Lacombe

Clearwater County’s Broadband Internet project is underway, which will bring reliable high-speed internet to the area.

The county says fibre-optic internet is future-proof and will meet the demands of a modern society while reducing the digital divide for Clearwater County residents.

The project is funded through the Universal Broadband Fund, a Canadian federal initiative with additional support from the Alberta provincial government. 

The City of Lacombe Fire Department recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

Fire Chief Jason Fleming presented long-term service medals and announced several promotions. 

Greg Lamy received the 12-Year Alberta Emergency Services Medal and the 15-Year Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association Fire Service Award. 

Ryan Fauria was also awarded the 15-Year Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association Fire Service Award. 

The Sylvan Lake Fire Department (SLFD) was called out to several fires Thursday morning.

One was a structure fire on Laurel Road in Sylvan Lake. RCMP say they were called to assist around 9:08 a.m. It is believed the fire started in the garage. The fire was not suspicious.

Grade 2 students in Red Deer Public Schools will continue to benefit from Reading College, thanks to a generous $13,000 donation from the Optimist Club of Red Deer. 

As the founding sponsor of the program, the Club’s ongoing support helps provide students with vital literacy skills to set them up for future success.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly will press Canada's case against damaging tariffs with the new U.S. secretary of state in Washington next week, after Trump repeated a demand Thursday for allies to vastly increase their military spending.

Trump is threatening to impose 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on imports from Canada starting on Feb. 1. Joly said things are still in flux because Trump hasn't confirmed his new commerce secretary.

"There will be lots of rhetoric," Joly told reporters on Parliament Hill on Thursday.

The federal Liberals are running their first leadership race in more than a decade to replace the departing Justin Trudeau.

Candidates had to declare by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 23 with a $50,000 deposit towards a $350,000 fee to enter the race. The winner will be named on March 9.

Here's a quick look at who's in and who's out.

Thurs - 6:48 p.m.

RCMP in southern Alberta are advising that road conditions are extremely bad, specifically in and around Olds, Bowden, and travel from Airdrie to Red Deer.

RCMP is reporting black ice conditions along the highways with severe wind.

These road conditions will impact the ability to stop in short distances. Drivers are asked to be cautious and slow to appropriate speeds on the highway.

Please avoid travel if possible.

On Jan. 22, the Red Deer RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) arrested one suspect following a drug trafficking investigation.  

Police executed search warrants on a residence and motor vehicle in the Red Deer area.   

Lacombe County is reflecting on collaboration, innovation, and growth in 2024.  

“The accomplishments of 2024 showcase our unwavering commitment to sustainability, infrastructure development, and delivering exceptional service to our residents,” the Lacombe County website said.   

Here are the highlights:  

Liberal leadership contender Karina Gould submitted her official paperwork to enter the race to replace Justin Trudeau today.

Gould said outside party headquarters in Ottawa that her party lost touch with Canadians at the end of the pandemic and needs to get better at listening.

Gould briefly touched on some of her policy ideas and said she thinks the party did not get the capital gains tax increase right.

Candidates only have until 5 p.m. EST today to declare they will run — although the party can take up to ten days to confirm them as candidates.