HighRiver

Autumn is in full swing, and the leaves are changing and beginning to fall.

With autumn comes shorter days, which impacts visibility and driving conditions.

Because of that, the Okotoks RCMP are reminding drivers to remain vigilant and help keep pedestrians safe.

In a media release from October 2, the Okotoks RCMP reminds drivers to be mindful, particularly in school or playground zones and especially during early mornings or late afternoons when there are kids making their way to school.

The OOAA/OMHA is hosting an ACAC game on Sunday (Oct. 6) at 4:00 p.m. when the Sait Trojans Women's hockey team faces off against the Medicine Hat Rattlers.

With women's hockey thriving, especially since the introduction of the PWHL last year, it's a great way to see the women's game up close.

Jennifer Dustow, who is a part of the Okotoks Female Hockey Development, explains how they are bringing the Trojans in for a hockey game at Viking Rentals Centre.

The Government of Alberta has announced that a decision has been made regarding the potential sale of liquor in grocery and convenience stores.

Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally has accepted recommendations to maintain the province's current liquor retail model.

The recommendation was made by an MLA Advisory Committee who consulted with business owners, industry representatives, and experts. 

The Rowan House Society recently released its 2024/2024 Report to the Community.

Each year, the report provides a look at the organization's efforts to support individuals affected by domestic violence and abuse, with information on Rowan House's various programs as well as a look at its revenue and expenses.

Their 24-hour support line saw a total of 2,294 calls or texts, about a 15 per cent increase from the year prior, totalling 15,779 minutes.

Rowan House’s Safe at Home Program was also reintroduced during the last fiscal year.

As war spread in the Middle East on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly "unequivocally" condemned Iran's move to fire dozens of missiles into Israel and called for no further escalation in the war from all sides.

Joly also begged Canadians in Lebanon to leave immediately as Israel began what it is calling a limited ground operation against Hezbollah targets in the southern part of that country.

So, just where did your money go that was used to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass?

Over the last year, the pass generated over $12 million and according to the provincial government, it was reinvested back into K-Country.

Over 95,000 annual passes at $90 each were sold with 35,600 multi-day use passes sold along with 166,00 single-day passes with a price tag of $15 per day.

Fines for personal vehicles without a pass are $150 and $350 for commercial vehicles.

While Halloween is around the corner, the price of going to the Okotoks Rec Centre won't be frightening.

The Town of Okotoks is offering their Halloween Coupons again, which gives those 11 and younger cheaper access to the Rec Centre.

From October 1 to October 31, these Coupons can be purchased at the customer experience desk, where 4 coupons will cost $1, and are valid for one-day admission for those 11 and younger.

These coupons will grant access to the facilities at the Rec Centre, as well as drop-in programs.

The Town of High River Family and Community Support Services wants to help advance reconciliation.

They are looking for three community members to join a group dedicated to reconciliation through the Moose Hide Campaign.

This campaign focuses on helping to raise awareness about ending violence against children and women.

This group will play a role in planning and organizing events for their 2025 campaign.

Members of the campaign will get to participate in the "We Are Medicine" training offered by the campaign founders.

The HTA Knights stayed hot as they obliterated the Chinook High School Coyotes on Friday night (Sept. 27) with a 70-7 victory.

515 total yards were gained by the Knights with 407 of them coming from rushing. HTA then held Chinook to just 61 yards and only nine yards in the air. 

The Knights finished off with three out of four third-down conversions. Chinook only converted once with one out of three conversions on third-down. 

With the win, the Knights stay undefeated this year with a 6-0 record.

The Foothills Falcons picked up their second loss in as many games after falling to the Medicine Hat High Hawks 58-14 on Friday night (Sept. 27).

That loss wasn't due to effort as the Falcons produced 202 total yards, with 120 coming from rushing. The Hawks however would more than double their yards with 414 total yards. The run game worked for Medicine Hat as they rushed for 245 yards.

The Falcons only converted on one third-down on five opportunities.