HighRiver

Construction on Alberta's Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) is finally complete.

The flood protection project is located west of Calgary in Rocky View County.

Construction began in 2022, nine years after the flood of 2013, which resulted in five deaths, the displacement of more than 80,000 Albertans and more than $5 billion in damages.

Extensive consultation was conducted with members of the public and First Nations, and after three years, it is now ready for operation.

The Town of Okotoks recognized the dedication of the Public Works department during the Annual Equipment Showcase on Thursday, May 22.  

During the event, equipment was on display at the Operations Centre, such as a Mini Loader, Mini Excavator, Hook Lift Truck, Bobcat, Loader, and Grader, in celebration of National Public Works Week.  

The weather in parts of Southern Alberta is going to be nearing plus 30 this weekend, but climbing in Waterton Lakes National Park will be restricted.

On May 20, it was announced the climbing routes adjacent to Bear's Hump have been closed.

The affected climbing area includes the outer ledge of the top of bear's hump, which is the end of trail, and the vertical rock face below at a width across 300m, including the base of the cliff.

The region is closed due to nesting Prairie Falcons in the area.

Plant 2025 is well underway across the prairies and generally ahead of the seasonal averages.

Canada's Outlook for Principal Field Crops came out yesterday.

Some of the highlights for the 2025-26 growing season:

Claresholm Town Council passed the 2025 Property Tax Rate Bylaw, during the May 12 regular meeting.  

Property taxes are a primary source of revenue to support municipal operations and services.   

According to the report to council, there are reductions to the majority of tax rates, however, ratepayers can expect an increase on their tax notices, due to an increase in overall funding for tax support and requisitions.

As farmers continue their seeding operations, the latest crop report brings a mix of optimism and caution. 

Crop Extension Specialist Tyce Masich says at this point 72 per cent of the provincial crop is now planted; that's an increase of 23 per cent from last week. 

He notes it's a smaller increase than the week before, largely due to rain delays in parts of the south and east regions of the province. 

The Lethbridge Police are asking for assistance in locating a wanted man.

37-year-old Cole Randall Martin is wanted on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, housebreak commit robbery, robbery with a firearm, disguised with intent, and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The Lethbridge Police took to Facebook on May 16 to inform the public about Martin after his failure to attend court last week.

Martin may be in the Calgary area.

The Little Britches Rodeo delighted both young and old last Friday and Saturday at the High River Ag grounds.

Liz Ellwood, events coordinator and office manager with the High River Ag Society, was thrilled with how well it went.

"It was fantastic as ever. The support of the community means the absolute world to us with some new sponsors as well and plenty of competitors. 240 children came through as competitors in all of the events, which is just great."

We have a local winner in the province's 'Split the Pot' lottery.

Gerry Gendron of High River recently picked up a $1000 cheque from Cathy Couey with the High River District Health Care Foundation.

The 'Split the Pot' lottery supports health care facilities across the province, including the High River Regional Hospital. They just recently moved to monthly prizes.

The Town of Okotoks is upgrading their water mains in a couple neighbourhoods, and the work has been extended.

The water main upgrading and infrastructure replacement work began the week of April 28 in the Suntree and Tower Hill neighbourhoods in Okotoks, which is helping to make the Town's water system more reliable, as well as supporting nearby neighbourhoods, such as Wedderburn and D'Arcy, and future development.

Due to the work, the temporary road closures on Waldron Avenue between Robinson Drive and Visser Way have been extended until May 25.