Okotoks

Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate, marking a major milestone since her move to the top of the Democratic ticket ahead of the November presidential election. 

They are expected to appear together at a rally this evening after Harris formally clinched the nomination on Monday. 

The search for a running mate began just two weeks ago, after President Joe Biden removed himself as the nominee amid concerns over his age and endorsed Harris. 

The Town of Okotoks was hit by a severe thunderstorm Monday evening, which included large amounts of hail.

Just before 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 5th, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Foothills County

Some water repair work will be happening in Okotoks next week, which will cause a pathway closure.

The water service repair work is scheduled from August 7th to 14th beside the 7-Eleven in Okotoks at 111 Elizabeth Street.

This work will cause the pathway beside the 7-Eleven to be closed for the duration of the work.

While the work is happening, the Town reminds everyone to use caution while in the area and to keep an eye on the detour signage.

The Town of Okotoks will be hosting a Chili Cookoff later this month.

This Cookoff is part of the Town's Summer Round Up event, which also has a corn-on-the-cob relay eating contest called the "Cobzilla Challenge!", an outdoor artisan market, and family-themed activities.

For the cookoff, contestants must prepare and cook either chili or chili-inspired foods, such as chili dogs, chili fries, shepherd's pie, chili empanadas, and more.

Alberta's Open Farm Days is returning in a couple of weeks.

During the annual event, farms and agricultural businesses across the province open their doors to give the public a close-up look at where their favourite products come from.

It’s being held on August 16 and 17, with around 160 farms registered so far.

Tannis Baker, with the Open Farm Days Executive Committee, says there’s something for everyone.

The Alberta RCMP are looking to curb a spike in vehicle thefts.

There were a reported 8,710 auto thefts reported in Alberta in 2023, with 3,932 so far this year.

According to the RCMP, trucks are the most commonly stolen vehicle.

They’re reminding Albertans not to fall out of their routines during the summer months, and to maintain habits that make vehicle thefts and theft from vehicles more difficult for would-be thieves.

Their tips include parking in a garage or a well-lit area whenever possible.

Calgary's Chanse Vigen is having one heck of a year on the WPCA tour.

Vigen and his team won the Strathmore Stampede on holiday Monday.

Vigen qualified for the final four dash-for-cash along with Jamie Laboucane, Kurt Bensmiller, and Rae Crouteau Jr.

High River's Jason Glass ran into penalty trouble on Sunday and finished 8th in the aggregate and out of the final heat for the Championship.

The wagons now head up to Dawson Creek, B.C. for the Battle of the North starting Wednesday, August 7 running until Sunday, August 11.

Ranchers have observed an increase in woody species, such as western snowberry (or buckbrush) and wolf willow in their pasturelands. With the increase of woody species or brush density; comes reduced acres for livestock grazing.  With the loss of grazing acres, comes a large economic cost. With the increased density of woody species, the grassland is also negatively impacted through a shift in the desired plant community. Major barriers to addressing woody encroachment are, that it is time consuming and costly.

The Okotoks Dawgs handled the Bull tonight 4-1 in Lethbridge and head into playoffs with a seven-game win streak.

In addition, the Dawgs have beaten the Bulls in the last four meetings as they head into Wednesday for game one of their first-round best-of-three series at Seaman Stadium.

Cam Stephens started on the mound and put up an eye-popping 13 strikeouts in just five innings. Chase Tucker and Easton Corey came in relief and got two strikeouts each.

Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Foothills County. 

Conditions could bring about thunderstorms capable of producing "very strong wind gusts, up to golf ball to tennis ball size hail, and torrential rain."

The storm is said to be located near Okotoks and moving east at 30 km/h.

They're warning of potential for flash flooding and water pooling on roadways as well as damage from hail.

The warning also includes a reminder that severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, though there is nit currently a tornado watch in place.