Local News

Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) is expanding its career-focused programming with three new pathways for students to embark on during the Winter 2026 semester.

Along with the addition of a brand new one-year Information Technology Specialist certificate, NWP is moving up the launch of the previously announced Graphic Design diploma and opening a second intake of the in-demand Social Work diploma.

Developed in response to labour market demand and student interest, these additions will broaden opportunities for learners seeking to build impactful, future-ready careers.

A man in his 80s was assaulted following a random home invasion on Monday evening. 

At approximately 6:30 p.m., on September 15, a couple in their 70s and 80s were in their living room at their home on Meredith Bay when an unknown man entered their home. The suspect was armed with a knife.

The female was punched, and the male was stabbed without provocation. The suspect fled the scene and someone on the scene called 911. 

The City of Grande Prairie has been selected as a 2025 recipient of funding through Intact’s Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant, providing $130,000 to support vegetation management and protect against wildfires.

The City’s project focuses on the continuation of FireSmart activities within the forest area along the Bear Creek Corridor. The project has an estimated completion date of January 31, 2027 and includes up to 16.64 hectares of area earmarked for the removal of dead and down woody debris.

Airdrie’s urgent care centre opened new space and treatment rooms Sept. 9 after an $8.4-million renovation that the province says will shorten waits and improve infection control.

This is the second of three phases to renovate the Airdrie Community Health Centre, according to a Government of Alberta news release.

The centre handled almost 40,000 patients in 2023-24 and has provided 24-hour urgent care since 2017 for non-life-threatening conditions, the Sept. 16 release said.

Construction on Township Road 724 between Range Road 63 and Highway 2, is set to start Wednesday September 17, 2025.  

• The work involves paving overlay and line painting.
• Speed will be reduced in the construction zone.
• Traffic may be reduced to a single alternating lane, be temporarily detoured or have rough non-gravel driving surfaces.
• Obey all signs and flag persons, exercise extreme caution, and allow extra travel time. 

The project is expected to be completed late November, weather dependent.

As of Monday afternoon (September 15), a restricted fire order is in effect for all of Red Deer County.  

The County requires that:  

a) All outdoor fires presently burning within Red Deer County whether set with permission or under permit of the County, will remain valid for the duration of the permit

Wadena Detachment is seeking the public's assistance in locating Wyatt James Desjarlais who was reported missing from Fishing Lake First Nation.

Wyatt James DESJARLAIS was last seen on September 12, 2025 at 10:00 PM. Wyatt James Desjarlais is described as 30 yrs. old, 190cm, 110kg, male, wearing black jeans, a maroon t-shirt and carrying a white duffel bag.

If you have information related to this missing person please call 310-RCMP.

The Grande Prairie Police Service is proudly celebrating the graduation of its second class of recruits. Fourteen new police officers were honoured at a ceremony held at Teresa Sargent Hall on September 12, 2025, surrounded by dignitaries, family, and colleagues. 

As part of Rail Safety Week, (September 15-21) the Alberta RCMP and CN Police are reminding Albertans to take precautions around railway tracks and crossings to help prevent tragedies.

In 2024, there were 35 reported collisions at railway crossings across Alberta, resulting in 12 fatalities.

Officials say many of these incidents were preventable with increased awareness and safer behaviour.

A local bike program delivered hundreds of bicycles to people in need throughout the community.

On Sept. 10, Lil Hoots Family Boutique announced its final delivery for the annual community bike program.

The program, run alongside Joker Bicycle Co, led to over 400 bicycles being donated throughout 2025.

"I've always worked on bikes," said Jake, owner of Joker Bicycle Co, "We've had a few people donate a few parts that we're very grateful for, but most of my funding comes from the normal bike shop duties that I do."