HighRiver

A recent internal audit at Alberta Health Services (AHS) has revealed an issue with referrals being delayed.

The audit was completed in late September and showed that some patient referrals to external healthcare providers in the AHS Central Zone were not processed correctly, causing a delay in care in some cases.

Upon further investigation, they determined that the issue was occurring outside of the Central Zone, with patients in all five AHS zones having been impacted.

The provincial government is helping to recognize those who have stood out in the sports community.

The Alberta Sport Recognition Awards program is a provincial award that acknowledges the outstanding achievements and the commitments to the sport community in the province.

Federal political parties appear to be locked in a game of chicken in an increasingly precarious Parliament over a debate that has stalled almost all business in the House of Commons.

The Conservatives have vowed the debate will continue until the Liberals hand over unredacted documents to the RCMP about a green-tech foundation that was found to have misspent government money.

The debate has now stretched into its second week.

A newly released document shows federal cabinet ministers were warned in May 2022 that hostile states were targeting Canada's strategic interests, the integrity of Canadian institutions and democratic processes, and the ability of the public to exercise Charter-protected rights and freedoms.

The document is a summary of one of four memorandums to cabinet, generally considered closely held confidences, that were provided to a federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference as part of its terms of reference. 

The Federal government has announced over $6.8 million over five years for the Organic Science Cluster is geared to research and advancing sustainable practices. 

Allison Squires is president of the Canadian Organic Growers says the organic sector is unique in that it encompasses everything from aquaculture to cranberries to horticulture and field crops.

She says this pot of money will go towards projects in all these different areas, out of the 14 projects two are based in the prairies.

The Sait Trojans were welcomed to the Viking Rentals Centre with a great turnout of young ladies in attendance watching the Trojans down the Medicine Hat Rattlers 1-0 on Sunday (Oct. 6).

The Trojans came to Okotoks to play in part with their Women's Hockey Showdown Exhibition series.

Kaylin Schellenberg who has been on the Trojans since the 2018-2019 season played in her first game of the 2024-2025 season, picking up a shutout with 24 saves. The final shot count was 36-24 in favour of the Trojans.

There was no shortage of Foothills-area athletes at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) held in Edmonton from October 2-5.

One highlight was Longview's Bradi Whiteside taking the All Around Cowgirl title after strong showings in both barrel racing and breakaway roping, taking $66,215.15 from both events combined.

Here's the breakdown of the performances from the athletes representing the Foothills and surrounding areas:

Barrel Racing

Bradi Whiteside landed in the top five in three of the rounds, taking the day money in the third.

The Carstar Okotoks Bisons continue to stampede through their opponents, having strung together four wins in a row after coming away with two wins on the weekend.

The Herd started their first road trip of the season when they headed to Didsbury to take on the Mountainview Colts on Friday (Oct. 4).

Immunization appointments are now open for eligible Albertans.

As of Monday (Oct. 7) both COVID-19 and influenza immunization appointments are able to be booked for appointments that are available to the general public starting on October 15.

On top of that, immunization appointments for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are currently being booked for openings that begin on October 21.

From today (Oct. 7) to Thursday, residents and visitors to High River will see a single-lane closure on High Country Drive between High View Cresent NW and High Ridge Close NW.

The closure will be in place from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. as crews will be conducting power utility work.

Parking within the area will be closed off on either side of the road. Flaggers and signage will be in the area to help guide people through the traffic.