Okotoks

Harvest time is just around the corner with some producers already started and there are many things to keep in mind before harvest to ensure your grain can be sold into any market. Before applying pesticides as a pre harvest application, always understand the label and be aware of any restrictions that may affect the marketability of your grain.

The Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Eleanor Olszewski was in Saskatchewan earlier this week for two key announcements, including $4.2 million for the province's ag sector. 

"By building on Saskatchewan’s many strengths and investing in them, we’re helping create good jobs and grow one strong Canadian economy."

This week, Alberta farmers learned more about the $5.2 million in funding planned for the province's two crop diversification centres.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson says the province's farmers directly benefit from the work being done at CDC North near Edmonton, and CDC South near Brooks.

The funding supports upgrades and replacements to greenhouses, labs, and administrative buildings at both sites, as well as research essentials such as seed, fertilizer, and pesticides.  

Alberta Beef Producers have decided to withdraw from the Canadian Cattle Association.

Board Chair Doug Roxburgh says they've been talking with the organization about their concerns for years regarding governance and fiscal transparency.

He notes over the past five years there's been some discussion going on around the move, noting the final decision came following extensive deliberation and strategic review.

The Town of Nanton is advising pedestrians and drivers that the crossing lights at 20th Street and Highway 2 northbound are flashing due to a technical issue.  

Town crews are working on completing repairs, and the necessary replacement parts have been ordered.  

While work is underway, residents and visitors are urged to use caution while in the area and follow signage. 

Those in High River will know all about the life of those Walter Boys this weekend.

The Town of High River took to social media to let people know that film crews with My Life with the Walter Boys will be filming in High River this Saturday (Aug. 16).

While the film crews are working, residents can expect intermittent traffic control and flaggers along 12 Ave SW throughout the day.

Even though there will be traffic control in place, no vehicle will be delayed for more than five minutes.

As we are getting into the dog days of summer, there is still plenty to do in the Foothills this weekend.

Let's take a look at what's happening this weekend:

Friday, August 15:

At this week's Nature Fridays event at the Environmental Education Centre, they will be teaching youth about mystical moths. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Yamnuska Day Use Area, Trails, and Climbing Area will be closed, thanks to some routine work at a nearby quarry.

To help ensure public safety, access to Yamnuska will be temporarily closed, due to routine blasting at the quarry, which occurs periodically throughout the year.

This works is authorized by the Alberta Energy Regulator to be carried out near the quarry.

The closure is coming into effect on Aug. 20, which will be removed once the work is completed, which is typically within 1 to 2 days.

The annual attraction, put on by the Town of High River, is back again this year at the Bob Snodgrass Rec Plex's east parking lot.

Wild Rose Carnival has brought back all the rides, games and midway food from the last number of years.

You can expect the classic rides like the Berry Go Round, all the way to the Zipper.

The Go Gater mini rollercoaster is back, as is Castle Mania, the Super Slide, Car Combo, Airplanes, Area 51, the Hurricane, the Tornado, Mardi Gras, the Merry Go Round, and the Scooter.

You can purchase your tickets for the rides on site.

High River's Jason Glass and Calgary's Chanse Vigen are heading into the final weekend of the chuckwagon season, battling it out for the World Championship title this weekend.

Thursday night, Vigen came through with a blistering time of 1:12.76, setting a new track record and overtaking Glass in the World Standings by 3.5 points.

Whomever has the most points after Saturday night's heats will be declared the 2025 WPCA Champion.