Okotoks

A group of concerned High River citizens handed in a petition to the Town on Monday.

It was started on Friday, September 27 available to the public the next day and was handed in well before the 4 p.m. Monday deadline.

The petition opposes the Town of High River's proposed bylaw to allow them to borrow $15 million in order to complete the Aquatics Centre expansion.

Carol MacMillan, spokesperson for the group says she's very grateful for the 75 or so citizens who helped collect the signatures and get them in on time.

In September we had a family meeting, there were fewer members in said meeting because my three oldest children (of five) have all moved out, two to university and one to pursue a career as a firefighter in Victoria.

This has left a few empty bedrooms in our home. Unsure of what to do with the new space, but knowing we had a desire to get more involved without community we, after much discussion, have decided to get involved with the Okotoks Oilers Billet Program.

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, town closures are coming to High River.

All the expected facilities will be closed on Monday, October 14.

• Town Hall
• Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex
• FCSS Resource Centre
• Public Works and the Recycle Centre
• Fire Administration
• RCMP Administration
• The Greater Foothills Family Centre

Garbage collection will continue as usual however Town Council's regularly scheduled meetings are moved to Tuesday, October 15.

The Northern Lights were on display again Thursday night right across southern Alberta.

It's the second time this week we've been fortunate enough to see the aurora borealis.

People from Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Stavely and throughout the Foothills shared photos of the spectacular multi-coloured display in the night sky on social media.

The aurora borealis was easily visible from shortly after dusk until the early morning hours.

Turkey, stuffing, and road trips are in order for the upcoming Thanksgiving long weekend.

As long as you're not taking your turkey dinner over the border, and you have your travel documents handy, you should be good.

The Canada Border Services Agency sent out some reminders for those planning on travelling to the U.S. along with some regulations you need to be aware of.

First of all, don't take any 'homemade' turkey dinners or any food to any border crossing as you won't be allowed to cross over with it.

Many of Canada's grassland birds are seeing concerning declines in population, but long-term conservation efforts could restore them to national goals.

Birds Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have released "The State of Canada's Birds in 2024" report that highlights alarming trends for the bird population in the grasslands.

Earlier this week, the Town of Okotoks was presented with a poplar tree by a Blackfoot Elder and educator.

The International Society of Arboriculture Prairie Chapter held its annual conference and trade show in Okotoks on October 7 and 8 at the Viking Rentals Centre. It featured Elder Ninna Piiksii Dr. Mike Bruised Head as a guest speaker on Monday (Oct. 7).

Charges have been laid after an investigation into the on-duty conduct of a Southern Alberta RCMP officer.

Since October of 2023, 40-year-old Gleichen RCMP officer Cst. Anthony Jacobs has been under investigation by the Alberta RCMP's Southern Alberta District General Investigation Section.

The investigation resulted in Jacobs being charged with one count of perjury and one count of breach of trust.

Jacobs has been suspended with pay and was released on an undertaking.

The Foothills Bantam Eagles head into Saturday morning's tilt with a 5-2 record on the regular season when they take on the winless Calgary Mavericks at Shouldice Artificial Turf Hellard at 10:30.

The Eagles enter Saturday's game with a four-game win streak and have outscored their opponents 182-14 during those four games. Foothills won their last game on Saturday (Oct. 5) with a dominant 36-0 performance. For the regular season as a whole, the Eagles have outscored their opponents 282-121.

A laundromat in Okotoks is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this weekend.

Better Than Home Coin Laundry owner, Cynthia Federowich, says they will be hosting a turkey dinner this Sunday with donations made by local businesses.

Hirsche Fraser Meats donated 125 lbs. of turkey and COBS Bread donated the dinner buns.

"It's going to be supplied the donations that we have, and also I'm going to be making the mashed potatoes, gravy, and all the fixings," Federowic explains. "My husband and I, for 20 years, have talked about hosting for our customers Thanksgiving dinner."