Okotoks

Systematic government collection and analysis of data about mysterious sightings in the sky could help Canada better prepare for incidents like the sudden appearance of several high-altitude balloons over North America two years ago, says a report from the federal science adviser.

One of the balloons, which wafted above western Canada in early 2023 before being shot down off the U.S. coast, apparently originated from China and carried sophisticated equipment.

The balloon episodes generated intense public speculation before fading from the headlines.

The All Canada Classic Sheep Show returned to Brandon this past weekend, bringing together sheep producers from across the country to showcase breeding stock and connect with fellow industry members.

With about 250 sheep for sale and attendees from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, the event marked a milestone for the national sheep industry.

A local success story

Brandon last hosted the national show in 1981, and the event remained here for three years before moving westward across the country.

The Highwood Current Swim Club is seeking community support in anticipation of the upcoming extended pool closure.  

The club has approximately 60 competitive swimmers, ranging in age between four and 17, at all skill levels, training out of the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex.    

High River RCMP reported on Sunday, July 20, at 7:36 a.m. that Marschal Patey has been located safe.

They thank the public and media for their assistance.

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RCMP in High River are asking the public for help locating a missing 22-year-old man.

Marschal Patey was last seen in High River on July 16.

According to police, there is concern for his well-being.

He’s described as 5'11" tall, weighing 160 pounds, with a fair complexion, red hair, and blue eyes.

An Okotoks mom is currently in a hospital in Japan, waiting for emergency surgery.

Peyton and Dione Amundson were recently vacationing in Japan when, after three days there, Dione started to have severe stomach pain.

According to her friend Krista Brown, Dione took some Tylenol, thinking the issue would go away.

But, unfortunately, it did not.

An annual event put on by the Town of Okotoks will leave people fed, not fed up.

Taste of Okotoks is returning for its 13th year, but due to construction, it will be happening in a new location.

Due to the ongoing construction on North Railway Street, the event will be happening at the Arts and Learning Campus Plaza on Riverside Drive.

At Taste of Okotoks, people will be able to enjoy sweet treats and savoury eats, and with meat-heavy and meat-free dishes, they have something to satisfy the cravings of attendees.

The Town of Vulcan has postponed the poolside screening of the iconic thriller, Jaws 3.  

Dive-In Movie Night was set for Friday (July 18) at 10 p.m. at the Vulcan Lions Community Pool.   

However, due to the rain, the event has been postponed.   

A new date will be announced soon.  

The government of Alberta announced a new program to support Albertans who have been affected by gender-based violence.

They launched a new program this week called the Community Pathways to Justice, offering up grant money to organizations such as Rowan House Society here in the Foothills.

$1.25 million in one-time funding is now available to enhance access to justice and provide survivor-centred services.

It's part of the province's 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence.

The High River Flyers of the Heritage Jr. B League are getting set for tryouts next month.

Season tickets are now available at early bird pricing and are only $150.

The club is looking for hockey players aged 16-21 to sign up now as the camp runs August 18-22 at the Bob Snodgrass Rec Plex.

They have two sessions, from 6 to 7 p.m. and from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Here's the link to sign up.

The Town of Diamond Valley received notice on July 16th from the Westend Regional Sewage Services Commission for an effluent diffuser in the Sheep River.

The Westend Lagoon is just north and downstream from the town, and they would like to install the effluent diffuser just northwest of the lagoon.

Effluent diffusers mitigate sewage going into the river.

According to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, you must serve notice to the public and allow 30 days for the public to add their comments.

All comments must be received by August 16, 2025.