Okotoks

It's the beginning of the holiday season and the Alberta RCMP are reminding people to be cyber-safe.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up, it's a busy time for online shopping, and the police are reminding Albertans to follow safe cyber practices while they are shopping online.

Numerous reports have found unauthorized use of credit card data occurs well after the incident has occurred, causing people to not realize they have been the victim of fraud until after the fact and they have received their credit card bill.

In 2023, the Alberta RCMP had:

Treasury Board President Anita Anand is warning that if the House of Commons doesn't get back to regular business, some government departments might be in financial trouble.

On Monday, Anand tabled a supplementary estimates request for $21.6 billion to fund programs including housing, dental care and the national school food program.

One of the biggest-ticket items is $970.8 million for compensation adjustments for civil servants as a result of collective bargaining agreements.

Okotoks should be on the lookout for manhole inspection and minor survey work being done tomorrow (Nov. 21).

The work will be done throughout the Heritage area between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. along with Northridge Drive and Milligan Drive between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

Drivers in the area can expect minor traffic disruptions.

When passing through, pay attention to crews, signage, and equipment while using caution.

The Town of Okotoks is thanking drivers for their patience and cooperation.

Residents across Alberta can expect an alert from the Alberta Emergency Alerts system today (Nov. 20).

The province's alert system is being tested this afternoon with televisions, radios, and smartphones scheduled to send out notifications at 1:55 p.m.

High River will also sound its sirens at the Fire Hall and near the community garden in the northwest.

Local authorities, the police, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, or Environment Canada send out Emergency Alerts.

With winter in full swing this week, you might be thinking of grabbing a book and snuggling up inside for a good read.

You're in luck too, as the Friends of the High River Public Library Society in High River are putting on another book sale on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30.

Okotoks may be getting its own Remembrance crosswalk next year.

Mayor Tanya Thorn addressed Okotokians about the possibility on her Facebook page after Cochrane's Remembrance crosswalk garnered praise and sparked many conversations on social media.

Jagger Tapper and Christian Green, former Okotoks Oilers from last season, continue to impress with their new teams this season.

Tapper, who is playing Division 1 hockey in the NCAA with RPI, has posted seven points in 10 games with his new team.

His seven points have him tied in third place for most points on the team, with Will Gilson and Tyler Hotson sitting above Tapper with nine each.

The Saskatchewan Party has announced their cabinet for their upcoming term, with the southeast seeing some new representation.

Daryl Harrison, the MLA for the Cannington constituency, will be serving as the Minister of Agriculture.

Harrison says that he's honoured to serve, bringing with him first-hand experience in the industry.

There's been a recall for some organic carrots sold across Canada due to E. coli.

The Government of Canada issued the recall on Monday (Nov. 18).

Compliments and PC organic baby-cut carrots and regular carrots are among the brands recalled.

It's also affected the Cal-Organic and Bunny-Luv.

Canada Post and the postal workers union found slivers of consensus Tuesday amid talks with a special mediator, but "a lot of ground" remains between them on the key concerns as a countrywide strike entered its fifth day.

“On smaller issues, we were able to find some progress,” said Canada Post spokesman Jon Hamilton in a phone interview.

"The special mediator has helped facilitate those discussions. So we're going to continue to be at it. We're committed to getting collective agreements," he said, adding that arbitration is off the table for now.