HighRiver

Farm Credit Canada's Transition Loan program has been enhanced.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says transferring the family farm or business can be stressful; the new changes will help address the financial barriers many people face.

The loan's new terms are designed to make it easier for both buyers and sellers by allowing disbursements to the seller over a 10 year period.

The loan is available for farms, agribusinesses, or food businesses going through changes in ownership, be it within or outside the family.

A human trafficking investigation between Tsuut’ina Nation Police Services and Calgary Police Services has resulted in the arrests of multiple individuals targeting underage Indigenous girls.  

The initiative, Project Buffalo, was aimed at combating the exploitation of minors.

During the investigation, which began in May, there were multiple times where individuals arranged meetings with minors.

A town hall event featuring Premier Danielle Smith is being held in Okotoks today (July 2).

The event will also feature Highwood MLA and Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson.

Described as a "community engagement" town hall, the event does not require attendees to sign up ahead of time.

It's being held at the Viking Rentals Centre (204 Community Way) from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Two former members of Alberta's governing United Conservative Party are resuscitating the province's once-dominant Progressive Conservative Party.

Former infrastructure minister Peter Guthrie and legislature member Scott Sinclair were booted from caucus earlier this year for pushing back against the Premier Danielle Smith's government and now sit as Independents.

Sinclair says the province's two-party system has become too divisive, and they want to galvanize support from Albertans who feel they don't have a political home.

A heat warning has been issued for Vulcan County and parts of Foothills County today.

The heat warning is for all of Vulcan County, and Foothills County near Blackie.

Environment Canada had issued the heat warning, because daytime high temperatures are expected to be between 29 and 35 degrees Celsius, combined with overnight lows near 14 degrees.

Those who live where there is the heat warning are advised to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and neighbours from the heat.

The Rowan House Society is continuing to make strides to break the cycle of domestic violence and abuse in Southern Alberta.  

The organization hosted its Annual General Meeting on June 25, highlighting prevention efforts, achievements, and upcoming initiatives.   

Canada Day celebrations were a big hit in High River on a hot Tuesday.

Hundreds came out for the festivities between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at George Lane Memorial Park.

There were food trucks, a show and shine thanks to River City Classics, carnival-type games, including an inflatable curling rink. Someone even dressed up as Spider-Man.

Some people were sporting some extra red as the heat caused a few sunburns to those without sunscreen.

Once the events wound down around 4 p.m., the entertainment shifted to the east side of town near Emerson Lake at 7 p.m.

School's out for summer, but speed limits have only changed in some areas.

Students at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools had their last day on June 25, with Foothills School Division students finishing on June 27.

In Okotoks, school zones are no longer in effect now that the school year has ended. The signs apply only on school days, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and only during the school year. Playground zones remain in effect, as always.

That’s not the case in High River.

 Irrican owns multiple hydroelectric facilities and solar sites

A new battery storage facility is helping power two southern Alberta irrigation districts.

Irrican Power, a renewable energy producer, comprised of the St. Mary River Irrigation District and Raymond Irrigation District, has announced the commissioning of the Raymond Enhanced Battery and Renewables Project.

The eBAR facility is located at the Raymond Irrican Hydropower Plant near Raymond.

The move by Sask. would help producers with the cost of cleaning and disinfection after the disease is found on their farms

Saskatchewan may ask to trigger AgriRecovery for producers affected by bovine tuberculosis.

Provincial agriculture minister Daryl Harrison said last week he had heard from cattle organizations about the need for more help.