okotoks.news

Tag: Health

  • High River homicide suspect due in Okotoks court as fundraiser supports victim’s family

    The community is helping carry the weight, one High River ripple at a time.

    A fundraiser has been started for the family of Cayla Bleeker, a High River mother of two who died after a domestic homicide on July 28.

    The GoFundMe was created by close friend Cory Rockley to help Bleeker’s family with expenses, including possible legal costs.

    Bleeker leaves behind two daughters, ages 10 months and six years. Rockley described her as a single mother and sole provider whose children were central to her life.

    The fundraiser had raised more than $7,000 within 18 hours toward a $24,000 goal.

    Jarrett Stobbe, 36, of High River has been charged with second-degree murder in Bleeker’s death. Police said Stobbe called 911 at 9:24 p.m. on July 28. Officers found Bleeker with gunshot wounds, and she later died at High River General Hospital.

    Stobbe was remanded into custody after being held for a judicial interim release hearing. He is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on July 31.

  • High River murder case scheduled for Okotoks court appearance

    The case now moves from High River to Okotoks court, where the next steps will be heard.

    A High River man charged with second-degree murder is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on July 31.

    High River RCMP responded at 9:24 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, to a disturbance at a residence on 112 Street E. Officers found 36-year-old Cayla Bleeker of High River suffering from gunshot wounds.

    EMS took Bleeker to High River General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

    RCMP said a male suspect was arrested immediately. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit later took over the investigation.

    Police charged 36-year-old Jarrett Stobbe of High River with second-degree murder. He was remanded into custody after a judicial interim release hearing.

    RCMP said officers had also been called to the same residence earlier that evening, at 5:54 p.m., after the suspect made allegations involving the victim. Police said they investigated and found the allegations were unfounded.

    Alberta RCMP offered condolences to Bleeker’s loved ones.

  • Seniors’ Week events planned in Okotoks and High River

    The Foothills celebrations are shaping up to be a senior moment worth remembering.

    Seniors’ Week is underway in the Foothills, with activities scheduled In Okotoks and High River.

    Okotoks events begin June 1 with a free pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the Viking Rentals Centre. The event includes entertainment, line dancing and door prizes.

    The Okotoks Public Library will host several activities:

    • June 2: An Age-Friendly Speaker Series session with home care physician Dr. Charles Wong and a Sit and Knit gathering.
    • June 3: Coffee and Conversation.
    • June 4: A financial wellness session facilitated by ATB Wealth and an evening screening of A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood.

    Okotoks events conclude June 6 with the Heartland Community Tailgate Party from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring food, entertainment and activities.

    In High River, Music in the Park runs June 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at George Lane Park. The free event includes music by the High River Jammers and a barbecue lunch fundraiser organized by the High River Hospital Auxiliary.

    On June 5, seniors can pick up fresh flowers at the High River Family and Community Support Services Resources Centre at 251 9th Ave. SW. The High River and District Seniors Friendship Centre is also hosting an afternoon high tea for members.

    The Seniors Showcase runs June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will bring together local organizations, wellness groups, emergency services, museums and retirement organizations to provide information about summer programs, events and services.

    The Town of High River and Foothills County are also presenting free movies at the Wales Theatre at 1:30 p.m. The first 50 seniors at each screening will receive a small popcorn and pop:

    • June 2: Rio Bravo
    • June 3: The Odd Couple, followed by a Seniors Movie and Film Tour at the Museum of the Highwood at 4 p.m.
    • June 4: Grease

  • McHappy Day returns May 6 to support Ronald McDonald House and local charities

    Every order on McHappy Day can help serve up support for families.

    McHappy Day returns Wednesday, May 6, with a portion of all McDonald’s food and beverage sales supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities and other local children’s charities.

    Orders placed in person, online or through delivery services will count. McDelivery orders made through the McDonald’s app, DoorDash, Skip and Uber Eats will have a $0 delivery fee across Canada that day, although service fees still apply.

    Terry Van Veen with The Eagle 100.9 will broadcast live from the McDonald’s location at 600 Big Rock Lane in Okotoks from 9 a.m. to noon.

    Okotoks staff raised more than $36,000 during last year’s event.

    Ronald McDonald House Alberta operates houses in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Red Deer. The organization supported families from nearly 345 communities last year. The Calgary House expanded in 2025 to 91 bedrooms, making it the largest Ronald McDonald House in Canada.

    Across 32 McHappy Day events, more than $111.3 million has been raised to support families accessing medical care for their children.