Lacombe

This winter has been relatively dry and any snow we have seen hasn't been enough to recharge moisture conditions.

Agri-Climate Specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Trevor Hadwen says we're going to need timely, consistent rains before seeding and throughout the growing season.

Canadians are wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery after she announced she has cancer.

Kate says in a video that she has been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.

She asks for “time, space and privacy.” 

Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre posted on social media that he joins all Canadians in wishing her a "speedy recovery, and her family support in a difficult time."

Prince William and Kate first toured Canada as a couple in 2011 a few months after they were married.

The Town of Ponoka has a solution for parents who are looking for a way to keep their kids busy during Spring break. 

 From March 24 to March 30, community members can enjoy a Spring break schedule at The Ponoka Aquaplex.

This schedule includes extra public swim times and access to popular swim lessons. With spots still available in our Swimmer 5/6 classes, now is the perfect time to enroll your child and boost their water safety skills.

World Water Day is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis.

Across the prairies, several projects are also happening to protect and support our access to a good, clean water source now and into the future.

In Manitoba ... Manitoba Habitat Conservancy has approved $11.6 million in funding to help achieve a diverse array of on-the-ground water and land conservation initiatives focused on preserving wetlands, waterways, and other habitats. 

In January of 2023, Drumheller RCMP initiated an investigation into drug trafficking following the discovery of multiple packages believed to be dropped utilizing a drone at the Drumheller Institution. 

During the investigation, multiple partners and RCMP Support Units were engaged, including from the Drumheller Institution, RCMP Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, Drumheller General Investigation Unit (GIS), Strathmore GIS, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, RCMP Forensic Identification Section (FIS), RCMP Special Investigations, and more.

Easter events are starting throughout Central Alberta this Saturday, (March 23).  

Here’s what events municipalities are offering:  

Lacombe: 

The City of Lacombe’s Mary C. Moore Public Library is offering Easter Egg Decorating from 10 a.m. to noon, in Kinsmen Library Program Room. 

To register, visit the library, or call 403-782-3433. 

Get ready to unleash your inner artist at the Ponoka Arena Complex's ‘Paint the Ice Night’ on Monday, March 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This family-friendly event invites everyone to grab a paint brush and transform the ice rink into a colorful masterpiece. No skates required, and all painting supplies will be provided.

Helmets are mandatory for safety so please bring one.

Admission is free so gather your friends and family for a fun-filled evening of creativity and community spirit.

Lacombe County Council discussed the Town of Bentley notice of land annexation, a police governance survey, and the Richards Oil and Gas outstanding property tax payment plan request during the March 14 regular meeting. 

Here are the highlights of the meeting: 

Police Governance Survey

The proposed response to the Provincial Policy Advisory Questionnaire was endorsed by Council and will be submitted on behalf of Lacombe County. 

The City of Red Deer is advising residents of recent reports of moose activity in the community.  

A moose calf is lingering on the east side of the city.  

For the safety of residents, drivers, and wildlife, the city is reminding residents of key safety points:   

• Give moose and other wildlife plenty of space  

The Province is investing $3.2 million in the development of the Western Crop Innovations (WCI).

WCI will carry on the work of the Field Crop Development Centre at Lacombe starting April 1st.

Current programming is under review and where necessary will be transitioned ... FCDC which has been around since 1973  is known for its barley breeding program.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson says it's an exciting time for crop research in Alberta.