Okotoks

Defending Rangeland Derby Champion Jason Glass from High River came in fifth last night in the first night of chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede.

Chad Fike had the fastest wagon of the night though, but Jason Glass is right there, along with Chanse Vigen, who now calls Calgary home.

Dayton Sutherland, hailing from De Winton, came in 15th.

Fike also led off last year's Stampede with the top time on Day One.

Once again, this year the heats have three wagons with 27 drivers invited this year.

Here's how it played out Friday night:

A fundraiser has been launched for an Okotoks family grieving the sudden loss of their seven-year-old daughter.

On July 2, Tanis Mitchell announced that her daughter, Lukah, had passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.

Lukah first captured the hearts of many in 2018, when, at just one year old, she underwent surgery to remove a tumour from her abdomen. Complications from the procedure led to multi-organ failure, requiring multiple organ transplants.

The real estate market in Okotoks remained tight in June, with demand continuing to outpace supply.

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board's (CREB) June regional market report, both sales and new listings were down compared to May.

Despite that dip, the sales-to-new listings ratio climbed to 87 per cent, indicating that most newly listed homes are selling quickly.

This high ratio kept inventory levels from growing, leaving the market with less than two months of supply.

Diamond Valley residents have an opportunity to share their feedback with town council on the proposed Colts Crossing revised Area Structure Plan (ASP).  

The first reading of the bylaw was given, and now a public hearing is set for July 16 at 5 p.m. at the Flare 'n Derrick Community Hall.  

During the hearing, residents will be able to share their thoughts and concerns before council considers the adoption of the revised ASP.  

Prep work has begun on Okotoks’ new Southside All Wheel Skatepark and accessible playground at Howard Park.

Crews are currently removing the park’s existing playground. The central pathway will follow, with removal and realignment planned for late July to make room for the new amenities.

The playground area is now closed, and the pathway will also close once removal work begins. Pedestrian detours will be in place along Woodbend Way and Woodhaven Drive.

A historic ranch spanning more than 2,4000 acres could become part of a large, protected area.

Nature Conservancy Canada and the Waldron Grazing Co-operative are partnering to conserve Bob Creek Ranch, but they are needing some support to help finish the project.

The Bob Creek Ranch is located just off the Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) and spans more than 1,000 hectares (over 2,400 acres).

With summer in full swing, there are ways to stay cool in High River.

The Town of High River has cooling stations set up to help people find relief during any extreme temperature the area may experience this summer.

When there are high temperatures, the Town is reminding people to stay hydrated and safe, and when possible, plan ahead to minimize the amount of time spent outdoors.

On top of drinking a lot of water, it's advised to not leave people or pets in a vehicle, and make sure they are hydrated.

A local artist is not only selling her barn quilts at markets all summer, but they will also be on display at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

According to Jane Morgan, around 25 years ago, a lady in Ohio known as Donna Sue Groves wanted to do something special for her mother, Maxine, who was a distinguished quilter.

An Alberta First Nation is asking a judge to review the provincial government's decision earlier this year to end its moratorium on coal mining.

In an application for judicial review filed this week, Siksika Nation says Alberta failed in its duty to consult when in January it lifted its moratorium on new coal mining projects on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

Siksika Nation, 95 kilometres east of Calgary, says the effects of coal mining in the Rockies threaten Treaty rights and the land that supports its livelihood.

It’s Stampede season, and local spots are serving family-friendly Pancake Breakfasts packed with live music, petting zoos, line dancing, and community spirit.   

Here's your guide to make the most of the festivities:  

Saturday, July 5