Okotoks

The federal Conservatives are pressing the Liberal government to allow provinces emergency access to strychnine, a pesticide previously used to control Richardson’s ground squirrels (commonly called gophers).

In a statement released Friday, Foothills MP and Conservative Shadow Agriculture Minister John Barlow said without the use of strychnine, farmers and rural municipalities are struggling with widespread infestations and mounting costs.

A renewable energy company is expanding clean energy practices with a solar energy project near Claresholm.    

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) announced the acquisition of the Homestead Solar Project from Kiwetinohk Energy (KEC) on Sept. 9.  

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming municipal election is quickly approaching.  

This year, voters must be registered by Sept. 15 to appear on the Permanent Electors Register.  

Voters who are registered must provide a valid ID with their name and address before casting their vote.  

To cast a ballot, voters must have a valid ID.   

Harvest is well underway across the province, and while cold weather may still be a little way off, now is the time to start planning for fall soil testing, which is a key step in setting up next season’s success.

The Rotary Clubs of Okotoks and High River have announced the return of the Rotary Art Gala, in collaboration with the Foothills Country Hospice.

Over 50 artists from around Southern Alberta will showcase their work, which will be available for purchase, at the Viking Rentals Centre on Sept. 19 from 5-9 p.m. and Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Half of the proceeds will support the hospice’s expansion, which will increase its capacity from eight to 16 beds to meet the growing need for no-cost, end-of-life care.

Curling season is now just days away.

Registration opens on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and their annual general meeting is less than a week away.

The president of the club, Kate Renz, is really looking forward to getting back on the ice.

"We're having our AGM on Tuesday, the 16th of Sept., 7 p.m. in the Ice House Lounge at the curling club. We've revamped the whole lounge area so it's nice, it's upstairs at 7 o'clock, and anyone is welcome."

The club is also bringing back 'The Great Scot' on Sept. 20th and 21st, and Renz explains what it's about.

It's that time of year again to lace up the running shoes, get some donations, and head down to George Lane Memorial Park for the Terry Fox Run.

The annual event hits the 45-year mark on Sunday, Sept. 14.

High River's Brenda McReadie, who's been organizing the run for the last 11 years, is looking forward to it.

"It is! It's coming up fast at group site B, and thanks to the Lions for donating that spot again."

You've probably seen all the lawn signs she's placed throughout High River.

Tariffs and trade were among the key topics of discussion for the country's agriculture ministers during their annual conference this week in Manitoba.

Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers reaffirming their commitment for a resilient, sustainable, and competitive agriculture and agri-food sector.

Pierre Poilievre is encouraging Prime Minister Mark Carney to adopt Conservative plans to deal with the country's housing crisis, which he said is entering a new phase as prices begin to fall in some cities.

At a press conference Tuesday in Brampton, Ont., the Conservative leader blamed Liberal policies for the housing crunch and invited the government to "steal our best ideas."

"They first inflated the housing bubble, and now Liberals are bursting the housing bubble," he said, noting that construction is slowing in Ontario.

Fiscal experts say Ottawa will have to be transparent with Canadians in the upcoming fall budget to justify a seismic shift in spending away from government programs and toward defence and infrastructure.

The federal Liberals are expected to table the annual budget sometime this fall, possibly as early as next month, after forgoing the traditional spring budget.