Central Alberta Online News

RCMP are continuing to search for Jan-Anne August, who is wanted for various crimes.

August's last known location is unknown.

Her areas of activity include Clairmont, Calgary, Foothills County, Munson, Bragg Creek, Kneehill County, Enchant, Lethbridge County, Lethbridge, Taber, Vulcan, Olds, Alternate, Vulcan County, Strathmore, Grande Prairie, and the County of Newell.

Do not approach August if you spot her.

Report any information to police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Update:

Emergency Medical Services have confirmed that one person died at the scene of an avalanche near the Lake Louise Ski Resort on Friday afternoon. Authorities have not released further details about the deceased.

At around 3:45 p.m., Lake Louise RCMP responded to reports of an avalanche in the area, launching a large-scale search for potential victims.

Avalanche occurred in out-of-bounds area

On Sunday at 2 a.m., clocks will be jumping one hour ahead to 3 a.m. for Daylight Saving Time.

Maskwacis RCMP recommend the following safety tips on how to deal with the time change, especially when driving:

Public Interest Alberta (PIA) said today, March 6th, that they had received an updated statement from the RCMP, that there was an investigation into AHS procurement allegations of fraud.

The statement from an RCMP spokesperson, released on March 6th says; 

“On February 6, 2025, the RCMP received a complaint relating to Alberta Health Services. Following a review, the RCMP has begun an investigation into the matter. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details are available at this time.” 

Here is the reaction from PIA:

Update:

The Town of Ponoka has restored connection to the water for all the schools and BGC Wolf Creek, allowing all Ponoka Schools to be open on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Repairs will continue in the area in front of the Wolf Creek School Division Facilities and Transportation Building located at 4900 54 Street, limiting drop off access.

The Town of Ponoka confirms that the water has been tested and it is safe for consumption.

Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston and City Council have released a statement in regards to a hate speech incident that occurred over the weekend.

Individuals were seen displaying hateful signs and symbols in the downtown area in at least three locations, including the Central Alberta Immigrant Women's Association and Care for Newcomers.

The statement from the City is below:

Three individuals have been arrested and charged in relation to a kidnapping with a firearm in Samson Cree Nation.

On the evening of Feb. 24, 2025, Maskwacis RCMP responded to a call to assist Emergency Medical services in Samson Cree Nation with a male sustaining a gunshot wound.

Officers arrived on scene and obtained information that the victim had been kidnapped and tied to a chair in the basement of a residence in Samson Cree Nation. The victim was beaten and received a gunshot wound. 

Chris Gallaway, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare issued the following statement:

“Today's decision made by Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie to resign his cabinet position highlights just how serious the allegations about government procurement and contracts really are.

"Albertans deserve full accountability and transparency in terms of how our public dollars have been spent.

"The Health Minister needs to resign and an independent public inquiry needs to be called immediately. At this point anything less is completely unacceptable.”

Two individuals have been arrested and charged in relation to an armed robbery that occurred in Ponoka on Feb. 18.

At approximately 8 p.m., Ponoka RCMP responded to an armed robbery in progress on 38 Avenue Close where a male and female suspect stole a white Pontiac Vibe at gunpoint.  

A police pursuit was initiated through Ponoka County and Montana First Nation.  

At one point during the pursuit, the suspect vehicle went over a frozen river and got stuck on a berm.  

The female suspect was immediately arrested, but the male suspect fled on foot.  

Three individuals have been arrested and charged in relation to a string of auto thefts that occurred earlier this month.

In February of 2025, Alberta RCMP and Calgary Police Service investigated a series of break-and-enters within the City of Calgary and 6 RCMP jurisdictions, where multiple offenders broke into dealerships and autobody shops stealing vehicle keys and vehicles. 

A total of 18 vehicles were stolen during the crime series and 15 have been recovered.