Derek Craddock
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Articles by Derek Craddock
Local athletes ready to get the action started in Paris
The Opening Ceremonies for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are on Friday and a couple of local athletes are ready to get them started. Swimmer Finlay Knox of Okotoks and Rugby Sevens player Keyara Wardley of Vulcan will represent Canada in Paris this year. This will be Knox’s second Olympics, having competed in Tokyo three years ago where he finished 17th. Since then, Knox has been lighting it up in the pool, winning five medals, including one gold at the 2023 Pan American Games.
Gallery: Hundreds enjoy music, food, and good times at Sneak-a-Peek at the Chucks
More than 200 guests enjoyed a mouth-watering BBQ, music, and a chance to shop at this year’s Sneak-a-Peek at the Chucks. The special event was put on by Sun Country 99.7 and held at Eamon's Garage and the Heart of the West Museum. It was designed as a fun way to kick off the Battle of the Foothills which began Thursday evening. The celebration included a beef-on-a-bun lunch by JRRR BBQ.
Listen: 80-year-old Alberta man shares his motivation for cycling for cancer
Nearly 50 days and thousands of kilometres later, an Alberta man is still hitting the road, cycling to raise funds and awareness for cancer. Art Brochu began a province-wide cycling expedition in Fort McMurray on June 10th and arrived in High River on Wednesday to visit the Cancer Centre in the local hospital. Brochu, who is 80 years young, has visited 15 cancer centres so far in Alberta including Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Calgary, and Strathmore.
Listen: 80-year-old Alberta man shares his motivation for cycling for cancer
Nearly 50 days and thousands of kilometres later, an Alberta man is still hitting the road, cycling to raise funds and awareness for cancer. Art Brochu began a province-wide cycling expedition in Fort McMurray on June 10th and arrived in High River on Wednesday to visit the Cancer Centre in the local hospital. Brochu, who is 80 years young, has visited 15 cancer centres so far in Alberta including Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Red Deer, Calgary, and Strathmore.
Union workers rally in High River as bargaining with AHS continues
Dressed in red and marching with flags and megaphones, members of an Alberta union made their presence known in High River. Different Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) branches are bargaining for a new contract demanding fair compensation amid high inflation and the rising cost of living. Curtis Jackson is Vice President of AUPE for the South Region and says workers are also feeling burnout and need relief. “Better work-life balance and addressing of the short staffing issues.
'Pure shock': Okotoks coach named Hockey Alberta Volunteer of the Year
An Okotoks man says he was pleasantly surprised to receive one of Hockey Alberta’s biggest honours of the year. Geoff Stewart, a longtime coach and board member with the Okotoks Minor Hockey Association, was named Hockey Alberta’s Volunteer of the Year at a special ceremony last weekend. Stewart has served on the Minor Hockey Board for 10 years on top of 12 years coaching in the community. He says that hockey has always been a special part of his life.
Calgary Zoo releases more details into death of Baffin the polar bear
A polar bear that died at the Calgary Zoo last week drowned after some rough play with a fellow polar bear. Those details were released by the Wilder Institute and Calgary Zoo on Tuesday following a necropsy (an examination of the animal following its death.) The examination determined that Baffin died by drowning, after suffering an injury to his trachea by another polar bear, Siku, during rough play.
Calgary Zoo releases more details into death of Baffin the polar bear
A polar bear that died at the Calgary Zoo last week drowned after some rough play with a fellow polar bear. Those details were released by the Wilder Institute and Calgary Zoo on Tuesday following a necropsy (an examination of the animal following its death.) The examination determined that Baffin died by drowning, after suffering an injury to his trachea by another polar bear, Siku, during rough play.
Heat and poor air quality pose dual threat in Foothills
It’s not just the intense heat that is affecting residents throughout the Foothills this week. According to the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Calgary area, including Okotoks and High River, will set between moderate and high-risk levels on Tuesday. The forecast calls for an AQHI reading of 6 which is moderate risk throughout the day before dropping slightly to a 5 for Wednesday.
Nearly $16K raised in High River and Okotoks during Camp Day
Another Tim Hortons Camp Day is in the books with thousands of dollars raised in Okotoks, High River, and Claresholm. On Tuesday, Tim Hortons announced that this year’s Camp Day on July 17th, raised nearly $12.8 million nationally. The restaurants in High River and Okotoks raised nearly $16,000, roughly $7,800 in each community. Kevin Generoux is the owner of the High River locations and said the day was exciting from the very beginning.
Design and name unveiled for new home of Calgary Flames
Calgary’s new arena and events centre finally has a name and an idea of how it will look. On Monday, The City of Calgary, Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), and the Government of Alberta revealed the design for Calgary’s new event centre which will be known as Scotia Place. The total cost of the project is pegged at $1.22 billion and features an NHL-sized arena, indoor rink, and indoor and outdoor plazas.
Another food delivery service comes to High River
Another major food delivery service has opened its doors to food lovers in High River. Starting Monday, 13 new cities in Canada have been added to SkipTheDishes, including High River and Strathmore. "Supporting our ambition to deliver more of what Canadians want, we are thrilled to be bringing Skip's unparalleled convenience to even more doorsteps across the country", said Loraine Nyokong, Head of Local Partnerships at SkipTheDishes.
Marauders bid farewell to 2024 season after loss to Mounties
The Okotoks Marauders fought hard but saw their season come to an end in Calgary on Saturday. The Jr. B Mounties won Game Two of their first-round playoff series with Okotoks 7-4, to clinch the South Division title. The Mounties got off to a strong start shutting out the Marauders 2-0 after the first period. Okotoks didn't get their first goal until late in the second period thanks to a shot from Max Pocherewny.
More than $4K raised during Okotoks Cornhole Classic
The Okotoks Food Bank was the biggest winner of the Second Annual Okotoks Cornhole Classic. The big tournament was held on June 29th during the busy Canada Day long weekend. This year’s event saw 63 teams, 126 players, and many families enjoying the tournament at Ethel Tucker Park. Co-chair of the Cornhole Classic Shane Evong said that he and his friend Trevor Wheaton came up with the idea for a cornhole fundraiser a few years ago.
Alberta government urges safety for workers in extreme heat
As temperatures continue to reach dangerous levels in Alberta, the Province wants to make sure employees are safe in the heat. A heat warning continues to blanket Alberta as temperatures have reached 30 degrees or warmer so far this week with humidex levels going as high as 37 degrees. The Alberta government wants to make sure that people working in the extreme heat are kept safe and that employers are taking steps to protect the health and safety of their workers.
Little impact from CrowdStrike outage: AHS
A global IT outage had little impact on healthcare services in Alberta. That’s coming from Alberta Health Services (AHS) in response to the major CrowdStrike outage that began Thursday night. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said the glitch felt around the world occurred when it deployed a faulty update to computers running Microsoft Windows — and that the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack.
Marauders fall in Game One, set sights on next game in Calgary
The Okotoks Marauders are looking to get back on their feet after a tough, nail-biting defeat in Game One of their first-round playoff series. The Marauders and Jr. B Mounties went back and forth at the Murray Arena, but it was the visiting team that came through in the end, winning 10-9. Despite the loss, Marauders forward Drew Dunbar was on fire scoring four goals and three assists. On the other end, Cohen Fluet had three goals, including the game-winner for the Mounties.
The fiddler in the room: High River man celebrates 100 years of life and music
From a rural farm in Saskatchewan to the dance halls near High River, the past 100 years have been full of adventure and music for Reg Evans. Evans celebrated his 100th birthday on July 18th with a special gathering at the Medicine Tree Manor in High River, and another at the High River Hospital. Another celebration is planned for this coming Saturday at the local Legion.
Okotoks thanks citizens for commitment to water conservation
The Town of Okotoks is praising its residents for their work in conserving water so far this summer. In a news release, the Town said that efforts in using water wisely have helped to keep reservoir levels stable which eliminates the need to implement more outdoor water restrictions.
Boots on the ground: More details unveiled to bolster Alberta Sheriffs
The Alberta government says it has a plan to put more boots on the ground and attack a growing issue of crime in rural communities. On Thursday, Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis announced more details about the government’s $4.3 million to the Alberta Sheriffs. The investment helped create two police teams, one in southern Alberta and the other in the north, to support local police and RCMP in carrying out surveillance on criminal targets in rural areas.
One person hospitalized after fire on Maple Street
One man was rescued from a home and is in hospital after a fire on Maple Street in Okotoks. It happened at around 2:30 Thursday afternoon as smoke was seen coming from a home on the street. One person inside the house was rescued. Alberta EMS says that paramedics took that person to hospital in a non-life-threatening condition. The fire has been put out, but the cause is unknown.
Marauders and Mounties ready for another exciting start to the playoffs
The regular season is done and now it’s playoff time for the Okotoks Marauders. The Jr. B Lacrosse team finished second in the South Division standings and will meet the Jr. Mounties in the first round. These two teams are no strangers to each other as this will be the fourth straight season the clubs will meet in the first round. The Marauders have won the series in three of those years.
Momentum keeps building for Acoustic Summer Nights
The Olde Towne Plaza in downtown Okotoks continues to be the destination of choice for art and music enthusiasts in the town. That’s why the Okotoks Arts Council is thrilled to see numbers rise over the summer for its Acoustic Summer Night and Art Markets. The event is held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and features local musicians, artists, and artisans. President of the Arts Council Russell Thomas says that interest in the markets has grown over the years.
Okotoks teen crowned Miss Teenage Canada 2024
With a crown on her head and a sash across her dress, Okotoks teenager Arianna Ramsay saw her life change in a split second. The Holy Trinity Academy graduate was crowned Miss Teenage Canada at the annual pageant held last weekend in Toronto. Ramsay was announced as the winner with Kaixin Zheng of B.C. as the first runner-up, Reyna Bao of B.C. as the second runner-up, and Reece Dunn, Miss Teenage Southern Ontario as the third runner-up.
Thunderstorm watch issued for Foothills area
It’s not just the heat that's hitting the Foothills, as now there’s a chance of thunderstorms. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Foothills County, Okotoks, High River, and nearby communities. The weather agency says that storms are expected to develop Tuesday afternoon, with the potential of some becoming severe, the thunderstorm risk could end by the evening.
Pair of Bow Mark Oilers embarking on their next chapters
Two Okotoks hockey players are gearing up for the next stages of their illustrious careers. Hockey Canada recently unveiled its U17 Team Development Camp roster and goalie Carter Esler made the list. Esler was one of eight goaltenders to receive the invite and 10 players overall from Alberta. Last season, Esler played with the U18 AAA Bow Mark Oilers where he won nine games.
Okotoks Lacrosse team claims provincial title
An Okotoks Lacrosse team is home after a stellar performance at Alberta Lacrosse Provincials. The U17 HOKS were paired with the Saskatchewan SWAT for the weekend provincial series in Sylvan Lake. In the first game, the HOKS scored the only goal in the first period and later tallied three more in the second to go up 4-1. The SWAT scored a few minutes into the third period, but the HOKS closed it out late to secure the 5-2 win.
'It's disappointing': Local England supporters heartbroken after Euro defeat
Millions of enthusiastic, English football fans were glued to their televisions on Sunday, including hundreds in the Okotoks area. The UEFA European Championship Final took place that day with Spain meeting England in the penultimate match. For England supporters, they hoped to witness their nation's first Euro title ever and first international championship since the 1966 FIFA Men's World Cup. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be, as fans saw those dreams crushed in the 86th minute.
Thunderstorm watch in place for most of Foothills
After a week of extremely hot weather, some thunderstorms could be in the cards for Sunday. Environment and Climate Change Canada have issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for a good portion of southern Alberta. This includes Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, Claresholm and communities stretching down to the U.S. border. Meteorologists say conditions are favourable for possible thunderstorms that produce high winds, heavy rains, and hail. It’s expected to pass later Sunday evening.
Okotoks eclipses last year’s total for McHappy Day
This year’s McHappy Day has brought in thousands and thousands of dollars from Calgary and Foothills restaurants. The annual event took place on May 8th and nationwide brought in a record-breaking $8.9 million. The McDonald’s restaurants in High River, Okotoks, and Calgary collected $26,521.73 for Ronald McDonald House Charities, surpassing last year’s total.
Soccer fans to flock to local pubs for Euro 2024 final
It’s the biggest game in European football and residents of Okotoks and south Calgary can’t wait for the big show. The 2024 UEFA European Championship final takes place Sunday in Berlin with the opening kick slated for 1 p.m. MDT. Spain is trying to win its first title since 2012 while England is vying to hoist the trophy for the first time ever. England’s only other men’s international championship came in 1966 when they hosted and won the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Ice cream sales hit a sweet spot amid heatwave
The hot weather in the Foothills this past week made for another Manic Sundae at some local shops. Residents certainly got the inside scoop on the coolest item during the heatwave: ice cream. Ice cream shops in the area saw many people come through the doors, walking across the rocky road sometimes to have someone serve up their favourite treat. According to Evelyn’s Memory Lane Diner, ice cream products accounted for half of their sales this week, on top of homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Construction contract awarded for Aquatics facility expansion in High River
The expansion of the aquatics facility in High River took another big step earlier this week. During a regular meeting of Council, the Mayor and councillors voted to award the construction contract for the project to Chandos Construction LP worth just over $22 million.
Which southern Alberta towns broke heat records on Wednesday?
Wednesday night was the hottest day of the year in Okotoks and High River, but it wasn’t record-breaking. That’s according to Environment and Climate Change Canada, which reported the high temperature at 32.7 degrees in Okotoks. That was just shy of the record for July 10, which was 33.5 set in 2001. Meanwhile, temperatures in High River peaked at 32.9, which was also shy of the record for July 10th.
Grant funding to benefit local heritage projects including E.P. Ranch
Vulcan, Fort Macleod, and Longview are just some of the communities getting help from the province to restore historical structures. On Wednesday, the Alberta government announced it invested $1.7 for over 80 restoration and heritage projects across the province. Among those projects receiving grant money is the E.P. (Edward Prince) Ranch in Longview, which will receive $12,583 to repair hail damage to the main house, manager’s house, and parts of the log cabin.
Okotoks players named to Team Alberta for national baseball championships
Two local players are heading to Saskatoon for a major national baseball tournament. Recently, Team Alberta released its roster for the Baseball Canada 16U Girls National Championship in August. Among the girls on the team are Okotoks players Abby Szilagy and Kamryn Kutzner. Alberta is hoping to improve on its performance from last year when they beat Newfoundland and Labrador 8-3 to win bronze. Szilagy, Kutzner and Team Alberta begin the national championships on Aug.
Heavy police presence on Windsor Avenue in Diamond Valley
Local News Written by Derek Craddock Tuesday, Jul 09 2024, 12:05 PM Article continues below advertisement ↴ An incident in Diamond Valley has police asking residents to avoid Windsor Avenue. Turner Valley RCMP say there is a heavy police presence on that street and they're asking for people to avoid that area. RCMP are also requesting that no one post the actions of police on social media. More to come.
RCMP searching for man after shooting and assault in Brocket
A man from Lethbridge is wanted by RCMP after a report of shots fired in the community of Brocket. On July 3, officers with Piikani Nation RCMP were called to the area and later found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his foot. Following their investigation, officers identified a suspect in the incident: Mitchel Brandon, 32, of Lethbridge.
Insurance Exodus: Two companies announce plans to leave Alberta
Albertans continue to pay high prices for auto and home insurance and soon, there will be fewer companies to choose from. According to a press release from Aviva the company plans to discontinue auto and home insurance coverage for Albertans by January 2025 while Sonnet says it will stop issuing new or renewed auto insurance policies starting Dec. 13, 2024. “We want to continue to offer Albertans choice and affordable auto insurance.
Fire damages trucks and home in Blackie
No one was injured after a fire destroyed two vehicles and a mobile home in Blackie. Firefighters responded to the blaze in the Village of Blackie around 11:00 a.m. Plumes of thick, black smoke could be seen from the highway entering Blackie. A very bad day in the Village of Blackie. Two trucks, and a mobile home engulfed in flames. pic.twitter.com/jAsL7Acm4G — RASC Calgary Centre (@CalgaryRASC) July 5, 2024 Right now, the extent of the damage to the trucks and homes is not known.
Alberta volunteers cataloguing rural cemeteries in the Foothills
Have you ever wondered if your ancestry could be traced to somewhere in Alberta’s Foothills? That is the hope of the Alberta Family History Society (AFHS), a non-profit society that has created a catalogue of rural cemeteries across the province. According to Wendy Schultz, the Society’s Cemeteries Team Lead, they’ve already finished recording gravesites in several communities in the Foothills region.
What a year for the Timberwolves!
It was a historic year for athletes at Notre Dame Collegiate (NDC) in High River. The school ended this past year with four league champions, 12 divisional champions, five zone champions, seven athletes and one team to a provincial championship. “We really did find a lot of success at every level in every sport,” said outgoing Athletics Director Jeff Roman. NDC also hosted THE 2023 2A Boys High School Volleyball Championships which was won by Calgary Christian.
Gallery: Annual Teddy Bear Picnic brings smiles to all ages
If you went out in the woods yesterday in Okotoks, you might have seen a big surprise. The annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic took place at Ethel Tucker Park on Thursday with no shortage of teddy bears to see. The event is put on each year by the McMan Family Resource Network in Okotoks and Program Supervisor Taylor Malyon explained a little more about it.
New non-profit helping local schools fundraise for big needs
A new organization is up and running and working hard to ensure the needs of local students are met. The Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation is a non-profit group currently gauging the fundraising needs across the Foothills School Division. According to Executive Director Marica Borovich-Law, the organization has been in the making for the last two and a half years.
(Gallery) High River rocks the park for Canada Day
A little rain didn't dampen the spirits of High River residents celebrating Canada Day at George Lane Park. The park was open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a wide variety of activities as well as a market, live music, and a chance to meet the Okotoks Dawgs and local firefighters. River City Classics was even on hand to showcase some of their classic vehicles inside the ball diamonds.
Plenty of silver for Okotoks lacrosse teams on Canada Day
A trio of Okotoks lacrosse teams celebrated Canada Day with a chance at winning gold. The Calgary Canada Day Lacrosse Tournament took place over the weekend and when the final games were set, three local teams were ready to battle for the big prize. After going undefeated in the round-robin stage, The U11 D2-B1 Raiders faced North Okanagan in the final. The Legends jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the Raiders jumped back, eventually tying the game with two seconds left.
Tornado warning in place for Nanton and surrounding area
Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for the MD of Willow Creek and Nanton areas. The weather agency says it is tracking a severe thunderstorm that could produce tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and intense rainfall. You’re asked to take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately.
Stampede offers apology as judge approves settlement in Young Canadians lawsuit
A judge has approved a $9.5 million settlement in the long-standing class action lawsuit against the Calgary Stampede Foundation. The class action alleges the Foundation allowed the sexual abuse of young boys who were students at the Young Canadians School of Performing Arts. In 2018, former staff member Phillip Heerema pled guilty to charges related to the sexual abuse of young boys during his time with the organization.
How much rain fell in the Foothills overnight?
The rain that hit Southern Alberta overnight brought nearly half of June’s rainfall totals in one event. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, many communities in Southern and Central Alberta saw anywhere from 44 to 79 millimetres of rainfall late Thursday night. Wind gusts of more than 90 km/h were also recorded in some municipalities with Sheerness clocking in at 94 km/h.
Flames trade Mangiapane to Capitals on eve of draft
A longtime member of the Calgary Flames is heading to the U.S. Capital. The NHL team has traded Andrew Mangiapane to the Washington Capitals for a 2025 second-round draft pick.
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