Lacombe

Seed treatments can play an important role against disease, helping to give the newly emerging crop a better start.

Dr. Kelly Turkington, a plant pathologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lacombe says seed treatments can effectively control seed-borne diseases such as Fusarium, spot blotch pathogens in cereals, and loose smut in barley. 

A fire advisory is in effect for Clearwater County, due to dry, warm, and windy conditions.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn't improve.

As the warmer weather approaches, bears are beginning to emerge from their dens, and Mountain View County is reminding residents and visitors to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of the wildlife.

The Mountain View BearSmart Society, in collaboration with local government agencies, is urging everyone to be mindful of their surroundings and take simple steps to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.

The new Red Deer Justice Centre is officially open, promising quicker resolutions to legal matters and improved access to justice for Albertans in central Alberta.

The Government of Alberta has invested $191 million into the state-of-the-art facility, which significantly expands local courthouse capacity. The centre increases the number of courtrooms in Red Deer from eight to 12, providing space for more cases to be heard at the same time.

Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie campaign returns from April 28 to May 4, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District (BBBS) are rolling up their sleeves with a small army of volunteers to put some smiles on.

“We have really felt the love when it comes to the number of individuals, groups, and organizations who have signed up to help decorate cookies throughout the week,” says Jen Harty, community engagement director for BBBS Lacombe.

The Rotary Club of Sylvan Lake has donated $2,000 to the Sylvan Lake Theatre, providing a major boost to its award-winning Theatre Trail and youth-focused drama programming.

Supporting Youth and Storytelling

“We’ve watched the work of this theatre group,” said Jim MacSween, incoming president of the Rotary Club. “We just felt that it was a worthwhile addition to Sylvan Lake. There are a lot of needs out there, but we thought one of the needs was to have some entertainment and also some training for young people.”

Lacombe and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) held its annual general meeting on April 22, celebrating a year of program growth, increased community engagement, and planning for the future.

“It was a great night,” said Crystal Zens, executive director of Lacombe FCSS. “We had about 30 to 40 people in attendance, and it was a strong turnout with support from Lacombe City Council, our staff, and stakeholders.”

Red Deer voters were treated to a unique experience Wednesday night hosted by the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce. 

The informal “meet-and-greet” held at Westerner Park allowed people to meet face-to-face with candidates from their riding and ask their questions directly. 

Red Deer Polytechnic is celebrating five decades of shaping early childhood educators, with a special event planned to mark the 50th anniversary of its Early Learning and Child Care program.

“We’re excited to celebrate this educational milestone, highlighting RDP’s commitment to Early Childhood Education,” said Dr. Julia Rheaume, associate dean of the School of Arts and Education at Red Deer Polytechnic.

Aspire Child Development Centre is celebrating 40 years of supporting children with diverse needs and their families across Central Alberta with a series of events and fundraising initiatives throughout 2025.

Since opening its doors in 1985, Aspire has grown into a vital community resource, offering diagnostic services, specialized preschool programming, and family supports. The organization now serves more than 1,000 people annually.