HighRiver

The man accused of ramming an SUV into a crowd and killing 11 people at the Vancouver Lapu Lapu Day festival is set to appear in court today, with a judge determining if he's fit to stand trial.

RJ Aquino, the chair of festival organizer Filipino BC, says the court proceedings could prove "traumatizing" for victims and members of the Filipino community.

He says many have expressed anger and frustration since the April 26 attack and still find it difficult to cope with the tragedy almost three months later.

The volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada decreased four per cent last year after three annual increases in a row, the national statistics agency said Tuesday.

Statistics Canada said non-violent crime had a significant effect on the decline in the overall crime severity index in 2024.

The non-violent crime severity index — which includes such crimes as property and drug offences — dropped six per cent last year, following a nine per cent increase from 2021 to 2023.

Panelists agree that maintaining access under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement should be priority among other trade noise

Canadian trade negotiators should be cautious and be prepared to weather further abrupt policy changes from U.S. president Donald Trump.

A panel on trade and politics at the Seeds Canada conference in Quebec City heard that Canada’s ability to delay trade negotiations could be valuable in finding a way to a successful renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The RCMP has made an arrest in connection with the theft of some irrigation equipment in Southern Alberta.

Last May, the RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (SAD CRU), along with the Strathmore and Brooks RCMP, began investigating a series of damage to and theft from irrigation pivots from various farms.

The thefts began in the Wheatland County area, and this investigation led to a suspect being identified.

In the early morning hours of July 16, officers from SAD CRU witnessed the suspect stealing irrigation equipment from a farm in Newell County.

One year to the day a wind-whipped fire forced thousands to flee in the dark of night along one smoke-choked road, the mayor of Jasper acknowledged it was a day of remembrance that some would much rather forget.

An Okotoks town councillor has announced she won't be seeking re-election this fall.

On Monday, July 21, Councillor Rachel Swendseid shared a post on social media announcing she will not be running in the upcoming municipal election for personal reasons.

"This was a difficult decision as I love this town dearly and serving this community has been an immense honor. However, I know that this decision is the next right thing for my young family and I," the post reads.

The Okotoks Dawgs double header has been postponed today (July 22) due to the weather.  

The game against the Fort McMurray Giants was originally set for Monday but had to be postponed because of the rain.  

The game has been rescheduled to July 28. 

The Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation (FFSF) has been awarded a substantial grant for a new literacy initiative. 

Grant funding of $70,000 was awarded from the Calgary Foundation to help support students going into Grade 3, who are not reading at grade level.  

The Nanton Pro Rodeo is returning for its second year this August.

According to Shawna Bird, who is the Chair of the Pro Rodeo, the first one was such a success, they just had to bring it back.

"We decided to have one Pro Rodeo, because we have so many contestants from Nanton, and it was successful. So, we're going to try to have another one," explains Bird.

Their first pro rodeo was so successful that they won the 2024 Small Rodeo of the Year, which was voted on by the cowboys and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.

Crews are at work on High Country Drive and High View Gate for a month-long project.

A new golf cart ramp is being installed, and work is underway to remove concrete and asphalt in the area.

Work started on July 21 and is expected to continue until August 21.

The Town of High River clarified that the project is unrelated to the High Country Drive Corridor Study.