Okotoks

Observers say the American government’s move toward deregulation could have sweeping consequences for Canadians.

A new policy paper warns Canadian agriculture to prepare for changing U.S. domestic policies that seek efficiencies through deregulation.

The paper from Agri-Food Economic Systems said this could include food inspection.

Follow all our tariff coverage here

Strong nitrogen fertilizer demand is butting up against tight supplies in some regions of the world, says an analyst.

India is the world’s top importer of the product.

Indian urea demand surged to 38.8 million tonnes in 2024-25, an eight per cent increase over the previous year, according to Argus Media.

That was due in part to tight supplies of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer during the winter (rabi) crop season.

Vulcan County has issued a Fire Ban as a result of hot, dry conditions.   

Under the ban, burning of any kind is prohibited, including campfires, backyard fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces.  

In addition, burning in a burn barrel or incinerator, charcoal briquette BBQs, yard debris, and fireworks is not permitted.   

The Okotoks Oilers recently announced that two players are committed to post-secondary schools.

Team Captain Jackson Rowland, who played his entire Junior A career with the team, is heading to Western University in London, Ontario.

He'll join a familiar face, former Oiler Owen MacNeil, who joined them the previous season.

Due to the dry conditions, a Fire Restriction is now in effect for Foothills County.  

With high temperatures and wind speeds, the risk of fire increases in areas where dry vegetation is exposed.  

Under the restriction, residential fire pits and safe campfires in campgrounds, gas or propane stoves, and wood pellet smokers are still permitted.  

The Alert Ready Emergency Alert System test that was scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, has been cancelled in Alberta.

Canada's emergency alert system is being tested in every province except Quebec, but Alert Ready announced the Alberta cancellation early on Wednesday morning.

Please be advised that due to ongoing wildfires in some parts of the province, Alberta has canceled its test scheduled for today, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 1:55 PM MDT.

It was a record-breaking Smile Cookie Week in High River last week.

Almost 10,000 cookies were sold at $2 each for a grand total of $19,870 raised for the High River District Health Care Foundation.

As the 2025 crop season begins, farmers across the prairies are already on high alert for potential insect damage. Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a research scientist in field crop entomology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, provides insights into what farmers might expect this year based on last year's conditions and winter observations.

An all-star Ian Tyson tribute band is performing this Friday and Saturday night at one of Ian Tyson's favourite venues.

'The Gift' will be playing at a venue Tyson played numerous times and featured in his 'Live in Longview' album, the East Longview Community Hall.

The Hall had a tribute mural and a plaque dedicated to him on July 4, 2024, with both of his children attending.

The chief of staff to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending a business class flight he charged to taxpayers, citing a health condition that increases his risk of blood clots.

The flight in question was a return flight he took from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Calgary earlier this year when he accompanied Smith to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The CBC reported this week that the two-day stop in Florida for Smith, Anderson and two others cost Alberta taxpayers about $10,000, with Anderson's flight home billed at nearly $3,000 alone.