Okotoks

Southbound traffic on Highway 2 near Okotoks is facing significant delays following a collision.

The crash happened at the intersection of 228 Avenue, and first responders remain on scene.

Police are directing traffic as crews work to clear the area.

There's no word yet on if any serious injuries occurred.

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

It’s the Victoria Day long weekend, and there are a variety of events for families in the Foothills to enjoy.  

Here’s a look at what’s happening:  

Little Britches Rodeo  

The Little Britches Rodeo kicks off today (May 16) at 6 p.m. at the High River Ag grounds.   

The Okotoks Spray Park is ready to open, but it's unlikely to happen this weekend.

Each year, seasonal operations begin on the May long weekend and conclude after the September long weekend.

However, the park only opens when the temperature is above 20ºC, which doesn't look likely this weekend.

Other conditions, such as excessive wind, smoke, or thunderstorms, can also lead to temporary closures.

The Victoria Day long weekend, also known as the May long weekend, is often most Albertans' first weekend of camping.

If you're thinking of getting away and booking a campsite through Alberta Parks, there are still quite a few options, although you may have to travel a bit.

Locally, Sandy McNabb, out past the Turner Valley side of Diamond Valley, still has some openings.

The Town of High River will be closing some facilities and departments over the upcoming long weekend.

Watch for road closures in the downtown from about 8 a.m. until about 3 p.m. on Saturday for the Little Britches Parade.

Then on Monday, Victoria Day, the following town facilities will be closed.

There’s never been a better time to celebrate Canada’s beauty and support the businesses that make it the greatest country in the world.

Golden West introduces the See MORE Canada Auction, which will boost local tourism while helping Canadians rediscover the wonders in their backyard.

From lakeside retreats to city weekend getaways, individual adventures, this online auction is the ticket to unforgettable experiences at unbeatable prices.

But this is more than just an auction.

The two community gardens in High River are already going strong this spring.

There are actually four community gardens, but the ones at Sheppard Family Park and the Crossing Church (formerly known as the Full Gospel Church) are run independently of the ones at McLaughlin Meadows and Riverside.

Judy Evans, president of the High River Garden Society, says they run the McLaughlin Meadows Garden and the one at Riverside Drive in the northwest.

The plots are free through the Town of High River, but there is a long waiting list.

We're less than a week away from the Spray Park in northwest High River opening.

Mind you, it still needs to be 18° Celsius or hotter for it to open.

However, if Mother Nature cooperates, it will open this Friday, May 23.

The Town of High River evaluates the temperature three times daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Between May 23 and June 29, the park will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday but closed Monday to Wednesday.

Then from June 30 to September 1, it will open daily from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

The sexual assault case of five hockey players faced another major upheaval Friday, abruptly converting from a jury to a judge alone in order to avoid a mistrial that would have rebooted the proceedings for a second time in less than a month.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled to discharge the jury Friday over concerns about possible jury bias. The move came after a juror sent a note to the Carroccia indicating some members of the panel felt two of the defence lawyers were laughing at them as they came into court each day.