Okotoks

With the heatwaves we have been experiencing in the Foothills many of us have been cooling off in our rivers.

While it's a great, free way to cool down, High River's Fire Chief Cody Zebedee reminds us about a few simple things to stay safe.

"We've seen lots and lots of people using the river in this heat. And I just like to remind people to be using PFDs." 

PFD is a personal floatation device, in other words, a life jacket and to ensure it's properly fitted for your height and weight.

As many Albertans are reacting to the devastation of the Jasper wildfire, with many asking how they can donate, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging caution.

"The Better Business Bureau (BBB) expresses deep concern for the businesses, consumers, and residents affected by the wildfires in Jasper and environs in Alberta. Our hearts are with all those impacted, and we are committed to providing support and resources during this difficult time," The BBB stated in a news release.

Around 60 agricultural societies across Alberta are opening their doors to wildfire evacuees, including several in the Foothills area.

The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies' website has a map showing each of the ag societies that have offered their space, including those in Millarville, High River, Nanton, and Stavely.

Included on the map are descriptions of the facilities and contact information.

Cool and wet weather is making a difference in Jasper National Park.

The park posted a statement on X late Thursday night saying cooler temperatures and up to 15 millimetres of rain since midnight had led to minimal fire activity.

The park says due to the rainfall, fire behaviour is likely to calm over the next 72 hours.

While more rain is expected Friday, temperatures are supposed to return to the mid 20s by Saturday, which the park says will lead to an increase in fire activity.

The Opening Ceremonies for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are on Friday and a couple of local athletes are ready to get them started. 

Swimmer Finlay Knox of Okotoks and Rugby Sevens player Keyara Wardley of Vulcan will represent Canada in Paris this year. 

This will be Knox’s second Olympics, having competed in Tokyo three years ago where he finished 17th. 

Since then, Knox has been lighting it up in the pool, winning five medals, including one gold at the 2023 Pan American Games. 

Legendary singer, songwriter and Western icon Ian Tyson was recently memorialized at the East Longview Hall.

A two-week long construction project in Okotoks will cause a lane closure, beginning next week.

Starting Monday, July 25th LT Earth Services will begin excavating a trench on Southbank Street, between Southbank Boulevard and Southbank Road, so crews can tie into the existing water line running underneath Southbank Street.

This work will cause a single lane closure on Southbank Street, which may cause minor traffic delays, but traffic will still be able to get through using the alternate lane.

The Seasons Retirement Community in High River recently made a donation to Wildrose Community Connections' Food Rescue.

They collected 145 canned goods earlier this month as part of the"‘One Can Make a Difference" challenge, a company-wide event to support local food banks.

The event includes Seasons Retirement Community locations in Ontario and Alberta.

A goal of 7,000 cans was set for this year's challenge, but they ended up collecting 9,543.

That's an increase of 3,167 from last year.

The chuckwagons were fast and furious last night in High River as the Battle of the Foothills kicked off.

High River's Jason Glass, coming off the huge win at the Calgary Stampede, ended up in seventh after one night of racing.

He was in the 8th heat where Chanse Vigen flew down the track and ended up with the top time of the night, 1:16.00.

Jamie Laboucane, last year's Battle of the Foothills champion, ended up just behind Vigen in second.

The wagons will hit the track again starting at 7:00 p.m. with gates and the beer garden opening at 5:00 p.m.

Savannah Blakley has been an important member of the Okotoks Dawgs since 2012 coming in as the Athletic Therapist for the squad.

Anytime a Dawg gets hurt she is on the case and finding the best solutions to help the players get back on the field healthy and ready to play.

Blakley explains how the opportunity crossed her path back in 2012.

"I was in school for athletic therapy and when I graduated there was an opening. The therapist that they had working for them moved. Me and another girl actually came on and took the role of Athletic Therapists," Blakley said.