Lacombe

Lacombe County is once again shining a spotlight on residents and organizations making a difference in environmental conservation.

Since 2021, the Environmental Stewardship Award has recognized individuals and community groups for their dedication to protecting and enhancing the natural environment on their properties within the county.

The 2025 nomination period is open now until September 30.

Eligible nominees must:

• Reside or operate within Lacombe County

• Have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability

Some premiers say they want to have more local control over the immigration system — but experts say what the system really needs is a national conversation on immigration reform that shores up public support.

"Most of the existing policies have been formulated on the fly without any evidence or serious impact evaluations of what the various classes of immigrants are, how they're performing economically and otherwise," said Michael Trebilcock, a retired academic and co-author of two books on immigration policy.

"So it's basically research-free."

Dominic LeBlanc said Sunday that he expects Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump will speak "over the next number of days" as the United States ratchets up pressure in trade talks.

The Canada-U.S. trade minister appeared on CBS's "Face the Nation" and spoke about where talks stand between the two countries.

LeBlanc told host Margaret Brennan that while Canada is "disappointed" with Trump's new 35-per-cent tariffs, he is continuing to work toward a deal that would hopefully strike down trade restrictions between the nations.

On Friday, (August 1) at 4:30 p.m. Rimbey RCMP received a report of a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 20 and 20a just North of Rimbey.

Upon arrival, officers observed a motorcycle with two riders had struck a mini van.

The rear rider of the motorcycle, a 53-year-old woman, was taken to hospital by STARS however died as a result of her injuries.

Police remained on scene for several hours investigating.

Initial repost indicate that the mini van turned across the path of the motorcycle causing the accident.

Police-reported crime fell across Alberta RCMP jurisdictions in 2024, with the Crime Severity Index down 6.9 per cent from the previous year, according to new Statistics Canada data.

Significant declines were reported in several Central Alberta communities, including Red Deer and Wetaskiwin.

Wetaskiwin, with a population of just over 13,000, recorded a 19.2 per cent drop in crime severity.

Red Deer — the largest Alberta RCMP jurisdiction with a population of more than 112,000 — reported a 19.7 per cent decline.

Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is set to induct Innisfail native Jaret Llewellyn into the WSWC Hall of Fame on Wednesday, August 6.

The ceremony will take place at Shalom Park in Edmonton, following the conclusion of that day's events at the 2025 Canadian Water Ski Championships.

Llewellyn’s extraordinary career spans nearly three decades and includes a long list of national and international accolades.

Ottawa's new trade minister says he's looking to sign deals in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond — and to convince businesses to actually use the trade agreements Canada has already signed.

"My primary role as Canada's top salesman is to be out there hustling, opening doors for businesses and accessing new markets," Maninder Sidhu told The Canadian Press.

"My phone has been ringing with opportunities because people want to deal with reliable, stable trading partners."

A derelict house that sat vacant for more than 19 years in downtown Red Deer has finally been torn down.

Located at 4602 48th Ave., the property had long been a source of frustration and concern for the community.

Over the years, it became a hotspot for squatting, frequent evening foot traffic in and out, and ongoing safety issues.

The home was repeatedly tagged with graffiti, surrounded by overgrown trees and shrubs, and even caught fire earlier this year.

A newly recruited cardiologist is now practising at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, enhancing cardiac care for residents of Red Deer and surrounding areas.

Dr. Ahmad Shoaib provides a full spectrum of services in general cardiology and cardiac imaging at both Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and the Healthy Heart Institute in Red Deer.

A new community art initiative is winding its way through Sylvan Lake as residents are invited to help name a growing “rock snake” set to be displayed at the Health and Wellness Healing Hub on Neighbour Day (August 17).

The colourful rock snake, made up of painted stones contributed by local residents, is part of an effort to bring creativity and connection to the community.

With the project officially underway, the Town is calling on residents to help give the snake an identity by submitting name suggestions.