HighRiver

Many of Canada's grassland birds are seeing concerning declines in population, but long-term conservation efforts could restore them to national goals.

Birds Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have released "The State of Canada's Birds in 2024" report that highlights alarming trends for the bird population in the grasslands.

Earlier this week, the Town of Okotoks was presented with a poplar tree by a Blackfoot Elder and educator.

The International Society of Arboriculture Prairie Chapter held its annual conference and trade show in Okotoks on October 7 and 8 at the Viking Rentals Centre. It featured Elder Ninna Piiksii Dr. Mike Bruised Head as a guest speaker on Monday (Oct. 7).

Charges have been laid after an investigation into the on-duty conduct of a Southern Alberta RCMP officer.

Since October of 2023, 40-year-old Gleichen RCMP officer Cst. Anthony Jacobs has been under investigation by the Alberta RCMP's Southern Alberta District General Investigation Section.

The investigation resulted in Jacobs being charged with one count of perjury and one count of breach of trust.

Jacobs has been suspended with pay and was released on an undertaking.

The Foothills Bantam Eagles head into Saturday morning's tilt with a 5-2 record on the regular season when they take on the winless Calgary Mavericks at Shouldice Artificial Turf Hellard at 10:30.

The Eagles enter Saturday's game with a four-game win streak and have outscored their opponents 182-14 during those four games. Foothills won their last game on Saturday (Oct. 5) with a dominant 36-0 performance. For the regular season as a whole, the Eagles have outscored their opponents 282-121.

A laundromat in Okotoks is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this weekend.

Better Than Home Coin Laundry owner, Cynthia Federowich, says they will be hosting a turkey dinner this Sunday with donations made by local businesses.

Hirsche Fraser Meats donated 125 lbs. of turkey and COBS Bread donated the dinner buns.

"It's going to be supplied the donations that we have, and also I'm going to be making the mashed potatoes, gravy, and all the fixings," Federowic explains. "My husband and I, for 20 years, have talked about hosting for our customers Thanksgiving dinner."

Ag Growth International has teamed up with the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) to raise funds for a cure for breast cancer.

Since its peak in 1986, the breast cancer death rate has been nearly cut in half. Today, the 5-year survival rate continues to improve. But there is still work to do! 

Ag Growth International’s (AGI) Canadian farm team has released a pink limited-edition UCX³ U-trough belt conveyor to raise funds to support breast cancer awareness.

The Environmental Appeals Board wants to hear from locals in the Foothills regarding the proposed biodigester.

Approval for the Rimrock Biodigester Facility was granted by the Director of Alberta Environment and Protected Areas on December 11, 2023.

The file number is 484778-00-00 for those wishing to submit an appeal.

The Board is now accepting appeals until next Friday, October 18, 2024.

Over the last few years, a real emphasis has been put on the importance of making your mental health a priority and removing the stigma around reaching out for help.

Farming is known to be one of the most dangerous occupations, it involves a lot of stress and factors unique to agriculture like the weather and markets both of which can have a major impact and are totally out of farmers' control.

Learning ways to recognize and release stress is key especially when trying to stay focused when working with large farm equipment or unpredictable livestock.

Water pressure has been restored to most of Black Diamond after a water main break on Thursday (Oct. 10).

The Town of Diamond Valley took to Facebook to let people know about the break, which occurred on Government Road on the Black Diamond side of the community.

Pressure changes and disruptions were anticipated while crews worked on repairs.

Just after 4 p.m., the Town posted again to let people know repairs had restored pressure to most affected residents.

Inclusion Foothills recently recognized a handful of Foothills businesses' efforts in inclusive hiring.

The organization's first Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) All-Star Celebration event was on Monday (Oct. 7) at the Crystal Shores Beach House.

While Inclusion Foothills has celebrated DEAM for a few years now, they wanted to step things up this year and hold an in-person event to celebrate inclusive employers.