Local News

Red Deer Pride Week celebrates connection, inclusion and 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Red Deer Pride Week runs from July 5 to 13 and features a diverse lineup of events.

From family-friendly celebrations and art showcases to drag performances, panel discussions and the annual Pride March and Block Party, the week is all about amplifying queer voices, celebrating diversity and fostering connection.

The City of Airdrie confirmed June 30 that fluoride has returned to the local drinking water supply following the same-day reintroduction of fluoridation by the City of Calgary.

This July, hard-working Albertans will keep more money in their pockets thanks to a new tax cut that could save families up to $1,500 per year.

The new eight per cent personal income tax bracket was announced in Budget 2025 and applies to income up to $60,000, a drop from the previous 10 per cent rate.

Most taxpayers will start to see the benefits of the tax cut this month as payroll withholdings are adjusted.

That means more money on each paycheque, and more to spend on what matters most.

Airdrie drivers heading to Calgary this month may encounter photo radar in several Calgary communities and construction zones. The Calgary Police Service says photo radar will be focusing on several neighbourhoods throughout July, with enforcement also present in construction zones where workers are on-site.

Lacombe County will begin bridge replacement work located at SW 5-41-24 W4M (a tributary to Parlby Creek), starting July 21.

As part of this project, a section of Range Road 24-5 will be closed to through traffic and accessible to local traffic only. The road closure is necessary to safely complete the demolition and construction of the new bridge. The project is expected to be completed by September 1, 2025, weather permitting.

Cochrane’s Canada Day bash lit up Mitford Park with sunshine, big crowds, and a strong sense of Canadian pride.

Organizers Marina Chabbert and Erika Richards with the Cochrane and Area Event Society say they couldn’t have asked for a better day. “It’s amazing the weather cooperated this year,” said Chabbert. “Loads of people, everything went off without a hitch, it’s just amazing.”

The day was filled with fun for all ages, from dancing and games to face painting and family-friendly activities. Richards says watching the park fill up with families is always a highlight.

Natural gas rates decrease for ATCO Gas customers this July.

Direct Energy Regulated Services has announced lower natural gas rates for the month.

The new rates apply to customers in the ATCO Gas North and South service territories who are not signed with a competitive energy retailer.

North service territory: Customers living in and north of the City of Red Deer.

The regulated natural gas rate is decreasing from the June rate of $1.775 per gigajoule (GJ) to $1.097 per GJ.

The Weyburn Agricultural Society’s Interclub 4-H Show saw the top exhibitors recognized for their hard work on Tuesday. The Grand Champions were crowned in the Souris Valley Industries Show and Sale Arena at the exhibition grounds. 

Taking home the title of Grand Champion Fed Calf was Rylan Fladeland of the Radville 4-H Beef Club. Brayden Fladeland, also representing the Radville club, earned Reserve Grand Champion Fed Calf honours and was also named Champion Homegrown Fed Calf. 

Rainfall was welcomed by local producers at the end of June as highlighted by the Crop Report from the Ministry of Agriculture.  

The rainfall along with cooler temperatures aided the crops which experienced an abnormal dry spring.  

Crops remained patchy and uneven leading to varied crop stages due to the poor spring moisture conditions.  

Alberta’s government is investing $20 million in culturally informed employment supports for Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous Peoples are foundational to Alberta’s economic success in past, present and future.

Their contributions span every sector, from natural resources and small business to innovation, tourism and the skilled trades.

Ensuring Indigenous participation at every level of the economy is essential to building a strong, prosperous province.