Local News

More police officers and prosecutors will be hired to address rising rural crime rates as part of a $10 million strategy announced by the provincial government Friday.

Cheers of support welcomed an Okotoks-area man as he arrived in court to face charges laid after he allegedly confronted thieves on his property last month.

The Calgary Regional Partnership has folded to make way for a new Growth Management Board for the Calgary Region. The CRP officially ended on the stroke of midnight on March 1. It will be replaced by a new growth management board for the region.

The Town of Okotoks is adding its voice to a call for the provincial governments to change funding models for policing in Alberta to put rural municipalities on the same footing as towns and cities.

The trial of a man accused of shooting and wounding two dogs with arrows was delayed for a second time last week.

Some Okotoks area students have put in plenty of sweat equity — and raised cash — to build a pair of homes. They did it with plenty of heart in an effort to help a pair of Mexican families.

Turner Valley’s library has become a focal point in a major financial institution’s search for a place to set up an ATM in the community, but Town and library staff say the facility is not ideal.

Rural crime rates continue to climb and Albertans are ready to see a change in policy, increased police presence and tougher laws to bring an end to it. “It’s getting frustrating,” said MD of Foothills resident Dave Greyland.

Food truck vendors will have to wait at least another year to see any changes to policies in Okotoks that limit when they can set up in town. Council voted on Feb.

Some Okotoks residents are speaking out against a mobile communications tower proposed at Crystal Ridge Golf Club, citing negative impacts to health and property values.