Okotoks

The Town of Okotoks recognized three local youth during the May 26 Regular Council Meeting.  

During the meeting, the youths received the “Awesome Kids” delegation.  

Lucie Killam was recognized for her involvement in school sports and productions, her volunteerism, academic excellence, contributing to a positive school spirit, and her unconditional kindness and inclusive spirit.   

There is a Homeschool Market underway at the Okotoks Lions Campground this afternoon.

According to the Organizer, Sarah Arsenault, this is put on by a homeschooling group called Wild and Free, which is not based on a curriculum or a specific type of schooling.

"We just had a handicraft market just to highlight some of the kids' talents and interests, and this is our fourth year doing it," Arsenault explained. "Every year it's grown, and this is just different homeschoolers from the Foothills area, pretty much."

This week's RCMP Wanted Wednesday campaign has two individuals with ties to Southern Alberta.

Cody Allen Lee Fehr is wanted for various crimes by the RCMP, and his known areas of activity include Taber, Coaldale, Lethbridge County, Lomond, Brooks, and Bow Island.

A crew of volunteer firefighters from the MD of Willow Creek travelled north to provide wildfire mitigation and mutual aid support in Yellowhead County.  

The team of four firefighters travelled to Edson at the end of May.  

“Their willingness to step up in a time of need reflects the strength of our community,” the MD of Willow Creek posted on social media.  

Alberta Fish and Wildlife were recently patrolling a section of the river near Longview, which led to three men being arrested and charged.

The Highwood River is closed to sportfishing from Nov. 1 to June 15, and has a bait ban to help protect bull trout and other sensitive species.

While Fish and Wildlife were patrolling the river, they observed three adult men and one youth fishing in a closed area.

They were also using "set" lines, which are typically associated with bait fishing.

Movie lovers rejoice; the Okotoks Film Festival is kicking off its 9th year tonight.

The festival runs until Sunday, May 8, and according to Festival Director Katie Fournell, there will be plenty of films to watch.

"We have five days this year, and over the five days we are doing 20 different events," Fournell explains. "We're showing 92 different films in the five days."

They have short film packages, feature films, Canadian films, international films, horror films, family films, and films for animal lovers.

The Gray Park in Diamond Valley is having their grand opening this Saturday night.

It's happening right after the festival activities on the Turner Valley side wind down at 4 p.m.

It's located on the Black Diamond side of town, right behind the arena by the skate park and pump track.

There will be guided tours with activity stations set up and prize draws. 

Downtown High River will be filled with live music again this summer.

The Venue on 5th Ave. SW launches its Summer Series and Bandstand Sundays this weekend.

Normally, the Summer Series runs Saturdays, but as part of Seniors Week, they have a special lineup on Friday.

Local musicians Ronnie Kerr and Bruce Hoffman will be playing some classic Country favourites starting at 7 p.m. on the Venue's stage, and Mexican Dancers get the entertainment started at 6 p.m.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will take "some time" on its response to increased U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum to the United States increased to 50 per cent on Wednesday after President Donald Trump followed through on his vow to double the duties.

On his way into the weekly Liberal caucus meeting in Ottawa today, Carney said Canada is in "intensive" discussions with the U.S. on trade.

The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.75 per cent Wednesday as policymakers keep waiting for more clarity on how tariffs will impact the economy.

“Uncertainty remains high,” Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem said in prepared remarks after the release of the rate decision.

“At this decision, there was a clear consensus to hold policy unchanged as we gain more information.”

Economists and financial markets widely expected the second consecutive hold.