Lacombe

The province’s Rat Control Program has helped make it one of the few rat-free zones in the world

Alberta is marking 75 years of rat-free status.

An aggressive control program had made it the largest inhabited area in the world that is free of true rats.

There is no resident population of rats, and the rodents are not allowed to establish themselves.

Their story plays out a bit like a country song. A sweet girl met a cute boy, they lived on the farm with their dog, there were hardships and setbacks but in the end horses, farm life and love keep them going strong. 

Jack, born and raised in Lacombe County was part of a strong farming family and was around horses and cows his whole life, he reflects on being about 11 or 12 years old when he got his first horse. 

Municipal Election Day is coming October 20.

Voting will run from 8 am to 8 pm at The Wellness and Community Connections Centre, 4725 - 43 Street, Sylvan Lake.

Advance voting stations have been set up for:

After much anticipation, the Sylvan Lake Rock Snake officially has a name.

Following a community vote of five finalists, the rock snake at the Health and Wellness Healing Hub will go by Sylvia.

Sylvia is more than 150 rocks long and the name was originally submitted by Maddie and her family, who received a snake-themed prize for the winning entry.

Other name finalists included Pebbles, Squiggles, Laker Lenny and Willy Wellness.

There will be a temporary road closure on 51 Avenue between 50 Street and 51 Street on Friday, September 5 starting at 3 p.m. for the Town’s annual Fall Fest celebration.

The parking lot on the south side of 51 Avenue will be closed starting at 8 a.m. on September 5 for set up and all cars should be removed by this time.

The temporary road closure will remain in place until 11 p.m.

Motorists are reminded to drive with caution in the downtown area, observe road signs and watch for pedestrians.

Collegiate sports are returning to Central Alberta.

After numerous hours of practicing and training during the summer months, the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Cross Country Running and Soccer teams will begin the 2025-26 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season this Saturday.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Lacombe and District is kicking off September with its mentor recruitment drive called, "40 Mentors in 40 Days", running now until October 10th the campaign aims to recruit 40 new mentors to help address the growing need for support among local youth.

Executive Director Brianna Berthiaume said the need has never been greater, with more than 40 youth currently on a waitlist to be matched with a mentor.

The Town of Blackfalds is advising Abbey Centre visitors of upcoming closures and seasonal service changes as staff prepare for fall programming.

The third level running track and fitness area will be closed today (September 3) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a full deep clean.

The temporary closure is required to allow for equipment to be moved and the area thoroughly cleaned.

In addition, the Abbey Centre has wrapped up some of its summer operations:

Several Central Alberta organizations have received significant funding through the Alberta Crime Prevention (ACP) grant program to expand supports for at-risk youth.

The Town of Sylvan Lake was awarded $295,000 for a two-year project running until March 31, 2027.

The funding will support local youth in building life skills, resilience, self-esteem, and stronger community connections.

A revolutionary piece of agricultural technology is making waves in the fields of southern Saskatchewan. The NEXAT, a multi-functional farming system manufactured in Germany, has arrived at Chute Farms Joint Venture at Moose Jaw.

Rhett Chute says NEXAT reached out to them earlier in the summer to see if they would be interested in trying the prototype, and they were able to reach an agreement.