Lacombe

There are a variety of events and activities happening throughout Central Alberta in celebration of Family Day (Feb. 17). 

Family Day events include: 

(Due to cold weather, check with local organizers to make certain these events are still happening)

Feb. 14 - Feb. 15

City of Red Deer

Polar Glow

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) has announced the continuation of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) following its initial success. With renewed funding under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions Program – On-Farm Climate Action Fund, the program will receive up to $40 million over the next three years. The expansion will focus in Manitoba will continue to support local producers in sustainable land management practices. Programs will continue is Saskatchewan as well but will be handled separately.

Three individuals have been arrested and face charges in connection with an armed robbery that occurred on Feb. 06, 2025 at a residence in Wetaskiwin.

The victim said three suspects entered his home, pointed guns at his head and stole a television, bank cards, identification card, money and a cell phone before fleeing on foot.

On Feb. 07, 2025, the investigation led RCMP to a nearby residence. 

Two individuals were located and arrested. 

Kristen Rain, 39, of Maskwacis was arrested and charged with:

Three suspects have been arrested for their involvement in running a human trafficking operation across Canada, including Red Deer.  

Project Endgame was a year-long investigation led by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Human Trafficking unit.  

The investigation revealed a cross-Canada network of sex trafficking that was in operation for over a decade by the accused and possibly others.   

Update:

Wetaskiwin RCMP are reporting that 47-year-old Jessica Small has been safely located.

Original Story:

The Wetaskiwin RCMP were seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 47-year-old Jessica Small.  

She was last seen on Feb. 6 in Wetaskiwin.  

There was concern for her well-being.

At the Feb. 10 regular council meeting, Lacombe City Council voted to continue to levy municipal property taxes on affordable housing accommodations. Recent provincial legislative changes exempted affordable housing accommodations from property taxes starting in 2025. The legislation also permits the City to pass a Bylaw to continue to levy the municipal portion of the property taxes (but not the education tax portion) from these properties. The city currently levies municipal property taxes for student dormitories.

The Blackfalds RCMP Detachment received 118 calls for service between Feb. 4 - 10.

The calls included four assaults, three break and enters, one disturbing the peace, one fraud, two mischiefs, one theft, one roadside suspension, one take motor vehicle without consent, and 17 motor vehicle collisions.

Here are the calls:

Feb. 4

Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA and Alberta Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen says he will not be putting his name forward to replace his father as MP for Red Deer - Mountain View.

Earl Dreeshen announced last month that he will not be running in the next federal election.

Devin made the announcement on Facebook on Tuesday, noting he believes he can make the greatest impact in his current role.

The Sylvan Lake Fire Department (SLFD) is asking the community for help in reducing false alarms.

The fire department says that fire alarm systems accounted for 50 per cent of all responses in 2024. That's an increase of 75 alarm incidents from 2023. The department responded to 296 alarm incidents in 2023 and 371 in 2024.

Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is advancing its renewed Four-Year Education Plan following a Stakeholder Summit that took place on Jan. 31 in Lacombe. 

The Summit included more than 240 participants, including students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members.

“This is an opportunity to think boldly, to dream big, and to ensure that every decision we make reflects the needs and aspirations envisioned,” said Luci Henry, WCPS Board Chair.

Sixteen-year-old Meeka Swanson, spoke about the importance of student perspectives.