Local News

The Foothills MP knows all too well that rural crime can happen in one’s own backyard.

No matter how many hours of planning an Okotoks woman did, once again she found herself preparing a last-minute turkey. And Sheila Hughes, the retired executive director of the Okotoks Food Bank, was delighted to do so.

It’s been the subject of debate for nearly four years and took the Province months to give final approval, but the MD of Foothills will now be officially known as Foothills County. Effective Jan. 1, the municipality will become Foothills County.

A new playground has Okotoks families smiling after two years of hard work. The Riverside play structure, at North Railway Street and 32 Avenue, was due for an upgrade within the next few years and was chosen as the site for an accessible playground.

There is a new zero tolerance policy on impaired driving in Alberta. As of Dec. 18, policies under Bill C-46 came into effect, which tighten the rules around driving under the influence of alcohol, and legal or illegal drugs.

Receiving help from the local food bank prompted a family of six to give back this year.

Okotoks has a plan to incorporate arts, culture and heritage into its future growth. Council approved the Culture Heritage and Arts Master Plan (CHAMP II) at its Nov. 26 meeting.

A Kiwanis tradition is helping families enjoy Christmas with a little helping hand.

A display of beautiful trees was more than one Okotoks resident could resist. Gaylene Schell bid on three entries in the Sheep River Health Trust’s annual Avenue of Trees auction this year, one silent auction item and two live auction trees.

Okotoks’ next public school will open as a Kindergarten to Grade 8 school in September. Foothills School Division trustees voted unanimously on Dec.