Lacombe

Alberta Health Services is reminding Albertans to review their immunization records as National Immunization Awareness Week runs from April 21 to 30.

The reminder comes as measles cases have been confirmed in the province. AHS is urging the public to ensure they and their children are up to date with vaccinations.

The MMR-Var vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, is free and part of Alberta’s routine immunization schedule for children.

If you're traveling along the QEII southbound near the Red Deer River this week, be aware of upcoming nighttime bridge maintenance operations.

Starting Monday, April 21, 2025, crews will be working overnight on the bridge from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM each day, through Saturday, April 26, 2025.

During these hours, one lane of traffic will be closed, and speed limits will be reduced to ensure the safety of both drivers and workers. Motorists are advised to expect delays and plan extra time for their journeys.

With the federal election just days away, farmers and ranchers had the opportunity to hear directly from political parties about their agricultural policies.  With the federal election just days away, farmers and ranchers had the opportunity to hear directly from political parties about their agricultural policies.  The Canadian Federation of Agriculture held their National Agriculture Leaders Debate last week. The debate on Thursday featured representatives from the Liberal, Conservative, NDP, Green, and Bloc Québécois parties. 

A 1.7-acre municipal reserve on the west end of Woodland Drive will soon become a forested haven thanks to a collaborative effort between the City of Lacombe and St. Andrew’s United Church.

The initiative, originally launched as the 100 Tree Planting Project, marks the church’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada. The site has now officially been named Woodland Sanctuary, reflecting its purpose as a space for reflection, biodiversity and community connection.

Lacombe County Council met on April 10 to review a full agenda that included policy updates, community project funding, and tax rate approvals for 2025.

Workplace policy updated to reflect OH&S changes

Council approved revisions to the Respectful Workplace Policy AD(24), bringing it into alignment with recent updates to Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code. The revised policy strengthens employer responsibilities around reporting, investigation, training and communication in the workplace.

Newcomers to Red Deer now have improved access to vital health services thanks to a new Alberta Health Services (AHS) pilot program launched at Johnstone Crossing Community Health Centre.

The Inbound Call Interpreter service, introduced last month, allows callers to select from a menu of seven languages when phoning the health centre. The options include Arabic, Ukrainian, Tigrinya, Tagalog, Spanish, French and English. Once selected, the caller is connected with a medical interpreter who helps them navigate the service.

Lacombe City Council has approved the 2024 update to its Strategic Plan, reporting progress on several community priorities identified during the current term.

According to the city, 76 of 123 total items in the plan have been completed since 2022. That includes 17 completed in 2024, 33 in 2023 and 26 in 2022.

The plan update includes a breakdown of “Green High Priority” items identified by council during a 2024 prioritization workshop. Of the 14 high-priority projects, six were completed in 2024, two more are set for completion in 2025, and the remaining are ongoing.

Three Central Alberta lacrosse players are headed to the national stage this summer after being selected to represent Team Alberta at the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

An outspoken member of Alberta's legislature, booted from the United Conservative Party caucus, is airing more detailed allegations of what he calls government deception over a health-care contract scandal.

Peter Guthrie resigned as infrastructure minister in February and is accusing Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange of deliberately misleading a Jan. 30 cabinet committee meeting over procurement issues.

"I didn't step down because nothing happened," he said.

The Alberta government has announced the appointment of a new interim chief medical officer of health, days after the previous one's contract expired.

Officials say Dr. Sunil Sookram is to serve in the role on a temporary basis as arrangements are finalized for a "longer-term appointment."

Sookram is currently the facility medical director and chief of medical staff at Strathcona Community Hospital in Sherwood Park, east of Edmonton.