Lacombe

If you believe in superstition, then you may not have been surprised that the Red Deer Rebels lost their 13th game in a row Friday night in Lethbridge.

Red Deer kicked off their busy 3-game weekend with a 4-1 loss against the Hurricanes.

Three power play goals in the first period were more than enough to defeat the struggling Rebels. They would be short-handed five more times in the game.

At the 2:03 mark of the second frame, Talon Brigley would get Red Deer on the board with his 5th goal of the season.

Libraries across the region are inviting Central Albertans to celebrate Family Literacy Day today (Jan. 25). 

The annual initiative aims to encourage reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family, the ABC Life Literacy Canada website said. 

The Red Deer Christmas Bureau is holding a big fundraiser this weekend, with their 3rd Annual book sale.

This sale, which takes place today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday, January 25th and 26th), supports their Literacy Centre.

Teresa Kutynec, President of the Red Deer Christmas Bureau, says not everyone knows about the Centre or that part of their bureau.

RCMP are reporting that the QEII SB lanes northwest of Ponoka have reopened. Earlier this afternoon, an overturned vehicle had caused both lanes to be closed.

In the meantime, blowing snow is causing icy road conditions in Central Alberta. 

There is also a motor vehicle collision northbound on the QEII, north of Township Road 362, southeast of Penhold.  

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) celebrated the completion of the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre on Jan. 23.  

The Pónokaisissáhta Centre provides a welcoming environment where Indigenous students, and all members of the Polytechnic community, can access personalized advising, cultural programming, and opportunities for connection.  

The following report detailing events from Dec. 21 to Jan. 21 was issued by Ponoka RCMP:

December 21, 2024 - Ponoka RCMP responded to a report of a male laying in the ditch of highway 2A just north of Ponoka. Members made extensive patrols but were unable to locate anyone.

December 25, 2024 – Members attended a local apartment building following a report of a female passed out in the stairwell. The unknown female was then seen walking away, patrols were made but were unsuccessful.

Update:

At 4:22 p.m., the Rimbey RCMP advised that Highway 53 between Range Road 30 and 32 reopened. 

RCMP said the collision was fatal.

An update with the circumstances leading to the collision is expected. 

Original story:

The Rimbey RCMP were on the scene of a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 53 between Range Road 30 and 32.

Traffic was redirected in all directions while emergency workers responded.

RCMP said that road conditions in Central Alberta were poor in some areas.

Red Deer Public Schools has provided parents with an update on the PowerSchool data breach that took place in December. A letter was sent out to parents this week.

On January 8, 2025, families were made aware of a PowerSchool data breach, which was identified on December 28, 2024. PowerSchool acted immediately to secure the affected data and mitigate any ongoing risks. This breach was widespread, impacting PowerSchool clients across Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world.

The Blackfalds Bulldogs have announced that the game originally scheduled for Nov. 23 against the Okotoks Oilers has been rescheduled to March 12 at 7 p.m. at Eagle Builders Centre.

The game was postponed due to inclement weather.

All tickets purchased in advance for the original Nov. 23 game will be applied to this new date.

The Bulldogs return to the ice on Saturday, Jan. 25 at home against Penticton. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. 

The Town and County of Stettler are continuing to advocate for residents to receive health care close to home.  

Recruitment efforts include financial incentives for doctors, and events with organizations including Stettler Needs Doctors and the Health Professional Attraction and Retention Committee.