Cochrane

Researchers are urging Canada, United States and Mexico to take immediate action to save the monarch butterfly as the migratory insect faces a growing risk of extinction amid habitat loss. 

The iconic butterfly's population has decreased by around 80 per cent in the past two decades, says the paper published in the journal Current Biology, with the loss of breeding habitat cited as the main reason behind the sharp decline.

The Assembly of First Nations' annual general meeting next week in Winnipeg will set the stage — and the tone — for engaging with governments on major infrastructure projects.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says politicians will be paying close attention to the resolutions chiefs pass related to the federal major projects legislation. The bill, which passed in June, has seen strong opposition from some First Nations leaders and community members who fear it won't respect their rights.

Farmers are working on bringing in the harvest as the weather cooperates.

Last week's hot, dry weather also brought its share of thunderstorm activity with strong winds and hail which caused some lodging in crops. The Nipawin area had the most rainfall, with 42 mm, followed by the North Battleford and Consul areas with 30 mm and 28 mm, respectively. A number of other areas around the province are also seeing some scattered showers.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson has announced an increase in the lending limit on the Feeder Associations Loan Guarantee Program (FALGP).

Locally owned feeder associations utilize the program for low-interest financing backed by a government guarantee. Through the program feeder associations help livestock producers get financing to buy animals and grow their herds.

Producer, Dustin Lamb says the program played a huge part in his decision to return to the family farm and will be instrumental in keeping it going.

Rocky View County has issued a fire advisory, banning all permit burning due to dry and windy conditions. The county says all outstanding burning and fireworks permits are suspended until further notice.

Police have charged a man with three counts of aggravated assault for stabbings at the Calgary Stampede last month.

Police say they identified the 18-year-old following an extensive investigation that included witness interviews and camera footage.

Officers executed a search warrant of the suspect's house and seized a folding knife and clothing they say believe are consistent with the stabbings.

The man is scheduled to appear in court next week.

Three males were stabbed in an area of the Stampede midway, including two 18-year-olds and one 15-year-old.

The rodeo spirit is flying high in Cochrane with the official start of the Labour Day long weekend.

Students at Bow Valley High School in Cochrane will begin the new school year online after construction delays postponed the reopening of the building.

Rocky View Schools says the expansion and modernization project at BVHS will not be finished in time for classes to start on September 2.

As a result, the staggered entry for Grade 9 students that day has been cancelled, and all students will shift to online learning from September 3 to 5.

Longtime councillor Tara McFadden is seeking re-election, pledging to balance the town’s rapid growth with the “small-town feel” Cochranites treasure.

McFadden was one of five candidates officially added to the candidates’ list today for the Oct. 20 municipal election.

A Cochrane resident for 22 years, McFadden says she wants to continue focusing on making life more affordable and accessible for residents. She has long advocated for improved public engagement, as well as expanded parks and recreation spaces.

With the nomination deadline less than a month away, several Rocky View County residents have already put their names forward for council.

RVC councillors are elected by division, with voters casting ballots in their own area. The County has seven divisions in total, and each October, council selects a Reeve and Deputy Reeve at its annual Organizational Meeting.

According to the County’s website, the following candidates have filed in each division: