Okotoks

Our online auction starts on Wednesday, April 9, and if you're looking to get a head start, you've come to the right place.

If you haven't already, be sure to register an account.

Head over to our auction page for the registration link and a few tips on getting signed up.

While bidding doesn't begin until Wednesday, you can still scope out the items!

The Alberta government is planning on updating the Emergency Management Act.

Alberta's robust emergency management system helps to safeguard lives and property in the event of wildfires, floods, and other disasters.

During emergencies, the elected officials and emergency management teams are making difficult decisions to keep Albertans safe.

The Alberta government received feedback from the Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel about the Emergency Management Act and is now introducing Bill 49, which includes updates to the Emergency Management Act.

Parking bans are on the way in Okotoks, with street sweeping operations soon to begin in full.

Parking bans were initially declared to begin on April 2, though last week's snowfall caused a delay, with the first closures pushed a week up.

The first set of parking bans will be in place on Wednesday, April 9, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the following locations:

Some electoral signs were recently defaced in Coaldale, which has prompted an RCMP investigation.

Lethbridge Liberal Federal Candidate Chris Spearman took to Facebook on April 6 to let the public know several of his electoral signs were defaced.

Pictures posted by Spearman show swastikas and other symbols spray-painted on his signs near the entrance to Coaldale.

According to a media release from the Coaldale RCMP, during the night of April 5/6, suspects had vandalized and stolen numerous political signs from various locations throughout the town.

Blue Rodeo is now on a Canada Post stamp.

The longtime Canadian staple has toured extensively across the country, winning its way into the hearts of Canadians and music lovers around the world.

The Canadian country-rock-folk band have now been performing for 40 years, having formed in 1984 and first performing live in front of an audience in Toronto back in February of 1985.  

The High River Salvation Army Food Bank shelves are getting low and could use some replenishing.

Community & Family Services Program Manager Shiela MacDonald said food security is getting harder and harder for people in our community.

"So, with inflation going up, we have more clients that are coming in too, so we have fewer donations that are coming in as well which is understandable. So, what the food bank needs right now, and the most common items that people ask for, are juice, rice, coffee, canned fruits, canned pasta, ketchup, cooking oil and jam."

The 45th annual Canvas Auction for the Calgary Stampede's Chuckwagon teams is getting ready to rock the Big Four Roadhouse on Thursday night.

It's the unofficial opening of the Calgary Stampede as 27 chuckwagon teams go head-to-head, vying for top dollar.

Last year's top bid of $210,000 went to Kris Molle. 

High River's Jason Glass placed fifth in the canvas auction last year with $150,000, while De Winton's Dayton Sutherland sneaked into fourth place with $160,000.

Alberta is fundamentally changing how it funds hospital surgeries, but critics say the change won't improve the public system and will only accelerate more care in the privatized system.

Premier Danielle Smith announced Monday a new "activity-based" model is on the way, to be implemented for some surgeries in 2026. The model ties public funding to the number and type of procedures performed.

Smith said the program will drive costs down by fostering competition among public providers and those who perform publicly funded procedures in private clinics.

Alberta’s government is taking another step toward giving municipalities the option of ditching the RCMP in favour of a new provincial police service.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis says an independent Alberta service could step in to help address concerns he's heard about the Mounties' staffing shortages and rising costs.

If passed, a proposed bill would mean a new agency must operate under a Crown corporation that would be at arm's length from the government.

With only three weeks away to the Canadian federal election, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) are ensuring that agriculture is top of mind for campaigning parties by announcing a new strategic agenda called Unleashing Agriculture for Canada's Growth. Jeremy Welter, vice-president with APAS, talks about the need to improve Canadian agriculture and make it a point of focus for the federal government.