Local pet nutrition experts proudly provide Canadian-made products

You could spend hours, days, weeks researching the best food and toys for your pet. OR you could simply walk into Red Dog Black Cat.  

Sean and Sheri Laidley own the popular pet product store in High River, which is named after their very own pets – the “Red Dog” is their Golden Retriever, and the “Black Cat” is their rescue. 

“One of the most rewarding things for me is when someone asks me how I feed my animals, because they’re right here in the store – they can see how healthy they are,” says Sean.  

Jam-packed trade show and artisan market coming to Okotoks this weekend

The Okotoks & District Chambers of Commerce's annual Okotoks Trade & Lifestyle Show is this weekend.

Hosted at the Okotoks Recreation Centre on Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, this year's iteration of the show promises to be the biggest in recent memory.

Along with the trade show itself, the event is also a collaboration with Market Square, with a Spring Fling Artisan Market included.

I will feature around 90 vendors on the trade show side of the space and as many on the artisan side.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank assisting with hunger crisis in Sudan

A spokesperson for Canadian Foodgrains Bank says they are very grateful for a recent funding announcement by our federal government. The Canadian government is providing a $4 million grant for Canadian Foodgrains Bank to address the growing hunger crisis in Sudan. 

According to Canadian Foodgrains Bank, nearly 25 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023. That makes up more than half the population. As many as 640,000 people are already experiencing famine-like conditions in five identified areas.

Freedom Convoy organizers Lich, Barber to hear verdict in mischief trial

Freedom Convoy organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber are set to hear a verdict today in the joint trial over their roles in the mass protest against pandemic health measures that rolled into Ottawa more than three years ago.

Lich and Barber were both charged with mischief, intimidation and counselling others to break the law in relation to their roles in the 2022 protest that drew thousands of demonstrators to Ottawa for three weeks.

Their trial wrapped up in September after hearing 45 days of evidence and legal arguments.

Voting is open for Top of the Country competition that features local artist Brettyn Rose

The SiriusXM and CCMA Top of the Country competition is open for voting, and a local musician is in the running.

Brettyn Rose is currently one of the eight semi-finalists in the competition, and she was recently in Toronto recording one of her songs as part of it.

"It has been so cool. I've watched this program for so many years, and to now be an artist in it," Rose explained. "There's so many talented people around here, and to be selected as a semi-finalist was absolutely insane, and it's been a crazy cool experience."

Canada among few countries exempt from Trump's new tariffs, existing duties remain

Prime Minister Mark Carney will address reporters shortly after the White House declared both Canada and Mexico exempt from new reciprocal tariffs announced today by U.S. President Donald Trump.

A fact sheet from Trump's office says goods imported under the existing continental trade deal, known as CUSMA, will not face tariffs, while those outside the deal will see a 10 per cent tariff.

Canada was left off a lengthy list Trump unveiled this afternoon showing the tariff levels most other countries will face starting Thursday.

Alberta Premier Smith expects key industries to escape imposition of new U.S. tariffs

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she expects some major industries, including those in her province, won't face new tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Smith told reporters Tuesday that things could change, but she thinks food production and oil and gas won't be targeted under Trump's new tariff plan, which is set to be announced Wednesday.

It's officially Spring in High River as local burger joint opens for the season

It's now 'officially' Spring in High River with the opening of The Hitchin' Post on Tuesday, April 1, and no, it wasn't an April Fool's joke.

The long-time local favourite burger joint is known for its burgers, fries and authentic milkshakes.

Owner Carmen Lamoureux and staff usually open around April 1 once most of the snow is gone.

This year is a bit of an exception with the recent dump of snow yesterday with more expected today.

They usually close in mid to late December until Spring.