Okotoks

The Okotoks Public Library was recently honoured with an award from the Marigold Library System.

They were presented with a Making a Difference Award for their “Reading Dragons” program.

The program, inspired by a similar initiative from the Dover Public Library in Dover, Ohio, aims to boost literacy among children aged six to 12.

Participants earn dragon trading cards for every half hour of reading.

The federal government is investing $15 million into Protein Industries Canada; the funding is being used to strengthen Canada's agri-food sector.

The new funding will focus on genomics and AI programs by bringing new tools to plant breeders, farmers, ingredient processors, and food manufacturers.

The programs will enable farmers and companies across Canada’s agrifood sector to build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable food system. 

Alberta is working on strengthening its market presence in Southeast Asia.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson is in Southeast Asia to promote Alberta as a reliable supplier of agricultural products.

The overall goal is to strengthen relationships with Vietnam and the Philippines to increase trade and investment opportunities that 
will directly benefit producers and processors by opening new markets for Alberta agriculture and food products.

Farm Credit Canada is investing $2 billion to advance agtech innovation in Canada’s agriculture and food industry. 

The money which will be invested by 2030 will direct more investment into innovative devices, instrumentation, research, and methodologies designed to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

Stats show Canada’s agtech sector is lagging, putting Canada at a strategic disadvantage, while Japan  and the European Union have been increasing investments in ag tech.

The Calgary Police are investigating a suspicious death that occurred in Southeast Calgary over the weekend.

Just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, the Calgary Police were called to the 1000 block of Auburn Bay Circle S.E. over reports of a man who was believed to be dead in the residence.

Once police arrived, they found a man dead inside the home.

The circumstances around his death are being investigated, but the police believe there is currently no risk to the public.

Educators from Christ the Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools were honoured for their dedication and unwavering commitment to students' success at an award ceremony last week. 

The division’s award winners were honoured at an awards banquet in Strathmore on May 27.  

Alberta's latest crop report shows 90 per cent of the provincial crop is now in; that's ahead of the 5-year average of 81 per cent. 

Roy Larsen, the director of Statistics and Data Development for Agriculture and Irrigation says seeding progress in the South is at 97 per cent complete, the North West at 93 per cent, the Central region is at 89 per cent, the North East at 86  per cent, and the Peace at 84 per cent.

Crop progress shows 99 per cent of the dry peas have been planted, while oats lag behind at 74 per cent. 

Nanton is about to get a taste of Hollywood.

A feature film will be shooting scenes in town on June 10 and 11, according to a Facebook post shared by the Town of Nanton on Monday morning (June 2). 

Filming will take place:

• On 19 Avenue (between 24 Street and Highway 533) from 2 p.m. on June 10 until 3 a.m. on June 11.

• On both the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 2 (between 15 Street and 28 Street) from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on June 11.

It's Seniors' Week throughout Alberta this week, and the Town of Okotoks has numerous activities for Seniors to enjoy.

Today (June 2), the Town is hosting a Seniors' Celebration Pancake Breakfast at Viking Rentals Centre from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is live entertainment, line dancing, craft activities, door prizes, and a professional photo booth.

Mission Thrift is hosting an open house at 11:00 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the Town of Okotoks is hosting a Bird Watching Walk from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

June is Pride awareness month, and the Town of High River raised a Pride flag in support on Monday morning.

Mayor Craig Snodgrass raised the flag and proclaimed it Pride Month with a few dozen supporters on hand, cheering.