Lacombe

St. Patrick's Community School Rocket League team, the St. Patrick's Celtics have captured the Alberta Esports Division 2 Championship. 

The Red Deer team triumphed at the prestigious Alberta Esports Championship, held at the Bow Valley College Esports Arena in Calgary, Alta. from Saturday, May 10, through Sunday, May 11. 

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Blair Vold, of Ponoka, Alberta passed away on May 11 at the age of 69. 

The community icon was a fixture in both the rodeo and livestock market worlds. Born in Ponoka on Oct. 13, 1955, Vold pursued a career in the cattle industry after graduating from Ponoka Composite High School in 1973. 

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

Due to recent rain, Lacombe County has lifted the fire advisory. 

While this change reflects improved conditions, residents are urged to exercise caution and always prioritize fire prevention. Fire permits are still required for all outdoor burns, regardless of size, except for fires used for cooking or warming and burning barrels.

While conditions have improved, it's important to remember that safe burning practices must still be followed. Residents are encouraged to review the conditions outlined in their fire permits and ensure they are burning responsibly.

The first-ever Vets and Pets Fundraiser will take place Saturday, in downtown Red Deer.

Created by Cole McIntyre with Red Deer Tattoo Co., the event will be a 12-hour-long fundraiser where attendees can get fresh ink, with all proceeds going towards Next Chapter Animal Rescue and the Veterans Food Bank of Red Deer.

Lindsey Rutsch, the Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator for Next Chapter Animal Rescue, says that becoming one of the receiving charities will benefit the work they do for all the animals they help — but especially Tiki.

There’s never been a better time to celebrate Canada’s beauty and support the businesses that make it the greatest country in the world.

Golden West introduces the See MORE Canada Auction, which will boost local tourism while helping Canadians rediscover the wonders in their backyard.

From lakeside retreats to city weekend getaways, individual adventures, this online auction is the ticket to unforgettable experiences at unbeatable prices.

But this is more than just an auction.

Each year today, (May 16) is recognized as International Celiac Disease Awareness Day—a time to raise awareness about celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten.

People are encouraged to wear green today in support of those living with celiac disease.

As part of the Shine a Light on Celiac campaign, landmarks across the country will be illuminated green to mark the day.

In Calgary:

Sunny celebrated May’s Classroom of the month with a trip to Mr. McLaughin's Grade 3 class at St. Augustine School in Ponoka yesterday. 

The class was thrilled to meet Sunny and enjoyed lunch from the local Boston Pizza. 

Each student also received a prize bag filled with cool gifts from local sponsors including a t-shirt and sunglasses that they sported during group photos. 

The long weekend calls for relaxing, and camping is a great way to enjoy your time off!

Here are just a few of the many campgrounds open in the region:

🚗 Lacombe

• Michener Park Campground

• Les Walker Rotary Park Day Site & Camping

🏞️ Bentley

• Bentley Municipal Campground

• Sunset Legion Campground

• Summerland RV Park & Mini Golf