan component as a teaching tool, allowing students to learn firsthand how agricultural financing works. Council also acknowledged strong community support, with the fundraising group having raised about $100,000 for the project. Construction is planned to begin in the spring.

Crop Diversification Centre South - Major rehabilitation of the greenhouse is nearing completion, with only a few remaining projects before it returns to full use. Staff highlighted significant progress in improving efficiency and readiness for renters. Council noted activity at the CDC is exceeding expectations and credited staff for the progress to date.

Hate and Propaganda Incidents – RCMP reported an increase in hate-related propaganda and graffiti incidents across Brooks and surrounding rural communities, including Duchess, Rolling Hills, Bassano, and Rosemary. Officers described the material as organized and coordinated rather than isolated vandalism, with posters and stickers appearing on public spaces, post offices, vehicles, and community bulletin boards. Police asked the public to report sightings and avoid handling the materials, as they may contain evidence they can use in their investigation.

Check out the Snowflake Festival Facebook Page for more details!

RCMP Priority setting - The Brooks and Bassano RCMP want to hear from you. Help identify local concerns and set priorities (traffic safety, property crime/drug enforcement, community engagement, etc.). Your feedback directly guides where officers focus their time and efforts. Quick to complete, anonymous, and makes a real difference. Brooks Survey, Bassano Survey. Survey closes Feb. 21, 2026

Black History month - Brooks & District Genealogical Society will be doing a presentation of local interest, Mildred Lewis-Ware died March 30, 1905, from pneumonia, and famed cowboy John was killed five months later when his horse rolled on him at his ranch, leaving six children orphaned.         

Coffee-with-a-Cop - in Bassano, Thursday, Feb. 12, 10:00 a.m. at the Roadside Grill. Bring your concerns and what you’re observing, because as Sgt. Schmidt said, “We don’t know what we don’t know.” He will be joined by Brooks Staff Sergeant Harms, the Brooks Safe Community, and the district advisory NCO.

FREE Library Card - library memberships will be free for the duration of 2026. The standard $10 annual fee for adult memberships is waived for all residents within the Shortgrass Library System until December 31, 2026.

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