High Country Business Services Ltd. published the first High Country News on January 1990, covering 1,300 households in Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows and Priddis. It was initially printed on 11 x 17 bond paper which was manually folded, collated and stapled; a year later, we switched to newsprint on a web press, to which we’ve continued with the same format to this day.
It was quickly recognized that neighbouring areas also needed a publication for community news… and so the expansion began. In 1991 – Springbank; in 1992 – Millarville; in 1993 – Black Diamond & Turner Valley. Rural areas around Red Deer Lake 1994 & 1997, then Longview was included in 2003, and parts of DeWinton in 2020. Now over 13,000 households receive the High Country News – FREE!
The concept of the High Country News is to provide an avenue for community groups, businesses, and the local levels of government to connect with their communities. It’s primarily compiled by residents wishing to provide meaningful content to share with their fellow neighbours. In essence, enhancing the rural community lifestyles we highly value. In 1993, the late Horst Hackforth of Sawmill Studio began providing artwork for the front page. Since Horst’s passing, we’ve continued to feature numerous local artists, promoting their work to the broader community.
Originally founded by Chris Mclachlan, and was sold to Lowell Harder in the fall of 2016. A local resident, business owner and community advocate. The High Country News operates completely independent from government subsidies.
