Lacombe

A Red Deer woman who Crown prosecutors say was wrongfully released from an Edmonton area jail with allegedly fake release papers has been arrested in B.C.

Red Deer RCMP were advised by the Alberta Justice Center that a remanded prisoner, 24-year-old Mackenzie Dawn Hardy, had been inadvertently released due to fraud on April 25.

A new spy watchdog report says an overseas Canadian Security Intelligence Service operation was suddenly halted by government officials, "creating unnecessary danger for the CSIS team" and raising questions about ministerial accountability.

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency found no written records indicating the decision to suspend the operation had been made by the CSIS director or the minister of public safety.

National defence is becoming an increasingly thorny topic for Prime Minister Mark Carney's government as Canada comes under heavy pressure from its allies to do more and spend more.

But with just weeks to go until NATO member nations assemble in the Netherlands for a summit that could put Ottawa in the hot seat on defence spending, several of his ministers took the unusual step of removing themselves from discussions with defence reporters this week at Canada's largest defence industry show.

The 2025 Sylvan Lake Citizen of the Year Awards were presented to eight outstanding residents in a ceremony held in front of city hall, with Mayor Megan Hanson and members of council in attendance. 

“One of the best parts of this role is taking the time to recognize the amazing people who make Sylvan Lake such a remarkable place to call home,” said Hanson. 

Local charities are in urgent need of lifesaving supplies as central Alberta experiences a heat wave.

The Safe Harbour Society is seeking donations of bottled water and sunscreen.

Donations can be dropped off at the Red Deer shelter, located at 5239 53rd Ave., next to the former Bianca Amor’s Liquidation store.

The Mustard Seed is also in urgent need of bottled water.

Donations are graciously accepted at the Community Support Centre Red Deer, located at 6002 54 Ave.

A beloved Lacombe sculpture has been removed after nearly a decade in the community. 

According to the city, the wizard sculpture in Popow Park had become unstable and removed for public safety. 

Darren Jones, the artist who created the public piece in 2017, remembers discussing a magical theme and knew what to do. 

“I love doing wizards,” Jones said with a laugh. 

Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued across parts of central Alberta.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail.

Damage to roofs, fences, tree branches or soft shelters is possible.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms capable of producing damaging hail, wind or rain.

Safe Harbour’s 17th annual Community Spring Feast started yesterday and goes on until Saturday at Fort Normandeau.

This year’s theme is “All Together” and is a meaningful celebration of community, culture and connection to honour the spirit of belonging.

The four-day annual event was created 16 years ago to fill a spiritual gap in local Indigenous communities, providing them with space and opportunity to celebrate new life and honour those who have passed on.

Lacombe County has released a schedule of this summer's paving. The county has contracted Central City Asphalt Ltd. to pave the following roads:

More than 67 per cent of the drugs seized during a month-long cross-country Canada Border Services Agency operation were coming into Canada from the United States, the agency says.

Operation Blizzard took place from Feb. 12 to March 13 and targeted illegal drugs and precursor chemicals transported by mail, air cargo or marine container, the CBSA said in a news release Wednesday. The agency said it focused on shipments going to the United States.