Lacombe

The August long weekend is always one of the busiest for campgrounds across Central Alberta.

If you are heading out, here is a list of active fire bans and advisories for our area.

City of Red Deer-Fire Advisory

Until further notice:

No fire permits will be issued.

This fire restriction does not apply to:

Unionized workers at Canada Post are entering their final day to vote on the Crown corporation's latest contract offer.

Voting is set to wrap up today at 5 p.m., with results expected to be shared shortly after.

The offer includes wage hikes of about 13 per cent over four years but also adds part-time workers that Canada Post has said are necessary to keep the postal service afloat.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has urged the roughly 55,000 postal service workers it represents to reject the proposal.

Canada was hit with 35 per cent tariffs on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to increase the duties if Ottawa didn't make a trade deal.

The White House has said the tariffs would not affect goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade, commonly known as CUSMA.

Prime Minister Mark Carney had tempered expectations of an agreement by Friday, saying Ottawa will only agree to a deal "if there's one on the table that is in the best interests of Canadians."

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning across parts of Central Alberta.

Daytime high temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius, with overnight lows ranging from 14 to 18 degrees, are expected to continue through the rest of the week.

Environment Canada says the current heat warnings are expected to end this weekend, as daytime temperatures return to the mid-20s.

Residents and visitors in affected areas are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and others.

The 2025 “Chairs for Charity” fundraiser raised $6,350 in support of the Tools for School program. This brings the total raised to an impressive $46,048 for local charities since beginning in 2018.

Launched by Deanna Nowochin, “Chairs for Charity” is a grassroots initiative that brings the community together in support of a good cause. Each year, local businesses purchase and creatively decorate unfinished Adirondack chairs, which are then displayed throughout Lacombe and raffled off to the public.

A man who allegedly fled police following a confrontation during a traffic stop has been arrested and is now facing several charges.

Lacombe police say Aaron Olson was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest earlier yesterday.

The charges stem from an incident on July 28, when officers stopped a white Dodge Ram on Highway 12 near 58 Street just before 1 a.m.

Police say Olson, who was showing signs of impairment, became combative when officers attempted to search his vehicle — which contained an open alcoholic beverage within reach.

The results are in for the annual Community Votes Red Deer awards, and several local organizations and groups are celebrating top honours.

The Bredin Centre for Career Advancement earned platinum in the non-profit category, recognized for its support services including emergency housing funding, help with income support applications, and access to cultural and community resources.

In the community organization category, platinum went to the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre (CAPCC).

Red Deer RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing woman.

Hope Fawn Jessalyn Crier, 26, was last seen on July 19, and police say there is concern for her well-being.

Crier is described as being five-foot-seven and about 119 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.P3Tips.com, or through the P3 Tips app.

Chinook’s Edge School Division is officially welcoming Danielle Booker as vice-principal of Jessie Duncan Elementary School.

Booker stepped into the role partway through the 2024-25 school year and has since been connecting with students, staff and families in the Penhold community.

She said she is enjoying getting to know families in Penhold and is committed to serving the community with passion and dedication.

New schools, modular classrooms and modernization projects are in the works across Central Alberta as part of a provincewide push to meet growing student demand.

Across Alberta, the province is investing $50 million this fall to deliver 62 modular classrooms, with a total of $100 million earmarked for 109 modular units in Budget 2025.

These classrooms will create space for 2,725 students and allow the relocation of 575 more.

Chinook’s Edge School Division is set to receive two new modular classrooms this fall.