Lacombe

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she expects some major industries, including those in her province, won't face new tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Smith told reporters Tuesday that things could change, but she thinks food production and oil and gas won't be targeted under Trump's new tariff plan, which is set to be announced Wednesday.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer & District (BBBS) is temporarily pausing intakes to the community-based mentoring waitlist due to the overwhelming request for mentorship.

The focus now will be directed at finding mentors for the 100 plus kids currently on the waitlist. 

Referrals for families and youth with involvement with Child and Family Services (or who are at risk of involvement) will continue to be accepted.

April Fools' Day can sometimes be forgotten, and your leg can easily be pulled by tricksters, but not everyone was joking this year. 

Here’s a rundown of who was playing tricks and the new changes from the Alberta government that took effect yesterday — changes that are no joke at all. 

The Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce announced a new executive team on a Facebook post dated March 31.

Jeff Palmer is the new president. Joining him are eight directors, with Kate Douglas and Khristie Looy as vice-presidents and Serena Reid as Treasurer.

Blackfalds Bulldogs forward Thomas Neu has been named the BCHL's 3rd Star of the Week.

Neu tied for the league lead in points last week with five, scoring two goals and three assists in a pair of Blackfalds wins.

In Friday’s 7-3 win over the Sherwood Park Crusaders, Neu set a personal best for assists and points as he finished with three in the victory. 

The following night, he scored two goals, including one on a penalty shot, in a 4-3 win against the Spruce Grove Saints in the team's final game of the season. This was his first multi-goal game in the BCHL.

Chinook's Edge School Board Trustee, Kathy Kemmere, has received a King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Member of Parliament Earl Dreeshen nominated Kemmere for the award, in the health category, and presented it to her at a recent ceremony.

The Ponoka Art Show and Sale is taking place this weekend at the Ponoka Drop-In Centre.

The event will feature artwork from a dozen local artists, who were all members of the former art club, which disbanded about five years ago. 

The pottery club and quilting ladies will also be in attendance with some of their designs.

The Art Show and Sale has been going on for about 30 years.

Organizer Sandra Bingeman says even though the club isn't around anymore, she wanted to keep the event running.

There will be a temporary road closure along 46 Street from 44 Avenue to 50 Avenue in Ponoka on Saturday, April 5 (weather permitting) for the annual Ponoka Battle River Run.

The road closure will be in place from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Motorists are reminded to please drive with caution around pedestrians and runners, observe road signs and barricades.

Ponoka Battle River Run Runners will begin at the Baden Powell Adventure Centre (Scout Hall) on 46A Street Close at 9 a.m. and will travel along the trails throughout the Battle River Valley in the Town of Ponoka.

Central Albertans have noticed a significant drop at the pumps this week, due to the pause in the 17.6-cent-per-litre carbon tax which went into effect April 1.

Some stations in Red Deer were as low as 123.9 cents per litre on Wednesday morning.

According to Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis, Alberta’s gas prices are down, on average, about nine cents per litre from one week ago.

511 Alberta is reporting that highways south of Red Deer, including Highway 2 and Highway 2A, are partly snow-covered this morning with slippery and icy sections.

Light snow is expected to end this morning, changing to a mix of sun and cloud. The high for Wednesday is plus 3.

Click here for current road conditions.