Okotoks

Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the initial list of regions that will qualify for the Livestock Tax Deferral in 2025.

Alberta's government is looking to power some of its jails with solar energy.

The province says it's planning to build solar installations at five of its 10 correctional facilities, with early energy cost savings estimated at $1 million per year.

"The solar installations are expected to offset approximately 80 per cent of the energy used at each site," Michael Kwas, press secretary for Infrastructure Minister Martin Long, said in an email.

He said the estimated savings will likely change as the installations are further designed.

One of two suspects in a south Calgary break-in has been charged.

Around 4:30 a.m. on July 18, two people broke into a storage garage at the Lake Sundance community centre.

They are believed to have taken a 2024 Gator utility vehicle, driving it a few blocks away before returning two days later to load it onto a trailer.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) first asked for the public's help on July 31. Since then, they have identified and charged one of the suspects.

Tree planting in High River is now complete for the season.  

This year, Elms, Larches, Oaks, and Ohio Buckeyes have been planted to add colour and shade to neighbourhoods and green spaces throughout the community.   

The planting was part of the town’s efforts to replace trees that were previously removed following the one-to-one replacement policy.  

A new community art piece will showcase prominent figures from High River’s history.   

During the Aug. 11 regular meeting, Town Council awarded $5,000 to fund one tree carving art piece in George Lane Memorial Park.  

The allotted funding includes the cost of materials and the artist fee.  

The Saskatoon Farm's restaurant reopened today (Aug. 18).

The business’s food facilities had been closed for nearly a month under an Alberta Health Services (AHS) order following an outbreak of E. coli and amoebiasis.

AHS issued the closures on July 23, later stating that the farm’s water source was believed to be the cause of the outbreak.

The President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) says he's optimistic that they can reach an agreement that will see the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) remain part of the national organization.

Last week, ABP gave the CCA notice to withdraw from the national organization as of July 1, 2026, citing among its concerns the organization's funding model, board structure, and representation since Alberta producers contribute over 50 percent to the organization.

Tyler Fulton is optimistic they'll be able to agree on a workable solution for everyone.

The Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is celebrating an anniversary this year.

Originally founded in 1882 as the Northwest Cattle Company, the Bar U Ranch was, at one time, one of Canada's largest ranches, where they grazed 30,000 head of cattle on 160,000 acres.

They also had 1,000 Percherons, which are a breed of draft horse that originated in the Huisne river valley in western France, which is part of the former Perche province.

After WW1, the Bar U Ranch exported its Percherons to France and the UK to help contribute to the breed in Europe.

High River's Gift of Music is all ready for the new season, which kicks off on Sunday, September 7.

The non-profit society is hosting Honen's Open Air concert at George Lane Park, featuring five award-winning musicians.

They blend folk music, romantic gems, and tango through piano, percussion, violin, and accordion.

The event is also free for all ages to attend, and it starts at 2:30 p.m. next Sunday.

They also have a Christmas special in the lineup for November 30 with the Spiritus Chamber Choir and Vocal Ensemble.

Okotokians are being warned of a bear sighting in town.

A bear was spotted in Waller Park (100 and 102 Riverside Drive West) on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Due to the bear being in Town, bear warning signs have been posted in the area, letting people know they need to stay alert and aware of their surroundings in the area.